Oak Ridge Attractions
22 mi. west of Knoxville is Oak Ridge (pop. 27,000), which along with Alamo was involved in the development of the atom bomb. It is still an important center of nuclear research. The National Laboratory's graphite reactor produced uranium in the form required for the bomb (exhibition). The National Museum of Science and Energy illustrates and explains the development of atomic energy.
American Museum of Science and Energy
The American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge was originally named the American Museum of Atomic Energy and offered guided tours that took visitors through the peaceful uses of atomic energy. Today, the display areas focus on the history of the WWII Manhattan project which created Oak Ridge and uses of fossil fuels and other alternative energy sources.
All values are in United States Dollars
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 13:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
| Adult | $ 5.00 |
| Senior over 65 | $ 4.00 |
| Child 17 & under | $ 3.00 |
| Child 5 & under | FREE |
Facilities
Gift shop
Children's Museum of Oak Ridge
The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge is a hands-on cultural center that focuses on the heritage of the southern Appalachia. Exhibits include reconstructed and furnished 1880s log cabins.
Children's Museum of Oak Ridge
461 West Outer Drive
Oak Ridge, TN 37830-3700
United States
461 West Outer Drive
Oak Ridge, TN 37830-3700
United States
Phone 1 (865) 482-1074
Fax 1 (865) 481-4889
Hours
June 1 to August 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 | 13:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
September 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 10:00 | 13:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Graphite Reactor
The Graphite Reactor at Oak Ridge produced the first electricity from nuclear energy. It was built during WWII as part of the Manhattan Project and remained active until 1963.
Oak Ridge Art Center
The Oak Ridge Art Center is a regional fine arts museum with a world class collection of modern and contemporary prints, paintings, and sculpture.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 13:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 13:00 | 13:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Always closed on:
New Year's Day (January 1)
American Independance Day (July 4)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
American Independance Day (July 4)
Thanksgiving - USA (4th Thursday, November )
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
University of Tennessee Arboretum
The Arboretum at the University of Tennessee in Oak Ridge has more than 800 species of trees, shrubs and flowering plants. Major collections include pines, magnolias, dogwoods and willows. The area has several walking trails.
