20 Things To Do In Clarksville Tn

The small city of Clarksville is in north Tennessee, right up against the border with Kentucky. Founded in 1785, the city is oozing with history and pockets of old world charm preserved around the town. Whether you’re visiting for a short trip or a longer break, prefer keeping to the comforts and conveniences of urban amenities or striking out into the adventures of nature, or need some ideas to keep your kids entertained, there’s plenty to keep everyone busy in Clarksville.

Even with its bustling population of 170,000 residents, the leafy city exudes a welcoming small-town atmosphere ideal for a laid-back city break. Today, I’ll take you through a deep dive into the best things to do in Clarksville, Tennessee. From centuries-old buildings and museums full of historical artefacts to local wineries and beauty spots where you can relax in the open air, you’ll get plenty of inspiration for filling the time on a trip to Clarksville. So, let’s get on with discovering the very best of what Clarksville, Tennessee, has to offer.

Clarksville, Tennessee

20 Things To Do In Clarksville

1- Visit The Customs House Museum and Cultural Centre

You should have no trouble spotting the Customs House Museum with its particularly striking architecture.

With 35,000 square feet of galleries and exhibits, there’s plenty to see here covering a broad spectrum of interests.

From historic artefacts and life-size reconstructions of period homes to model towns and cars and fine art and sculpture galleries, the Customs House Museum truly has something for everyone.

There are even dedicated children’s areas to get kids involved with interactive science and arts exhibits.

Go to 200 S 2nd St, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States.

2- Explore Dunbar Cave State Park

Visit the eponymous Dunbar Cave before heading off to explore the rest of Dunbar Cave State Park.

At the visitor centre you can learn about the cave’s significance and pick up a map of the 3 miles worth of trails winding through the park.

Make sure to keep your eyes open for the varied wildlife that call the park home.

The cave itself is just a short and fully accessible trail away from the visitor centre and parking lot.

With ramps leading all the way up to the cave, the trail is ideal for visitors of all abilities who want to spend some time in the fresh air.

Head down to 401 Old Dunbar Cave Rd, Clarksville, TN 37043, United States.

3- Look Around Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Centre

Clarksville saw a lot of action during the American Civil War and you can still see some of the hallmarks of the conflict around the town.

The Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Centre sits on the site of an old Civil War fort and many of the features of the structure still remain, including the gun platforms.

The Interpretive Centre displays various exhibits on the history of the Civil War.

Meanwhile, the leafy park contains a mile of walking trails leading through the trees and along the riverside.

Find it at 120 Duncan St, Clarksville, TN 37042, United States.

4- Look Out For Sevier Station

One of the most historic buildings in the town, Sevier Station is a small stone house constructed way back in 1792 making it the oldest surviving building in Clarksville.

The site is named after Colonel Valentine Sevier, one of the original settlers of Clarksville.

Peeking through the iron bars on the doors and windows, visitors can see into the building at the original features, including the stone fireplace adorned with period typical cookware.

Find it at 326 Walker St, Clarksville, TN 37042, United States.

5- Browse The Pratt Museum

Just north of Clarksville is Fort Campbell, in which you can find the Pratt Museum.

The museum is stuffed full of military equipment, both vintage and contemporary, with everything from vehicles and heavy artillery to uniforms and personal equipment.

Outside, you’ll find a field covered in military aircraft.

Many of the planes and helicopters are staged with fully uniformed and equipped dummies to demonstrate how they are used in action.

Since it’s located on an active military base, you’ll need to arrange your tour ahead of time.

Go over to 5702 Tennessee Ave, Fort Campbell, KY 42223, United States.

6- Raise A Glass At Beachaven Vineyards & Winery

Is there a better way for getting a taste of a town than by literally tasting some of its local produce?

At Beachaven you can enjoy a wide variety of wines right where they’re produced from grape to bottle.

You can relax in the beautiful surroundings and enjoy a tasting session of the delicious offerings.

Or take a deep dive into the winemaking technique by taking a guided tour around the vineyard and winery and learning all the steps in the process from vine to vino.

Head to 1100 Dunlop Ln, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States.

7- Have A Drink At The Fallen Brewery

If wine isn’t to your taste but you still want to support a local enterprise, enjoy an evening at the Fallen Brewery instead.

At this laid-back establishment the skilled artisans brew up a range of hoppy delights, from chocolate stouts to fruity lagers.

With both indoor and outdoor seating, its perfect for a laid-back drinking session whatever the weather’s doing.

They also host regular events like live music, trivia nights, and special guest food trucks.

Go to 1761 Jardco Dr, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States.

8- Have Fun At The City Forum

Looking for some simple fun for the whole family? Head on over to check out the various attractions at the City Forum.

With bowling, laser tag, go karting and mini golf just some of the activities on offer here, you’ll have an instant boredom-buster to keep everyone entertained.

There’s also an arcade boasting over fifty games and activities to give you even more to choose from.

Head over to 2231-T, 2231 Madison St Suite D, Clarksville, TN 37043, United States.

