Less than an hour from the state capital of Nashville is Springfield, a city and the county seat of Robertson County.
A humble town located along Highway 431, Springfield is known for its crop industry, noted as the “Home of the World’s Finest Dark Fired Tobacco.”
Springfield is an ideal destination for those looking for a destination that combines nature and small-town hospitality.
Ready to explore Springfield, Tennessee?
Here are the 20 best things to do in and around the city:
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Sprawling in the north of the city is the Springfield Greenway, a 4-mile thoroughfare connecting various parks and districts.
Visitors can access the trail at N. Garner and W. 2nd Avenue to start their trek.
The path starts at the foot of Garner Street Park.
Along the path, visitors can enjoy the lush greenery spread throughout the trail’s expanse.
The trail also passes through Sulphur Folk Creek and the Nut Tree Hiking Trails.
For those who want to see the sights on foot, bikes are also permitted to pass by in the area.
A visit to Springfield Greenway is perfect for those who want to take their time exploring the outdoors and quiet rural atmosphere of Springfield.
Maintained by the Robertson County Historical Society, the Robertson County Museum preserves the area’s rich history and continues to share its legacy with both Tennessee locals and tourists.
Visitors can go through the different exhibitions on display featuring early life and notable moments in Robertson County’s history.
The museum also promotes research and education, as visitors can also opt to use the museum’s resources for study purposes such as for theses and formal papers.
For those who want a more detailed tour, they can also approach any of the staff on-ground to source more information.
In addition to the documents and artifacts, the museum also hosts pocket events for visitors, as well as educational programs.
Designed by the Professional Golfers Association (PGA) Hall of Fame player Raymond Floyd, the Legacy Golf Course is a true golfing gem in the Springfield area.
Opened in 1996 and located in Southeast Springfield, the course spans a total size of over 6,700 yards of wide, open fields.
Floyd envisioned the course to excite and challenge golfers of any ability and aptitude.
From beginners to seasoned veterans, everyone is welcome to tee off here at Legacy Golf Course.
Visitors can tee off on the 18-hole golf course on Legacy’s grounds.
For beginners, there is also a practice area wherein they can get into the swing of things and practice their golf swings.
Legacy Golf Course also plays hosts to local and regional tournaments, which are exciting for golf enthusiasts to watch.
After a day of play, visitors can stop by The Legacy Grill, their in-house restaurant.
Visitors can order from their roster of comfort food and refreshing drinks, a perfect way to cap off after a great game of golf.
Located north in Springfield’s suburbs is Garner Street Park, a humble but exciting park full of activities for visitors of any age.
Visitors can spend a great day outdoors in Tennessee at the park.
There are numerous picnic areas equipped with tables and grills that families can use, perfect for an outdoor barbeque of some of Tennessee’s finest meats bought from local grocers and delis.
For those looking to spend a more active day at the park, there are also tennis courts available, great for a few quick swings or a full game with friends.
For pet parents, the Central Bark Dog Park is also located within Garner Street Park, perfect for taking your furry friends out for a walk.
For those with little kids, playgrounds are also spread out throughout the park, great for playtime.
Bike trails are also available for those who want to explore the expanse of the park on two wheels.
For those interested in rural farm life and seeing how food is grown and harvested, then a visit to Rabbit Circle Rural Farm is an exciting one for you!
Envisioned by founder Jennifer Davis, Rabbit Circle Rural Farm aims to connect curious food lovers with the farmers, craftsmen, and ranchers in rural Tennessee.
She wanted to show people the process of growing food and harvesting from the ground to your plate and introducing the people who make that happen.
Visitors are in for a treat when they book a customized tour at Rabbit Circle.
The experiences include touring local farms that plant tobacco, grain, indigo, and hemp.
Visitors can also get to try meals prepared from the freshly picked farm crops, which is definitely a great farm-to-table experience.
Along the way, the tour guides also share stories of Tennessee farmers and farm life, how they live, and share their passion for their craft.
On the tours, there is also a chance to visit shops that house proudly local, handmade Tennessee products.
A visit to Rabbit Circle Rural Farm is definitely a great experience that connects visitors to that uniquely Southern charm in Tennessee.
To truly feel like a local, add The Center to your list of places to visit when in Springfield.
Located in the heart of Springfield, The Center is a great place to meet locals and also have access to various activities such as sports leagues and educational classes.
