excursions
on Sunday October 19, 2025
Walking Tour of Knoxville
10 AM - 12 PM
Join acclaimed journalist and historian Jack Neely for a walking tour of Knoxville’s rich and layered history. Explore the city’s past from the street level, as Neely, author of Knoxville:
This Obscure and Prismatic City, uncovers hidden stories and offers a deeper understanding of Knoxville’s evolving landscape.
Tour of Norris Dam
12 PM - 3:30 PM
Explore the history and design of Norris Dam and the model Garden City – Norris, Tennessee – with Professor Avigail Sachs. Learn about the Tennessee Valley Authority, its “atelier” of architects and landscape architects, the environments they created and the messages they embedded in them.
Thunderhead Mountain Hike
7 AM – 5 PM
Hike into the Smoky Mountains with student guides from the School of Landscape Architecture to explore an Appalachian bald during peak fall foliage. This challenging hike is recommended for experienced outdoor enthusiasts eager to experience this rare ecosystem—a unique mountain meadow where trees would typically grow.
TVA’s River Forecast Center Tour
9 AM - 12 PM
Join the Tennessee RiverLine for a guided tour of the TVA River Forecast Center, where experts manage the Tennessee River system for flood control, navigation, and power generation. Learn about the forecasting tools and strategies used to balance these critical functions, and hear from the Tennessee RiverLine team about their vision for connecting communities through outdoor recreation along the river.