20 Best Things to Do in Gallatin, TN

Gallatin is a Tennessee city in Sumner County that features history and various locations for recreational activities.

With a land size of 84.56 square kilometers and a history dating back to the 1800s, Gallatin offers plenty of destinations.

Besides activities and history, there is a share of fun shops you can check out.

Whether you do outdoor activities or seek out hidden gems, you have plenty of options.

Want to know the best places to visit?

Here are the 20 best things to do in Gallatin, Tennessee:

Enjoy the Outdoors at the Bledsoe Creek State Park

When it comes to outdoor activities in Gallatin, the Bledsoe Creek State Park is where you need to go.

Set along Zieglers Fort Road and recognized as a Tennessee State Park since 1973, there are plenty of facilities for guests to explore.

Some of the facilities at this park include miles-long hiking trails and nearly 60 campsites.

Activities include fishing and paddling.

There is no shortage of things you can enjoy in the park, and if that isn't enough, you can also check out events there.

If you are interested in what else the park has, you can stop by the visitor center to learn more.

Learn about History in the Sumner County Museum

There are various historical locations you can visit in Gallatin.

But if you want a more general look at the local history, drop by the Sumner County Museum.

The Sumner County Museum first started as an idea by John Garrott in the 1970s and took root at Trousdale Place on Main Street.

In 1975, the Sumner County Museum officially became a museum, and over the years, various artifacts made their way to the museum's displays.

Some of the artifacts you'll find at this museum range from old fossils to blacksmithing tools and even vintage vehicles.

There are three floors you can peruse in this museum, and each one features various artifacts from different periods.

In addition to featuring various displays, the museum hosts different events throughout the year.

By visiting the Sumner County Museum, you can find your fill of history.

Watch a Show or Film at the Palace Theater

Enjoy a combination of performing arts and history by visiting the Palace Theater.

The Palace Theater opened in 1913 and thrived until 1977 as a silent movie theater before shutting down in 1987.

In the 1990s, the theater got purchased and underwent a renovation; by the 2000s, the theater doors opened once more.

Currently, the theater stands as a historic landmark in the North Water Avenue area and features films, live shows, concerts, and performances on its stage.

Some of the facilities you can see in the theater range from a 30'ft screen to a two-story rehearsal and backstage area.

Among the different places available in Gallatin, The Palace Theater is a top option for local entertainment.

Play Sports and Frisbee at Triple Creek Park

Triple Creek Park is the prime spot for outdoor family fun.

With facilities ranging from sports fields to a dog park and a picnic area, there are plenty of activities at Triple Creek.

One of the unique features available at this park is the Frisbee Disc Golf 18-hole Course.

Besides multiple facilities, the 185-acre park acts as a venue for local holidays and competitions.

To locate this park, you need to head to Touchdown Drive.

Try a Different Type of Yoga with Nashville SUP & Yoga

Do you want to try a different type of outdoor activity?

Then book a session with Nashville SUP & Yoga.

Nashville SUP & Yoga is a paddle service that offers kayak rentals, yoga classes, and other paddling options.

With Nashville SUP & Yoga, you can experience doing yoga on a paddleboard.

If you have little experience with paddleboarding, don't worry, there are classes you can book to learn.

Aside from kayak and paddle services, Nashville SUP & Yoga offers a kid camp during the summer.

If you want to try something new, you'll want to look for Nashville SUP & Yoga at Marina Private Road.

Cycle and Paddle at Lock 4 Park

If you're a fan of cycling or other outdoor activities, check out the facilities at Lock 4 Park.

Lock 4 Park is a park at Lock 4 Road that features several mountain biking trails.

Sitting next to a lake, the park contains different fishing spots you can try out.

Other than areas where you can fish or mountain bike, the park also has picnic areas.

While Lock 4 Park may seem like one among many parks, it is one of the best places to enjoy some cycling.

Explore the Architecture of Historic Rose Mont

One of the many historical spots you can find in Gallatin is Historic Rose Mont.

Historic Rose Mont is a historical building you can find on South Water Street and has been around since 1842.

The Greek Revival-style house was a thoroughbred stud farm before becoming a historic house museum around 1993.

It opens to the public as both a museum and event venue.

In addition to featuring a Greek Revival style, the house has a Palladian design.