Visitors can utilize the facilities available at The Center, such as their fitness and exercise equipment, from treadmills to weights.
Fitness classes are available by a schedule for those looking to join group activities.
There are also basketball courts available on-site for those looking to practice their shoots on the hoops.
For gatherings or get-togethers, there are also function rooms available for use on-site.
The Center also serves as the hub for Springfield’s Parks and Recreation Administrative Offices.
For book lovers, the Stokes Brown Public Library is a great place to drop by in Springfield.
Located along White Street, the library is the first public one to operate in Springfield and the entire Robertson County.
It began as a community service project piloted by the Short Story Club back in 1923.
The club members volunteered their time to keep the library open from 2 to 5 PM on the weekdays.
They also did fundraising activities around the neighborhood to raise funds to continue to support the cause of the library.
At present, the library is a 32,000-square-foot expanse containing over 58,000 traditional books and library items, as well as 34 public access computers, teen rooms, study areas, and boardrooms available for use by locals and visitors alike.
There is also a History and Genealogy Center within the library, great for those with an interest and penchant for the subject.
The Stokes Brown Public Library is a great place to spend the day with a good book.
You might even come out of the library’s grounds having learned something new.
J. Travis Price Park is synonymous with the Christmas season in Springfield and is the perfect time to drop by when in the area.
The park plays host to the annual Winter Wonderland event in the area, wherein they deck out the park in gorgeous twinkling lights that mimic the winter snow and sky, as well as set-ups of a few holiday scenes.
The park also is the home of the Christmas Lights Drive Thru Park, wherein homes and buildings are all decked out with lights, sparkles, and decorations, which are definitely a visual treat for both kids and adults during the holiday season.
At other parts of the year, J. Travis Price Park is a great place to head to for some family time outdoors.
There are playgrounds and picnic areas available around the park, as well as a disc golf course at The Highlands.
Established in 1993, The Catfish House is a proudly Springfield establishment, serving up the best quality food and great customer service to their customers and the community.
The menu serves up the best that Tennessee has to offer, from US farm-raised catfish, hand-breaded chicken tenders, USDA choice steaks, and homemade pies.
Visitors can enjoy the homey atmosphere of the family-owned and operated restaurant, with its interiors evoking the aura of a typical Springfield home.
The Catfish House is definitely a great stop when in Springfield, giving you a taste of Southern comfort.
Families can head to Martin Luther King Jr. Park when in Springfield to spend a fun day out and about.
Located along S. Main Street, the park is home to the city’s first inclusive playground.
The park also has a splash pad wherein visitors can take a quick splash to beat the heat, especially during the summer.
The park has a field on-site, great for football and soccer games with family and friends.
There is also a running track for enthusiasts and professionals alike, as well as casual trails for those looking to do a more leisurely stroll around the park.
Families can also set up picnics on the park’s grounds, perfect on a sunny day in Springfield.
Founded in 2003, Depot Bar and Grill is a culmination of owner Doug Voise’s love of food.
With Voise’s experience both in fast and fine dining, Depot Bar and Grill brings together Southern comfort favorites done with the freshest local ingredients.
Visitors can order classic American fare like burgers, wings, and sandwiches done in an elevated manner.
Depot Bar and Grill also offers a variety of steak selections, ranging from beef, lamb, and pork.
There are also fish and chicken options for the entrees for those looking for lighter fare.
Depot Bar and Grill also operates a food truck, where they park to bring their Southern comfort food to the people around the community.
Schedule of the truck’s location and hours can be found on the website or their socials.
Situated along the border of Springfield and Greenbrier lies the Hwy 41 Flea Market, a family-owned and operated venture in Robertson County.
The market is a great place for the community to come together, with local vendors selling anything under the sun from homeware, antiques, clothing, and gardening tools.
Food and drink vendors are also present on-site, with some selling farm-fresh goods like fruits and vegetables you can bring home.
The flea market is open on the weekends from 7 AM to 5 PM.
Jail Alley is part of the Historic Downtown Springfield, located along Main Avenue and it’s neighboring thoroughfares.
As the name suggests, Jail Alley used to be a prominent part of the city where prisoners were led to the courthouse during the early 1900s.
While inactive now, this alley is now a great photo opportunity that exudes the vintage aesthetic that makes Springfield’s urban areas so attractive.
