Chilhowee Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Chilhowee Park is a popular destination in Tennessee that offers a range of activities for visitors.


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Summary

The park is located in Knoxville and spans over 150 acres, offering ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Some of the reasons to visit Chilhowee Park include its beautiful scenery, numerous events and festivals that take place throughout the year, and its historical significance.

One of the main attractions in Chilhowee Park is the Knoxville Zoo, which is home to a wide variety of animals from around the world. Other points of interest include the Chilhowee Park & Exposition Center, which hosts events such as concerts, trade shows, and sporting events. The park also has several walking trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas that are perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

Interesting facts about Chilhowee Park include its designation as a National Historic District, as well as its role in hosting the 1982 World's Fair. The park is also home to several historic buildings, including the Knoxville Civic Auditorium and Coliseum.

The best time of year to visit Chilhowee Park depends on personal preference and the type of activities you want to participate in. The park is open year-round, but some of the most popular events take place during the summer months. The fall season is also a great time to visit, as the foliage in the park is stunning.

Overall, Chilhowee Park is a must-visit destination in Tennessee, offering something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, or simply want to enjoy a day out with family and friends, Chilhowee Park has plenty to offer.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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