Self-Guided Walking Tour: Knoxville's Historic & Cultural Landmarks

February 24, 2025•7 min read

Knoxville is full of history with many historic sites around the city. As Spring approaches, it's a great time to enjoy the beautiful weather while exploring the city's past. We've put together a guide to help you make the most of this season by discovering the history right in your backyard.

DOWNTOWN

Start your tour along the beautiful Tennessee River. Right next to Gay Street you can find Blount Mansion. This site is home to the U.S. Constitution signer William Blount, who was also Governor of the Territory South of the River Ohio. You’ll also hear of many other places named after Blount like Blount County and William Blount High School in Maryville. There is an admission fee to enter the museum being $5 for children, $10 for adults, and $8 for seniors/AAA/CAA.

After stopping by Blount Mansion, take a stroll down Gay Street. Established as Knoxville’s first paved road in 1854, Gay Street played a significant role during the Civil War, hosting Union and Confederate recruiting rallies and speeches from Presidents Andrew Johnson and Rutherford B. Hayes. After the war, Gay Street saw commercial development leading to the Gay Street we know today. Beginning in 1908, with the Burwell Building, also known as the Tennessee Theatre. Walking down modern day Gay Street you can still see the old architecture of the buildings built 100 years ago. Along the way, you’ll find plenty of places to enjoy a variety of food, shop locally, or catch a show.

Tennessee Theatre on Gay Street in Knoxville, TN

Sports Fun Fact: The Southeastern Conference was born in the Farragut Hotel in 1932. The building is now home to The Hyatt Place.

Take a turn down Wall Ave to get to Historic Market Square. Established in 1854 as a public farmers market, buildings started to frame the grounds turning it into what we know today. Home to shops, restaurants, and bars the square still holds the Market Square Farmers Market several days a week throughout the year.

Market Square Statue of Women Suffrage Movement

The Tennessee Woman Suffrage Memorial is found in the square. The statue reflects the history of the feminist movement beyond the demonstrations that happened in Market Square.

The 1883 Market House Bell hung in the tower of City Hall. The bell was run by police chiefs to signal a fire and major riot emergencies.

Cross Union Ave to Charles Krutch Park. This park features art statues, a water feature, and play fountains near Gay Street.

Finish your tour of Downtown Knoxville in World’s Fair Park, created in 1982 for the World’s Fair Exhibition. The iconic Sunsphere in the center of the park was built in 1981. Today many festivals and events are hosted in the park to bring the city together. Enjoy the park on nice days by flying kites, walking your dog, or having a picnic. Take an elevator up to the Observation Deck in the globe to view the sites of the city, Smoky Mountains, UT Campus, and beyond. Plan your trip to the Sunsphere here: https://www.visitknoxville.com/sunsphere-tickets/

Sunsphere at World's Fair Park in Knoxville

While strolling through World’s Fair Park, be sure to stop at the East Tennessee Veterans Memorial. This plaza is arranged with pillars listed with the 6316 fallen heroes from East Tennessee who died during wars and conflicts since World War 1. On the reverse side of the pillars, you’ll find the names Medal of Honor recipients from the region. Nearby, is a special monument for East Tennessee Vietnam Veterans.

East Tennessee Veterans Memorial at World's Fair Park

EAST KNOXVILLE

Next take a quick drive to James White Fort off of Hall of Fame Drive. Established in 1786, by General James White, this fort served as an outpost for early settlers during the Revolutionary War. A guided tour at the site offers a deeper look into the fort's history and role during the Revolutionary War era.

Continuing along Dandridge Avenue, you'll come across several historic landmarks in Knoxville.

Starting with Haley Heritage Square and Alex Haley Statue at Morningside Park. The park includes a playground, water fountain, and green space. Most notably is a 13 foot statue of author and Pulitzer prize winner, Alex Haley.

Down the road is the Mabry-Hazen House. Built in 1858, the home housed multiple generations of the same family. Touring the house offers a glimpse into a century of Knoxville history, covering everything from Market Square's past to the divisions of the Civil War, all through the experiences of the Mabry and Hazen families.

UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the heart of Knoxville is to take a walk through the University of Tennessee campus. The campus has a rich history— initially founded as Blount College in 1794, later becoming East Tennessee University in 1840, before finally being rebranded as The University of Tennessee 39 years later.

Begin your tour at ‘The Hill,’ home to Ayres Hall, the oldest building on campus.

Ayres Hall at the University of Tennessee

This section of the campus has seen the university grow and expand over the decades, offering a glimpse of the past while leading to the more modern facilities that now populate the area. From ‘The Hill,’ stroll down the steps and cross the iconic Pedestrian Bridge to enter the heart of campus, where you’ll walk the Pedestrian Walkway and pass landmarks like the Student Union, the Haslam College of Business, the library, dorms, and academic buildings. Next, head down Pat Head Summitt Street, named after the legendary Lady Vol’s coach, and make your way to Tom Black Track at LaPorte Stadium, where the university’s track and field teams practice. It’s the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the athletes in action. Just outside the College of Music, you’ll come across one of the most famous landmarks on campus: “The Rock.” Students have been using this spot to express themselves through spray-painted messages, artwork, and more. It’s not uncommon to find proposals, social causes, and personal expression covering this campus icon. Cross Volunteer Blvd and find Lindsey Nelson Stadium, home of the 2024 NCAA baseball championship team. After soaking in the stadium, head back to Volunteer Blvd and toward Neyland Stadium—there’s no mistaking the structure.

Neyland Stadium at University of Tennessee

Just before reaching the stadium, take a detour down Lake Loudon Blvd to visit Pat Summit Plaza, a tribute to the remarkable Coach Pat Summitt, whose legacy continues to inspire. On the opposite side of the street, you’ll find Doug Dickey Hall of Fame Plaza, the place where University of Tennessee Athletics Hall of Fame inductees are honored. Conclude your journey by heading back to Volunteer Blvd and keep walking towards Neyland Stadium. Along the way, you’ll spot the Torchbearer, the official symbol of UT, and Circle Park, a serene space that holds the heart of the UT community.

Torchbearer at the University of Tennessee

Along the base of Neyland you’ll find the statue of General Neyland and the plaza outside Gate 21. Here you’ll find four statues honoring Lester McClain, Jackie Walker, Condredge Holloway, and Tee Martin, trailblazers during their time on the Volunteer football team. Your tour of the University of Tennessee campus finishes at the base of The Hill with the iconic ‘University of Tennessee’ sign on the Pedestrian Bridge. Walking the campus isn’t just a tour—it’s an enriching experience, one that links the legendary past with the present.

ACROSS THE RIVER IN SOUTH KNOXVILLE

The Civil War sites located across the Tennessee River at Fort Dickerson Park and High Ground Park offer a rich historical experience. High Ground Park features a scenic walking trail with informative plaques that highlight the area's history of Fort Higley. Fort Higley was involved in the Union's efforts during the Civil War, while Fort Dickerson was a Confederate stronghold. Today, visitors can enjoy views of the city, the Smoky Mountains, the quarry, and explore a variety of trails throughout the parks.