Oak Ridge: Secret City
Food scene
Some popular food stops in Oak Ridge.
Big Ed's is renown for their pizza. Most every Oak Ridge citizen will tell you to visit here.
24 locals recommend
Big Ed's Pizza
101 Broadway AveBig Ed's is renown for their pizza. Most every Oak Ridge citizen will tell you to visit here.
Dean's Restaurant & Bakery Oak Ridge
239 Jackson SqA local favorite featuring southern cooking.
Razzleberry's Ice Cream Lab
215 Jackson SqEccentric eatery in Downtown Oak Ridge.
Aubrey's Oak Ridge
481 S Illinois AveLocal restaurant chain with excellent burgers.
Magic Wok, which operates out of a red trailer located at 202 Tyler Road, has been a favorite spot for generations of Oak Ridge residents.
Miss Betty's Magic Wok
202 Tyler RdMagic Wok, which operates out of a red trailer located at 202 Tyler Road, has been a favorite spot for generations of Oak Ridge residents.
Within Walking Distance of the Home
These sites are within 1 mile of the home. Note that sidewalks are not available to all of these parks and restaurants.
Haw Ridge Park
Milt Dickens Park
101 Athens RdNearby park with children's playground.
Buffalo Mountain Grille
205 Oak Ridge TurnpikeLocal bar and grille across the road from the home.
Elm Grove Park
351 E Tennessee AveNearby Park with walking track and playground.
Calhoun's Oak Ridge
100 Melton Lake PeninsulaBar and grill with excellent lakeside seating.
Oak Ridge Sightseeing
Things to see and do within Oak Ridge.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is home to supercomputing, Neutron Sciences, and much much more.
Learn more about scheduling a visit here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/come-see-us
12 locals recommend
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
1 Bethel Valley RdOak Ridge National Laboratory is home to supercomputing, Neutron Sciences, and much much more.
Learn more about scheduling a visit here: https://www.ornl.gov/content/come-see-us
Turn the clock back to yesteryear and return to the heyday of passenger railroading with the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum's Secret City Scenic Excursion Train.
Southern Appalachia Railway Museum
Turn the clock back to yesteryear and return to the heyday of passenger railroading with the Southern Appalachia Railway Museum's Secret City Scenic Excursion Train.
The International Friendship Bell and Peace Pavilion is among the significant sites for tours by visitors coming to Oak Ridge to learn more of the city’s history and to experience the sights within the Manhattan Project Historical National Park. Visitors are welcome to ring the bell anytime as a reminder of peace and unity.
A K Bissell Park
1403 Oak Ridge TurnpikeThe International Friendship Bell and Peace Pavilion is among the significant sites for tours by visitors coming to Oak Ridge to learn more of the city’s history and to experience the sights within the Manhattan Project Historical National Park. Visitors are welcome to ring the bell anytime as a reminder of peace and unity.
The Y-12 National Security Complex is a United States Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration facility located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, near the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It was built as part of the Manhattan Project for the purpose of enriching uranium for the first atomic bombs.
New Hope Center (Y-12 History Center)
602 Scarboro RdThe Y-12 National Security Complex is a United States Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration facility located in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, near the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. It was built as part of the Manhattan Project for the purpose of enriching uranium for the first atomic bombs.
The American Museum of Science and Energy is a science museum in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, designed to teach children and adults about energy, especially nuclear power, and to document the role Oak Ridge played in the Manhattan Project.
44 locals recommend
American Museum of Science and Energy
115 E Main StThe American Museum of Science and Energy is a science museum in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, designed to teach children and adults about energy, especially nuclear power, and to document the role Oak Ridge played in the Manhattan Project.
A history museum about the amazing World War II Secret City of Oak Ridge that opened the atomic age and brought an end to global war.
7 locals recommend
Oak Ridge History Museum
102 Robertsville RdA history museum about the amazing World War II Secret City of Oak Ridge that opened the atomic age and brought an end to global war.
The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is a non-profit children's museum in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States, that provides museum exhibits and educational programs.