If you are a fan of exploring architecture, you'll want to check out Historic Rose Mont.

Take a Tour of the Historic Stonewall

The Historic Stonewall is one of many historic buildings in Gallatin.

It is a historic house that spans 5,600 square feet and has stood since 1831.

Before becoming a multi-use event space on East Main Street, the Historic Stonewall was the residence of John Garrott, the founder of the Sumner County Museum.

Today, the Historic Stonewall offers guided tours.

If you want to learn more or book the venue, you can contact the museum staff.

Spend a Break at Nat Caldwell Park

Find some time to enjoy a break outdoors by visiting the Nat Caldwell Park at Nashville Pike.

Compared to other parks in the city, Nat Caldwell Park is not as prominent, but it does have its share of fun features as a waterfront park.

Some of the features available in this park include a picnic space with a grill and areas where you can fish and kayak.

If you want to find more laidback spaces to visit in Gallatin, Nat Caldwell Park is the place to go.

Sample Local Products at the Gallatin Farmers Market

Treat yourself to local products by checking out the Gallatin Farmer's Market.

You can find this market by going to West Franklin Street and across from the Gallatin Fire Department.

The market opens on Saturdays and runs from May to October.

When visiting this market, you can find various products ranging from fresh produce to local handmade crafts, among other items.

Whether you want to enjoy fresh baked goods or purchase home decor, there is plenty for you to browse at this market.

Indulge in Coffee and Hair Care at Govan's Salon & Coffee Cafe

Govan's Salon & Coffee Cafe is one of the unique spots in Gallatin, sitting at North Water Avenue around the city's Historic Downtown Square.

Govan's initially started as a salon before the owners opened a coffee house alongside the salon in 2001.

If you want to get your hair or nails treated, the salon's services include hair dye, manicures, and skincare.

As for the coffeehouse, you can enjoy a selection of coffee or teas with a list of freshly baked goods.

Whatever you do, treat yourself at Govan's Salon & Coffee Cafe.

Browse Honey and Bee Goods at the Ramblin' Bee

You can find various shops to explore in Gallatin, and one of them is The Ramblin' Bee.

Located in the city's downtown district on East Main Street, The Ramblin' Bee is a honey house that recently opened its doors in Gallatin.

It features a selection of products related to all things honey and beekeeping, plus classes.

A few of the products you can find at this honey house include beeswax candles and infused honey.

For anyone interested in bees and honey, The Ramblin' Bee is a prime store to check out.

Learn about Local Hauntings with the Gallatin Ghost Walk

Depending on the time of year, you can join several events in Gallatin.

One of the events you can check out in the city is the Gallatin Ghost Walk.

The Gallatin Ghost Walk is a historical tour that takes you on a trip to the paranormal side of the city's past.

The historical tour takes place from October to November on a Friday and Saturday.

You get a chance to discover all the haunted places in the city and learn the mysteries behind them during the tour, plus you get to have a costumed guide to help you along.

The tour takes around two hours and generally starts in the city's downtown area.

The tours allow only a limited number of guests, so you'll need to make a reservation online if you're interested in earning the city's ghost stories.

Get Treats and Gifts at the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cafe

If you're looking for something sweet,  visit The Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cafe.

Located on Nashville Pike, the eatery features a selection of light eats, and each meal features a chocolate-dipped strawberry served alongside it.

Besides meals and sweets, the cafe features a boutique section where you can find female retail items and other house items.

When exploring the fun shops available in Gallatin, the Chocolate Covered Strawberry Cafe is a top option to visit.

Join the Square Fest

Gallatin has its share of festivals, and the Square Fest is one of them.

The Square Fest is an art and crafts festival celebrated in spring and features several vendors, entertainment, and a children's area.

There are nearly 200 vendors for you to peruse at this festival, and more than getting to enjoy arts and crafts, you can dig into all kinds of food available.

The event doesn't usually last more than a day, and anyone is free to take part in the festivities.

You can find the festival in the city's downtown area and enjoy it in any weather.

Join a Guided Tour Inside Douglass-Clark House

Have an empty spot on your schedule for a bit of historical exploration?

Fill that spot with Douglass-Clark House.

This historic site, established in 1786, served as the home of Elmore Douglass.

But other than a house, the building was also an early courthouse.

