Oak Ridge Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the beautiful Tennessee region of the United States, Oak Ridge is a captivating city that offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and scientific innovation. Known as the "Secret City," Oak Ridge played a crucial role in the Manhattan Project during World War II and continues to be a hub for cutting-edge research and technology.

For history enthusiasts, Oak Ridge is a treasure trove of fascinating stories and landmarks. The American Museum of Science and Energy provides visitors with a comprehensive look at the city's role in the development of atomic power. Explore exhibits that showcase the scientific breakthroughs that took place in Oak Ridge and gain a deeper understanding of the impact these advancements had on the world.

Nature lovers will be delighted by the abundance of outdoor activities available in Oak Ridge. The city is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, including the picturesque Oak Ridge Reservation. With over 20,000 acres of forests, fields, and streams, this area offers ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking. Don't miss the chance to visit the beautiful Melton Hill Lake, where you can indulge in a variety of water sports such as boating, fishing, and kayaking.

Oak Ridge is also home to a vibrant arts and culture scene. The Oak Ridge Playhouse presents a diverse range of theatrical performances throughout the year, showcasing local talent and entertaining audiences of all ages. The city's annual Secret City Festival is a highlight, featuring live music, arts and crafts vendors, delicious food, and a captivating historical reenactment.

Food enthusiasts will find themselves spoiled for choice in Oak Ridge. The city boasts an array of dining options, ranging from cozy cafes to upscale restaurants. Sample delicious Southern cuisine, indulge in mouthwatering barbecue, or explore international flavors in one of the many ethnic eateries scattered across the city.

Alternative names: Established: 1942 (82 years ago)Population: 29.3 thous.Area: 89.98 mi²Elevation: 886 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 36°0'41"N, 84°15'16"W

Location

TennesseeUnited States

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Oak Ridge Top Attractions

Oak Ridge Attractions - What to See and Explore

Oak Ridge offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: University of Tennessee Arboretum, American Museum of Science and Energy, Children's Museum of Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Art Center. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Botanical garden
University of Tennessee Arboretum
The University of Tennessee Arboretum is a research and educational arboretum operated by the University of Tennessee Agricultural Experiment Station. It is located at 901 South Illinois Avenue, Oak Ridge, Tennessee. It is open to the public without charge.
Museum • History museum • Science museum
American Museum of Science and Energy
The American Museum of Science and Energy is a science museum in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, designed to teach children and adults about energy, especially nuclear power, and to document the role Oak Ridge played in the Manhattan Project.
Children's museum • Museum • Art gallery
Children's Museum of Oak Ridge
The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is a non-profit children's museum in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, United States, that provides museum exhibits and educational programs.

Day trips

Oak Ridge – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Oak Ridge, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Ober Gatlinburg (Gatlinburg), World's Fair Park (Knoxville), Museum of Appalachia (Clinton).

46 milesSE
Amusement, Nature and wildlife, Amusement park
Ober Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg
Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Ober Gatlinburg stands as a beacon of fun and excitement in the charming city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. This unique amusement park and ski area offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventure and family-friendly attractions...
19 milesE
Park
World's Fair Park, Knoxville
Nestled in the heart of Knoxville, Tennessee, the World's Fair Park is a lush oasis of greenery and a beacon of the city's rich history. This expansive park, which was the stage for the 1982 World's Fair, is now a beloved public space where locals and tourists alike...
16 milesNE
History museum, Museum, Art museum
Museum of Appalachia, Clinton
The Museum of Appalachia, located in Norris, Tennessee, 20 miles north of Knoxville, is a living history museum that interprets the pioneer and early 20th-century period of the Southern Appalachian region of the United States.
34 milesS
Nature, Natural attraction, Nature and wildlife tours
The Lost Sea Adventure, Sweetwater
Craighead Caverns is an extensive cave system located in between Sweetwater and Madisonville, Tennessee. It is best known for containing the United States' largest and the world's second largest non-subglacial underground lake, The Lost Sea.
43 milesE
Amusement, Amusement park, Amusement ride
Thunderhead Roller Coaster, Pigeon Forge
Thunderhead is a wooden roller coaster located at Dollywood amusement park in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. Manufactured by Great Coasters International, the ride opened on April 3, 2004, as the anchor attraction of a new section added to the park that season called Thunderhead Gap.

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Best Time To Visit Oak Ridge

Learn when is the best time to travel to Oak Ridge weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

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April and June are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in October. Most of it rains in March, May and July.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Oak Ridge?

The top attractions to visit in Oak Ridge are:

What is the best time to visit Oak Ridge?

April and June are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and December.