12 locals recommend
Children's Museum of Oak Ridge
461 W Outer DrThe Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is a non-profit children's museum in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States, that provides museum exhibits and educational programs.
Explore the inner workings of the K-25 plant, meet the people who worked there, and learn about one of the most significant industrial, scientific, and military achievements in American history.
K-25 History Center
652 Enrichment StExplore the inner workings of the K-25 plant, meet the people who worked there, and learn about one of the most significant industrial, scientific, and military achievements in American history.
Learn more about this National Park site here:
https://www.nps.gov/mapr/oak-ridge.htm
8 locals recommend
Manhattan Project National Historical Park Visitor Center
461 W Outer DrLearn more about this National Park site here:
https://www.nps.gov/mapr/oak-ridge.htm
High Flux Isotope Reactor
Plan your visit here:
https://neutrons.ornl.gov/users/plan-your-visit
The Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF), established in 2012, is one of the Department of Energy’s designated user facilities focused on performing early-stage research and development to improve the energy and material efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness of American manufacturers. Research focuses on manufacturing analysis and simulation, composites and polymer systems, metal powder systems, metrology and characterization, machine tooling, large-scale metal systems, and robotics and automation.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory Manufactuing Demonstration Facility
2350 Cherahala BoulevardThe Manufacturing Demonstration Facility (MDF), established in 2012, is one of the Department of Energy’s designated user facilities focused on performing early-stage research and development to improve the energy and material efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness of American manufacturers. Research focuses on manufacturing analysis and simulation, composites and polymer systems, metal powder systems, metrology and characterization, machine tooling, large-scale metal systems, and robotics and automation.
University of Tennessee Arboretum, Oak Ridge
901 S Illinois AveWindrock Park is 73,000 acres of off-road excitement located in Oliver Springs, TN. The trails accommodate all types of vehicles from ATVs, SxSs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, Jeeps/4x4s, buggies and trucks.
13 locals recommend
Windrock Park Campground
555 Windrock Park LnWindrock Park is 73,000 acres of off-road excitement located in Oliver Springs, TN. The trails accommodate all types of vehicles from ATVs, SxSs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes, Jeeps/4x4s, buggies and trucks.
In Nearby Knoxville
Knoxville is approximately a 30 minute drive from Oak Ridge.
Built for the 1982 World’s Fair (one of the last successful World’s Fairs), this iconic feature of the Knoxville skyline is the only structure of its kind.
• The Sunsphere stands 26 stories tall.
• Each pane of glass is made with 24-karat gold, giving the sphere its reflective gold color. Each pane cost around $1,000 at the time of construction.
• The Observation Deck features a gallery of local images and information and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Knoxville.
125 locals recommend
Sunsphere
810 Clinch AveBuilt for the 1982 World’s Fair (one of the last successful World’s Fairs), this iconic feature of the Knoxville skyline is the only structure of its kind.
• The Sunsphere stands 26 stories tall.
• Each pane of glass is made with 24-karat gold, giving the sphere its reflective gold color. Each pane cost around $1,000 at the time of construction.
• The Observation Deck features a gallery of local images and information and offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of Knoxville.
Ijams Nature Center is a nonprofit nature center inspiring people to care for the Earth through engaging education programs and outdoor experiences.
273 locals recommend
Ijams Nature Center
2915 Island Home AveIjams Nature Center is a nonprofit nature center inspiring people to care for the Earth through engaging education programs and outdoor experiences.
Market Square is a pedestrian mall located in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. Established in 1854 as a market place for regional farmers, the square has developed over the decades into a multipurpose venue that accommodates events ranging from concerts to political rallies, and has long provided a popular gathering place for artists, street musicians, war veterans, and activists.
270 locals recommend
Market Square
Market Square is a pedestrian mall located in Knoxville, Tennessee, United States. Established in 1854 as a market place for regional farmers, the square has developed over the decades into a multipurpose venue that accommodates events ranging from concerts to political rallies, and has long provided a popular gathering place for artists, street musicians, war veterans, and activists.
Rising to an elevation of 2,064 feet above sea level, House Mountain is the highest point in Knox County.
