This was definitely the worst zoo Ive ever been to. Even walking round the zoo, there were a lot of eyesores and it definitely appears to be less maintained in the winter time. An event millions of years in the making. This 3-star hotel in the heart of Downtown Knoxville has spacious, well-appointed modern guest rooms and suites, a 24-hour fitness center, and an event space that can accommodate up to 60 people, perfect for intimate parties or sizable business meetings. Two red panda cubs born at the Knoxville Zoo have officially become a part of the Mozilla community. [3] The zoo also has bred more endangered red pandas than any other zoo in the world and is a leader in the breeding of endangered tortoises.[4]. The room was very clean, the bed was comfortable and ", See all available properties in Knoxville. The university campus is only a short distance away from the property, and so are the airport and Knoxville Zoo. Red Roof Inn Knoxville North - Merchants Drive (from USD 81), 4. The room was very clean, the bed was comfortable and the staff is super friendly! Only the Rotterdam Zoo in the Netherlands has had more captive births worldwide. On January 14, 2011, zookeeper Stephanie James was killed when one of the zoo's two female elephants, "Edie", pushed her into the side of the indoor stall. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. A project 32 years in the making, Zoo Knoxville's $18 million,2.5-acre Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Campus opened Friday. Everyone must stay with the group throughout the program. Unlimited trips to the zoo, free parking, big savings and so much more! This 3-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and a business centre. I hope that helps. Privacy Policy. This time the place was basically deserted with almost no one walking, although there were cars driving by. There are a couple of restaurants that offer a nice variety of food and several shady spots throughout the zoo that allow you stop and enjoy a snack and rest your feet a bit. There are also several sweet treats like ice cream and cookies. Reviews on Smoking Bars in Knoxville, TN - Twisted Mike's Tap Room, Preservation Pub, Peter Kern Library, Scruffy City, Bearden Hill Fieldhouse, Five Thirty Lounge, Urban Bar & Corner Cafe, Marie's Old Town Tavern, Boyd's Jig and Reel, Roger's Place At the time it was considered one of the worst 10 zoos in America. WiFi Available Terms of Use This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If modern and contemporary isnt your style, and you prefer a homey kind of accommodation, try out Homewood Suites by Hilton Knoxville West at Turkey Creek. Terrace. Sometimes you can even get in for FREE! This is the second time that we stayed at this hotel. Discussion started about introducing a zoo, but funding again became an issue, and the Birthday Park fell into disuse and neglect before being closed in 1946. Unlike other hotels, their guest rooms and suites are about 25 percent larger than most accommodations in the city. Hilton Garden Inn Knoxville West/Cedar Bluff (from USD 129), 10. With these two efforts, the modern Knoxville Zoo was founded in 1971. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 24-hour front desk Not only will we enjoy a twilight tour through the zoo but also venture off the paths of the zoo to search for native wildlife. I volunteered here for Boo at the Zoo to hand out candy to children during the month of October, so a great place to bring small children around Halloween. Zoo Knoxville's largest project is finally finished and members got a sneak peek. Zoo Knoxville Hours In season, the zoo is open daily from 9 AM - 5 PM. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The Stokely African Elephant Preserve houses three African elephants: a male named Tonka and two females named Jada and Edie. Around 4,000 people visited in the first day of opening. Continuing to the East Zoo, the Boyd Family Red Panda Village is world-renowned for their red panda conservation program. The excitement of swinging monkeys and the surprise of a lions booming roar are all par for the course with an adventure at Zoo Knoxville. Just because our guests and staff leave for the night, doesnt mean things are any less wild. They say that Private Twilight Tours and Night Safaris Into the Dark. Lots of exhibits roped off, lots of construction, minimal animals, glass barriers that were dirty and not easy to see through because of glare - were just some of the reasons that we gave it poor marks. If you have extra budget to treat yourself to a high-end accommodation, one of the top recommendations in the city is Courtyard by Marriott Knoxville Downtown. Hotel guests can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities at the Great Smokey Mountains National Park. The SoKno Cottage is fully-furnished for those wanting a long stay or just a weekend visit. Zoo Knoxville isn't monkeying around when it comes to social distancing. They even left us a surprise in a fridge - a bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries along with a hand written note! It's always great to see a city from above! Facilities for disabled guests. 