With the hope of developing technology that would end World War II, the U.S. government built the city of Oak Ridge under a cloak of great secrecy. The US Department of Energy and the National Park Service partnered to open the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge to tell the story of the people, places and science that began the atomic age.  

Once a Secret City, today, Oak Ridge is anything but a secret and has become a global leader in innovative science, engineering and technology.  The city has six amazing museums that give a one-of-a-kind, hands on look at how the Secret City came to be and how the city’s global impact has drastically changed the world.

Melton Hill Lake  

But there’s more!  Oak Ridge is one of the nation’s premier competitive rowing destinations and has played host to national and regionally ranked regattas. The glassy waters of Melton Hill Lake are perfect for fishing, boating, paddling and rowing, and offer over 30 miles of pristine shoreline. If the lake is not your cup of tea, try a swim at the nation’s largest spring fed swimming pool.

The Oak Ridge outdoors scene has become so popular that it attracts visitors from all over the southeast to hike and bike the more than 85 miles of trails and greenways in the city.  Mountain bikers enjoy trails for experts down to beginners at Haw Ridge Park and the Windrock Bike Park. 

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This place continues to grow with significant scientific achievements, improvements to the city such as plans for a new downtown area, continued retail development, and a wide variety of restaurants. 

The thriving and amazing “Secret City” of Oak Ridge has much to offer visitors. What are you waiting for?  Plan a trip, so we can Share our Secrets with you.