13 locals recommend
House Mountain State Natural Area
9601 Hogskin RdRising to an elevation of 2,064 feet above sea level, House Mountain is the highest point in Knox County.
Knoxville Museum of Art
1050 Worlds Fair Park DrWorld's Fair Park
525 Worlds Fair Park DrFort Dickerson Quarry
550 Augusta AveLocal swimming spot.
Zoo Knoxville
3500 Knoxville Zoo DrFrank H. McClung Museum
1327 Circle ParkKnoxville Botanical Garden and Arboretum
2743 Wimpole AveBlount Mansion
200 W Hill AveUT Gardens
2518 Jacob DrWomen's Basketball Hall of Fame
700 S Hall of Fame DrTennessee Theatre
604 S Gay StNavitat Knoxville
2915 Island Home AveEnjoy the scenic Tennessee River aboard an authentic stern wheel riverboat which offers lunch, sightseeing, dinner, and party cruises.
9 locals recommend
The Star of Knoxville
300 Neyland DrEnjoy the scenic Tennessee River aboard an authentic stern wheel riverboat which offers lunch, sightseeing, dinner, and party cruises.
Climb aboard the Volunteer Princess for a public cruise or private event along Knoxville, Tennessee's beautiful riverfront.
Volunteer Princess Cruises
956 Volunteer Landing LnClimb aboard the Volunteer Princess for a public cruise or private event along Knoxville, Tennessee's beautiful riverfront.
Seven Islands State Birding Park
2809 Kelly LnSprawling retail center with large-format stores, lively restaurants & a multiplex cinema.
71 locals recommend
Turkey Creek
11197 Parkside DrSprawling retail center with large-format stores, lively restaurants & a multiplex cinema.
Mead's Quarry Lake
Sharp's Ridge Veterans Memorial Park offers one of the best views in the City to see the Smoky Mountains.
Sharps Ridge Trailhead
125 Sharps Ridge Memorial Park DrSharp's Ridge Veterans Memorial Park offers one of the best views in the City to see the Smoky Mountains.
Just a five-minute drive from downtown Knoxville you can find a mysterious and magical natural place to explore like none other in Tennessee. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, both Mead’s and Ross Marble Quarries within Ijams Nature Center transport visitors to a different world – a world of never-ending surprises.
Ross Marble Quarry
2915 Island Home AveJust a five-minute drive from downtown Knoxville you can find a mysterious and magical natural place to explore like none other in Tennessee. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, both Mead’s and Ross Marble Quarries within Ijams Nature Center transport visitors to a different world – a world of never-ending surprises.
Knoxville Adventure Collective
900 Volunteer Landing LnThe Three Rivers Rambler is a tourist train in Knoxville, Tennessee along the Tennessee River. The train is operated by the Knoxville and Holston River Railroad, a subsidiary of Gulf and Ohio Railways.
8 locals recommend
Three Rivers Rambler
2560 University Commons WayThe Three Rivers Rambler is a tourist train in Knoxville, Tennessee along the Tennessee River. The train is operated by the Knoxville and Holston River Railroad, a subsidiary of Gulf and Ohio Railways.
Greater Knoxville Area
Things to do in East Tennessee.
Dollywood
2700 Dollywood Parks BlvdAwarded “Friendliest Park” in the entire theme park industry.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
2009 Village Camp Rd
Great Smoky Mountains
Gatlinburg, a mountain town in eastern Tennessee, is known as a gateway to the roughly 520,000-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of its key attractions offer sweeping views of the neighboring park, including the 407-ft. Space Needle observation tower and the Sky Lift, a 2.1-mile aerial cable car that journeys from Downtown to the popular amusement park and ski resort Ober Gatlinburg.
660 locals recommend
Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg, a mountain town in eastern Tennessee, is known as a gateway to the roughly 520,000-acre Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Many of its key attractions offer sweeping views of the neighboring park, including the 407-ft. Space Needle observation tower and the Sky Lift, a 2.1-mile aerial cable car that journeys from Downtown to the popular amusement park and ski resort Ober Gatlinburg.
