ORCVB Newsroom --> Press Release
The newest thing… Edutainment
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Making education fun and exciting has become a goal of the tourism industry. In Oak Ridge, Tennessee, we are making science and learning fun at several of our family-friendly attractions.
The American Museum of Science and Energy
Discover how 75,000 people kept a secret in Oak Ridge during World War II. Learn about Oak Ridge’s leading-edge technology that continues to earn the US the title of “Super Power.” Enjoy the “Hair Raising” experience of the “Atom Smasher” live demonstrations, audiovisuals, machines, and devices that will keep families entertained and educated for hours on end. Admission charged. Phone (865) 576-3200.
The Story of Oak Ridge exhibit is a panorama of historical photographs, documents and artifacts explaining the Manhattan Project and the construction of Oak Ridge. A 20-minute video presentation extends the explanations.
Exploration Station offers self-directed activities which explore light and color, sound, problem-solving, static electricity, robotics, vision and more. An Energy exhibit lets kids walk through this historical display of labor saving devices. An exhibit on Y-12 and National Defense has models of weapons, protective clothing and tools along with video and hands-on activities that demonstrate processes, safety features and careers at the Y-12 plant in Oak Ridge.
Maps, tools, models and audiovisual materials are used in the Earth’s Energy Resources exhibit to explore the variety of energy sources, such as coal, oil, geothermal, hydropower and natural gas, found on Earth. The World of the Atom exhibit is a cross section model of a nuclear reactor and a simulated underground nuclear waste storage area. This exhibit also covers pioneering atomic scientists, natural radiation, fusion, and nuclear energy in space.
The Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge
The museum provides an educational environment where classroom learning is supplemented, imaginations are kindled, and learning opportunities in the arts, sciences, and history abound. The museum is a dynamic cultural center that features innovative exhibitions, programs and workshops for all ages. Science, art and history are emphasized in hands-on learning opportunities that encourage young people to understand their cultural heritage, environment and the world around them. Educators are encouraged to utilize the Museum's numerous resources – over 20,000 objects, archival holdings, audio/video tapes, books and magazines. Admission Charged. Phone (865) 482-1074.
Tour the simulated Amazon Rainforest, complete with sound effects, a waterfall, a railed walkway, beautiful murals, an observation deck high in the forest canopy, and many trees, flowers, and wild animals! Here you can learn more about rainforests and how you can help protect them.
A favorite exhibit, the Doll House is a two story house that a 5-foot- child can comfortably fit through. In addition there are miniatures and other doll house related items on display. A Pioneer Living homestead consists of three re-constructed log houses furnished with artifacts from 1850 to 1880. Each cabin depicts life on the frontier. The Discovery Lab is an instructional space with hands-on opportunities. Exhibits, discovery boxes, and more focus on the sciences, natural history and anthropology. A new Magi-cam allows students to observe specimens 50 times their natural size.
The City and Country Life exhibit consists of two period rooms, circa 1910, juxtaposed for visitors to compare. The objective is for students to discover that life in the area in 1910 was diverse – country families relied on their own skills, while city families relied on urban conveniences. The International Hall presents the culture of many countries. It’s not unusual to watch children walking around in wooden shoes and “making music” on an African Balafon. Waterworks is a hands-on flume that demonstrates the lock system on the Tennessee River. The Bird Room is filled with bird songs common to East Tennessee and offers a climb down to the marsh area where kids can learn more about birds.
The Oak Ridge Driving Tour
An audio driving tour CD or cassette can be purchased or rented at the Discovery Center Gift Shop at the American Museum of Science and Energy. This tour guides explorers through the once Secret City of Oak Ridge. As part of what has been called the most significant story of the 20th Century, several of the Manhattan Project sites in and around Oak Ridge are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Tennessee State Heritage Trail. The driving tour, which begins and ends in front of the Oak Ridge Visitors Welcome Center, includes notable stops like the original town-site, now known as historic Jackson Square; the International Friendship Bell, the first monument between the US and Japan which serves as an expression of hope for everlasting peace; the University of Tennessee Arboretum, featuring more than 250 acres and 800 species of trees, shrubs and flowering plants; and the Oak Ridge Marina, home of the Oak Ridge Rowing Association and multiple rowing regattas throughout the year.
The Secret City Scenic Excursion Train
Ride the Atomic Train on a 12-mile tour through the once secret K-25 Manhattan Project site and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Blair Community. Each round trip travels approximately 14 miles and lasts about one hour. Trains are pulled by 1950's vintage Alco diesel locomotives. Seating is in an air-conditioned coach and a dining car, both restored from the 1940's era of passenger railroading. Trains depart from the Heritage Center (formerly known as the K-25 Plant), an historic Department of Energy facility where research and development plunged the United States into the Atomic Age. The train winds along Poplar Creek and Highway 327 in the beautiful hills and valleys of East Tennessee. Admission charged. Phone (865) 241-2140.
The Museum of Appalachia
Discover the pre-WWII heritage of the area at this 65-acre Appalachian history complex. John Rice Irwin's open-air museum is called "the most authentic and complete replica of pioneer Appalachian life in the world." The museum, which has been featured in several national publications, contains over 250,000 pioneer relics including 30 log structures - a chapel, a schoolhouse, cabins and barns. Open daily from 8 am to 5 pm from November to February; 8 am to 6 pm during March and October; 8 am to 7 pm during April and September; and 8 am to 8 pm from May to August. Allow 1 to 3 hours. Admission Charged. Phone (865) 494-7680.
The Norris Dam State Park Lenoir Museum Complex
This complex includes the Lenoir Museum, an 18th Century Grist Mill and a Threshing Barn. The Lenoir Museum contains artifacts from Early Americana which were collected for over 60 years by Will G. Lenoir. The "touch" museum has something for almost everyone's interest including Indian artifacts, fine china, pressed glass, furniture, farm implements, bottles, bells, baskets, rocks, and historical documents. Admission is free. Phone (865)426-7461.
River Ridge Farm
Located on the banks of the Clinch River below Norris Dam, River Ridge Farm offers exceptional views of the Clinch River Valley and the Cumberland Mountains. You can enjoy a variety of experiences, which include fishing, picnics, fall color tours, spring flower tours, and draft horse pulled wagon rides – all among a farm setting. River Ridge Farms is a perfect retreat for group meetings and the farm has a wagon that you can rent for outings. Admission charged. Phone (865) 457-6774.
Appalachian Arts & Crafts Center
The Community Craft Center was founded in 1970 "to enrich the souls and pocketbooks of low-income people in Anderson County." The original members assisted each other in teaching, producing, and selling hand crafts. Today, local people still gather to share creative ideas and talents, keeping the traditional crafts alive and also pursuing more contemporary work including Pottery, Weaving, Quilts, Baskets, Wood Carving, Appalachian Folk Art, Dolls, and Toys. The Center has grown to become a highly recognized educational facility. The 200 plus members still include the two founders and other original members. Hours: 10 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. Phone (865) 494-9854.
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