Serving as the seat of Giles County, the small city of Pulaski is steeped in history.
Its small-town charm attracts those who come here.
However, once visitors learn more about the background of this city and its neighboring areas, they unlock a treasure trove of American historical experiences.
Discover this yourself and visit one of the most exciting yet underrated places in the U.S.
Here are some of the best things to do in Pulaski, TN:
As mentioned before, Pulaski has seen a long history.
With this, many deem it necessary to preserve and share it.
At the Giles County Historical Society and Museum, you can learn more about the region’s background and the history of the community.
It has exhibits that share the role of Giles County in history, most especially what life was like during the civil war.
When you tour the museum, you can meet up with the people behind the historical organization that maintains this attraction.
These people are experts in Giles County history, so if you have any questions, they’re the people to ask.
It’s a great place to spend time with your companions and learn more about this region in Tennessee.
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When you come to Pulaski, discover the Pulaski/Giles County Trail of Tears Memorial and see what visitors and locals love about this attraction.
This museum aims to share the passing of the Trail of Tears through Pulaski by showcasing its collection of related artifacts.
The compound is composed of an interpretive center, outdoor signs, a statue of a Cherokee family, and a place where you can see where the Trail of Tears crossed through Richland Creek.
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Interestingly, the Trail of Tears passed through this town twice in 1838.
If you want to get to know this interesting piece of history, check this memorial out.
By learning more about this historical event at this museum, you may be able to appreciate the town of Pulaski even more.
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A popular tourist destination in Pulaski is the Milky Way Farm.
This farm spans 2,800 acres, and it used to be the former estate of the person who founded Mars Candies, Franklin C. Mars.
Here, you can find the manor and facilities Mars’ family used for breeding Hereford cattle and even thoroughbred horses.
Mars passed away in 1934, and at the farm, you can find a mausoleum dedicated to him.
Today, the farm still produces high-quality cattle and horses.
It also serves as a popular destination for many tourists and a popular venue for weddings and special events.
When you come here, you can tour the Tudor Revival Manor, which houses 35 massive rooms, 21 sleeping quarters, and 12 bathrooms.
It also has a living room with exposed beams and a ceiling that’s 40 feet high.
You can find stunning landscaped grounds, an outdoor pool, and several tennis courts outside the manor.
If you’re interested in local wines, check out Big Creek Winery.
This family-owned winery is nestled in an estate with a vineyard and orchard that visitors can stroll through and tour.
Here, you can observe how they turn fresh fruits into wine.
Apart from the wines this place offers, you can also try grapes and fruits freshly picked from the orchard.
Additionally, as you stroll through the estate, you can also find stunning sights that are perfect for a picnic.
Speaking of picnics, the winery also allows visitors to do so within the estate grounds, but you have to bring your food and chairs.
Apart from tasting fresh fruit and superb wines, you can also participate in the many events this place organizes, like live concerts.
It’s a great place to visit with friends while you’re in Pulaski.
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While the town is relatively small, it comes packed in history.
The best way to discover this is to explore Pulaski’s Historic Downtown District.
Here, you can witness the cultural and architectural heritage present in this Tennessee town from centuries ago.
You can find many tourist spots to visit here, so you won’t get bored at all.
The town organizes a tour if you want a more in-depth look at the places in this neighborhood.
You can also catch many special events in downtown Pulaski, and the best way to see them is by taking park in the said tour.
If you have questions about the area, your knowledgeable tour guides will provide you with accurate answers.
Consider touring the heart of town while you’re in Pulaski.
With Tennessee’s long history, there are bound to be many memorable people who impacted history.
The Sam Davis Memorial Museum is dedicated to one such person – Sam Davis – and to the era, he lived in.
Many dubbed Davis as the Boy Hero of the Confederacy, executed by the Union Forces during the Civil War.
Here, you can learn more about the said war and the role this region played during the conflict.
While history is far from being peaceful and flowery, getting to know it remains to be important in forming the people’s perspective of the community.
