Knoxville Walking Tours

Guided Knoxville walking tours let you live the stories of pioneers, soldiers, outlaws, and even fictional characters who walked these streets before you.

Take a stroll through history in beautiful downtown Knoxville while listening to true tales of the heroes, heels, and hardened criminals that are part of the hidden lore of this unique East Tennessee town.

Let us tell you a story. . .

Available Tours

Knox Heritage

BEGINNING MARCH 1, 2024

Open tuesday and thursdays 10am – 4pm & fridays 10am – 2pm.

Whether interested in history, architecture, art, or historic preservation, Westwood will capture the imagination. Our gracious, well-informed volunteer docents give Westwood tours a personal touch.

Tours are at the top of each hour.

  • Tuesday at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm

Thursday at 10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm

Friday at 10am, 11am, 12pm, and 1pm.

Westwood will be closed on the following dates. Please plan your visit accordingly.

  • Tuesday, April 2 – closing at 1pm
  • Thursday, July 4
  • Friday, September 20
  • Friday, October 25
  • Thursday, November 28
  • Thursday, November 29
  • Tuesday, December 24 – Tuesday, December 31

Adult (18+): $10.00

Children: Free

Cash is accepted along with all major credit cards.

You may purchase tickets in advance HERE . Simply show the docent your digital receipt.

3425 Kingston Pike Knoxville, Tennessee

(865) 523-8008

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Historic Westwood is a member of Historic Artists’ Homes and Studios, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

HISTORIC WESTWOOD IS BEING SUPPORTED IN WHOLE OR IN PART, BY FEDERAL AWARD NUMBER 21.027 AWARDED TO THE CITY OF KNOXVILLE BY THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF TREASURY AND THE ARTS & CULTURE ALLIANCE.

Take Me to Tennessee

The 10 Best Tours to Take in Knoxville, Tennessee

By: Author Laurin

Posted on Last updated: September 14, 2023

Categories Activities , Knoxville , Northeast Tennessee

Best Tours in Knoxville TN Take Me to TN Pinterest Pin

Booking a tour from our list of best tours in Knoxville will have you exploring the city of Knoxville and beyond!

Tours can take away the stresses of decision-making on things to do while visiting a new city, giving you more time to explore.

Situated almost exactly halfway between the Great Smoky Mountains and the Cumberland Plateau, Knoxville has all the charm of a mountain town.

It’s also one of the largest urban hubs in Appalachia, drawing visitors with its scenery, abundance of restaurants, breweries and distilleries, shopping, live music, nightlife, hotels , and sports.

Skyline of Knoxville TN with the sunset and Knoxville Sunsphere in the background

With so much to see and do indoors and out, one of the best ways to truly experience The Marble City is by booking some of the best tours in Knoxville .

Knoxville tours cover the gamut of interests, from moonshine and local craft beer to aerial helicopter tours and the stunning Great Smoky Mountains National Park, just an hour away.

Keep reading to see what tours are offered in and around Knoxville below!

Table of Contents

The 10 Best Tours in Knoxville, Tennessee

1. a taste of knoxville brew hop.

Craft Beers under colorful taps at Pretentious Beer Company for a brew hop tour in knoxville tn

Knoxville is renowned for its craft beer scene , offering a vast variety of incredible settings to enjoy a brew. In fact, the city has its very own Knoxville Ale Trail , with more than 30 breweries!

This brew hop is unique among tours in Knoxville, allowing you to DIY your very own brewery crawl ! You can pick your starting and ending points, and spend however much time you’d like at each spot. Five local favorites including Printshop Beer Co. (try a sour!) and Elst Brewing Co. are included. 

Not only does this Knoxville tour offer a flexible schedule that you create yourself, but it also includes all five destinations at a fixed rate. In other words, hop on and off the bus visiting as many breweries as your heart desires, all for one flat rate!

Combined with free water and wi-fi on the bus, and free cancellation up until 24 hours before, it’s easy to see why this is rated as one of the best tours in Knoxville!

Book A Taste of Knoxville Brew Hop Tour Here 🍺

2. Knoxville Scavenger Hunt: Knoxville’s Perfect Blend

The skyline of Knoxville where you can go on a scavenger hunt tour

A real-life scavenger hunt is the perfect way to discover Knoxville’s rich history and cultural attractions.

This tour weaves through some of Knoxville’s most notable locations , all stitched together with super fun clues, riddles, and challenges. Interesting spots in the city, like Bijou Theater and Blount Mansion, are even more fun to explore when there’s a bit of adventure added!