9- Stroll Along The Cumberland Riverwalk

When you’re looking for somewhere to take a scenic stroll but don’t want the trouble of venturing out of the city centre, try the Cumberland River Walk.

Starting at McGregor Park and running along the east bank of the Cumberland River then following the Red River back around the town, you can enjoy a little over a mile’s worth of wandering along the waterside and still be close to home when you’re done.

Start at 640 N Riverside Dr, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States.

10- Check Out The As the River Flows Museum

McGregor Park is also home to the As The River Flows Museum within the Cumberland River Centre.

The museum houses informational displays and exhibits demonstrating the role the river played in Clarksville’s development.

From the days of the city’s founding to the Civil War, the Cumberland River has always been a lifeline for the town of Clarksville that shaped the city we see today.

Head into 640 N Riverside Dr, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States.

11- Visit The Bell Witch Cave

Fans of the supernatural and spooky may want to venture a few miles east of Clarksville and bravely explore the Bell Witch Cave.

With rumours of its haunting stretching back to the early 19th century, the Bell Witch Cave is believed by many to be the most haunted location in the entire country.

Stairs lead all the way down into the cave, for those brave enough to venture in.

For the more cautious among you, there’s also a recreation of the Bell family’s cabin to explore and a nice gift shop to stop at.

Find it at 430 Keysburg Rd, Adams, TN 37010, United States.

12- Follow Along The Oak Grove War Memorial Walking Trail Park

At the Oak Grove War Memorial Walking Trail Park, visitors can follow along a leisurely trail lined with small monuments for you to pay respects at.

The trail leads through fields and trees, making it a lovely way to get a breath of fresh air.

You can also enjoy the butterfly garden or even play a round of disc golf or see if there are any events being held at the Viceroy Amphitheatre.

Start the trail at 100 498 Walter Garrett Ln, Oak Grove, KY 42262, United States.

13- Jump Around At Sky Zone Trampoline Park

Sky Zone Trampoline Park is the ideal place to take the family when everyone needs to let off some steam.

With a variety of trampolines, obstacle courses, foam pits, and games to enjoy, it’s perfect for kids and adults of all ages to let loose and burn off some energy.

Go to 310 Needmore Rd, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States.

14- Take A Swing At D&D Blacklight Mini Golf in 3D

We’ve all played mini golf, but have you ever played Dungeons and Dragons Blacklight 3D Mini Golf? Probably not, but here’s your opportunity.

This unique take on the classic family pastime will have you putting through an eerie glowing forest, past neon toadstools and luminescent dragons.

There’s also a craft room where you can use glowing paint to create your own ethereal souvenirs.

Head into 211 Holiday Dr, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States.

15- Shop ‘Til You Drop At Governor’s Square Mall

Sometimes you just want to indulge in some retail therapy, in which case you can head over to Governor’s Square Mall.

One of the largest shopping centres in Clarksville, the mall is packed full of big brand stores, so you’ll have plenty to browse.

There are also tons of cafes and eateries for when you need to set your bags down and take a break.

Go along to 2801 Wilma Rudolph Blvd, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States.

16- Relax In Liberty Park

Head into Liberty Park when you want to feel like you’ve escaped into nature without straying too far from downtown.

Boarded trails wind around a large lake, creating a popular route for both walkers and cyclists to enjoy the fresh air.

Another trail leads along the banks of the Cumberland River and out towards Freedom Point.

The park is at 1190 Cumberland Dr, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States.

17- Visit The Wilma Rudolph Centre

On the east side of Liberty Park is a large amphitheatre that hosts an array of events and festivals.

This is the Wilma Rudolph Centre, named for the Clarksville born Olympic gold-medal sprinter.

It’s always worth seeing if there are going to be any public events happening during your visit.

Even if not, you can still pay a visit to the memorial statue of the record-breaking track star.

Head out to 8 Champion’s Wy, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States.

18- Explore Port Royal State Historic Park

If you want to get out in nature and have a bit more time to venture outside of the city, then follow the Red River east to the Port Royal State Historic Park.

Once the site of an important trading post, the park is now a scenic retreat.

Enjoy some time out in the fresh air, surrounded by trees and wildlife.

Follow the hiking trails, head down to the water’s edge to fish, or just relax and enjoy a nice picnic.

Head out to 3300 Old Clarksville Hwy, Adams, TN 37010, United States.

19- Catch A Show At Roxy Regional Theatre

Support the local arts scene by getting tickets to a show at the Roxy Regional Theatre.

The vintage, art deco theatre hosts a variety of events, from creative live productions and screenings of both classic and current films, to interactive shows where the audience is provided with props to join in.

Go to 100 Franklin St, Clarksville, TN 37040, United States.

20- Go Bowling At The Pinnacle Family Entertainment Centre

Who doesn’t love an outing to the bowling alley?

Nothing says family fun quite like putting on strange shoes and hurling a weighted ball down a wooden runway.

With 32 lanes and an arcade, the Pinnacle Family Entertainment Centre boasts a lively atmosphere that’s sure to have everyone in high spirits.

Strike out for 430 Warfield Blvd, Clarksville, TN 37043, United States.