The Atlas Obscura Guide To Oak Ridge

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Updated October 1, 2020

Unusual Attractions in Oak Ridge

A display at American Museum of Science and Energy

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Oak Ridge "The Secret City"

The secret city built by the Manhattan Project.

The B-1 Flat Top at the American Museum of Science and Energy.

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

B-1 Flat Top in Oak Ridge

One of the Cemestos prefab homes built to secretly house thousands of Manhattan Project workers.

The current tombstone was placed there by Dorothy Bruce and her 1966-67 Jefferson Junior High School students.

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

The Prophet of Oak Ridge's Grave

John Hendrix predicted the creation of the "Secret City" built as part of the Manhattan Project.

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Alexander Inn

This hotel was used during the Manhattan Project to house official visitors.

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Clinton, Tennessee

Whirlwind Mansion

This Tennessee manse was built so opulent that the very utilities doomed it to fail.

5 miles from Oak Ridge

Clinton, Tennessee

Clinton 12 Statue at Green McAdoo Cultural Center

A bronze sculpture honors the 12 black students who attended the first integrated public high school in the segregated South.

9 miles from Oak Ridge

Powell, Tennessee

Ciderville Music Store

A roadside music shop featuring a confounding series of folk art installations.

9 miles from Oak Ridge

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Atom Bombs 3

Nuclear 2

Manhattan Project 2

World War Ii 2

Military 2

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Recent Oak Ridge Activity

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Stories About Oak Ridge

A type “H” house, photographed in the 1940s.

How the Manhattan Project's Nuclear Suburb Stayed Secret

Oak Ridge, Tennessee, once home to 75,000, went up fast and under the radar. But it was built to last, too.

by Jessica Leigh Hester

May 3, 2018

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The Atlas Obscura Guide To Oak Ridge

4 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Updated October 1, 2020

Unusual Attractions in Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Oak Ridge "The Secret City"

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

B-1 Flat Top in Oak Ridge

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

The Prophet of Oak Ridge's Grave

Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Alexander Inn

Clinton, Tennessee

Whirlwind Mansion

Clinton, Tennessee

Clinton 12 Statue at Green McAdoo Cultural Center

Powell, Tennessee

Ciderville Music Store

Plan Your Trip

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore Oak Ridge, Tennessee

Oak Ridge Leaderboard

Places Added

Places Edited

Places Visited

Recent Oak Ridge Activity

Stories About Oak Ridge

How the Manhattan Project's Nuclear Suburb Stayed Secret

Become an Atlas Obscura Member

Join our community of curious explorers.