Wildlife Photograph

Visit Ijams!

Nestled along the banks of the Tennessee River, Ijams Nature Center is an historic 175-acre wildlife sanctuary and environmental learning center for all people offering opportunities to discover and enjoy the wonders of the natural world.

When H.P and Alice Ijams moved here in 1910, their passion for nature and the outdoors transformed the site into an outdoor showplace known as "The Bird Sanctuary".

One hundred years later, the Ijams legacy continues through expanded acreage including forests, meadows, hiking trails, river walks, and the restored Mead's Quarry. The Visitor Center is the headquarters for Ijams' renowned educational programs and exhibits interweaving natural history, earth and life sciences, urban environmental classes, all offering natural connections. And all this only 5 minutes drive from downtown, Knoxville.