Overview
Clarksville is the county seat of Montgomery County, in Central Tennessee. Founded in 1784, Clarksville is one of the south's most historic cities. Today, visitors can experience that history through memorable attractions, unique historic architecture and a variety of annual festivals and events.
Steeped in history, Clarksville began as a settlement along the banks of the Cumberland and Red Rivers by Revolutionary War hero John Montgomery in the early 1780s. In 1785, Clarksville became Tennessee's first incorporated city.
8 sights · 12 things to do · 1 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Clarksville
Customs House Museum & Cultural Center
Tennessee's second largest general museum, the Customs House Museum is a "must" for family and history buffs alike. Built in 1898 for the flourishing tobacco trade, this architecturally fascinating structure is one of th…
Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum
It traces the history of the "Screaming Eagles" from World War II engagements to Vietnam to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Just outside the museum, various aircraft, military equipment and monuments are on display. These massi…
Fort Defiance
Fort Defiance is a well-preserved Civil War outpost used by the Confederate Army. Overlooking the Cumberland and Red Rivers, Fort Defiance was surrendered without a shot by the Confederates following the fall of Fort Don…
Dunbar Cave State Park
Hours: Park open daily 8AM-sunset. Visitor Center Daily 8AM-4:30PM. Tours by appointment. This 110-acre park is one of Clarksville's most scenic areas. The cave and surroundings were a mineral springs resort at the turn …
Roxy Regional Theatre
The Roxy Regional Theatre, Clarksville's oldest professional theatre, offers patrons a combination of professional company shows and community offerings. Housing in a 1947 art modern theatre, the Roxy produces 10 mainsta…
Historic Collinsville
Southside. Sprawled over 40 rolling acres, Historic Collinsville is a restored pioneer settlement featuring outbuildings that date from 1830 - 1870. The 30-minute drive from downtown along winding rural backroads provide…
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 30°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Nashville)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BNA Nashville International Airport, Nashville — 47 mi away (major hub). Directions
- OWB Owensboro Daviess County Airport, Owensboro — 84 mi away. Directions
Clarksville is conveniently located on I-24, at the Tennessee-Kentucky border, just 40 minutes from Nashville International Airport. Interstate exits 1, 4, 8 and 11 serve as city gateways. Several US and state highways also intertwine throughout the city, making the community easily accessible from any direction.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 3-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Dunbar Cave State Park, Historic Collinsville, Fort Defiance
- Lunch Sam's Gyros Cafe
- Afternoon Smith-Trahern Mansion, Clarksville Country Club
- Evening Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
Day 2
- Morning Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, Roxy Regional Theatre, L & N Train Station
- Afternoon Emerald Hill Mansion, Cole Park
- Evening Beachaven Winery
Day 3
- Morning Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum, Sevier Station, Clarksville StormPay.com Speedway
- Afternoon Swan Lake Sports Complex, Eastland Green
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Clarksville is home to every major American chain and Southern chains as well. Sonic Drive-In restaurants and Waffle House restaurants can be found in abundance along with Popeye's, Charlie's Subs, Chik-fil-A, Jack-in-the-Box, Long John Silvers, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries fast food chains. Smoking is still allowed in some sections of certain establishments.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Clarksville is conveniently located on I-24, at the Tennessee-Kentucky border, just 40 minutes from Nashville International Airport. Interstate exits 1, 4, 8 and 11 serve as city gateways. Several US and state highways also intertwine throughout the city, making the community easily accessible from any direction.
Go Clarksville–Montgomery County Regional Airport (CKV)
A small airport used mostly for General aviation.
See
Historic Downtown
Restored brick sidewalks and intersections, period lighting, benches and planters, the Franklin Street thoroughfare represents the centerpiece of a re-emerging downtown district. Explore the area at your leisure by taking the self-guided Walk Clarksville tour. The area features:
- Shopping at a number of antique shops and boutiques.
- Locally-owned restaurants offering everything from gourmet pizzas and burgers to German cuisine.
- Professional productions at a 1940s modern art theatre.
- Stunning architecture dating to the early 1850s.
- Austin Peay State University, Emerald Hill and Archwood, one of the cities finest representations of Italianate Revival architecture, as well as the Mabel Larson Gallery.
- Cumberland RiverWalk, McGregor Park, Riverside Drive. Any season of the year, the Cumberland RiverWalk is a site to behold. The 15-acre park features a RiverCenter with permanent historical displays, a playground, performance stages, picnic areas, and amphitheatre and a pedestrian over walk to historic downtown Clarksville. There are events like summer's Riverfest to winter's Christmas on the Cumberland, and walks adorned by sunsets and colorful autumn foliage.
