Must See Sights and Landmarks in Devils Den Area

"In 1982, the city of Knoxville hosted the World’s Fair, sloganed Energy Turns The World. The organizers worked together with architects local to the area to create an impressive structure that would thematically bring the sun – the greatest source of energy – down to earth and into what we now call World’s Fair Park. The result of this project was The Sunsphere, a huge round object fitted with reflexive glass pane panels, layered with dusted gold, balanced on a tower of hexagonal shape."

"Constructed for the 1982 World’s Fair, the Knoxville Sunsphere is a 266ft-high (81m) steel structure with a 75ft (23m) gold glass sphere. The fourth level has an observation deck that gives visitors a 360-degree view of downtown Knoxville, the Tennessee River and the Great Smoky Mountains."

"This Knoxville landmark was built for the 1982 World’s Fair. It became a local favorite and stands to this day. After the World’s Fair ended, the Sunsphere closed its doors and remained vacant until 2007."

"James White was the founder of Knoxville, and now you can see how he would have lived by visiting his former house, known as the James White Fort. The home is the perfect place to learn all about frontier life, and you can enjoy hands on displays here like cooking, spinning, and even blacksmith workshops. There are also special holiday events here at this working life museum such as ghost tours around Halloween, so make sure to check out what is on when you are in town."

"As the founder of Knoxville, James White’s name is all around the city: the James White Parkway, the James White Greenway, and the James White Memorial Civic Coliseum. His house is a simple log structure surrounded by a stockade fence, which he built in the 1780s. He then donated the land around his home to create the city Knoxville, which then became the capital of the Southwest Territory and later briefly the capital of the state of Tennessee."

"The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame pays tribute to women’s basketball and all the women who have pushed the game beyond its gender-specific popularity. See old photographs, club rings, historic stories and other iconic items of the game belonging to the women who shaped the game’s pro-feminism status. If you love basketball, history or simply want to see a one-of-a-kind, inspiring ...Read more"

"The Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame is one of the fun things to do in Knoxville, Tennessee. On its rooftop, you’ll see the biggest basketball in the world, making it easily spotted from far away. It’s a great place to get inspired and a spot in the city that sports lovers shouldn’t miss."

"Different from the rest of the Great Smoky Mountain fire towers, which are made of metal, the Mount Cammerer fire tower is made of timber and native rock. It looks like it could be a home in Maine with its round shape and vast windows and surrounding deck. Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930’s, the tower was restored through in the mid 1990’s."

"The hike to Mt. Cammerer is also considered difficult because of its 11.9-mile roundtrip length. Along your hike to the top, you’ll definitely see the fall colors in the trees. You’ll also pass the trail that leads to the Appalachian Trail, and there are plenty of rocky parts."

"To start the day, we are getting deep out into the Great Smoky Mountains. Mount Cammerer is a high peak that you can hike to the very apex of."

"It’s nearing the end of your second day in Gatlinburg, but before you go to dinner, head up to the observation deck of the Gatlinburg Space Needle. In the evening, the Space Needle’s 360-degree view of the Parkway and the surrounding area is unbelievable. No trip to Gatlinburg is complete without going to the top of the Space Needle and seeing the Parkway lit up. For even more fun, hop on one of the glass elevators and check out Arcadia, a 25,000 square-foot recreation center with an arcade, laser tag and a hurricane simulator."

"The Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle is another wonderful destination for live entertainment in Gatlinburg. The Iris is currently hosting Impossibilities: An Evening of Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem."

"Conveniently located near Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Knoxville, Kyker Farms has been owned and operated by the Kyker Family for more than 200 years."

"The Iris Theater at the Gatlinburg Space Needle is another wonderful destination for live entertainment in Gatlinburg. The Iris is currently hosting Impossibilities: An Evening of Magic, Mindreading, and Mayhem."

"The Tennessee Theater dates from 1928 when it was charmingly referred to as a ‘movie palace’. Nowadays the theater is still an icon thanks to its Spanish-Moorish style of architecture, and you will find period antiques here like the original crystal chandeliers as well as marble floors and Asian textiles. If you are looking for some culture in Knoxville, then this is one of the best places to find it, as you can expect classic films, musical concerts, and Broadway shows."

"The Tennessee Theater was once called a movie palace upon its opening in 1928. Since then, its iconic nature has only grown, making it one of the places to visit for entertainment and architecture!. It’s also on the National Register of Historic Places."

"Inexpensive Traditional American Restaurant Waffle House is placed in the city center. This Traditional American Restaurant is perfect for Family-Friendly Dining, Late Night Dining and Breakfast. Waffle House is open 24/7."