Parks & Pets
You don’t have to sacrifice green to live downtown.
Downtown Knoxville makes outdoor living a priority, not only with the amount of green space, but with its way of life. Outdoor spaces are waiting for you to enjoy every day, and you’ll see them come to life throughout the year with art and music festivals, markets, and other outdoor events.
Krutch Park
Catch the shade in Krutch Park, a little oasis in the heart of downtown connecting Market Square to Gay Street. It’s home to trees that change with the seasons, a waterfall and rippling stream, and plenty of benches to sit and enjoy your coffee. It’s also home to a rotating display of Dogwood Arts’ “Art in Public Places” exhibit. In all the serenity you can find excitement too! There’s a splash pad running along the park at Gay Street, and it’s home to many festivals and events from art to history to seasonal celebrations.
World’s Fair Park
World’s Fair Park, home to the 1982 World’s Fair Exhibition, has had a special place in Knoxville’s heart ever since. It’s a sprawling green space of over 15 acres with a beautiful water feature, playground, veterans’ memorial, performance lawn, and of course, the beloved Sunsphere! On any given day, you'll find kids of all ages with pets, frisbees and soccer balls; children enjoying the splash pad and playground; and families relaxing with a picnic. On other days, music, food, and drink festivals – and the occasional llama race – bring the park to life.
In the center of the park, in the shadow of the Sunsphere, is an open-air amphitheater. The amphitheater hosts concerts and events throughout the year, but it’s also just a great place to take a break in the shade.
Volunteer Landing
Stretching along the Tennessee River, Volunteer Landing is a perfect jumping off point to enjoy the riverfront. While walking, running, and biking are lovely ways to spend time here, you can do so much more! From splash pads and swings to fishing and water sports, it’s a special part of Knoxville’s Urban Wilderness. The Neyland Greenway winds along the waterfront connecting to other greenways, so you can walk or bike for miles.
Market Square
While not technically a “green” space, Market Square is certainly a space that Knoxville makes the most of throughout the year. Flanked with outdoor patios, Market Square offers some of the best people watching in town. From street performers, summer music concerts, festivals, farmers’ market, fall movies, and holiday ice skating, it offers year-round outdoor activities. And on the south side of the Square, huge oak trees line a stone pathway providing shade for the lawn below.
PetSafe Dog Park
Right in the heart of downtown there’s a safe place for you to take your furry family members. Your dogs can play, run, and meet new friends. The dog park isn’t the only place for them – they are welcome just about everywhere downtown! There are over 40 pet-friendly patios, a pet provisions store, and so many dog-lovers we know your pup is going to think, “I love being a city dog.”
Cradle of Country Music Park
This half-acre triangle shaped park is in the process of being redesigned to become a beautiful green space between Gay Street and the Old City. A site-specific piece of public art will be installed, landscaping will be transformed, and once complete, this park will shine! We’re excited about this investment that will revitalize the Cradle of Country Music Park.
Connection to Urban Wilderness
Within minutes of downtown, Knoxville's Urban Wilderness awaits. Over 50 miles of trails and greenways connect you to a nature center, lakes, quarries, playgrounds, city parks and wildlife areas. You can hike, bike, climb, paddle or just wander in the woods. Have the best of both worlds – urban and wilderness!