Designed for a group of friends or family , the challenges range from taking silly pictures together to testing your knowledge with some tricky trivia.

Best of all, the scavenger hunt has a team-building energy and friendly competition element, perfect for bringing loved ones together — something not all tours in Knoxville can claim!

Everything is done through an app, so there’s no need to worry about scheduling an exact time. Simply check the forecast, wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and hit the streets!

This excursion involves walking but is also wheelchair- and stroller-accessible. 

Book the Knoxville Scavenger Hunt Here 🔎

3. Knoxville’s Country Music Heritage: A Self-Guided Audio Tour

Exploring downtown Knoxville TN on a self-guided walking tour

Nashville may be more closely associated with music, but Knoxville boasts its own vibrant heritage.

Performers like Elvis Presley and Dolly Parton have done noteworthy performances in Knoxville! To get an authentic taste of this rich history, embark on a self-guided walking tour through the heart of the city .

For just $6, this low-commitment activity vividly tells the remarkable stories of various venues and historic buildings in pleasant downtown Knoxville.

It touches on how the city contributed to country music, through home-grown talent and performers who accelerated their careers here.

This Knoxville tour lasts up to 1.5 hours and weaves through several downtown blocks. Make sure to wear appropriate, comfortable footwear and check the forecast.

Book the Country Music Heritage Tour Here 🤠

4. Knoxville Food Tours

Rack of ribs and sides at Sweet P's restaurant in Knoxville TN for a Knoxville Food Tour

We couldn’t talk about the best tours in Knoxville without including Knoxville Food Tours !

In just a few hours on this fun and flavorful experience, you’ll get a literal taste of The South.

The diverse sampling of Knoxville’s best restaurants includes Southern and Appalachian classics, plus some surprises.

This is a walking tour (about one mile total), so it also presents an excellent way to get the lay of the land of downtown Knoxville.

Local historian and author Paula Johnson leads the tours through Market Square and Gay Street. You’ll visit 4-6 establishments, depending on the time of year and itinerary.

Tours are held Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, and last 2.5-3 hours.

Please note that alcoholic beverages are available but not included in the tour price. Be sure to bring some extra money to cover that, as well as gratuity for your guide! However, tips for individual restaurant servers are included.

Other Tours Near Knoxville (Within an Hour’s Drive)

5. sharing nature with children.

People exploring the woods on a guided tour through the smoky mountains national park

Traveling with little ones and not quite sure how best to dive into Knoxville’s beautiful natural surroundings? This immersive tour pairs families with experienced, child-oriented guides!

The activities are hands-on and intuitive, leading to smiles from the kiddos and adults alike.

From face-painting with rocks to learning about settler history and salamander hunting, participants consistently comment that these tours thoroughly entertain everyone .

4-hour tours start at a highly-rated cafe (perfect for an adult caffeine fix!) and continue on to Great Smoky Mountains National Park . The guide does an incredible job selecting a trail that feels like an adventure but is also approachable for all ages and experience levels.

Keep in mind that getting a bit muddy is part of the fun (one of the things that makes this one of the most memorable tours in Knoxville!), so bring a change of clothes.

Book the Sharing Nature with Children Tour Here 🌱

6. Family-Friendly Floating Tour at the Smokies

adults and children rafting down the pigeon river with rafting in the smokies tour

When the infamous East Tennessee heat sets in, it’s time to hit the river! This rafting tour, led by a knowledgeable guide, combines just enough adrenaline to get the heart pumping with some excellent calm swimming holes.

Safety is paramount, as this tour near Knoxville is specifically for families with children three and older , so you can rest assured the trip isn’t too intense. The rafts each accommodate up to eight people, so they’re large enough for the entire family.

In addition to expertly navigating through class I and II rapids (gentle), the tour stops at a small island with games, nature trails, and excellent spots to kick back and relax. The entire float spans six miles of the river, plenty to see amazing scenery but also very manageable!

Many participants note they love the guides, who add a personable twist that makes the experience even more entertaining.

The tour departs from a launch point along the Pigeon River, just under an hour’s drive from Knoxville . Rafts go out rain or shine, but if the forecast looks especially bad, you can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.

Book this Floating Tour in the Smokies Here 🚣

7. Tickets to Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show

man climbing up pole at the paula deens lumberjack feud show

Want to witness a truly unique cultural attraction? Book a ticket to watch a lively event filled with talented lumberjacks sawing, hacking, climbing, and even jousting in front of a live audience!