865-637-5331 ext. Average zoo experience, came here often in my animal science curriculum at UT. Fitness centre. Is it handicapped acceptable, I'm in a powered wheelchair. Subscribe to our newsletter for inspiring travel guides and articles from around the world! Address: 401 West Summit Hill Drive Another way to score a free passif you have a knox county library membership, you can score a family pass (2 adults and up to 6 children, parking included), 2 times a year. Currently, the zoo is open daily from 9:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Free parking, smoking and non-smoking rooms, ADA-accessible suites, and other amenities expected of a Red Roof Inn hotel are also available here. 10% Deal 10% OFF Special Deal Tickets for Seniors Ages 65+ Deal Get Wheelchair For $12 + Tax Because flexibility matters. As of March 2022, this region of the zoo only displays retired birds-of-prey from the zoo's former bird show. The zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). 1415 CALL VENUE. The kids zone also features a variety of kid-friendly animal attractions including a petting zoo where they can pet and brush goats, and an aviary where kids can walk among the budgies. Several viewing areas are featured, as well as a small cave with educational facts about bears' hibernation behavior and diet for children to explore. These were the first two African elephants born in the Western Hemisphere. Fitness centre COVID-19 Phase 1 Reopening FAQS Business centre Zoo Knoxville sees record attendance for 3rd year in a row While about half of those visitors were from Knoxville and the surrounding area, the others were tourists who made a $28 million. The zoo itself is not in the nicest of areas in Knoxville, so be sure to follow the GPS when venturing to the zoo. New promotions and details are announced periodically. A fellow visitor said the city used to not charge to go up in the sunsphere, but now it is $5 for adults. Locomotive #128, which rolled over sometime during the Knoxville Worlds Fair, later was at the zoo and now is back in a Wisconsin Dells garage being restored by a member of the Sandley preservation group. Learn how dinosaurs are connected to modern day animals as you journey throughout the park to find 20+ dinosaurs that move . Dont forget to drop by Old City for some late-night jams. Enjoy a Twilight Tour through the zoo or extend your adventure on a Night Safari where well venture off the paths of the zoo to search for native wildlife. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Fun on the Outside, Serious about Animals Inside! The one-story Clayton Family ARC campus will behome to 85 species of the zoo's amphibian and reptile residents including jumping Cuban crocodiles. Knoxville Zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is committed to the highest standards in animal care and well-being, ethics, conservation, and education. Committed to sharing 'wildly fun' experiences that educate and inspire, we feature acres of creative habitats for animal lovers of all ages to explore. Restaurant Just a short drive away from Knoxville Convention Center and Knoxville Downtown Island Airport, Super 8 by Wyndham Knoxville West/Farragut is a great choice if youre flying to the city for business matters or a short vacation. Can I tent a heavy duty scooter that supports up to 400lbs at the Knoxville Zoo, Can I reserve a mobility scooter at the zoo, Zoo Knoxville: Hours, Address, Zoo Knoxville Reviews: 4/5. A new home for thevast collection of reptiles and amphibians has been on the 70-year-old park's wish list for decades. 24-hour front desk Unsubscribe in one click. Red Roof Inn Knoxville North - Merchants Drive is always a reliable option if youre looking for hotels with smoking rooms in the city. "We spent one night after celebrating our wedding and they were very accommodating with our late night check in. Discounted admission tickets must be used by Feb. 28, 2017, and cannot be combined with any other promotion, discount, or coupon. Get a group together and schedule your own private Twilight Tour or Night Safari. Can I bring food? Free and Easy way to see Knoxville and the mountains in the east. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. This being said, we have always brought snacks and bottled water without any problems. mread@knoxvilletn.gov. ), The price is $126 per night from Mar 5 to Mar 6, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Oak Ridge, an IHG Hotel, The price is $110 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9, The price is $84 per night from Mar 8 to Mar 9, The price is $97 per night from Mar 9 to Mar 10, Hampton Inn Knoxville-West At Cedar Bluff, The price is $135 per night from Mar 5 to Mar 6. The 40 lanterns that are currently standing in the zoo, come from overseas across the Pacific Ocean and come in shipping containers. It was a sunny clear day, so easy to see the city. Why You Should Go Zoo Knoxville is, no doubt, one of the top things to do in Knoxville with kids. Address: 1315 Kirby Road, Knoxville Suburbs, Knoxville (TN), United States, 37909. Zoo Knoxville IS A 501(c)(3) NOT-FOR-PROFIT organization and is 86% self-funded. ", "Check in was super easy and the reception was very friendly. Knoxville, TN 37902. ", A verified traveler stayed at Hilton Knoxville, : (Save changes and close the date picker. Accommodates: 10, Parking Also regarding outside food/drinkYES you can bring picnic lunches/coffees/etc but NO disposable plastic lids or straws. Is the Sunsphere Tower open in July 2021? Were fun on the outside, serious about animals on the inside. Committed to sharing 'wildly fun' experiences that educate and inspire, we feature acres of creative habitats for animal lovers of all ages to explore. Parking at the zoo itself can be a bit difficult to find on a busy day, but there are shuttles available to take you from the overflow lot at Chilhowee park to the front entrance or you can walk (it's a pretty steep uphill climb so I probably wouldn't recommend it for the elderly or those with strollers). Lastly - this place isnt cheap. Indoor pool. I had visited before but not in many years. