If you are on a budget, you can enjoy Knoxville attractions without spending too much. The cheapest way to rent a car in Knoxville is to opt for an economy car. However, you can also rent a full-size car, which is a comfortable choice for group outings. Mid-size SUVs are also available for rent, and they offer a lot of space.
Ijams Nature Center
Located in downtown Knoxville, the Ijams Nature Center is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. This urban nature park is filled with rock formations and wetlands. It features ten miles of trails and bicycle and canoe rentals. There’s also a nature shop with a variety of gift items.
Once a small, passive nature park, the Ijams Nature Center has grown into a bustling recreational hub. Today, it attracts more than 150,000 visitors a year, and has become an educational destination. The Ijams Nature Center is a nonprofit organization and has begun offering classes on environmental education. It recently introduced a First Child in the Woods program, which introduces young children to the natural world.
The new director of Ijams, Jessica Parker, has experience in the region. She was previously the education and special programs director at the Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont. Parker’s vision for the nature center is to expand the preschool playdate program and offer creative off-trail experiences to a wider range of children.
Zoo Knoxville
If you are looking for inexpensive activities, you should consider visiting the Zoo Knoxville in Knoxville, Tennessee. The zoo is open year-round and you can find several different options that can meet your budget and needs. Tickets are available for purchase on-site or online, and generally cost between $18 and $20 per person. You can also purchase annual passes that give you unlimited access to the zoo for the entire year.
Zoo Knoxville is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation contracted by the city of Knoxville. The board of directors meets six times a year and approves the annual budget in December. The Zoo Knoxville staff can help you plan your visit on a budget by letting you know how much each item will cost in advance.
World’s Fair Park
When you visit Knoxville, Tennessee, you might want to visit World’s Fair Park. This public park is in the heart of the city and sits on the former fairgrounds from the 1982 Knoxville World’s Fair. It is known for its amphitheater and Sunsphere. It also has several attractions for families to visit.
One of the main attractions in the park is the Knoxville Museum of Art. The museum’s building is white and Greek-style, and it was completed in 1916, marking the culmination of over 100 years of effort to create an art museum in the city. Architect Edward Larrabee Barnes (1915-2004) designed the building and it features Tennessee marble with a pink cast. The museum sits on the site of the former Japan pavilion. The building was once a large industrial complex, and now it houses exhibits from world-class artists.
Another option for renters looking to stay near the World’s Fair Park is an apartment. Many of the apartments in Knoxville are budget-friendly. You can use filters to limit your search based on certain criteria, such as pet-friendly or luxury.
Museum of East Tennessee History
The Museum of East Tennessee History is a great place to learn about the history of Knoxville and surrounding areas. There are both permanent and visiting exhibits to explore. These exhibits range from art to Civil War exhibits. You can learn about the city’s past, as well as the culture of the surrounding region.
The museum is open daily and is free for children. Exhibits depict the history of East Tennessee and its differences and similarities, including the secret Atomic programs that took place in Oak Ridge during World War II. Children can also enjoy the museum’s planetarium and exhibits about healthy foods. Admission is only $5 for adults, free for children 16 and under.
The Museum of East Tennessee History is one of the oldest museums in the state, and there are numerous free exhibits throughout the year. The museum is also home to rotating exhibits that feature a different aspect of East Tennessee history.
Bleak House
If you’re looking to visit a National Register-listed historic house on a budget, the Bleak House in Knoxville, Tennessee is a great place to start. It’s an antebellum Classical Revival home. The Bleak House is located in the heart of Knoxville, which makes it easy to reach on foot or by public transportation.
The Bleak House is a fifteen-room brick mansion, and it is part of a walking tour through downtown Knoxville. Built for Robert and Louise Franklin Armstrong, it later became the headquarters of the Confederate generals during the Civil War. This house is now available for tours and has a museum.
In addition to the impressive mansion, the grounds are rich with historical charm. The interior is decorated with antique furnishings and features 17-foot ceilings. It also contains a charming artifact museum, as well as a Southern historic library. Its interior is filled with interesting memorabilia and a beautiful wooden staircase. Its tangled lights and pillars add to the romance of the space.