Pigeon Forge, a mountain town and vacation area in eastern Tennessee, is the home of Dollywood, country singer Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park consisting of rides, an adjoining water park and a museum of her costumes and memorabilia. The city’s other attractions include country music revues like the Smoky Mountain Opry, dinner theaters such as Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede and outlet malls.
500 locals recommend
Pigeon Forge
Pigeon Forge, a mountain town and vacation area in eastern Tennessee, is the home of Dollywood, country singer Dolly Parton’s Appalachian-themed park consisting of rides, an adjoining water park and a museum of her costumes and memorabilia. The city’s other attractions include country music revues like the Smoky Mountain Opry, dinner theaters such as Dolly Parton's Dixie Stampede and outlet malls.
Frozen Head State Park
964 Flat Fork RdForks of the River Wildlife Management Area
3140 McClure LnNorris Dam State Park
125 Village Green CirWhile Townsend is only a short drive from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you’ll find delightful activities without ever leaving this serene town. Tuckaleechee Cove gives visitors a look into Appalachian culture through museums, historic sites and trails. Hike Rich Mountain Loop, near the Townsend entrance to the national park, for beautiful vistas and cascading waterfalls.
90 locals recommend
Townsend
While Townsend is only a short drive from Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, you’ll find delightful activities without ever leaving this serene town. Tuckaleechee Cove gives visitors a look into Appalachian culture through museums, historic sites and trails. Hike Rich Mountain Loop, near the Townsend entrance to the national park, for beautiful vistas and cascading waterfalls.
Dollywood's Splash Country Water Adventure Park
2700 Dollywood Parks Blvd
Titanic Museum Attraction
2134 Parkway
Outdoor Gravity Park
203 Sugar Hollow RdIt is located on the Cumberland Plateau in east-central Tennessee, in Morgan County, about four miles south of Wartburg, just west of U.S. Highway 27.
Lone Mountain State Forest
It is located on the Cumberland Plateau in east-central Tennessee, in Morgan County, about four miles south of Wartburg, just west of U.S. Highway 27.
Hike a section of the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail (or A.T.) on top of Max Patch Mountain near Hot Springs.
227 locals recommend
Max Patch
Max Patch RoadHike a section of the famous Appalachian National Scenic Trail (or A.T.) on top of Max Patch Mountain near Hot Springs.
Rocky Top is twenty miles north of Downtown Knoxville and offers access to the beautiful Norris Lake, Norris Dam State Park and WindRock Park, which is the largest off-road recreation area in the country.
Rocky Top
Rocky Top is twenty miles north of Downtown Knoxville and offers access to the beautiful Norris Lake, Norris Dam State Park and WindRock Park, which is the largest off-road recreation area in the country.
Craighead Caverns is an extensive cave system located in between Sweetwater and Madisonville, Tennessee. It is best known for containing the United States' largest and the world's second largest non-subglacial underground lake, The Lost Sea.
112 locals recommend
The Lost Sea Adventure
140 Lost Sea RdCraighead Caverns is an extensive cave system located in between Sweetwater and Madisonville, Tennessee. It is best known for containing the United States' largest and the world's second largest non-subglacial underground lake, The Lost Sea.
Tuckaleechee Caverns is a set of caverns and tourist attraction in Townsend, Tennessee, near the Smoky Mountains.
121 locals recommend
Tuckaleechee Caverns
825 Cavern RdTuckaleechee Caverns is a set of caverns and tourist attraction in Townsend, Tennessee, near the Smoky Mountains.
Museum of Appalachia
2819 Andersonville HwyThe Gray Fossil Site is a place where visitors can view and learn about an active Pliocene-era fossil dig site.
46 locals recommend
Gray Fossil Site
1212 Suncrest DrThe Gray Fossil Site is a place where visitors can view and learn about an active Pliocene-era fossil dig site.
This town is the gateway to the Smokies. Be sure to check out all of their river tubing activities!
90 locals recommend
Townsend
This town is the gateway to the Smokies. Be sure to check out all of their river tubing activities!