You’d be hard-pressed to miss out on Jail Alley, because even the city government themselves doubled down on the restoration of this place to make it an Instagram hotspot for tourists.
After you take photos of its iconic metal gate, feel free to check the surrounding corners around the area to get the full experience of Historic Downtown Springfield.
If you’re traveling with your fur baby during your trip, you’re in luck thanks to Central Bark Dog Park, located along 2nd Avenue near the downtown area.
While there’s no division between large and small breeds, Central Bark Dog Park compensates by having spacious areas to keep things safe and tranquil for all visitors.
The greenery is well-maintained and there are plenty of benches and shade if you’re planning to visit during the hotter months.
There’s also plenty of amenities like a water dispenser and dog bags in case you’re running out, making this a great all-rounder.
Central Bark Dog Park is a great treat for your pooch, so pay a visit if you have some down time.
Located along the busy stretch of Memorial Boulevard lies one of the largest malls in Springfield—Centre Stage Shopping Center.
As with most large shopping centers, this is a great addition to your itinerary if you’re planning to stock up on essentials or do some leisurely shopping.
They’ve got a good variety of options here, ranging from salons to furniture shops; there’s a little bit of something for every family and age group here.
Centre Stage Shopping Center also has Ichiban, a neat store if you’re planning on splurging on some Japanese treats.
Beyond that, there are a ton of restaurants both within and around it, making this a great place for a family lunch.
Honeysuckle Hill Farm is one of the best family-oriented activities you can do in Springfield if you’re planning to visit during the autumn months.
The farm offers a ton of activities geared towards children and parents, such as barn rides, farm shows, and harvesting pumpkins at an affordable rate.
With sprawling farmlands, Honeysuckle Hill Farm also has some adrenaline-pumping activities such as its zipline ride.
Entrance rates here are reasonable and you’re sure to have a blast with other families during your visit.
It’s located along Martins Chapel Road and their availability is subject to their schedule, so make sure to check their website for announcements.
If you want a souvenir during your trip, Springfield Antique Barn is one of the best places to hunt for rare items.
Located in the downtown districts of Springfield, this antique shop specializes in a lot of home decor and furniture that can serve as neat memorabilia of the city.
Springfield Antique Barn also has a lot of knick-knacks, so you won’t feel pressured to take home the larger collectibles they have.
Even if you can’t find something you fancy, exploring the great displays of this shop is a memorable experience on its own.
A convenient stopover for photos and souvenirs, pay them a visit along South Willow Street.
Established in 1968, the Oak Hills Golf Course has become a favorite destination for golf lovers in Robertson County.
Located in nearby Greenbrier, the golf course is the perfect destination for golf enthusiasts looking to squeeze in a few rounds on a visit to Springfield.
Visitors can take advantage of the wide expanse of the golf courses grounds, playing the 18-hole course while admiring the beauty of the Tennessee greenery.
There is also an in-house restaurant available, the Smokey Ridge Grill, for those looking for refreshments after a day out teeing off in the fields.
You’ll definitely feel like you’re taken back in time when visiting Smiley Hollow, a country-themed experience located in Goodletsville.
Owned and operated by siblings Ted Smiley and Brenna Smiley-Moritz, Smiley Hollow aims to bring their visitors a special and one-of-a-kind experience when they visit the grounds.
The exteriors bring about old country charm, with a wooden farmhouse greeting guests as they enter the area.
The place is a perfect venue for big gatherings like birthdays, anniversaries, and weddings.
The large expanse of Smiley Hollow can accommodate events of over 2,000 guests.
All events are catered on-site as well, with the ingredients for the meals prepared sourced from the Smiley Farm, also within the grounds of Smiley Hollow.
Located in neighboring Cedar Hill, the Oggwood Disc Golf Course is a great place to spend the day on a visit to Springfield.
Visitors can enjoy a game of disc golf surrounded by idyllic farmland and gorgeous green views.
Oggwood Disc Golf Course also plays hosts to tournaments year-round for visitors to come and watch.
Apart from playing disc golf, visitors can also enjoy the scenery through picnics or leisurely strolls around the course’s expanse.
Springfield is a great destination to put on your list when in Tennessee.
It’s a perfect idyllic rural retreat, especially after experiencing the hustle and bustle of “Music City” Nashville.
Springfield is the perfect place to recharge and feel the uniqueness of Southern Hospitality.
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