23 Best & Fun Things to Do in Oak Ridge (TN)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Oak Ridge, TN?

Oak Ridge is a community in Anderson and Roane Counties in Tennessee, United States. It is situated in the eastern part of the United States.

The population of Oak Ridge in 2020 was 31,402. Oak Ridge is a part of the Knoxville Metropolitan Area.

Oak Ridge is one of the best places to visit in the USA. You can do and learn many things here; it is an educational place.

There are lots of attractions here in Oak Ridge, most of which are historic buildings.

Some of these attractions include the American Museum of Science and Energy, Oak Ridge History Museum, the Commemorative Secret Walk, and lots more amazing places.

Here are the best things to do in Oak Ridge, TN.

Things to Do In Oak Ridge, TN

1. Oak Ridge Greenways

Oak Ridge Greenways
Credits: Melinda Fawver / Shutterstock
Oak Ridge Greenways

One of the top things to do in Oak Ridge, TN, is to go for a walk on the Greenways of Oak Ridge.

Oak Ridge is known for its famous Greenways. It has 12 different dispersed greenways in Oak Ridge.

Some of these greenways include Melton Lake Greenway, Black Oak Ridge Greenway, Haw Ridge Park Greenways, and lots more.

You could go to these Greenways for a walk, a jog, biking, or a run. This is also a nice place for a perfect family bonding time.

These Greenways can lift one’s spirit after a stressful or bad day. Do well to visit as many Greenways as you can on your visit to Oak Ridge.

Address: Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, USA

2. Oak Ridge History Museum

 Oak Ridge History Museum
Credits: Oak Ridge History Museum / Facebook
Oak Ridge History Museum

Exploring Oak Ridge History Museum is one of the top things to do in Oak Ridge, TN. It is an amazing landmark.

Oak Ridge History Museum, like its name, tells more about the history of Oak Ridge than its historic atomic parts.

Oak Ridge History Museum tells you what you need to know about Oak Ridge. It tells you about their historical and Legendary Leaders and how most of their good amenities were gotten.

Here at Oak Ridge Museum, you will also get to be told about the history of the Manhattan Project and the brains behind it. This Museum is a fun and educational place to visit.

One of the many things Oak Ridge History Museum also talks about is how the Oak Ridge locals survived the second World War. The Museum teaches you amazing facts one needs to know.

Address: 102 Robertsville Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

3. Ring The International Friendship Bell

International Friendship Bell
Credits: Brent Moore / Flickr
International Friendship Bell

This is one of Oak Ridge’s historical landmarks, which has fantastic significance. A visit to the Friendship Bell is one a visitor to Oak Ridge should not miss.

The Friendship Bell is an 8,000 (eight thousand) pound bronze bell, so you can imagine how big it is and the thunderous sound that can come from the bell when it rings.

The International Friendship Bell symbolizes the friendship between the United States and Japan after the Second World War.

The International Friendship Bell is located close to the Commemorative Walk, so you could visit the Friendship Bell after you visit the Walkway or vice-versa.

Can you ring the bell? Yes, you can; which is a different kind of vibe and experience you would love to explore.

Address: 1401 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

4. The University of Tennessee Arboretum

University of Tennessee Arboretum
Credits: Joel Kramer / Flickr
University of Tennessee Arboretum

The University Of Tennessee Arboretum covers 11,435 acres of land. It covers the Highland Rim Forest and the Cumberland Forest.

It is a perfect place for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, photography (wildlife and nature), and much more.

The University is a splendid place for a family bonding time. You could enjoy your time by just strolling and touring the University, biking, or even taking some memorable photographs.

This University is also a place for lovers of Agriculture, as you can uncover more than 2,500 plant samples from over 700 species.

You should also know that most of the plants you find at the Arboretum are Oak Ridge’s special plants and species.

Address: 901 S Illinois Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

5. The Taco Bell

The Taco Bell
Credits: Timolina / Shutterstock
Taco

When talking about unique Mexican meals, you talk about Taco Bell. So, if you’re wondering what to do in Oak Ridge, TN, and you haven’t tried a Mexican meal, please check this place out.

Taco Bell is a place for all; they have a menu for kids and adults. At Taco Bell, your taste bud can never get bored.

They serve tacos, burritos, and lots more. They have lovely specialties, including Chalupa Supreme and Crunchwrap Supreme, which you shouldn’t miss trying out.

The best part about Taco Bell is that they are always there for you because they are open for breakfast and dinner.

Taco Bell has many things to offer, ranging from, of course, tacos, just like its name; they also offer customized tacos.

Taco offers burritos, quesadillas, vegetarian options, nachos, desserts, and lots more enticing things. 

