A series of spyglasses or "windows to the past" run along the length of the Volunteer Landing boardwalk. Each working spyglass provide some aspect of Knoxville's past etched into the viewing lens. Thus, in addition to the current vista observed through the lens of the spy glasses, one can also view a long board, a steam engine, or the ramparts of a fort. Each spy glass also incorporates a written storyline briefly explaining the scene contained within the spy glass window.