The family-friendly show features 13 individual events over 90 minutes. Audience interaction is strongly encouraged and oftentimes, kids get to join in on the fun!

The show is in Pigeon Forge , a charming town 40 minutes from Knoxville. It’s filled with excellent options for dining and drinking, so you can make a whole night of it and hit the town before or after.

Like many other tours in or near Knoxville, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours beforehand, so book your preferred date and time ASAP — tickets do often sell out.

Book Paula Deen’s Lumberjack Feud Show Here 🪓

8. Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour

Helicopter tour flying over the smoky mountains at sunset in Pigeon Forge TN

Most tours hit the road…but how about one that flies the skies? This helicopter flight soars over the treetops of the Smokies, offering excellent vistas and adrenaline-inducing fun .

Referred to as the “Ridge Runner,” this 15-minute flight traverses the Chilhowee mountain range and offers a birds-eye view of Pigeon Forge and Sevierville.

In addition to flying the helicopter, the pilot points out fascinating details about the region, both in historical and natural aspects.

Although many people think sunny weather is best, misty days offer an unforgettable experience! Similar to other Knoxville tours, free cancellation means rescheduling is easy when the forecast is grim!

Book the Ridge Runner Helicopter Tour Here 🚁

9. Pigeon Forge Wine and Moonshine Tour

Brew Bus Knoxville bus tour parked in front of the sunsphere in Knoxville TN

Knoxville may be known for its craft beer scene, but outside the city, it’s all about moonshine !

The Brewery Hop organizers, one of the tours in Knoxville mentioned earlier, also offer this highly-rated excursion to Pigeon Forge.

The bus stops at two wineries and two distilleries (so it’s especially handy that transportation is taken care of!). Between all four tasting rooms, you’ll try red and white wines, plus nearly a dozen varieties of locally-produced moonshine. 

After sampling a variety of beverages, the tour even includes a behind-the-scenes look at production. So while the experience involves a fair amount of tipsy fun, it’s also culturally enriching!

In addition to the personable bar staff, you’ll have an outgoing driver/guide who gives background on each stop.

Book this Pigeon Forge Wine & Moonshine Tour Here 🍷

10. Great Smoky Mountains National Park Self-Driving Tour

road through the smoky mountains surrounded by fall foliage perfect for a self-guided tour in KNoxville

A trip to Knoxville simply isn’t complete without a visit to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park!

In an expansive park with many sections, it can be overwhelming to figure out what to see first. Instead, book a self-guided tour with a pre-planned route to take care of the details!

This Knoxville “tour” is actually an app with an itinerary and accompanying audio narration for a relaxing drive.

It even downloads offline, so there’s no need to worry about cell signal! Simply drive to the starting point and hit play. Best of all, it’s only $15 per vehicle! 

The narration covers Cherokee history, with added immersion through animated clips in the app. It also includes wildlife descriptions and stops at some of the park’s most breathtaking sights.

Think of iconic Clingman’s Dome and Rainbow Falls. With a starting point less than an hour from Knoxville, this tour is a totally doable day trip!

Book the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Tour Here 🚙

Which of these best tours in Knoxville intrigues you the most? Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Featured Image Credit: Brew Bus Knoxville

Knoxville Tours

15 Day Canyonlands

Sunset light breaks through storm clouds to illuminate the canyon walls below Green River Overlook in the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park, Utah.

Price for this Tour

Single: $4,295

Twin: $3,370

Triple: $3,200

7 Meals Included

Additional information.

Tour# 23024

September 10-24, 2023

Overnight Stops

Elk City, OK

Albuquerque, NM

Kayenta, AZ

Springdale, UT

Bryce, UT (2)

Montrose, CO

La Junta, CO

Dodge City, KS

Kansas City, MO

Paducah, KY

Tour Highlights

Oklahoma city national monument, national cowboy & western heritage museum, cadillac ranch, old town albuquerque shopping, cross continental divide, monument valley jeep tour, lunch at goulding’s trading post, glenn canyon dam, zion national park, lunch at zion lodge, tour bryce canyon national park, lunch at ruby’s , western show an dinner at ruby’s, escalante national monument, capitol reef national park, picnic lunch in capitol reef park, arches national park, colorado national monument, black canyon of the gunnison national park, boot hill museum, guided tour of dodge city, kansas underground salt museum, lunch at airport steak house, dinner at patti’s restaurant paducah, ky, if you are interested in this tour, please fill out the information below and we will get back to you..

