International Friendship Bell — Attraction in Oak Ridge

A peaceful park in the middle of the city Friendship Bell Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, is located south of the Oak ridge turnpike and north of Badger Avenue. It is a lovely, peaceful destination that beautifully blends history, support, and serene natural surroundings. The park is open and has a small parking lot off Badger Avenue. There are some hills but a nice pathway to get around the park. The park's centerpiece, the Friendship Bell, holds profound significance and serves as a poignant symbol of unity and harmony. The history of the bell dates back to the 20th century when it was gifted to Oak Ridge by the people of Japan in 1996. This heartfelt gesture was a symbol of peace and reconciliation between the two nations, honoring the lasting friendship that emerged after World War II. The bell's striking design and its association with international relations make it a compelling attraction for visitors seeking to delve into history. It is free to visit and there are several signs around the park that tell details about the Friendship Bell's history, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its significance. Overall, Friendship Bell Park is a very nice destination that combines historical importance, community support, and natural beauty. A visit to Friendship Bell Park is not only a memorable experience but also an opportunity to embrace the profound message...

Beautiful monument gifted to the city of Oak Ridge and the United States from Japan. Impressed that they would gift a friendship and peace bell to America after World War II and the atomic bomb. There's a hanging stick that you can use to hit the bell. It's a cool structure that was built to hang the bell as well. On the bell are the dates of major attacks by Japan against the United States during world war II like Pearl Harbor, as well as the dates and cities of the two cities that were destroyed by the atomic bomb. Quiet...

A beautiful giant bell that you can ring by pushing a swinging log towards it. We rang it for the first time today, and learned the history behind it. It includes a "contemplation garden" of raked sand next to it, perhaps because "Zen" would sound a bit too non-Christian for something smack in the center of the so-called "Bible belt". It turns out, however, as the old Koan states, that a Zen garden by any other name is just as Zen. Anyways, it was beautiful and...