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

Katie the Calutron Girl is your tour guide for some of the Secret City’s top attractions! Watch the whole series right here!

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
The Secret City
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

Life ‘Behind the Gates’

Check out some of our best videos about life ‘behind the gates’. Why exactly is Oak Ridge known as ‘The Secret City.’

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All roads lead to Oak Ridge

About 25 miles west of Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Tennessee is conveniently located near I-75 and I-40. Whether you’re in East Tennessee for a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Dollywood, it’s easy to plan a visit to Oak Ridge as well.

I-75 North (from Georgia)

  • Take exit 81 (Lenoir City) to Hwy. 321N.
  • Follow Hwy. 321N to Hwy. 95N to Oak Ridge.

I-75 South (from Kentucky)

  • Take exit 122.
  • Follow Hwy. 61 to Clinton.
  • Follow Hwy. 95S to Oak Ridge.

I-40 East (from Nashville)

  • Take exit 364 to Hwy. 95N.
  • Follow Hwy. 95N. to Oak Ridge.

I-40 West (from Asheville, NC)

  • Follow 1-40 West to exit 376 to Hwy. 163 N.
  • Follow Hwy. 162N. to Hwy. 62W.
  • *Note: Hwy. 62W will turn abruptly right after the cemetery.

From McGhee-Tyson Airport (Knoxville’s airport)

  • Turn left at US 129 (Alcoa Hwy.) toward Knoxville.
  • Turn right to merge onto I-140 W. toward Oak Ridge.
  • Keep left on Pellissippi Parkway N. toward Oak Ridge.
  • Continue onto Hwy. 62W. toward Oak Ridge.
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follow @exploreoakridge and use hashtag #exploreoakridge

Want the inside scoop?

We’ll pull together a list of great events, some ideas for beautiful scenic views, add a dash of insider tips, and deliver it right to your mailbox.

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