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Tyler Childers in Knoxville: What to know before you go to Thompson-Boling Arena concert

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After four years, bluegrass artist Tyler Childers is returning to Knoxville to play Thompson-Boling Arena at Food City Center. Here's what to expect.

Tyler Childers 2024 tour details

Childers' stop in Knoxville on April 16 occurs as part of his "Mule Pull '24" world tour, promoting Childers' 2023 album "Rustin' in the Rain." This will be Childers' 20th show in the tour.

Childers' first round of tour tickets sold out quickly, according to American Songwriter, and due to the high demand, Childers released 24 additional dates in October to provide fans more opportunities to attend. However, Ticketmaster shows some tickets for the Knoxville show are still available.

According to Ticketmaster, $1 of each ticket sold for Tuesday's event will be donated to The Hickman Holler Appalachian Relief Fund, established in 2020 by Childers and his wife, Senora May. The fund aims to "bring awareness and financial support for philanthropic efforts in the Appalachian Region," with donations going toward "ongoing efforts in education, civil rights and addiction recovery," according to its website.

How long is a Tyler Childers' concert? What to expect

Childers will be playing alongside his band the Food Stamps Tuesday night.

In 2019, Childers performed in Knoxville for the Rhythm N' Blooms festival , and in 2020, with Sturgill Simpson as part of their collaborative "A Good Look'n Tour," according to Rolling Stone.

This is Childers' first time playing in Knoxville since he's stopped playing fan-favorite song "Feathered Indians." He last played the song in March 2020, just a few days after performing in Knoxville, according to the website setlist.fm.

Based on recent setlists , it's likely Tuesday's show will feature songs from "Rustin' in the Rain," in addition to other historically popular songs like "All Your'n" and "Lady May." The average length of a Childers concert is about two hours.

Who's opening for Tyler Childers?

Alt-country band 49 Winchester will kick off Childers' show at Food City Center. According to Childers' tour announcement on Facebook, the group is scheduled to join the tour April 15 in Birmingham, Ala.

While they won't be accompanying Childers at Thompson-Boling, Knoxville's own Adeem the Artist is slated to open several of Childers' shows during the tour this summer.

Where to park for Tyler Childers at Thompson-Boling arena?

Parking areas located near Thompson-Boling will be available for attendees to use. Nearby staff and commuter lots will convert to concert parking at 4 p.m. Tuesday.

Event parking will cost $20, and cash is no longer accepted, so be sure to take a card if you plan to utilize a paid lot.

Additional parking information is available on the UT website .

What can I bring with me?

Thompson-Boling Arena has a clear bag policy that allows guests to bring clear, plastic bags no bigger than 12 inches by 6 inches by 12 inches. Small bags and wallets no larger than 4.5 inches by 6.5 inches will be allowed.

A full list of arena policies, including prohibited items, can be found on its website .

Hayden Dunbar is the storyteller reporter. Email [email protected].

Support strong local journalism by subscribing at knoxnews.com/subscribe.

IMAGES

  1. The Top 10 Knoxville Tours, Tickets & Activities 2024

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  2. Guided & Self-Guided Tours in Knoxville, TN

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  4. Cinders Travels

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  5. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Knoxville (Updated 2024)

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  6. Knoxville Outdoor Tours Offers A Pro’s View of the Trails

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COMMENTS

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    Knoxville Tours, Knoxville, Tennessee. 1,941 likes · 139 talking about this · 15 were here. Here at 'Knoxville Tours' - We offer many years of travel experience through our Motorcoach Tours. If...

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    "I organized a 2019 tour of the South for 30 Northerners. All the Knoxville Tours staff and our fabulous driver Suzanne Page could not have been more helpful and professional. We had reserved for a 2020 repeat trip when COVID shutdown our plans. We are intending to travel with Knoxville Tours in 2022 when we try our trip again.

  3. Tours

    Tours by Date. Need to get away but are limited by the time you have available? Take a look at our trips by date and see where our tours are off to. It is time to take a vacation. Where do you want to go? Knoxville Tours has packages put together for destinations around the United States.

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    Visit Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee. 118,987 likes · 224 talking about this · 1,614 were here. Welcome to Knoxville: a-nature-loving-adventure-seeking-artsy-kinda town!

  5. Visit Knoxville

    Attractions. Several of Knoxville's attractions are offering virtual tours through Facebook and Instagram Live amongst other activities: Zoo Knoxville has been "Bringing the Zoo to YOU" - see zookeepers take care of the animals and other behind-the-scenes shenanigans. The Zoo's neighbor The Muse has been doing a "Daily Aha Moment ...