When you come to this museum, you can find the place where Davis was executed.
Apart from that, you can also discover many artifacts and memorabilia related to the said era.
The museum also houses related collectibles and paintings in its exhibit.
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A religious and historical attraction in Pulaski is the Chuch of the Messiah.
It has a significant role in the community that it has played through multiple generations.
The church was consecrated in 1887 to become the worship area for the Diocese of Tennessee.
Here, you can go on tour and discover the interior and exterior of this significant, historical landmark.
Learn more about its role in history and appreciate the gorgeous architecture it features.
For in-depth, guided tours, you can reach out to the Giles County Tourism Office.
When you’re in Pulaski, do consider adding this to your growing itinerary.
The STAAR Theater at Antoinette Hall serves as a must-visit attraction for lovers of the performing arts.
It’s a place where the arts are nurtured.
Additionally, this theater is housed in a historic building constructed back in 1868.
The STAAR Theater offers classes in performing arts and entertainment, which it has been doing for more than 20 years.
Here, you can catch the many theatrical shows they produce for a pleasant night out in town.
Alternatively, you can catch some of their art workshops and classes for a unique thing to do during your holiday.
Learn how to appreciate the arts even further by checking this place out.
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There have been three reconstructions of the courthouse since its original 1811 construction due to fire.
Despite extensive damage, it survived the American Civil War.
It underwent reconstruction in 1908 at $133,000.
In 1983, the courthouse became part of the list of historic sites maintained by the National Park Service.
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Many people think this courthouse is the most attractive in the state.
Large Corinthian columns are a defining feature of the neoclassical structure.
You can also see Beaux-Arts style architecture throughout the building, most notably in the colonnaded clock tower perched atop the four-sided temple-like structure.
Don’t miss the opportunity to capture this picture-perfect landmark on camera.
Wolf Gap is a beautiful 50-acre site in the southern section of Pulaski that is home to an Education Center and two old log homes.
It features space for conferences, seminars, and other events.
Wolf Gap’s gorgeous location makes for unforgettable picnics, strolls, school field excursions, festivals, demonstrations, and other gatherings.
Its original log cottages were moved to their current, more secure places.
Participate in its hands-on courses for people of all ages, covering topics like open fire cooking, plant-based fabric dyeing, and Ukrainian egg dying, among others.
If you’re looking for a place to buy fresh produce in Pulaski, you may find Giles County Farmers Market southside of Public Square.
It sells meat, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and other food products like jams and jellies, pickles, honey, and molasses.
If you’re looking for handicrafts for your loved ones back home, you’ll also find keychains, quillows, charms, and more here.
It also sells cooked food like bread, pies, and cookies if you get hungry.
Visiting a farmers’ market is one of the best ways to know more about the place you’re seeing.
Pulaski is home to the annual State Beef Festival, featuring an impressive lineup of activities.
Here’s the Beef Festival started as a county-level effort to honor the state’s top ranking in cattle production.
Years later, it expanded into a regional and statewide festival celebrating agriculture as a livelihood and a way of life.
The annual Here’s the Beef features excursions, rodeos, and dirt bikers.
Catch the Junk Car Jump and Run, Demolition Derby, and Motocross on the dirt track at the Lions Club arena.
Central Tennessee is home to Statemint Studios, a quaint Southern styling boutique.
The shop’s ultimate goal is to provide happiness to ladies through fashion.
There is a wide variety of stylish jeans, shirts and dresses, jewelry, accessories, home décor, gifts, and more, including all the latest styles and client favorites.
There’s also a helpful staff there.
South 1st Street and the Southeast Corner of Giles County Square is where you’ll find Statemint Studios.
If you want to bring home a reminder of Pulaski, check out Statemint Studios.
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Tennessee has many historic landmarks and sites that are popular among tourists.
One of them is the G.T. Wilburn Grist Mill, located in Leoma.
