Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center

'...a place where living with the earth and caring for the earth become one and the same.'

Welcome to one of Tennessee's top natural attractions, Ijams Nature Center. This urban nature park holds 12 miles of trails, an education center, gardens, rock formations, wetlands, and even a ziplines and ropes course. When it comes to outdoor recreation and education, this should be your number one spot while in or around Knoxville.

Within the boundaries of Ijams, your group will find 315 acres of protected wildlife sanctuary, this nature center the perfect spot to learn and connect with nature or simply relax and enjoy a couple of blissful hours. Your group may want to participate in any environmental education programs taking place, visit the education center to learn more info on pollinator gardens and host plants, or enjoy a picnic at any of the several outstanding overlooks throughout. Your group can also hike, bike, paddle or climb, or opt-in for a few hours at the Zipline and Ropes course here onsite, a ticket discount is given if you book the excursion as a combo with Zoo Knoxville. 

Here are some additional things you will find during your Ijams exploration:

  • Restored and repurposed marble quarries
  • Tennessee River boardwalk
  • Historic cemetery
  • Wooded groves
  • Nature playscapes
  • Natural surface trails
  • Wildflower fields
  • Several creeks

Ijams Nature Center has been ranked as a top 3 attraction by TripAdvisor, earned a Certificate of Excellence in 2016, and have been featured in News-Sentinel, USA Today, and NY Times as a noteworthy family fun attraction in Tennessee. The park is just 3 miles from downtown and holds picnic spots and an onsite gift shop.