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    Knoxville Walking Tours. 1,355 likes · 7 talking about this. KnoxvilleWalkingTours.com Guided walking tours of downtown Knoxville featuring pioneers, Civil War, gunslingers, literary legends, and... Knoxville Walking Tours

  7. About Us

    Knoxville Tours has travelled millionsof miles and brought the joy of travel to thousands of satisfied customers. Some travelers have been on as manyas 30, 40 and even 50 tours over the years. We know you give a lot of thought to travel decisions and our catalog is designed to give you all the informationat your fingertips. Shirley has produced ...

  8. Guided & Self-Guided Tours in Knoxville, TN

    From fly- fishing to food, boos to brews, we have lots of options to educate and entertain. Knoxville is a very easy city to navigate, whether on foot or cruising around town. Add some entertainment and education to your day with one or more of these tours. For more information, contact the Downtown Visitors Center. POPULAR TOURS.

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  10. Historic Downtown Knoxville Walking Tour

    A self-guided walking tour featuring 70 historic buildings throughout downtown Knoxville. Check out the tour below or stop in at the Knoxville Visitors Center to pick up a brochure. About Us

  11. Knoxville Tours

    Knoxville Tours, Knoxville, Tennessee. 1,902 likes · 2 talking about this · 15 were here. Here at 'Knoxville Tours' - We offer many years of travel experience through our Motorcoach Tours Knoxville Tours | Knoxville TN

  12. By Date

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  13. Knoxville Walking Tours

    Guided Knoxville walking tours let you live the stories of pioneers, soldiers, outlaws, and even fictional characters who walked these streets before you. Take a stroll through history in beautiful downtown Knoxville while listening to true tales of the heroes, heels, and hardened criminals that are part of the hidden lore of this unique East ...

  14. Tours

    Adult (18+): $10.00. Children: Free. Cash is accepted along with all major credit cards. You may purchase tickets in advance HERE. Simply show the docent your digital receipt. 3425 Kingston Pike. Knoxville, Tennessee. (865) 523-8008. Historic Westwood is a member of Historic Artists' Homes and Studios, a program of the National Trust for ...

  15. The 10 Best Tours to Take in Knoxville, Tennessee

    The 10 Best Tours in Knoxville, Tennessee. 1. A Taste of Knoxville Brew Hop. Credit: Pretentious Beer Company. Knoxville is renowned for its craft beer scene, offering a vast variety of incredible settings to enjoy a brew. In fact, the city has its very own Knoxville Ale Trail, with more than 30 breweries!

  16. THE TOP 10 Knoxville Tours & Excursions (UPDATED 2024)

    Knoxville Scavenger Hunt: Knoxville's Perfect Blend. 4. Get to know the art, history, and culture of Houston on this scavenger hunt of Knoxville. This is an app-led hunt, where you and your group of up to 10 friends uncover clues and answer trivia questions to get from place to place. Highlights will be Bijou Theater, Blout Mansion, and Krutch ...

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  18. Knoxville Food Tours

    Enhance your time in Historic Downtown with Knoxville's Award Winning, Original Tour! Enjoy a complete Knoxville experience in just a few hours. Sample signature dishes from a rotating selection of new and iconic Knoxville restaurants featuring local, regional, Southern & Appalachian cuisine. Add pairings of beer from local and craft breweries, wine flights, craft cocktails, Tennessee ...

  19. Canyonlands

    15 Day Canyonlands Previous Next Price for this Tour Single: $4,295 Twin: $3,370 Triple: $3,200 7 Meals Included Additional Information Tour# 23024 Dates September 10-24, 2023 Overnight Stops Conway, AR Elk City, OK Albuquerque, NM Kayenta, AZ Page, AZ Springdale, UT Bryce, UT (2) Moab, UT Montrose, CO La Junta, CO Dodge City, KS Kansas […]

  20. Full Calendar!

    Knox Brew Tours, Knoxville, TN, USA (865) 951-6883 [email protected]. Our Mission Statement: We create one-of-a-kind experiences to entertain, educate, and connect all people to the Knoxville area beer community. 865-951-6883 | [email protected] Home ...

  21. Tyler Childers in Knoxville: What to expect at Thompson-Boling concert

    Childers' stop in Knoxville on April 16 occurs as part of his "Mule Pull '24" world tour, promoting Childers' 2023 album "Rustin' in the Rain." This will be Childers' 20th show in the tour.

  22. Kern's Food Hall Opens in South Knoxville, Revives Historic Bakery

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