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Ijams Boardwalk above the Tennessee River

Hours, Parking, & Directions

The Ijams grounds are open every day of the year from 8 am until dusk. The River Boardwalk, which overlooks the Tennessee River, is one of the most popular destinations at Ijams!

Hours

VISITOR CENTER

The Visitor Center features animal exhibits, gift shop, offices, and restrooms.

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  • 10 am-5 pm Sunday-Friday

  • 9 am-5 pm Saturday 

NAVITAT KNOXVILLE

See Ijams from a whole new perspective with Navitat Knoxville! Reserve your space now or learn more about treetop adventures, ziplines, and rates.

THE OUTPOST (QUARRY BEER GARDEN)

  •  CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

RIVER SPORTS OUTFITTERS BOAT RENTALS

  •  CLOSED FOR THE SEASON

Parking

Beginning Feb. 19, 2024, parking at Ijams is $5/car/day.

 

Parking is free for members (see Ijams membership levels). Members receive annual parking hangtags to post in their vehicle(s). You also may purchase an annual parking hangtag for $50.

 

If you are just paying the daily $5 fee, you can pay electronically in the parking lot using a QR code provided there or by coming to the Ijams Visitor Center to purchase a daily parking pass to put on your dashboard. 

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Please see the parking FAQ page for more information. 

Free Parking Days 2025
Visitors looking at animals in the exhibit hall at ijams
Girl at Navitat Adventure Course
Paddle Boarding at Ijams

  • New Years Day: January 1

  • Wednesday of Knox County School Break: March 19

  • Spring Into Hope for Mental Health: April 5

  • National Trails Day:  Saturday, June 7

  • Wednesday of Knox County Fall Break: October 8

  • Veteran's Day: Monday, November 11

  • Black Friday (Opt Outside Day): Friday, November 28

Directions

FROM DOWNTOWN KNOXVILLE VIA GAY STREET

 

  • Take Gay St. Bridge south.

  • Turn left on Sevier Ave.

  • Sevier Ave. becomes Anita/Hillwood Dr.

  • Turn right at the stop sign on Island Home Ave.

  • Ijams is about 1 mile on the left.

FROM I-40W

 

  • Take James White Pkwy exit 388A.

  • Cross Tennessee River and take Sevier Ave./Hillwood Dr. exit.

  • Turn left on Sevier Ave. (becomes Hillwood Dr.).

  • Turn right on Island Home Ave.

  • Ijams is about 1 mile on the left.

FROM I-40E

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  • Take James White Pkwy exit 388A.

  • Merge on James White Pkwy.

  • Cross Tennessee River and take Sevier Ave./Hillwood Dr. exit.

  • Turn left on Sevier Ave. (becomes Hillwood Dr.).

  • Turn right on Island Home Ave.

  • Ijams is about 1 mile on the left.

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