I realized that there is a pole "sticking out of his head" when I took this shot, but I was more interested in capturing the moment with the kid, who clearly was posing for a picture.

1 / 10

Haley Heritage Square

4.7

·86 reviews·Knoxville, United States

Haley Heritage Square honors Alex Haley with an impressive statue, offering a park with a playground, disc golf, and scenic views.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Clear Smokies views

CrowdLow

Loading map...

Haley Heritage Square

Best Time

Winter mornings

Clear Smokies views

CrowdLow

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Haley Heritage Square honors Alex Haley with an impressive statue, offering a park with a playground, disc golf, and scenic views.

4.7

(86 reviews)

"This is such a nice, quiet park. It's a hidden gem!"

TIP

📸 Capture the Statue

The Alex Haley statue is a must-see; it's considered one of the most beautiful.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Watch Kids Closely

The playground is near a steep hill, so keep a close eye on children.

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 86 reviews

Type

Park

Address

1620 Dandridge Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915, USA

Website

knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/parks_and_recreation/parks/alex_haley_heritage_square

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Alex Haley Statue

Centerpiece of the square

An impressive and beautiful tribute to the acclaimed author of 'Roots.'

Playground & Disc Golf

Adjacent to the statue

A brand new playground and a disc golf course make this a fun spot for families and recreation.

Smoky Mountains View

From the statue's perspective (winter)

In winter, the statue offers a clear view of the majestic Smoky Mountains.

Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Embrace the History

Haley Heritage Square honors Alex Haley, author of 'Roots.' Explore the statue and learn about his impact on understanding African American heritage and genealogy.

Park Amenities & Views

Beyond the statue, discover a disc golf course, playground, walking trails, and picnic areas. Enjoy potential Smokies views in winter!

Best Times

When

Winter mornings

Why

Clear Smokies views

Crowd

Low

When

Weekday afternoons

Why

Quieter park experience

Crowd

Low

When

Weekend mornings

Why

Family fun at playground

Crowd

Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Alex Haley Statue in Knoxville, TN. #fyp #foryourpage #alexhaley #rootsalexhaley #alexhaleyqueen💔 #knoxvilletennessee #tennessee #chickengeorge #malcolmx #blackstatues

@sankofatravelher

170 likes • 4.2K views

📸 Capture the Statue

The Alex Haley statue is a must-see; it's considered one of the most beautiful.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Watch Kids Closely

The playground is near a steep hill, so keep a close eye on children.

Alex Haley is widely acclaimed in literature and history for his influential contributions that have reshaped the understanding of African American heritage. His most well-known work, "Roots: The Saga of an American Family," earned him a Pulitzer Prize and sparked a nationwide interest in genealogy, leading many to delve into their ancestral backgrounds. Haley's collaboration on "The Autobiography...

@blackartdepot

377 likes • 8.3K views

I’ve been doing a lot of singing lately to “not be a singer.” Lol I am beyond honored to have been able to tribute #EdyeEllis today at Haley Heritage Square in Knoxville, TN thanks to @beckculturalexchangecenter and @wbirchannel10. Edye was one of one. Compassion, elegance, and class were exemplified at all times. I believed the news she reported. I believed HER. And I could think of no more fitti...

christopherlhamblin

49 likes • 1.8K views

🌳 Enjoy the Green Space

It's a large, clean park with walking trails and picnic areas. A true hidden gem!

🌬️ Winter Views

Visit in winter for a unique perspective of the Smokies from the statue.

Day 25 Knoxville, NC State Capital The Alex Haley Statue Haley Heritage Square This was our favorite part of Knoxville. We travel a lot and see lots of statues…. This by far was the most beautiful and impressive. #theblondeandtheprofessor #AlexHaley #knoxville #haleyheritagesquare

jacquecastan

4 likes • 68 views

Tips

from all over the internet

📸 Capture the Statue

The Alex Haley statue is a must-see; it's considered one of the most beautiful.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Watch Kids Closely

The playground is near a steep hill, so keep a close eye on children.

🌳 Enjoy the Green Space

It's a large, clean park with walking trails and picnic areas. A true hidden gem!

🌬️ Winter Views

Visit in winter for a unique perspective of the Smokies from the statue.

What Travellers Say

4.7

(86 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Haley Heritage Square for its impressive Alex Haley statue and its well-maintained park amenities, including a playground and disc golf course. It's considered a hidden gem offering a blend of history, recreation, and scenic views, especially in winter. Some note the playground's proximity to a steep hill, requiring vigilance with children.

"Most pix of this place are of the impressive statue of Mr. Haley but when visiting I noticed that in winter months (with no leaves on trees) he has quite an impressive view of the Smokies. And in another year or two, should he decide to turn around to look over his shoulder he’d also have a nice view of the coming downtown Smokies Baseball Park. Nice location."

J Richard Miller

"This is an amazing work of art highlighting a true pillar to the world. His actions changed the lens through which slavery was viewed. The area is clean and well kept. The playground is positioned next to a steep hill, so be sure to keep a close eye on the children."

reginald strother

"This is such a nice, quiet park. Disc golf course and brand new playground, shade and picnic tables. It's a hidden gem"

Keri Cannon Smiddy

What People Like

Impressive Alex Haley statue

New playground & disc golf

Clean, quiet park

What People Dislike

Playground near steep hill

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Haley Heritage Square is located in Knoxville, Tennessee. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's accessible by car. Many visitors arrive as part of exploring Knoxville's cultural sites.

Yes, parking is generally available for visitors to the square and its amenities. It's recommended to check local listings for the most current parking information.

The square is a notable landmark in Knoxville, often mentioned in conjunction with the Alex Haley statue. Using GPS or a mapping app should guide you easily.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Haley Heritage Square is a public park and generally free to enter. You can explore the statue and amenities without purchasing tickets.

As a public park, Haley Heritage Square is typically open from dawn until dusk. It's advisable to confirm specific hours if you plan to visit during early morning or late evening.

The Alex Haley statue is part of the public square, so there is no separate admission fee to view it.

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

Visitors can admire the Alex Haley statue, enjoy the playground, play disc golf, walk the trails, and have picnics. It's a versatile space for history buffs and families.

Absolutely! The park features a brand new playground, making it a great spot for children to play. Just be mindful of the nearby steep hill. +1

Yes, there are picnic areas available, making it a perfect spot for a family outing or a relaxed lunch. Port-a-potties are also available.

The square honors Alex Haley, the author of 'Roots,' a seminal work that significantly impacted the understanding of African American heritage and genealogy. +1

While not always advertised broadly, events like tributes have been held at the square, celebrating figures like Edye Ellis.

📸 📸 Photography

The Alex Haley statue is the primary subject, offering a powerful and impressive photo opportunity. The surrounding parkland and winter views of the Smokies also provide scenic backdrops.

The statue itself can serve as a striking backdrop for portraits, especially for those interested in history or heritage. The park's natural elements also offer softer settings.