You can easily reach this place from Pulaski as it’s only 23 minutes away.
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The mill has been standing here for around 200 years, and it’s a one-of-a-kind site in this part of the United States.
The estate surrounding the property spans 70 acres.
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For five generations, a family has dedicated itself to preserving and prolonging the 200-year history of this landmark.
Visit this place to witness an actual example of an American historical landmark.
Do you like the thrill of scary places?
You can experience such excitement just 35 minutes away from Pulaski.
Malice Haunted Attraction is an outdoor site that you can find on the outskirts of Lewisburg.
A good chunk of this property features the woods, paths, and trails that guide you through the horror attraction’s many scenes.
You can also find an interactive section where performers act on stage.
The place tries to make your experience seem as authentic as possible through ambient sounds, lighting, and smells.
The actors always give their best performance to fully immerse visitors in the scary experience they offer.
If you’re done with the scares, you can find concession stands for food, other activities, and a merch booth for souvenirs.
This is a great place to go if you want to have your adrenaline pumping.
Twenty minutes from Pulaski, you will find the Lynnville Railroad Museum.
This depot-turned-museum features many railroad-related memorabilia and model trains in their exhibits.
You can even find a Baldwin steam locomotive from 1927 when you come here.
If you’re interested in locomotives and their role in the community, don’t miss out on visiting the Lynnville Railroad Museum.
An iconic genre of music to come out of the United States is gospel.
At the James D. Vaughan Museum, you can learn more about the incredible history of Southern Gospel Music.
You can find this place in Lawrenceburg, just 25 minutes away from Pulaski.
This museum particularly commemorates the life and contribution of James D. Vaughan, the “Father of Southern Gospel Music.”
Vaughan is said to have done many things to establish Southern Gospel Music, including millions of shape-note songbooks.
Here, you can find many memorabilia, collectibles, and artifacts related to his life and the genre of music he helped to establish.
Whether you love gospel music or not, consider including this exciting museum in your itinerary.
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Tennessee isn’t all about historic landmarks and memorials.
It is also blessed with beautiful nature that is waiting to be discovered.
If you love nature and the outdoors, then head over to the David Crocket State Park 30 minutes away from Pulaski.
Here, you can go camping in one of its 107 campsites found in its two campgrounds.
Each site features a table and a grill.
Eclectic and water fixtures are also available here.
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Apart from campsites, you can also find Lindey Lake in this park, which spans 40 acres.
There, you can find opportunities for many water-based activities, including fishing and paddling.
A restaurant is also available at the site and a recreational pool for people who want to splash in the water.
It also features many amenities for recreational activities, including hiking paths, softball fields, and other sports courts.
Make sure to add this beautiful place to your must-visit list in this part of Tennesee.
Another great outdoor space you can visit near Pulaski is Wells Hill Park, located 40 minutes away near Fayetteville.
This park is essentially a 3.17-mile out and back trail that sees light traffic.
When you follow it, you can pass by a picturesque waterfall.
The trail is easy and can be traversed by hikers of every skill level.
Many come here to appreciate the nature views while hiking or running.
Stop by this place when you’re in the area.
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Venture 40 minutes away from Pulaski to Columbia, TN, and visit the President James K Polk Home and Museum.
The site used to be the living estate of former U.S. President Polk and his family.
Today, it features the original possession of the former president, including items like furniture, paintings, and china.
Apart from visiting it for the artifacts, the architecture of the home is stunning as well.
The place was constructed in 1816, even before Pres. Polk finished his education.
Apart from the main house, you can also visit the Sisters’ House, which serves as the site’s visitor center and Museum Shop.
You can also check out the estate’s gardens, laid out in a revival boxwood style with ironwork and a fountain, which initially came from the president’s Nashville home.
Pulaski and its neighboring areas bore witness to significant historical events.
These events shaped the town and the community into the charming place that it is today.
Experience a small town’s allure by making this your next tourist stop.
Discover the world.
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