Pulaski: Discover History, Culture and Nature

Pulaski combines an impressive history with a vibrant downtown and a wide range of activities. Those who want to plan a trip with culture, walks and nature experiences will find various points of interest here: historic sites, exhibitions, stage performances, birdwatching and a peaceful afternoon on the water.

Experience History along the Trail of Tears

A central gateway to Pulaski’s history is the Trail of Tears Interpretive Center. It presents the history and legacy of the Cherokee on their journey along the Trail of Tears. The interpretive center features indoor and outdoor exhibits on the Bell and Benge detachments as well as the broader history of the Cherokee removal. The Bell and Benge detachments passed through Pulaski in October and November 1838 on the Trail of Tears.

Historical points of reference can also be found throughout the cityscape. The Giles County Courthouse in downtown Pulaski is a neoclassical building dating from 1909. The Sam Davis Monument stands on the south side of the lawn at the Giles County Courthouse. Another bronze statue depicts a child looking up at a USCT soldier. A statue with a plaque was also installed at Cave Spring Heritage Plaza in Pulaski as part of a citywide installation.

Discover Downtown on Foot and on Stage

A walking-tour brochure is available for exploring downtown Pulaski. The historic downtown is characterized by its preserved appearance, local shops, welcoming storefronts and gathering places that remain lively year-round. This makes it possible to enjoy a varied cultural morning without limiting the visit to a single building.

For the performing arts, the STAAR Theatre offers a dedicated focus. The venue has 140 seats and presents dramas, musicals, magic shows and concerts. It also offers educational programs in dance, singing, acting, songwriting, costume design and improvisation. Depending on your interests, you can therefore focus your stay more on history, local culture or the performing arts.

Festivals, Landscapes and Water Experiences

A special event is the SunDrop Festival, held on the second Saturday in June in historic downtown Pulaski. The program includes more than 50 arts and crafts and food vendors as well as live performances. The festival is complemented by yoga on the courthouse lawn and car parades featuring classic cars, Jeeps and Broncos. Those traveling at this time experience Pulaski in an especially diverse event setting.

Wolf Gap attracts walkers and birdwatchers. In the area around Pulaski, along the road toward Lynnville, Milky Way Farm offers an appealing rural landscape and a fascinating past. Kayaking on the Elk River also provides a peaceful way to spend an afternoon on the water.

Which Accommodation Suits Your Trip

When searching for a holiday apartment in Pulaski, you can first determine the focus you want. For a culture-oriented trip, the Trail of Tears, courthouse, downtown and theater take center stage. Those who want to add nature and activity can include Wolf Gap, Milky Way Farm or kayaking on the Elk River in their personal plans. This allows you to choose your accommodation based on the mix of experiences you actually want to explore during your stay.

Current Information for 2026

For travel in 2026, the Giles County Historical Society deserves particular attention: Due to the Giles County Public Library expansion project, which began on January 2, 2026, it will be temporarily closed for most of 2026. Some exhibits will be relocated to the Wolf Gap Education & Nature Center, 2718 Tarpley Shop Road, Pulaski, Tennessee. The research room of the Giles County Historical Society and the County History Museum are located in the rear area of the main branch of the Giles County Public Library. If you would like to compare another place in addition to Pulaski, you can also look at Frankewing.

For the broader travel overview: Giles County.