Historic Garden Walks with Knoxville Walking Tours
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels including families and casual walkers
Overview
Step into 47 acres of living history at the Knoxville Botanical Garden. Walk scenic trails, visit historic structures, and soak in the legacy of the Howell family from frontier days to modern conservation efforts.
Knoxville Botanical Garden
Starting at $20 | 1.5 Hours | Ages 6+
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Adventure Photos
About This Adventure
Explore a historic 47-acre garden that showcases the Howell family's legacy from frontier days to modern times. Wander through scenic trails, discover the Joe Howell House and Mule Barn, and capture memories in the picturesque Martha Ashe Garden. Uncover the rich stories and secrets of this enchanting landscape.
Rates
Adult (13+): $20 Child (Ages 6-12): $14
Duration
1.5 Hours
About
Ten years before Tennessee became a state, David Wessels Howell planted an orchard and garden on land where the Cherokee still roamed. This was the beginning of a family business that would span two centuries, from the frontier days through the Civil War and the industrial age to modern times. Now the Howell family’s legacy has been preserved as a public garden spanning 47 acres, with walking trails and hand-laid stone walls that cross through sunny meadows and leafy glades among an astonishing variety of trees and plants. Come walk with us and hear its stories and secrets.
Highlights:
Joe Howell House—now serving as the garden’s Visitor Center. Hear the history of the Howell family in America and the new territory that would become Tennessee.
The Mule Barn—Home to livestock and wagons in the old days, now surrounded by the Center for Urban Agriculture, Outdoor Classroom, and Pollinator Garden as new generations learn sustainable techniques to bring life from the soil.
Martha Ashe Garden—a favorite spot for taking photographs, enjoy exploring the stone roundhouses and hearing the story of how and why they were built.
Plus the Cash-and-Carry House, Dogwood Trail, a secret memorial, and much more!
Adventure Tips
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Trails include natural dirt and hand-laid stone paths that can be uneven in spots.
Bring a camera or smartphone
The Martha Ashe Garden and historic buildings offer unique photo opportunities year-round.
Check weather before you come
Trails may be muddy or slick after rain; plan accordingly.
Plan 1.5 hours for your visit
This allows time to soak in the garden’s history and scenery without rushing.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Eastern gray squirrel
- Various native pollinators including bees and butterflies
History
The garden traces its roots to a 19th-century orchard planted by David Wessels Howell, offering a direct connection to Tennessee’s frontier era.
Conservation
The site balances historical preservation with modern sustainability education, particularly through the Center for Urban Agriculture and Pollinator Garden.
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Adventure Hotspots in Knoxville
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Comfortable walking shoes
Needed for navigating uneven trails and stone paths comfortably.
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during hotter months on the trail.
summer specific
Rain jacket or umbrella
Useful for spring showers that can make paths slippery.
spring specific
Camera or smartphone
Capture the varied gardens, historic sites, and wildlife.