A trip to Clarksville reveals its fascinating history and newest attractions—so many sights and sites to keep the adventure rolling!
From exploring ancient art in a cave, making butter in a pioneer settlement, and discovering the helicopters and heroes that shaped military history, Clarksville, Tennessee, turns a weekend getaway into non-stop adventure. In this southern city by the rolling Cumberland and Red Rivers, opportunities for family fun and activity are as continuous as the river currents!
Model Train Layout and Bubble Cave
The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center showcases a massive model train layout running 5 trains simultaneously over 360 feet of track. With scenery changing seasonally and fun details like Skittles train cars carrying mini packets of the fun-size candy, kids and adults alike peer excitedly through the glass at the action, pressing the interactive push buttons to see what each one does.
The entire lower level of the museum is filled with kid-engaging exhibits. Visit the Family Art Studio to exercise creativity, and don’t miss the Explorers Landing children’s area, which includes a Bubble Cave for experimenting and trying to encase each other in a giant bubble.
Railroad Street Art
Train fans—check out artist Ricky Cavaness’ vibrant “Last Train to Clarksville” mural, painted on the support pillar of the old train bridge across Commerce St. in downtown Clarksville. Although the 1966 Monkees’ song wasn’t referring to Clarksville, TN, the painting still fits by paying homage to the town’s railroad roots; the painted numbers indicate the dates passenger trains last ran across the tracks above.
Pioneer Life
Drive or hike through the Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement to learn about 1800s life in rural Tennessee. This 40-acre property houses restored log buildings outfitted with authentic artifacts and household furnishings of early rural settlers. Visitors of all ages are fascinated with the old schoolhouse (that was also used as the church on Sundays), complete with individual student chalkboards for writing pads and a teacher’s blackboard from circa 1879. Kids rarely pass up the chance to make a mini batch of homemade butter here—a daily activity offered in a nearby building set up with a pioneer-style kitchen.
Spelunking and Birding
The action at 144-acre Dunbar Cave State Park is birdwatching at Swan Lake, exploring scenic trails, and taking a guided tour of a cave that has been used as a sacred space by Mississippians since the 13th century, as shown by their drawings on the cave’s walls. Additionally, there are Cherokee drawings in the cave that date back to 1855. Adventurers 8 years and older can navigate through the cave’s rugged terrain, crouch beneath low ceilings, discover sparkling mineral formations, and see 800-year-old cave artwork while learning about its meaning and interpretations.
Military Models and Machines
On a 33-acre campus, the brand-new 51,000-sq.-ft. Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum is open to the public and filled with impressive, immersive modern exhibits, military models, and machines. With construction still underway and plans for many more displays to come, there is already much to see in this enormous space outlining aviation history, special operations missions, the Global War on Terrorism, World War II—many setups with life-sized figures posed in action or driving vehicles. Unique to this museum is the MH-47 Chinook helicopter simulation experience, where visitors feel flight sensations, see video graphics, and hear radio communications during a simulated ride through the mountains of Afghanistan.
Running Legend
An inspirational Olympic Gold Medalist, Clarksville, TN, native Wilma Rudolph fought the odds and aspired to greatness in track and field events despite her premature birth, and later pneumonia and polio, which led to temporary leg paralysis. This hometown hero once deemed “the fastest woman in the world” was also a leader in drawing attention to segregation and racism, refusing to participate in a local honor ceremony until it was deemed an open, unsegregated event. An exhibit at the Customs House Museum shows more about her life and achievements, and her bronze memorial statue stands at Liberty Park, outside the Wilma Rudolph Event Center.
Explore downtown to find ice cream shops, boutiques, and seasonal plays or musicals at the Roxy Regional Theatre. Feel the soft turf and play in the water features at the Downtown Commons splash pad. Around every bend, Clarksville keeps curiosity in motion. In this town full of history and fresh new additions, families can move from one unforgettable experience to the next.
Where to Eat
The Amsterdam Café has locally sourced and incredibly fresh breakfast produce that is colorful and delicious, with tasty baked pastries and specialty coffees (like the Biscoff latte). Plus, the Dutch-inspired vibe is just right—décor of bicycles, books, music, greenery, cozy couches, and cool, handcrafted artisan wares for sale on a table in the back.
The Mailroom, Clarksville’s historic post office converted to an eatery, serves some traditional favorites with global flavors—try the mac ‘n’ cheese variations and cheeseburger egg rolls! Beautifully renovated, with its high ceilings and tall windows indoors, and well-designed outdoor patio seating, this is also a lovely location to sip a fresca or craft cocktail.
In cozy woodland ambiance at the Mad Herbalist, enjoy flavorful sandwiches and shareables in the historic cabin while selecting favorite tea blends to create a flight of hot, iced, or sparkling tea. As an additional activity here, you can also blend customized bath and body products like linen spray and hand sanitizer using fragrance oils.
Fuel up at Joe’s Garage and inspect the line-up of shiny muscle cars while waiting for a kids’ menu Jr. Mechanic Burger, Flywheel Pizza, or an order of golden Funnel Cake Fries. For live music and a beautiful view of the river and sunset, go up to the rooftop Skyline 500 Bar!
21+: For adult libations, head in for a tour and tasting at Old Glory Distillery. Don’t miss the Pin-Up Gin or the Tennessee Bourbon Maple Cream. At Leatherwood Distillery, one top choice is the Snake Eater Bourbon Whiskey or their many delicious flavors of rum. For local wine, visit Beachaven Winery to sample Tennessee wines and find a new favorite.
Where to Stay
Stay at the comfortable DoubleTree by Hilton, conveniently located one block from downtown and the Cumberland Riverwalk. A stroll across the Pedestrian Overpass leads straight to the half-mile walk (dotted with park benches and swings) along Cumberland River to the RiverCenter activity area and playground. For more hiking and great sunset viewpoints, continue along the Riverwalk until the Red River and the Red River Trail begins.
Cover Photo – Art covers the brick wall outside of Mildred & Mable’s Mercantile in downtown Clarksville. Photo credit: Alison Ramsey
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