Things to Do
in Knoxville Near UT for Students Close to Campus
Ever wondered what it is like to live in Knoxville, TN? While you may spend most of your time in class or studying, there is tons around to explore in this area we call home! Whether you’re from the area or a Volunteers newcomer, you’ll find something to love within steps of University Walk Knoxville. Explore our town’s best and brightest local attractions, starting with these six things to do, see, and eat.
Market Square
The Historic Market Square area is a beautiful town square that gives off TV town vibes, reminding visitors of fictional places such as Stars Hollow or Capeside. On any random night, you can walk around and see couples dining, kids playing, and people shopping, all in a tiny area, while feeling utterly safe and without worry.
Knoxville Riverfront
Looking for a place to take your date? There’s no better area than the Knoxville Riverfront! Some lovely walking and biking trails line the north side of the Tennessee River between Sequoyah Park and Riverside Landing Park. In between is the University of Tennessee campus and some of the best restaurants in the city, like Ruth’s Chris Steak House and Calhoun’s on the River (BBQ).
The Sunsphere
Built for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Sunsphere is a one-of-a-kind structure. The 4th Floor Observation Deck offers a breathtaking 360-degree view stretching from downtown to the Great Smoky Mountains including World’s Fair Park, the Tennessee River and the University of Tennessee Campus.
James White’s Fort
As the founder of Knoxville, James White’s name is all around the city. His house, James White’s Fort, is a simple log structure surrounded by a stockade fence, which he built in the 1780s. He then donated the land around his home to create the city Knoxville, which then became the capital of the Southwest Territory and later briefly the capital of the state of Tennessee.
Knoxville Zoo
Over 800 animals call Zoo Knoxville home, including everything from African elephants to King cobras. They’re especially well-known for their Red Pandas – more have been born here than any other zoo in the Western Hemisphere. The zoo offers loads of education programs where kids can interact with animals in the presence of a ranger who can explain how to handle them and what the species’ life is like out in the wild.
Neyland Stadium
If it’s game day, they say you’ll hear Neyland Stadium before you see it. It’s the deafening roar of 100,000 incredibly passionate fans decked out in orange and white and ready for a great football game. Neyland is considered one of the loudest stadiums in college football. And as a result, one of the most challenging for away teams to compete in.
