Designed by the Knoxville-based architectural firm Community Tectonics, the Sunsphere was created as the theme structure for the 1982 World's Fair. It was noted for its unique design in several engineering publications. The World's Fair site later became a public park, the World's Fair Park alongside Knoxville's official convention center and adjacent to the University of Tennessee's main campus. The Sunsphere remains standing directly across a man-made pond from the Tennessee Amphitheater. the only other structure remaining from the 1982 World's Fair.
Since the 1860s, Market Square has been one of Knoxville’s most popular places to shop, work, play, eat, drink and live. Market Square is home to outdoor concerts and movies, Shakespeare on the Square and much more. The Square is located just minutes from the University of Tennessee Campus and Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness, a 1,000 acre stretch of land that features more than 50 miles of hiking and biking trails and connects parks, trails, civil war sites and recreational amenities. A number of local restaurants dot the landscape offering everything from southern-style cuisine to steak and sushi. From fine dining to savory sandwich shops, Knoxville offers a full menu of dining. Downtown is home to a number of local breweries as well, and the best part? Everything is within walking distance of some of the finest hotels in the area.
Ijams Nature Center is part of the Knoxville Urban Wilderness, a recreational, cultural, and historic preservation initiative championed by Legacy Parks Foundation, incorporating 1,000-forested acres along downtown’s south waterfront. It creates an exceptional recreation and historic corridor inviting residents and visitors to experience the special character-defining assets of the city. With over 40 miles of multi-use trails, 10 parks, four civil war sites, incredible views, and unparalleled natural features, this unique area provides a premiere outdoor experience. Ross Marble Quarry was the first land donation to Legacy Parks Foundation. The 104 acres of abandoned quarry is now a beautiful addition to Ijams Nature Center, boasting miles of natural walking and biking trails and an abundance of wildlife. Knoxville's very own wildlife sanctuary — and only minutes from downtown!
The University of Tennessee is a public land-grant research university in Knoxville, Tennessee. Founded in 1794, two years before Tennessee became the 16th state, it is the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee system, with ten undergraduate colleges and eleven graduate colleges.