The 13 Best Things To Do In Clarksville, Tennessee

There are plenty of things to do in Clarksville, Tennessee, whether you're interested in kayaking, history, breweries, or ancient caves.

Just 40 minutes northwest of Nashville is a city that’s full of surprises. Like prehistoric cave art. Yes, really! Located on the scenic Cumberland River waterfront, Clarksville is a destination for nature lovers, with plenty of opportunities to get out on the water whether by boat or kayak. Or, if you prefer to keep your feet on the ground, the city is full of trails for hiking, walking, and biking. The Cumberland Riverwalk is a pretty paved route where you can see live music, hang out at a playground, and take in the riverfront views.

But back to the cave art—inside Dunbar Cave Park, you can get a close-up look at ancient drawings by Mississippian Native Americans. The art dates to the 14th century and is one of the state’s major archaeological gems—it’s worth the trip alone.

But thankfully there are lots of other things to see and do while you’re there. Although it’s one of Tennessee’s oldest cities, Clarksville is growing quickly and is full of new businesses, from shops to breweries. Read on to plan your perfect weekend getaway.

Related: The Best Things To Do In Cumberland Gap, Tennessee

Outdoor Activities

Get Out On The Water

With the Cumberland River hugging the southern border of Clarksville, and the Red River running straight through town, there are plenty of opportunities to go kayaking, boating, fishing, and canoeing. Liberty Park is a favorite spot because it offers a little bit of everything. There is a four-lane boat ramp for easy access to the water, and Clarksville Marina is right there for boat rentals. The vast park also has a 10-acre pond for fishing, playgrounds, pavilions, and trails for walking.

Stroll Along The River

The Cumberland Riverwalk is a major artery running through and connecting different parts of the city. The two-mile riverfront path is a peaceful and scenic place to walk or bike any time of year. You’ll also find a McGregor Park, a playground, picnic area, and seasonal concerts and events here. The city is planning to bridge the Riverwalk with the Clarksville Greenway, which will create more than 20 miles of trails.

Bike (Or Walk) Along The Clarksville Greenway

Head to the Greenway for nine miles of paved trails with some of the prettiest scenery in town. Formerly an abandoned railroad, it has been transformed into a haven for native plants and wildlife. Walk across Raymond C. Hand Pass, a 600-foot pedestrian bridge, for a unique vantage point.

See Prehistoric Art

A little-known archeological wonder is right here in Clarksville. Inside the 144-acre Dunbar Cave State Park, you will find the park’s namesake cave, which is home to prehistoric Mississippian Native American cave art dating to the 14th century. See the drawings for yourself during cave tour season (May to September), then hit the hiking trails to explore the rest of the area.

Local Food And Drink

Hit Up A Brewery

Like many cities and towns across the country, Clarksville has had a craft brewery boom. One interesting difference is that several of them are inspired by veterans. In fact, the largest veteran-owned brewery in Tennessee, The Star Spangled Brewing Co., is in Clarksville. It’s owned by Josh Romaker, who served 22 years in the military. After retiring from active duty, he founded Star Spangled Brewery in 2018, and now has a second location in the works. At The Fallen, another veteran-owned brewery, many of the beers are named in honor of U.S. military units and teams. And finally, veteran-owned Old Abe's Brew House is a Fort Campbell-themed bar with a friendly neighborhood feel.

Check Out A Distillery Or Winery

If you’re in the mood for something stronger, Clarksville has you covered. Tennessee is known for its whiskey, and Old Glory Distilling is a small-batch producer that not only makes whiskey and bourbon, it also makes gin, vodka, and moonshine. Owned by Clarksville native Matt Cunningham, Old Glory has a retail shop and cocktail bar, and offers daily tours (advance reservations are recommended).

Beechaven Vineyards & Winery is one of Tennessee's oldest wineries and conveniently open seven days a week. Sip staple vintages like Chardonnay and Merlot or taste their specialties, Golden Rose and Sparkling Jazz. On summer weekends, plan to stop by during Jazz on the Lawn, a fun event for the whole family.

Head To The Farmer's Market

Fill up on fresh produce and other local goods at the Clarksville Downtown Farmers Market. Open in the spring and summer, the open-air market is a popular gathering spot on Saturday mornings. In addition to food, you’ll also find handcrafted products and live music, too.

Grab An Early Meal

Stop at Wild Flour Bake Shop for scratch-made breads, sandwiches, and sweets. Brunch favorites include Banana Bread French Toast and the Ridicu Biscuit, which piles on every kind of breakfast meat along with an egg and pimento cheese. At lunch, the Pimento & Bacon Grilled Cheese spices things up with jalapeño and pickles.

Dine On Global Fare

Located in a former post office, the Mailroom's menu is known for celebrating Clarksville's connections to the wider world. That's why you'll find chimichurri dishes and a Korean beef burger with a bulgogi patty and gochujang aioli sprinkled in with standard American fare.

Italian restaurant Yada is the only cicchetti bar in Tennessee, serving small shared plates with a glass of wine according to Venetian tradition. Follow that up with handmade pastas or house-made peppameno cheese and pizzas baked in a wood-fired oven.

Savor Some Barbecue

You'll find all your favorite barbecue plates at Legends Smokehouse & Grill, whether you're a fan of brisket, ribs, chicken, or pulled pork. But don't be afraid to expand your horizons: smoked bologna sandwiches and pulled pork topped with mac and cheese or cinnamon apples are also on offer here.

Art, Culture, And History

Experience ArtWalk

Every first Thursday of the month, downtown Clarksville celebrates local artists with live music, food, drinks, and special exhibits. Artwalk is a free event held year-round and a great excuse to stroll through this historic area and peruse the town’s independent shops and galleries.

Visit The Customs House

Built in 1898 as a U.S. Post Office and Customs House for the tobacco trade, this historic building has a new life as a museum and cultural center. There's something for everyone at the Customs House, from exhibits of the postmaster's office and local history to traveling art and science exhibits (kids can play in the Explorers Landing when everyone needs a break). The Customs House is a Blue Star Museum, offering free admission to active-duty military and their families between Armed Forces Day in May and Labor Day in September.

Explore The African-American Legacy Trail

The historical sites on this trail are located throughout Northern Tennessee, but most of them are right in Clarksville, so you can easily spend a day learning about the city’s African-American history. What makes the trail interesting—other than the inspiring and powerful stories—is that many of these sites are more than just historical markers, like Dixon Park, which is named after Nace and Nannie Dixon, who owned and operated an African-American funeral home, and the Brandon Hill Youth Heritage Garden.

Related: 15 Best Weekend Getaways In Tennessee—From The Mississippi River To The Smoky Mountains

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