Lewis County: Discover Historic Sites and Nature

Lewis County brings together historic routes, natural areas, and museums with a range of focuses. Near Hohenwald, a monument and trail along the Natchez Trace Parkway commemorate Meriwether Lewis. Other highlights include wildlife viewing, regional collections, and a local arts venue. As you plan your trip, start by deciding whether history, nature, or culture will shape your stay—and choose a vacation rental accordingly.

Explore History on Foot

The Meriwether Lewis Burial Monument stands at milepost 385.9 on the Natchez Trace Parkway near Hohenwald, Tennessee. It was erected in 1848 with funds from the Tennessee government. The Footsteps Through History Trail is located at the Meriwether Lewis Death and Burial Site, also at milepost 385.9. It leads to a preserved section of the Old Trace where Meriwether Lewis took his final steps. The monument, parkway, and historic trail offer several tangible points of reference for a visit.

The monument’s design also carries meaning: its broken shaft was intentional, symbolizing a life cut short by a premature death. One side of a cabin at the Meriwether Lewis site houses museum exhibits about the Corps of Discovery and Meriwether Lewis’s final days along the Natchez Trace. The subjects range from the monument’s design to the exhibits and the preserved section of the Old Trace.

For getting around the site, the Meriwether Lewis Area has a large parking lot with restrooms and access to the Footsteps Through History Trail. The campground at Meriwether Lewis has 32 sites; all are free and available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you plan to stay there, check current availability before you arrive.

Natural Areas and Wildlife Viewing

Devil’s Backbone is a 950-acre Class I state natural area in Lewis County, designated for scenic and recreational use. Visitors to the Devil’s Backbone Trail may spot woodland birds, white-tailed deer, raccoons, box turtles, and frogs. These specific wildlife species give the trail a different focus from the historic routes along the Natchez Trace.

The Lewis State Forest covers 1,288 acres on the Western Highland Rim in Lewis County. The Buffalo River is part of the Tennessee Blueways Program. Together with Devil’s Backbone, these offer different ways to experience nature—from possible wildlife sightings on a named trail to forestland, a geographic region, and a river. As you plan your time outdoors, you can decide which of these interests you most.

Museums, Wildlife, and Art

The Lewis County Museum’s local history exhibits include prehistoric artifacts from Lewis County, among them some of the oldest pottery discovered in the southeastern United States. After visiting the museum, you can explore the outdoor Discovery Trail. This brings together regional finds and another discovery experience specifically connected to a museum visit.

The Maddox Wildlife Collection offers a different focus: its self-guided video and audio safari lets young visitors choose missions to search for specific animals. Visitors are welcome to explore the Elephant Discovery Center on their own during opening hours, with no appointment required. One important point to keep in mind: the elephants’ habitats at the sanctuary are closed to the public, so visitors to the center do not see or interact with elephants.

In Hohenwald, the Strand Theatre is a local venue that celebrates the arts. The theater and gallery operate as an ongoing nonprofit arts project; specific programming may vary. Along with the museums, this arts venue adds a cultural perspective to the area’s nature- and history-related attractions.

Choose a Vacation Rental Based on Your Travel Plans

When searching for a vacation rental, a good starting point is the mix of history, nature, and culture you’re looking for. This helps you choose a base with the experiences that matter to you in mind, rather than assuming that one particular location will suit everyone.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Hohenwald, Lawrence County, Weakley County, Morgan County, Bedford County, Hardeman County, Sumner County, Madison County.

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