Ijams Nature Center, Knoxville

About Ijams Nature Center

Ijams Nature Center is an environmental education center three miles from downtown Knoxville that encompasses 320 acres of forests, meadows, wetlands, and creeks. Visitors hike or bike over 14 miles of trails, paddle on Mead's Quarry Lake or the Tennessee River, climb at the Ijams Crag, or use the Ijams Primal Playground. The Visitor Center features live animal exhibits in the exhibit hall, displays about local ecosystems, and a gift shop selling nature-themed books, handmade goods by more than 100 local artisans, snacks, and locally roasted coffee. A hallway gallery rotates monthly exhibitions of paintings, photography, textiles, and mixed-media sculptures. Animal ambassadors—native species that cannot be released to the wild—teach visitors about conservation. Education programs serve preschoolers through active seniors. Dogs are welcome on trails with leashes. The nature center operates daily with published hours available on the venue's website.