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Always More to Explore

Born in war and rich in natural beauty, Oak Ridge is the “Secret City” with a big story to tell. From the peaceful waterfront to the innovative achievements, there is always more to explore in Oak Ridge.

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Pressed for Time? Check out some of our curated Iteneraries below!

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Historical Vault

Clinton Engineer Works

In 1943, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, then known only as the Clinton Engineer Works, was conspicuously absent from any map. On 60,000 acres of farmland framed by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it was one of the United States’ three secret cities—remote sites chosen by Manhattan Project director Gen. Leslie Groves, evacuated of their civilian inhabitants, and developed for the specific purpose of producing an atomic bomb. The men and women of the Clinton Engineer Works would help provide the material for the bomb.

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Manhattan Project Park

Historical Vault

Clinton Engineer Works

In 1943, Oak Ridge, Tennessee, then known only as the Clinton Engineer Works, was conspicuously absent from any map. On 60,000 acres of farmland framed by the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, it was one of the United States’ three secret cities—remote sites chosen by Manhattan Project director Gen. Leslie Groves, evacuated of their civilian inhabitants, and developed for the specific purpose of producing an atomic bomb. The men and women of the Clinton Engineer Works would help provide the material for the bomb.

More History

Manhattan Project Park

Big Ed’s Pizza Celebrates 50 Years in Oak Ridge, TN

Today, February 3, 2020 marks the 50th anniversary of Oak Ridge’s renowned family owned pizza restaurant, Big Ed’s. Big Ed's has been a fixture of the Oak Ridge community since 1970 when Ed Neusel, his wife Ginger, and their three sons converted the old Service Drug Store to where Big Ed’s still stands today. [...]

Crafter’s Brew Voted Best Sports Bar in the State!

Did you know that Oak Ridge’s Crafter’s Brew was voted the best sports bar in the state by Yelp? It’s true! Crafter’s brew is a combination of “sports bar, pub, and casual backyard hangout spot all in one.” While Oak Ridge has an abundance of recreational areas, history and activities to enjoy - there’s [...]

Musky with a Southern Accent

Blog Post Provided by Steven Paul Here in the South we call them Musky, while in northern states such as Minnesota and Wisconsin many opt for the spelling: Muskie. The Ojibwa First Nations tribe named them Maashkinoozhe, while some folksy old-timers still refer to them as Jacks. Regardless of native tongue or physical location, [...]

Oak Ridge: The Most Secret U.S. National Park by USA Today

"At the same time Hanford scientists were refining plutonium, Oak Ridge, Tennessee technologists were refining uranium. The Manhattan Project sites lie within the boundaries of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which puts visitors through security paces. Public bus tours venture beyond the gates weekdays from March to November, and reservations must be made in advance. [...]

Oak Ridge Family Makes Running a Tradition

Oak Ridge school teacher and city council member Jim Dodson has made a family tradition out of participating in the Secret City Half Marathon and 5k. For the past five years, Dodson, along with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law have been running this event together. Find out what makes that special for the Dodson [...]