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. The Sunsphere offers great views of the Knoxville area and the mountains. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I believe there was a restaurant on one of the levels, which obviously would cost you, and you might have to pay for parking nearby to check this out, but the parking garages are pretty reasonable pricing. I've been to many zoos during my lifetime including the Bronx Zoo and the Miami Zoo, and this one blows them all away! Learn more about Knoxville's history as the Marble City here. At night the city lights light up the land below and makes for a beautiful sight. Featured Rooms & Rates The location was perfect for us. Throughout the winter, the hours are 9 AM 4 PM. We got turned around at the tiger exhibit, no signs directing which way to go, and almost missed the reptile and avian section. Our mission is to save animals from extinction. If youre staying in Knoxville for a couple of days, consider MainStay Suites as your home base. While the zoo boasts over 800 animals, we know youre probably most interested in the biggest and baddest of the bunch. 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This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. While the herpetology department is highly regarded among the best in the country, only 10% of the animals were able to be displayed in the previous facility. There are several outdoor smoking areas at Homewood Suites, just in case youre craving a smoke. Old City Knoxville - .9 miles Market Square - 1.2 miles Neyland Stadium - 2.1 miles Thompson - Boling Arena - 2.4 miles UT Gardens - 3.2 miles I'm sure this zoo MAY be great in the summer, however, we went on a warmer day in the "winter" (a few days ago) and we basically paid 25 dollars a person for a walking trail. We got there on a Tuesday morning just before they opened at 9 am and were able to park almost at the front door. Its not far from Market square and UT, and you can find many free parking places near the area so you dont have to pay to park. Golf course (within 3 km) Seems a bit pricey for a ride up an elevator and a look out the window. Prices and availability subject to change. Smoking still is allowed on patios and other open-air spaces through the Non-smokers Protection Act, and the new. We're fun on the outside, serious about animals on the inside. I never write reviews, but this was a huge disappointment and waste of money, other than knowing its going to help feed the animals. kfarley@knoxvilletn.gov. He was extremely friendly and spent a couple of minutes talking with us as we're still fairly new in the area. As one of the premiere zoological experiences in the Southeast, we're committed to educating and inspiring conservation action. All of our smoke-free guestrooms include bathroom toiletries, a 32-inch flat screen TV with cable, and an iron and ironing board. Do they still have Dollar Days? The Tortoise Trail is the newest animal encounter experience at Zoo Knoxville, and arguably the most unique. There is a small gift shop area. Located just 2 miles from downtown, this home offers a great location and tons of amenities, from a private yard to a fully equipped kitchen. [14], At the end of 2010, Mozilla Foundationthe creator of Firefox web browserpartnered with Knoxville Zoo in an effort to raise awareness about endangered red pandas. For kids, well its a zoo, a regular zoo with regular zoo animals. Meeting/banquet facilities And we liked the Knoxville Zoo. We were some of the first visitors that day. This one is made even more special by its adorable assortment of zoo animals. Last item for navigation. The zoo is closed on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Just past these is a restaurant and a splash pad for children, and farther up is the Valley of the Kings exhibit, housing neighboring attractions with African lions and Hamadryas baboons respectively. BOO! Parking 100% of travelers recommend this experience. Their website asks that you refrain from bringing straws and glass into the zoo, but doesnt specify whether outside food and drink are allowed. Check prices in Knoxville for tonight, Mar 1 - Mar 2, Check prices in Knoxville for tomorrow night, Mar 2 - Mar 3, Check prices in Knoxville for this weekend, Mar 3 - Mar 5, Check prices in Knoxville for next weekend, Mar 10 - Mar 12, "Great trip, had never stayed in Oak Ridge, TN before. Heading to Knoxville to check out educational options in the area? The hotel has a smoke-free policy, but the front desk will always be happy to direct you to nearby areas where you can enjoy a smoke. Thanks. Tickets were easy to purchase online but when we arrived we had a difficult time figuring out where to go. From here, Downtown Knoxville, Knoxville Convention Center, and University of Tennessee are all about five minutes away, making it a great option if youre traveling to the city for play, work, or school. 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