Trip Idea

Oak Ridge: Enjoy a Half-Day Visiting Museums

Multiple Parks

Two men and one woman talking to each other inside a museum.
Duration Half Day
Topic(s) Animals, Arts, Science, Technology and Innovation, World War II, Engineering, Industry, Military, Cold War more »
Activities Museum Exhibits
Type Kid Friendly, Educational, Indoors
Parks Manhattan Project National Historical Park

The whole family will enjoy a half day in Oak Ridge exploring the American Museum of Science & Energy, the K-25 History Center, the New Hope Center at Y-12, and the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge. All four museums offer a wealth of information and artifacts that are sure to appeal to every member of your group. Follow the listings below for information on exhibits, operating hours, and fees.
Enjoy a Half-Day Visiting Museums in Oak Ridge
  • Manhattan Project National Historical Park

    Oak Ridge: Visit the American Museum of Science & Energy

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: No
    • Location: American Museum of Science & Energy
    • Duration: 1–4 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A one-and-a-half story modern building with sloped roof

    The world-class American Museum of Science and Energy in Oak Ridge is home to a wealth of exhibits on the Manhattan Project and many other topics related to the fascinating history of science. Follow the link for more information including exhibits, operating hours, and admission fees.

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  • Manhattan Project National Historical Park

    Oak Ridge: Visit the K-25 History Center

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: No
    • Location: K-25 History Center
    • Duration: 1–3 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A small museum building with several retro billboards on the walkway in front of it.

    The K-25 History Center tells the story of the K-25 complex from its inception during the Manhattan Project through the Cold War. Follow the link for more information on exhibits and operating hours at this free museum.

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  • Manhattan Project National Historical Park

    Oak Ridge: Visit the New Hope Center at Y-12

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: No
    • Location: New Hope Center at Y-12
    • Duration: 1–3 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    Exterior of a modern glass building

    The New Hope Center at Y-12 tells the remarkable story of Y-12 from the Manhattan Project to the present day. Follow the link for more information on exhibits and operating hours at this free museum.

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  • Manhattan Project National Historical Park

    Oak Ridge: Explore the Children's Museum of Oak Ridge

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Children's Museum of Oak Ridge
    • Duration: 1–4 Hours
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    A large sign in front of a parking lot and school building.

    The Children's Museum of Oak Ridge provides visitors of all ages with a wealth of exhibits on a multitude of topics. In addition, the museum is home to the Manhattan Project Oak Ridge Visitor Center. Follow the link for more information on exhibits, operating hours, and admission fees.

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  • Manhattan Project National Historical Park

    Oak Ridge: Visit the Oak Ridge History Museum

    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Museum Exhibits
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Oak Ridge History Museum
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day
    The outside of a building with the words

    The Oak Ridge History Museum, opened in 2019, houses a wealth of exhibits dedicated to the human history of Oak Ridge during the Manhattan Project. Exhibits include a detailed timeline of Oak Ridge’s history, and the largest collection of original photographs from Ed Westcott, the official Army Corps of Engineers photographer during the Manhattan Project.

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Last updated: August 3, 2023