Address: 101 Bus Terminal Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

6. American Museum Of Science And Energy

American Museum Of Science And Energy
Credits: Kelly Michals / Flickr
American Museum Of Science And Energy

The American Museum Of Science And Energy is one of the best places to visit in Oak Ridge, TN.

Firstly, the Museum is beautiful both inside and outside. Its look is so fascinating that it could blow your mind away.

Here at the Museum, you are bound to have fun; the Museum is worth your time.

The American Museum Of Science And Energy is one of the major attractions in Oak Ridge because it tells a lot about the scientific development of Oak Ridge.

The Museum furthermore features the Manhattan Project History. It also offers lovely works of art and rotating displays.

This Museum is a fascinating place where you get to see science at its peak. This is also an amazing, fun, and educational place for kids.

Address: 115 E Main St, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

7. The Jackson Square

The Jackson Square
Credits: Michael / Flickr
The Jackson Square

Jackson Square is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a famous and exclusive fun place.

You can find many shops with different things in Jackson Square. You can also find various restaurants here.

Jackson Square is well-known in Oak Ridge, as it also serves as the original town site for Oak Ridge.

If you are visiting Oak Ridge with your kids or family, Jackson Square is an amazing place to have family time.

You can stroll around the place, or you can just find a place to eat. Some of the restaurants you can find here are Gallo Loco Mexican, New China Palace, and a few more.

Jackson Square also has a shopping mall, so you can go to the mall to look for what you need.

Address: Jackson Square, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, USA

8. Oak Ridge Farmers’ Market

Oak Ridge Farmers' Market
Credits: Arina P Habich / Shutterstock

Oak Ridge Farmers Market is the perfect place for you if you want to mingle and know more about Oak Ridge locals.

Here at the Farmer’s Market, you meet many people, locals, visitors, and tourists. You can interact and bond and learn new things about the town here.

Many things are being offered at Oak Ridge Farmers Market, including organic meats, bread and pastries, fresh flowers, and lots more, so you could come here to get your partner a nice flower.

Oak Ridge is known for providing fresh and natural commodities. It is most times crowded and busy since it’s market and lots of people need to shop for things.

Address: 281 Broadway Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

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9. The Department of Energy Bus Tour

One of Oak Ridge’s features is that they are known for promoting science, and the Department Of Energy Bus Tour is one of the organizations that helps with that.

The Department of Energy is known for its scientific expertise. The department has a vast laboratory and is popular for its scientific research.

If you are a visitor to Oak Ridge and a science lover, this is a place for you. This place is not just for adults; it is for everyone.

For people to learn more about science, this department holds bus tours of Oak Ridge’s historical research facilities.

The Tour starts at the American Museum of Science and Energy, then stops and explores three locations that are a part of the Manhattan Project, including the K-25 History Center, ORNL Graphite Reactor, and CNS/Y-12 New Hope Center.

This Tour is one of the fun things to do in Oak Ridge, TN. It is bound to make your day a memorable one.

Address: Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, USA

10. The Grove Theater

Grove Theater
Credits: Michael / Flickr
Grove Theater

The Grove Theater is one of the best places to visit in Oak Ridge, TN. It is one of the most significant buildings in Oak Ridge, with a historic and remarkable past.

The Grove Theater is known to be among the first-ever entertainment organizations during the time of the Manhattan Project.

Groove Theater is being operated by the High Places Community Church. The Theater is also known to be a home for most art associations in Oak Ridge.

A visit to this Theater is sure to make your day. You could also learn a lot about Oak Ridge from the history of the Theater.

You could also learn about the culture of Oak Ridge locals and the kind of shows and events they like.

Groove Theater also hosts events, including concerts, stage plays, religious events, and many more.

Address: 123 Randolph Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

11. The Secret City Commemorative Walk

Secret City Commemorative Walk
Credits: Kelly Michals / Flickr
Secret City Commemorative Walk

Exploring the Secret City Commemorative Walk is one of the best things to do in Oak Ridge, TN. It is a circular pathway that is made up of ten bronze tablets.

The exciting part of this Walkway is that each of these ten bronze tablets has a story to tell about the Origin of Oak Ridge and how it participated in ending the war.

The Commemorative Walk will teach a lot about Oak Ridge and will also answer some of the questions you have about Oak Ridge.

The Commemorative Walk also calls attention to the Four Founder Walls. The Four Founder Walls honor most of the first Oak Ridgers.

The Secret City Commemorative Walk offers an amazing adventure one should try out, and you won’t regret it.

Address: 1403 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

12. Oak Ridge Art Center

Oak Ridge Art Center
Credits: Oak Ridge Art Center / Facebook
Oak Ridge Art Center

As a lover of arts and a visitor to Oak Ridge, Oak Ridge Art Center is a place for you. Oak Ridge Art Center was established in 1952.

