Home Page - Explore Oak Ridge

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.

Getting Here

Trip Ideas

More to Explore in the Museums

Oak Ridge is home to four outstanding museums, sure to delight both children and adults. The American Museum of Science and Energy is newly remodeled and reimagined, the K-25 History Museum is brand new for 2020 and an absolute must-see, the Oak Ridge Children’s Museum is a wonderful museum built with kids in mind, and the Oak Ridge History Museum showcases the people’s history of Oak Ridge.

Watch this video, and make your plans to spend a couple of days exploring the museums of the Secret City.

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

See Them All

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

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

Top 10 Hiking Secrets in Oak Ridge

Hidden in plain sight. Some are right next to the road and some require a little hiking… My friend, Steve Oliphant, is a great hiker and also an excellent historian. I asked him to list the top 10 Secrets of Oak Ridge knowing he would focus on those of interest to him and many [...]

Tips In Planning Your Next Golf Vacation In Oak Ridge

The farmlands and fields of East Tennessee once served as home to the most secret place in America, but today the town of Oak Ridge is bustling. Visitors can experience the city’s unique history as well as explore the modern innovative advancements achieved in Oak Ridge over the past 75 years. Known as [...]

Getting Outside is a Great Way to Feel Normal

Image credit by @keely_bee While there have been some gloomy days lately, spring is officially here and it is a perfect time to enjoy a little bit of nature. You can still get outside for some fresh air, but it's recommended you practice social distancing. In Oak Ridge, there are public parks, [...]

New K-25 History Center Honors Men, Women Who Changed the Course of History

The K-25 History Center was unveiled to the public on Thursday, February 27 after a grand opening ceremony and ribbon cutting. This new facility is adjacent to the original building’s foundation in Oak Ridge, and it was created to honor the amazing stories of the men and women who helped construct and operate the [...]

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. [...]