Discover Knoxville in a Whole New Way with the Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour
If you’re visiting Knoxville and want to experience its streets beyond the usual sightseeing spots, a scavenger hunt-style walking tour might be just what you need. While we haven’t personally taken this specific tour, it sounds like a clever way to explore the city’s charm without the typical tour group structure. It’s a self-guided adventure that invites you to solve puzzles and discover Knoxville’s sights at your pace.
What really stands out about this experience are its flexibility and interactive nature. You can do it anytime within the hours of 8 am to 8 pm, and there’s no need to wait for a guide or stick to a rigid schedule. Plus, because it’s played on your smartphone, it’s accessible and easy to follow, especially if you’re traveling with a small group.
That said, one consideration is that you’ll need your own smartphone with internet. Also, while the price is reasonable at just $24.50 per person, it’s a more relaxed, puzzle-based experience than a traditional walking tour with a guide. This activity is likely best suited for curious travelers who enjoy a bit of puzzle-solving, exploring at their own pace, or families looking for a fun, interactive way to see Knoxville.
Who is this tour perfect for? It’s ideal if you enjoy self-guided activities, want to combine sightseeing with some playful challenges, or are traveling with a small group eager for a unique city experience without a large group or formal guide.
Key Points

- Self-guided flexibility: Play whenever it suits your schedule, with no fixed start time.
- Interactive fun: Solve puzzles and challenges as you discover Knoxville’s landmarks.
- Cost-effective: At $24.50 per person, it offers a budget-friendly way to see the city differently.
- All ages welcome: The challenges are designed to be suitable for a variety of ages.
- Walk about 1.5 miles: The route covers key sites but is manageable for most walkers.
- Includes notable sights: From Civil War sites to Market Square and historic landmarks.
An In-Depth Look at the Knoxville Scavenger Hunt Tour

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How the Tour Works
This is a self-guided walking experience that uses your smartphone to deliver clues and puzzles. You and your group — which can be between 1 to 6 people — will follow a series of 22 challenges as you explore Knoxville. The activity is designed to be approachable and fun, encouraging teamwork and curiosity.
Since there’s no guide physically present, you’re free to pace yourself, take breaks, or linger at sites that catch your eye. The game guides you through various parts of the city, ensuring you see some of Knoxville’s most interesting areas. The tour ends back at your starting point, making it convenient for people staying nearby or planning further explorations.
What’s Included and What’s Not
You’ll gain access to the interactive map and challenges directly through your phone, which means you don’t need to worry about paper maps or printed guides. The only thing you’ll need is your smartphone with reliable internet — an important consideration if your data plan is limited or if you’re visiting areas with spotty service.
No physical guide or transportation is provided, but the walking distance is about 1.5 miles, which is quite manageable even for a casual stroll. It’s a perfect activity for a relaxed afternoon, especially if you want to see diverse parts of Knoxville without rushing or following a scheduled tour.
Stops and Sights
While the tour’s route isn’t detailed step-by-step in the info, it includes prominent sites like Charles Krutch Park, Civil War historic sites, Blount Mansion, Lawson McGhee Library, Market Square, and the Grand Lodge of Tennessee. These are key landmarks that give you a taste of Knoxville’s historical and cultural fabric.
What makes this approach appealing is that you get to see these locations from a more personal perspective. Rather than just walking by, you’re encouraged to engage with the city’s history and charm through puzzles, which can deepen your connection to the place.
Experience and Review Highlights
While reviews aren’t available yet, the concept of a scavenger hunt appeals to many travelers because it transforms sightseeing into a game. This approach can be especially engaging for people who enjoy problem-solving or want a more active experience than just wandering with a guidebook.
Some travelers might find the challenge of solving puzzles adds an extra layer of fun, but others may wish for more guidance or context about the sites. Since the tour is designed to be flexible, it’s perfect for those who like to explore at their own pace and don’t mind a little puzzle-solving.
Price and Value
At $24.50 per person, it’s a fairly affordable option, especially considering the range of sights you’ll see and the fun interactive element. For comparison, traditional guided tours can run much higher, and some visitors might prefer this more relaxed, personalized experience.
You’re essentially paying for the access to a curated, engaging exploration tool rather than a formal tour with a guide. If you’re traveling with a small group or family, this can be a great value, giving you control over the timing and pace.
Final Thoughts: Who Will Love This?

This scavenger hunt walking tour is perfect if you like self-directed adventures that combine sightseeing with interactive fun. It’s well-suited for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers who are comfortable navigating with their phones. If you’re interested in Knoxvill’s history, architecture, and lively city life, but want to experience it in a more playful, relaxed way, this activity offers a good mix.
However, it’s not ideal if you’re looking for detailed guided commentary or want a more structured experience. Travelers expecting a deep dive into history or cultural insights from a guide might find this a lighter, more playful alternative.
In sum, if you’re after an engaging and adaptable way to explore Knoxville’s sights — and enjoy a little challenge along the way — this scavenger hunt tour ticks those boxes.
Knoxville Scavenger Hunt Walking Tour and Game
FAQ
Do I need a guide or group to participate?
No, this is a self-guided tour that you play on your smartphone. You can do it alone or with up to 6 people.
How long does the tour last?
It takes about 2 hours, but you can adjust the pace since it’s self-led and flexible.
What do I need to participate?
Just your smartphone with internet access. No additional equipment or tickets are needed.
Is it suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour involves puzzles and walking, so it’s likely suitable for all ages, especially if kids enjoy problem-solving.
Can I start the tour at any time?
Yes, you can play anytime from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., according to your schedule.
Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 900 S Gay St, Knoxville, and finishes back at the same spot.
Are there any physical or transportation requirements?
The walking distance is about 1.5 miles, so comfortable shoes are recommended. No transportation is provided, but the route is walkable.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the start time, and receive a full refund if you do so.
If you’re after a fun, flexible way to see Knoxville’s highlights and enjoy some brain-teasing challenges, this scavenger hunt seems like a clever pick. Just be ready for a bit of walking and puzzle-solving, and you’ll uncover some of Knoxville’s best sights in a more interactive, personal way.
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