Facts for Kids

Knoxville is a fun city located in Tennessee, USA! 🌟

It's the county seat of Knox County and has a population of about 187,000 people. Knoxville is famous for its beautiful parks, rivers, and friendly neighborhoods. The city is nestled along the Tennessee River, making it a great place for outdoor activities! 🎣

Sports fans will love cheering for the Tennessee Volunteers, the local college teams, especially in football! 🏈

Knoxville is a blend of adventures in nature, history, and culture, making it an exciting place for kids and families to explore and learn! 📚💚

Knoxville’s food is delicious and unique! 🍔

One of the most popular dishes is called “Chili” - it’s a spicy stew made with beans and meat! Many restaurants also serve mouth-watering barbecue, especially pulled pork! 🍖

A sweet treat you can find is the famous “Moon Pie,” a marshmallow-filled snack that was invented in Tennessee! 🍪

And let’s not forget about great local spots like The Tomato Head, where you can eat yummy pizza and salads made with fresh, local ingredients! 🥗

Knoxville has something tasty for everyone, so your taste buds will be happy! 😋

Knoxville has been home to many famous people! 📜

One of the coolest is actress and singer, Pattie Page, known for her hit songs in the 1940s and 50s! 🎤

Another notable person is Alex Haley, the author of "Roots," which tells the story of his family's history. 📚

In sports, basketball player Chris Lofton, who played for the University of Tennessee, became an NBA star! 🏀

These talented individuals have helped make Knoxville proud, showing that anyone can follow their dreams no matter where they come from! 🌟

Getting around Knoxville is easy! 🚗

The city has buses run by the Knoxville Area Transit, helping people travel without needing a car. 🚌

You can take a bus to many popular places! Knoxville also has many bike lanes and walking paths, so you can pedal around town or stroll to parks. 🚴

‍♀️ For longer trips, Interstate 40 and Interstate 75 connect Knoxville to other cities like Nashville and Chattanooga! Each year, many people visit Knoxville, so it’s essential to have good transportation options to explore all the fantastic sights! 🌍

Knoxville is bursting with cultural attractions! 🎭

You can visit the Knoxville Museum of Art to see amazing works by local artists. 🎨

The city also hosts the Tennessee Valley Fair every September, showcasing rides, games, and delicious snacks! 🍭

The iconic Sunsphere, which was built for the 1982 World's Fair, is a must-see! ⛪

There’s also the Historic Old City, full of cool shops and restaurants. Families can enjoy performances at the Tennessee Theatre, a beautifully restored venue where you can see concerts and shows! 🎼

Knoxville has a strong economy! Many businesses make their home here, providing jobs for the people who live in the city. 🏗

️ One of the main sectors is education, with the University of Tennessee being a big employer! 🎓

The city also has technology and healthcare companies, like the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, that do important research. 💡

About 30% of Knoxville's economy comes from manufacturing and trade too, making it easy for residents to find work. The city continues to grow and bring in new businesses, making it exciting! 📈

Knoxville loves to celebrate with fun events and festivals all year round! 🎉

One big celebration is the Knoxville Christmas in the City, where the streets light up with beautiful decorations! 🎄

The Dogwood Arts Festival in spring showcases art, music, and blooming dogwood trees! 🌼

Another favorite is the Knoxville Market Square Farmers' Market, held weekly during warm weather, featuring fresh fruits, vegetables, and crafts from local vendors! 🥕🥦 Families can enjoy tasty food, fun activities, and live music at these exciting events! 🎶

Knoxville was founded back in 1786 by a man named James White. 🏛

️ It was one of the first major settlements in Tennessee! The city got its name from Henry Knox, who was America's first Secretary of War. Knoxville grew quickly and became a key location during the Civil War. ⚔

️ The city's rich history is celebrated today, and you can visit places that tell the stories of people who lived there long ago. 🏰

So, if you love stories from the past, Knoxville has lots of them waiting for you to discover! 📖

Knoxville is filled with beautiful parks and fun activities! 🌳

One of the most famous parks is Ijams Nature Center, where you can hike, ride bikes, or even go kayaking on the Tennessee River! 🚴

‍♂️ There’s also World's Fair Park, which has a big fountain perfect for splashing around in during summer. 💦

The city has over 80 parks, so there’s something for everyone! You can find playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic spots where families can gather, have fun, and enjoy the outdoors! 🌈

Knoxville is nestled in a valley and is surrounded by lovely mountains! 🌄

The city is located in the eastern part of Tennessee and sits on the Tennessee River, which is about 652 miles long! The climate here is warm in the summer and chilly in the winter. ☀

️❄️ In summer, temperatures can reach around 87°F (31°C), while in winter, it can drop to about 28°F (-2°C)! This means you can enjoy swimming in the river during summer and possibly see snowflakes in winter! ❄

️🌊 Nature is all around you in Knoxville!

Education is very important in Knoxville! 📚

The city is home to the University of Tennessee, one of the largest universities in the state! 🎓

Students come from all over to study here. The Knoxville area also has many public and private schools for younger children. There are over 130 public schools in the Knox County School District. 🏫

These schools work hard to provide great education for kids. Libraries, such as the Knox County Public Library, offer exciting programs like reading clubs and storytimes for young ones eager to learn! 📖💫