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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.

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

The Secret City That Surprised Me

By Kristy Burns, My Town Today Of all the small towns that My Town has visited, Oak Ridge is unlike anywhere in the world. Its entire existence is due to the mission of the Manhattan Project, and the “Secret City” tells a story that no one else can. Its story is of a culture [...]

A “Dog-Fun” Field Trip in Oak Ridge, Tennessee!

By Erin Edwards, Pet Treater Oak Ridge, the once secret city that helped end WWII, is a city with many hidden delights. Hopefully, you have heard of many, but maybe you did not realize that taking your dog along would make the trip even better!! We love trying to find amazing things to do [...]

Clinch Valley Trail Alliance President has a passion for mountain biking, preserving Oak Ridge

Brad Spears is the President of RSI Services, LLC, an accomplished environmental firm specializing in sustainable restoration, development, and long-term stewardship of the land. With nearly 300 employees and counting at RSI Services and parent company RSI EnTech, Spears has his hands full providing environmental cleanup services to the U.S. Department of Energy and [...]

UCOR President, CEO Ken Rueter reveals his top cycling destinations in Oak Ridge

Rueter has been cycling for a quarter of a century and follows many of the latest trends in the cycling community. Ken Rueter is the President and Chief Executive Officer of UCOR, an Amentum-led partnership with Jacobs, the Department of Energy’s clean up contractor for the Oak Ridge Reservation, and he has been [...]

Local historian shares his favorite hiking trails across the Secret City

Ray enjoys the outdoors by hiking and taking photographs. Ray Smith has been telling Oak Ridge’s stories and sharing its history for decades, serving currently as the city’s proud historian. It’s impossible to visit Oak Ridge and not see Smith’s work on display. He preserves the Secret City’s heritage by educating current [...]