Discover Murfreesboro: Nature, History, and Trails

Murfreesboro combines extensive trails, protected nature, and engaging history into a destination with a range of options for day trips. Those looking for a vacation rental or vacation home can choose their location based on whether they want to focus on walks, historic sites, nature observation, or activities with children. The city does not offer just one fixed type of trip, but several clearly distinct areas of focus.

Greenways and Trails for Active Days

The Murfreesboro Greenway System includes more than 17 miles of trails, bridges, and boardwalks. For a longer outing, the Stones River Trail is a good option: it follows the West Fork Stones River for 10.5 miles from the Thompson Lane Trailhead to the Barfield Crescent Park Trailhead. A shorter connection is the 1.1-mile Lytle Creek Trail. It runs from Cannonsburgh Village to Old Fort Park, where it connects to the Stones River Trail.

Stones River National Battlefield can also be combined with physical activity. The site preserves approximately 670 acres and includes more than seven miles of trails. All locations are accessible by car, and most can also be reached by bicycle or on foot. A 0.9-mile paved loop trail passes several preserved sections of Fortress Rosecrans.

Wetlands, Birdwatching, and Family Experiences

Murfree Spring Wetlands is a protected wetland. A 0.4-mile combination boardwalk and paved trail borders and passes through the wetlands. Interactive panels along the boardwalk provide information about wetland plants and animals. The area is also suitable for birdwatching and wildlife photography. Three small boat launches give paddlers access to the Stones River. This makes it possible to combine physical activity with quiet nature observation.

The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring directly continues this nature-focused theme. The interactive children's museum and nature center offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, walking trails, and opportunities for outdoor exploration. The LEGO Lab features a hands-on building area designed to encourage imagination, problem-solving, and STEM learning through play. For families, a vacation rental in Murfreesboro can therefore provide a good base for days that combine time in nature with a visit to the Discovery Center.

Experience History at Several Sites

Stones River National Battlefield commemorates the Battle of Stones River, one of the largest and most significant battles of the American Civil War. Fortress Rosecrans is also part of the city's history: it was the largest earthen fortification of its kind built during the American Civil War. Visitors can see remnants of Curtain Wall No. 1 on a City of Murfreesboro property along the Lytle Creek Greenway.

Cannonsburgh Village represents approximately 100 years of early Tennessee life, from the 1830s through the 1930s, and offers free self-guided tours. Oaklands Mansion adds to this historical focus. Self-guided tours are offered there Tuesday through Friday; reservations are recommended, although walk-in visitors are also welcome. Oaklands Mansion seeks to preserve the mansion and its grounds and to share the two centuries of history at this site with a diverse audience.

Which Surroundings Suit Your Trip?

Barfield Crescent Park is a 430-acre community park in southern Murfreesboro. Together with the greenways, wetlands, and historic sites, it creates a range of choices between longer trails, short discoveries, and cultural visits. The Wilderness Station also has a primitive backcountry campground available exclusively for group camping. When looking for a vacation rental or vacation home, the key question is therefore which combination of nature, history, and family activities you would like to experience during your stay.

If you would like to compare additional destinations, you can also look at Smyrna and La Vergne.

For the overarching travel overview: Rutherford.