Blake Walsh

20 Best Things to Do in Clarksville, TN

  • Published 2022/04/16

One of the most flourishing cities in Tennessee, Clarksville is a great place to vacation with family.

There are a lot of opportunities to bask in nature and surround yourself with different shades of green.

The city also boasts a rich history, which you’re more than welcome to explore through its many museums and historical attractions.

Adding to all the buzz, Clarksville also hosts many festivals and events throughout the year.

Make the “Queen City of Cumberland” your next destination, and you’re sure to make loads of meaningful memories.

Here are the best things to do in Clarksville, Tennessee:

Learn about Clarksville’s Diverse History

Far exterior view of Customs House Museum and Cultural Center

SannaBlue / Shutterstock.com

Clarksville is a fantastic place associated with a rich heritage and fascinating history.

The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center is the best place to learn more about the city.

After all, its objective is to preserve the city’s culture and history.

There are a lot of beautiful old buildings located in the same area that you can check out after you are done with the museum.

Go Running along the Clarksville Greenway

A curve along the road at Clarksville Greenway during fall

Elijah Henderson elijahhenderson, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Are you into hiking?

Head to the iconic Clarksville Greenway, one of the best trails in all of Clarksville.

Both amateur and pro hikers are welcome to embark on this trail.

The trek is relatively easy for the first couple of miles, although the last part can get a bit more challenging due to some hills.

As you walk along the picturesque trail, you’ll be surrounded by lush forests.

A creek also runs along the trail, so you can enjoy scenes of stunning blues and greens.

Take a Walk across McGregor Park Riverwalk

There is no shortage of places to enjoy nature or embark on an adventure in Clarksville.

Head over to the McGregor Park Riverwalk to have some more fun.

It features a clean 1-mile trail that will take you through some of the most stunning scenes.

At the end of the path, there are a lot of spots to sit down and enjoy the riverside view.

There is also a museum called As the River Flows, which gracefully depicts Clarksville’s historical past.

Check Out the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center

Street view of Customs House Museum and Cultural Center

Jugarum of English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The Customs House Museum and Cultural Center plays a pretty important role in depicting the culture of the town and its people.

Located in downtown Clarksville, the museum’s building was once a post office.

If you want to know more about the city’s history, this is the best place to do so.

There are a lot of permanent collections in the museum.

Catch a Show at the Roxy Regional Theatre

Want to relax after a long day of sightseeing?

Take a relaxing break at the Roxy Regional Theatre.

It’s one of the best places in Clarksville that attracts a lot of people for its famous shows.

There are a lot of live performances that go on here at different times of the week.

The theater is also well-renowned for producing some of the best performances.

Do try to catch a live performance when you are in town.

Explore Dunbar Cave State Park

Calm waters at the Dunbar Cave State Park

Wayne Hsieh78 / Shutterstock.com

At Dunbar Cave State Park, you will be offered a wild experience like never before.

The Dunbar Caves are the largest in town.

These caves used to be the venues for several radio shows back in the day.

That’s how famous the Dunbar Caves are.

Dunbar Caves at Clarksville, TN

Manny_stock / Shutterstock.com

A lot of tourists flock to these caves from Nashville, so the place can get a bit crowded.

There is also a lake present on the premises.

Known as Swan Lake, it is quite appealing to the eyes.

Taste the Spirits at Beachaven Vineyards and Winery

Vineyard at Beachaven Winery

James R. Martin / Shutterstock.com

Are you looking for a relaxing place to soak in Clarksville’s local charm?

Beachaven Vineyards and Winery is a wonderful place to check out after you are done sightseeing for the day.

This vineyard has got quite a few exceptional spirits in its collections.

They even have some award-winning wines on their wine list.

There are several wine tasting tours through which you can get a better taste of their delightful menu.

You can bring home your choice of wine and enjoy it later.

Have a Picnic at Liberty Park & Clarksville Marina

The presence of the Red and Cumberland rivers makes Liberty Park & Clarksville Marina even more impressive.

There are several picnic spots and many playgrounds where your kids can play.

You can pack a picnic basket, spend the day with your family by the beautiful rivers, and enjoy your day.

There’s also the option to go swimming, boating, or fishing.

Spend an Afternoon Exploring Fort Defiance

Small bridge at Fort Defiance

Amanda Blount , Amandablount2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

There is no shortage of beautiful spots in the heart of Clarksville.

History is held in high regard here, creating an abundance of historically significant tourist locations.

There are some top spots where you can appreciate the beauty of nature and learn about Clarksville’s history at the same time.

Canon at Fort Defiance

Thethinker357 / Shutterstock.com

Fort Defiance now is situated on a hill above the confluence of the Red and the Cumberland rivers.

The sights from here are heavenly.

Native Americans built this structure.

Scenic view of Fort Defiance

Amanda Blount , Amandablount2, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

When they were driven out, it became the epitome of the trade and commerce of Clarksville.

Visiting Fort Defiance is like taking a step back in history.

Have a Fun Day at D&D Mini Golf

Are you looking for a place that your whole family will enjoy?

Fortunately, Clarksville is a hub for all types of entertainment.

