Clarksville: Culture, Nature and Experiences on the Cumberland River

Clarksville combines historical discoveries, interactive museums, nature trails and activities on the Cumberland River. More than 50 activities make the city a versatile destination for anyone who wants to combine different interests during their vacation. Clarksville is also easy to place in your travel plans: the city is located about 45 minutes northwest of Nashville.

History to See and Experience

In the historic downtown area, facades dating from the mid-19th century line Franklin Street, Public Square, and 2nd and 3rd Streets. Another prominent site is the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, which is partly housed in the historic Federal Post Office and Customs House from 1898. This makes it possible to experience the city’s history not only through exhibitions, but also in a specific historic building.

Fort Defiance adds the history of the American Civil War to this cultural focus. The outer earthworks, powder magazine and gun platforms are still recognizable. In the Interpretive Center, exhibitions showcase the area and the fort during the American Civil War. The African American Legacy Trail runs through Montgomery County and conveys the unique history of Clarksville’s African American community. It includes community gardens, historic churches and stories about influential figures from sports, music and business.

Interactive Ideas for Different Age Groups

Those traveling with children will find a museum and event venue at the Wade Bourne Nature Center, along with a nature discovery area for children. The center promotes conservation and environmental education and connects visitors with their natural surroundings. Exploring Our Town is an interactive educational exhibition that presents the history of Clarksville. In the Bubble Cave, visitors create giant soap bubbles while learning about the science behind cave formations.

The Huff & Puff Model Train exhibition also encourages participation, with interactive push buttons and seasonal scenes. Group tours of the L&N Train Station include a visit to the renovated depot and its interpretive exhibitions. This allows you to choose between nature, urban history and playful learning activities depending on age and interest, without limiting your vacation to just one type of experience.

Trails, Cave and Cumberland River

For outdoor exercise, the 9-mile Clarksville Greenway provides clear direction. The fully paved trail is suitable for cycling, skating, running and walking. It includes streams, cliffs, native wildflowers and trees, a scenic bridge and open views; wildlife can probably be seen there as well. The two-mile Cumberland RiverWalk follows the river and connects downtown with the waterfront. Kayaking, canoeing, boating, water skiing and tubing are possible on the Cumberland River.

A special excursion leads to Dunbar Cave State Park. There, visitors can still see charcoal drawings left by Indigenous peoples of the Mississippian culture. During cave tour season from May to September, visitors can take guided tours to experience the drawings in Dunbar Cave.

Market Visit and Choosing Your Accommodation

The Downtown Market takes place on Saturdays from May through October at Public Square. The stalls offer handmade goods, arts and crafts, baked goods and produce. The market can therefore be planned as a seasonal stop on a trip, while the historic facades around Public Square and the adjacent streets shape the character of downtown outside this period as well.

When looking for a vacation rental in Clarksville, you can therefore first decide what type of vacation should shape your daily routine: historic sites and exhibitions, nature trails and river activities, or varied activities with children. The experiences available range from peaceful discoveries to active days on the Greenway or the Cumberland River. This makes choosing your accommodation part of a deliberate travel plan, without requiring you to focus on just one theme.

For the overarching travel overview: Montgomery.