It is a place where you get to enjoy arts at its peak. This Art center portrays amazing artworks from different amazing artists.

What kind of art are you looking for? You are bound to find it at Oak Ridge Art Center. This Art Center is thrilling; it is a must-visit.

This is a perfect place to check out if you are visiting with your kids or family. The Art Center features amazing art made by International and local artists. There are also artworks from famous artists.

This Art Center also has educational workshops and programs. Those interested in arts can join this program to enhance their artistry skills.

Address: 201 Badger Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

13. Big Ed’s Pizza

Big Ed's Pizza
Credits: www.petrovvladimir.ru / Shutterstock

Your stay in Oak Ridge will not be complete if you don’t try a pizza or a meal from Big Ed’s Pizza. If you are looking for a place to eat in Oak Ridge, Big Ed’s Pizza is the place for you.

Big Ed’s Pizza has existed since 1970 and has been flourishing and making a name for itself to date.

Ed’s Pizza is located at Jackson Square. Like its name Big Ed’s Pizza, you do not need a soothsayer to tell you that the pizza served here is top-notch.

Apart from their delicious Italian Pizza, they also serve sumptuous meals that will leave you yearning for more.

They are particularly known for the unique taste of their meals and Pizzas, which has made waves since Ed’s Pizza Origin.

Address: 101 Broadway Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

14. TownePlace Suites

TownePlace Suites
Credits: TownePlace Suites by Marriott Oak Ridge/ Facebook
TownePlace Suites

TownePlace Suites is more than a Suite. It is a home away from home. It is one of the best places to book a room while staying at Oak Ridge.

TownePlace Suites grants you the pleasure a home grants a person. It is comfortable, and its interior and exterior are top-notch.

TownePlace Suites is also close to most of the town’s attractions, like the Museum of Science and Energy and the Melton Hill Lake, so you can just take a stroll to these places in your leisure time.

One of the amazing facts about this place is that it is also pet friendly. TownePlace Suites also offer complimentary breakfasts that are nice and tasty. It is most times Oatmeal, Sausage, and eggs.

Address: 300 S Rutgers Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

15. Oak Ridge Playhouse

Oak Ridge Playhouse
Credits: Carol Norquist, NGC Chairman / Flickr
Oak Ridge Playhouse

Among what to do in Oak Ridge, TN, is to attend a show in Oak Ridge Playhouse. The Playhouse is one of the famous and oldest theaters in not just Oak Ridge, TN, but in the Southeast region of America.

Oak Ridge Playhouse came to the limelight in 1943 and has been functional ever since. Oak Ridge Playhouse is always at the top of its game regarding entertainment.

They hold stage plays here at the theater; you have to check their schedules to check what they have to offer for the day.

The Playhouse is a 315-seater theater, so it is big enough to contain lots of people in one go.

They also hold concerts, comedies, musicals, dramas, and many more fascinating events.

Address: 227 Broadway Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

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16. Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement

Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement
Credits: maxpro / Shutterstock

Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement is a historical landmark that has a precious memory in Oak Ridge.

When telling the story of Oak Ridge, The Black Oak Ridge Conservation is one name that must be included.

The Black Oak Ridge Conservation Easement was there when the Manhattan Project started, and it is still there now that it has been established.

Apart from admiring the beauty of this place and its amazing history, there are many other things you can do here, which include biking and hiking.

This place is big and has a long trail that stretches up to 11 miles, so you can enjoy biking to your heart’s content.

Address: Blair Rd, Harriman, TN 37748, USA

17. The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge (CMOR)

Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge (CMOR)
Credits: Brian Stansberry [CC BY-SA 3.0], Wikimedia Commons
Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge (CMOR)
The Children’s Museum Of Oak Ridge is one of the best places in Oak Ridge. It is one of the best places to bring your kids to have a fun-filled and educational day.

The Children’s Museum Of Oak Ridge works in partnership with Museums For All. The Museums For All is a program of the IMLS (The Institute Of Museum And Library Services).

The Children’s Museum is not just for kids but for all, so this is a nice place for a perfect family bonding time. There are also unique antiques you can find here at the museum.

The antiques displayed here are also well explained to people. The Museum is spacious enough to contain lots of people.

Address: 461 W Outer Dr, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

18. Panera Bread

Panera Bread
Credits: WS-Studio / Shutterstock

Panera Bread is a cafe in Oak Ridge. It is one of the best places to get nice pastries in Oak Ridge, TN. The Café offers sandwiches and bread; from its name, you should know that their bread is superb.

They also offer salad, pizzas, beverages, and lots more. The best part of their cafe is that they offer free Wi-Fi.