In the late 1780s, Andrew Jackson, who wasn't a US president yet at that time, used the place as his practicing grounds.

Now, the house stands as a part of the National Register of Historic Places.

And what's more, tours around this house don't cost a fee!

Douglass-Clark House is on Long Hollow Pike.

Explore the Furnishings at the Historic Trousdale Place

When you come by Gallatin, you'll find the city has a wide collection of historical buildings that are worth visiting.

And one of them is the historic Trousdale Place.

It was once the mansion of Governor William Trousdale.

This brick house features two stories of well-preserved furnishings and artifacts.

Built in 1813, the home has now served the community as a museum open for tours and the like.

You can find Trousdale Place on West Main Street.

Sign up for an Informative Tasting at Long Hollow Gardens & Vineyards

Get ready to learn more about the winemaking process.

Because at Long Hollow Gardens & Vineyards, you are in for a ride.

Founded in 1974, this tourist attraction is a haven for wine connoisseurs.

Aside from its acclaimed wine products, the site completes your wine-tasting journey with glimpses of lovely wildflower meadows from a distance.

Long Hollow Gardens & Vineyards is also open for weddings, anniversaries, and other special events.

Located along Long Hollow Pike, this site may just be the place you need for a bit of unwinding.

Browse through the Art Collectibles at Worthington Galleries

When it comes to artistic endeavors, Worthington Galleries doesn't disappoint.

This gallery features a wide range of artworks in all sorts of mediums, including ceramics, textiles, sculptures, and more!

Its world-class paintings are from large names, including Bosch, Perugino, and Carpaccio, among others.

The site is also famous for art auctions, consignments, and frame repairs.

Worthington Galleries is on West Main Street.

Find All the Downtown Murals in Gallatin

You can turn a simple walk around Gallatin's downtown area into an adventure.

Try mural-hunting!

The city's quest for public creativity and inspiration has most certainly produced larger-than-life murals you should at least visit once while on your trip to Gallatin.

One such mural is the Gallatin Trains and Trolleys.

This mural on West Franklin Street sits at the exterior of Old Soul Tattoo.

It depicts the railroad history of Gallatin through the faces of railroader Milton Hannibul Smith and conductor TJ Cato.

On the same street, the High School Rival Game of 1970 mural attracts visitors at the side of Chubbs Restaurant.

It showcases the portraits of team captains Eddie Sherlin and Bill Ligon from Gallatin High School and Union High School respectively.

Both murals are from the brilliant mind and hands of Bryan Deese.

And there are more murals and installations, big and small, you can find in some corners of the city.

So, happy hunting!

Other Things to Do Nearby

Boat around Old Hickory Lake

One of the more prominent sights you can visit when exploring Tennesse is Old Hickory Lake.

Old Hickory Lake is one of the top places for recreational activities in the state and spans 22,500 acres.

You can find this lake in the north-central area of the state and locate several parks in the area.

Whether you hike through the parks or go fishing, there are plenty of sights and activities to enjoy when visiting the Old Hickory Lake.

Bowl and Play at the Strike & Spare Family Fun Center

Gallatin has no shortage of places and activities to check out.

If you want to explore other options nearby in Tennessee, you'll want to check out the Strike & Spare Family Fun Center in Hendersonville.

The family fun center features all kinds of entertainment facilities, plus a bar and grill section where you can indulge in different snacks, sweets, and drinks.

Some of the facilities you can enjoy at this center include a laser tag area and bumper cars.

If you're looking to have fun with the family, you need to check out the Strike & Spare Family Fun Center.

Create Ceramics at Woodland Gallery

The Woodland Gallery is an ideal spot to visit if you want to do some art.

The gallery is in Hendersonville and takes approximately 20 minutes to travel from Gallatin.

Woodland Gallery features all kinds of ceramic pieces along with landscape photos and different types of pottery classes.

Whether you want a quick experience with the craft or sign up for the gallery's workshops, you got plenty of options to enjoy art at this studio.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy the outdoors and learn about history by visiting Gallatin.

As a city with a history that dates back to the 1800s and earlier, Gallatin has no shortage of historical stories for you to explore.

There are also several areas in the city where you can try out different activities and shop for something fun.

If you want to check out a city with hidden gems and multiple stories, consider Gallatin your next stop in Tennessee.