Area Attractions

The Oak Ridge and Anderson County area is as diverse a region as Tennessee has to offer. From WWII history to Coal Mining disasters to African-American heritage, your visit will prove both educational and entertaining.

Oak Ridge Driving Tour:
Explore Historic Oak Ridge at your own pace with the new Oak Ridge Driving Tour available on CD or cassette. Compact Discs and Cassettes are available to own or rent at the American Museum of Science and Energy Discovery Shop and the Oak Ridge Welcome Center,
302 S. Tulane Ave.

American Museum of Science & Energy:
Discover how 75,000 people kept a secret in Oak Ridge during World War II. Learn about Oak Ridge’s leading-edge technology that continues to earn the U.S. the title “Super Power.” From a “Hair Raising” experience to the “Atom Smasher” live demonstrations, audiovisions, machines, and devices will keep you entertained and educated. 300 S. Tulane Ave. 865-576-3200

East Tennessee Technology Park Overlook:
View the historic former Manhatten Project Facility in this overlook that features pictures, historic displays and video. FREE Hwy 58, Oak Ridge. Daily 9am to 5pm. 865-574-9683

International Friendship Bell:
The first monument between a U.S. Manhatten Project city and Japan, the bell serves as an expression of hope for everlasting peace. Badger Ave. FREE

Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge:
Play in a child-size dollhouse, experience the wonders of a rain forest or lean the unique heritage of the region through the eyes of a child. This hands-on cultural and educational center is fun for children and adults of all ages. Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm. Seasonal Saturday hours. 461 West Outer Drive. 865-482-1074

Secret City Scenic Excursion Train:
Ride the Atomic Train on a 12 mile tour through the once secret K-25 Manhatten Project site and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Blair Community. Hwy 58, East Tennessee Technology Park. 865-241-2140.

Green McAdoo Cultural Center:
On August 27, 1956, twelve young people in Clinton, Tennessee walked into history and changed the world. They were the first students to desegregate a state-supported high school in the South. Clinton High School holds the honor of having the first Black to graduate from a public high school in the South. It was a great victory for the Civil Rights Movement. Learn the fascinating history of the twelve and how they not only changed a community but a nation at the Green McAdoo Cultural Center. 101 School Street. 865-463-6500

University of Tennessee Arboretum:
The arboretum offers more than 250 acres featuring 800 species of trees, shrubs and flowering plants threaded by four nature trails. 901 S. Illinois Ave. 865-483-3571

Wheat Community African Burial Ground:
Believed to be part of the Gallaher-Stone Plantation, this 1850s slave cemetery has more than 90 unmarked graves. Includes a beautiful monument in memory of those held in bondage. Hwy 58, adjacent to East Tennessee Technology Park Overlook. FREE

Museum of Appalachia:
Discover the pre-WWII heritage of the area at this 65-acre Appalachian history complex.
John Rice Irwin’s open-air museum is called “the most authentic and complete replica of
pioneer Appalacian life in the world.” The museum, which has been featured in several national publications, contains over 250,000 pioneer relics including 30 log structures—a chapel,
a schoolhouse, cabins and barns. Open daily during daylight hours. Highway 61, Norris.
865-494-7680.

Coal Miners Museum:
Historical artifacts featuring 1800s Coal Creek War and the third worst disaster in U.S. history. 216 N. Main St., Lake City. FREE 865-426-7914. Monday through Friday 12pm to 5pm.