People of all ages enjoy D&D Mini Golf.

For this very reason, the place is always crowded with kids and adults.

There is an 18-hole indoor golf course.

It also happens to be a themed golf course.

You’ll find a lot of mystical creatures that add to the already exciting ambiance here.

Appreciate the Art at the Mabel Larson Fine Arts Gallery

Located inside the Austin Peay State University campus, the Mabel Larson Fine Arts Gallery is one of the most aesthetic places to check out in Clarksville.

Some of the gorgeous works by renowned artists are featured on the walls of this gallery.

They host many exhibitions throughout the year, featuring works by locals artists and students.

Lift Your Spirits at Old Glory Distilling Company

There are some excellent breweries in the town of Clarksville.

One of the most popular is the iconic Old Glory Distilling Company, where everything is locally made.

Their menu contains some of the best spirits.

Be it rum, vodka, or moonshine, Old Glory Distilling Company has a way of winning people’s hearts.

The best way to experience all their best menu items is to go on a tasting tour.

Go on a Shopping Spree at Governor’s Square Mall

If you are done with sightseeing and still have a bit of time on your hands, you must check out the shopping options in Clarksville.

After all, you have to buy some gifts or souvenirs to take back home with you.

For those special delights, head to Governor’s Square Mall.

The mall is filled with both small as well as branded shops, along with local boutiques.

Appreciate the Works of Local Artist

Clarksville has a lot of hidden talents among its young generations, but they usually don’t get enough exposure.

Fortunately, the Downtown Artists Co-op does not let these talents go to waste.

Art pieces of almost 27 local artists are featured here regularly.

You can visit the Downtown Artists Co-op to admire their work.

They host various events where you can get closer to the different artists.

The Downtown Artists Co-op also organizes various art walks.

Take a Step Back in History at Historic Collinsville

Historic Collinsville is one of the best places to check out in Clarksville during the summer.

Did you know there are a lot of pieces of history present right here?

The majority of the buildings around here have been restored.

Some of them are extremely old, dating back to the 1800s.

The other items, which have been redesigned, are splendid as well.

You’ll hardly be able to notice that they were recreated since the work was done well.

Have a look around if you want to know how past residents of Clarksville used to spend their lives.

Unleash Your Inner Sherlock at Escape Games Clarksville

This challenging adventure game has found its first home in Clarksville.

With a group of friends, you must work together to solve a mystery or crime or just find a way out of the chamber before the clock strikes zero.

You have an hour to figure out the mystery with only a few hints offered.

The Clarksville location offers various rooms, including House of Mystery, Taken, Outbreak, and Jail Break.

Everyone above the age of 12 is encouraged to play these games.

Don’t be tempted to press the panic button unless things start to get a little scary.

Go Antique-Hunting at Miss Lucille’s Marketplace

The 52,000-square-foot warehouse known as Miss Lucille’s Marketplace is well-known for its unusual wares.

This unique flea market boasts individuality, quality, and elegance.

Our quality, hand-selected suppliers offer a wide range of styles as part of this encounter with a compassionate, hospitality-driven crew.

Strolling around Miss Lucille’s and perusing the many stands will be fun if you enjoy handmade and vintage things.

You’ll have your pick among more than 200 merchants and stalls when you go.

An on-site cafeteria serves up delectable fare from throughout the region if you need a break.

Chill at the Blackhorse Pub and Brewery

The Blackhorse Pub and Brewery was a popular drinking establishment before the proprietors decided to start brewing their own beer for exclusive distribution.

Blackhorse Pub and Brewery now has two breweries.

Knoxville is known for its renowned Blackhorse IPA and Vanilla Cream Ale, among the several breweries in the area.

Barrel Aged Southern Imperial Stout is one of Clarksville’s most popular barrel-aged beers and several others.

The bar serves all of the brewery’s renowned beers and seasonal and new releases.

A pool table, live music, and pub fare abound, as do the menu items, including steaks, pasta, and gourmet pizzas.

Get Creative at Swirlz Art Studio

One of the best things to do in the city if you’re starting out as an artist is to go to a local art museum.

Do you want to learn to paint on canvas but don’t have time to take art classes?

Painting and art classes are available at Swirlz Art Studio, which provides short courses.

Swirlz provides a wide variety of no-commitment art lessons that you’ll love.

Visit the studio, and the staff will take care of the rest.

Canvas and paintbrushes are included in the price of the class.

You may take your finished artwork home with you after one session.

Enjoy Different Attractions at The City Forum

This 120,000-square-foot entertainment park caters to children and families alike.

It’s one of the largest amusement parks for families in the United States.

It’s a safe bet that a visit to The City Forum, Clarksville’s newest amusement park, is one of the best things to do with kids.

Take part in all of the fascinating and enjoyable activities in one spot.

While you’re here, you can go mini-golfing, bowling, go-karting, and more.

Final Thoughts

A trip to the Queen City of Cumberland is a must for history enthusiasts, especially those interested in the American Civil War.

But Clarksville has so much more to offer than that.

Tourists from all walks of life are welcome in this Tennessee city.

Don’t miss all the best things to do in Clarksville, Tennessee!

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