Panera Bread does not do home delivery; you have to come to dine in or get something to go home with.

They also have a kid’s menu, so you can come with kids. It is guaranteed that they would love this place.

Panera’s Bacon Turkey Bravo Sandwich and Fuji Apple Chicken salad are among the lovely dishes one has to try out in Panera Bread.

Address: 471 S Illinois Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

19. Lavender Festival

Lavender Festival
Credits: Lavender Festival / Shutterstock

The Lavender Festival has to do with celebrating the town’s growth, environment, good health, and herbs. The locals of Oak Ridge love this Festival.

The Festival, always held at Jackson Square, is done every June. So if you are visiting Oak Ridge, TN, at this time, you should include this event on your to-do list.

This Festival will help spice your day, and this is also a nice way to mingle with Oak Ridge Locals as well as the locals of the neighboring towns because some of them are always in attendance.

There are lots of things done at the Lavender Festival. You will get to learn more about Oak Ridge’s history.

At the Lavender Festival, you also get to see local Oak Ridge food vendors and taste most of Oak Ridge’s local dishes.

There are also lots of Artisans in attendance, exhibiting different kinds of handcrafted things.

Attending the Lavender Festival is one of the fun things to do in Oak Ridge, TN.

Address: Jackson Square, Oak Ridge, Tennessee 37830, USA

20. Jefferson Fountain Hamburger Restaurant

Jefferson Fountain Hamburger Restaurant
Credits: BongkarnGraphic / Shutterstock

Jefferson Fountain is a nice restaurant in Oak Ridge. This pastry restaurant offers many things, including hamburgers, bacon, onion strings, cheeseburgers, and lots more.

If you’re a visitor with kids, this is a place to bring your kids. It is guaranteed that they would love it here because lots of the things offered here are kiddie’s favorites.

It would also interest you to know that they also offer ice cream here at the restaurant and varieties of nice biscuits which you can nibble on while having a good time there.

Some other things they offer here are varieties of wine, lemonade, milkshakes, pancakes, and lots more.

Address: 22 N Jefferson Cir, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

21. Comfort Inn Oak Ridge

Comfort Inn Oak Ridge
Credits: Comfort Inn Oak Ridge – Knoxville (Oak Ridge, TN) / Facebook
Comfort Inn Oak Ridge

Comfort Inn is an amazing hotel worth visiting in Oak Ridge, TN. Just like its name, Comfort Inn, you should know that your comfortability is their utmost concern.

Comfort Inn has unique features, including an outdoor pool and gym, where you can exercise your body or relax in the pool. Comfort Inn has free Wi-Fi and furnished coffee facilities in each room for their guests.

You are bound to enjoy your stay at Comfort Inn. It is also close to the American Museum Of Science And Energy.

This Inn is also ideal for movie lovers because the Inn has cable TVs with Pay-per-view movies.

Comfort Inn is also close to the town’s shopping center, so you could just take a stroll to the Shopping Center to get whatever you want.

The Inn is also ideal for business meetings for business-class people. Your experience here would be mind-blowing.

Address: 433 S Rutgers Ave, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

22. Melton Lake Park

Melton Lake Park
Credits: Melinda Fawver / Shutterstock
Melton Lake Park

Melton Lake Park is a fascinating adventure location that one must explore.

Melton Lake Park is a vast park that covers up to 173 miles of shoreline. The Park is also famous for being one of the best 2,000-meter rowing venues in the United States.

You could come here kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up Paddleboarding. You can also hang around the water and enjoy the fresh air, watching people enjoy themselves.

Melton Lake Park is a great place to unwind and take a break from stress. It also has a greenway that is great for biking, walking, running, and lots more.

Address: Melton Lake Drive, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

23. Holiday Inn Express and Suites

Holiday Inn Express and Suites
Credits: Holiday Inn Express & Suites Knoxville West – Oak Ridge / Facebook
Holiday Inn Express and Suites

Holiday Inn Express is a nice Inn in Oak Ridge. Holiday Inn is comfortable and is sure to suit your taste. The staff here are friendly and welcoming.

The hotel is also close to major attractions in Oak Ridge, like the Department of Energy Facilities and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The Inn is also close to nice restaurants and shopping centers. It is an excellent place to spend your visit to Oak Ridge.

The surroundings of the Inn are also lovely and nice, and the air is nice too.

Address: 114 Tulsa Road, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA

Explore other parts of Tennessee, Check out our list of things to do in Maryvillethings to do in Jackson, and things to do in Chattanooga.

Plan Your Trip to Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is an amazing tourist destination, you can find here amazing structures and lots of history.

Oak Ridge is also known for their love for science, and you are bound to learn lots of things here. Don’t hesitate to check it out.