History
See Historic Collinsville
Southside. Sprawled over 40 rolling acres, Historic Collinsville is a restored pioneer settlement featuring outbuildings that date from 1830 - 1870. The 30-minute drive from downtown along winding rural backroads provides some of the best countryside scenery in Montgomery County and makes the trip an experience of its own. Scheduled special events make the visit even more educational costumed docents perform day-to-day takes. The grounds include picnic areas and walking trails. Admission charged.
See Customs House Museum & Cultural Center
Tennessee's second largest general museum, the Customs House Museum is a "must" for family and history buffs alike. Built in 1898 for the flourishing tobacco trade, this architecturally fascinating structure is one of the region's most photographed buildings. Located in the heart of the historic downtown district, the Center features both permanent and rotating exhibits and an Explorer's Floor - a special area for the entire family to solve puzzles and play games.
See Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum
It traces the history of the "Screaming Eagles" from World War II engagements to Vietnam to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Just outside the museum, various aircraft, military equipment and monuments are on display. These massive machines are sure to capture the imagination of every child and child-at-heart.
See Fort Defiance
Fort Defiance is a well-preserved Civil War outpost used by the Confederate Army. Overlooking the Cumberland and Red Rivers, Fort Defiance was surrendered without a shot by the Confederates following the fall of Fort Donelson.
See L & N Train Station
Built in 1890, the L & N Train Station is the scene for the Monkees' hit, "Last Train To Clarksville". This was once one of the busiest locations in Clarksville, with soldiers and civilians departing and arriving daily.
See Sevier Station
This site is where Fort Defiance stood during the Civil War before the Confederate forces burned it down. It was built by the Confederacy and captured by the Union in 1862. The outer earthworks are still in great condition and gun platforms are even still discernible.
Mansions
See Smith-Trahern Mansion
Evenings and weekends by appointment. Built in 1858 by wealthy tobacconist Christopher Smith, this materpiece overlooks the Cumberland River. Constructed during the troubled Pre-Civil War era, the home reflects the transition between Greek Revival and Italianate styles, which were so popular at that time. The home boasts grand hallways, an exquisite curved staircase and a "widow's walk" on the roof. In March 1988, the Mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
See Emerald Hill Mansion
This building began as a farmhouse in the 1820s and has undergone two major renovations in 1900 and 1909. Containing many of the original furnishings, it is the home for the Pace Alumni Center at Emerald Hill-Alumni Relations and Development Offices of the Austin Peay State University. Free.
Art
Public Artworks are scattered throughout downtown.
- Wilma Rudolph Statue, McGregor Park, Riverside Drive, 931-645-7476. To honor one of America's most outstanding Olympic athletes and her legacy, a bronze statue of Clarksville native Wilma Rudolph was hand-crafted in her likeness by local sculptor Howard Brown. The statue of her three-time gold medalist resides at the base of the pedestrian overpass at College Street and Riverside Drive. Free
- Public Square / Eternal Flame, Between Franklin and Main Streets, Downtown, 931-645-7444. Free. The facade of the former City Hall Building with it sweeping Romanesque arch was constructed in 1941, although the building is much older. Erected in the median in 2004, an Enternal Flame stands to honor the sacrifices of soldiers and their families.
- Millennium Plaza & Public Art, 1 Millennium Plaza, 931-648-5787. The Montgomery County Courthouse and Courts Center feature photographic displays illustrating Montgomery county's fascinating history and heritage. In addition to the bronze fountain in the Millennium Plaza, two bronze statues are located at 1st and Franklin Streets and 2nd and Commerce Streets. A mural depicting Clarksville architecture is located on Franklin Street. Free.
- Mabel Larson Gallery, Harned Hall, Austin Peay Campus, 931-221-7333. Hours: M-F 8AM-5PM. Mabel Larson Gallery is house in Harned Hall on the campus of Austin Peay State University. On exhibition is selected art from the University's permanent art collection.
Do
Do Clarksville StormPay.com Speedway
Hours: F Sa nights, March-October. 1/8 mile Drag Races for bracket racing on Friday nights. 1/4 mile high bank clay oval track for late model, open wheel, mini sprint, pro-street, street stock and mini-mode cars. Fenced park area for children. Admission charged.
Do Dunbar Cave State Park
Hours: Park open daily 8AM-sunset. Visitor Center Daily 8AM-4:30PM. Tours by appointment. This 110-acre park is one of Clarksville's most scenic areas. The cave and surroundings were a mineral springs resort at the turn of the century. In the 1930s and 40s, the huge cave entrance served as a naturally air-conditioned venue to Big Band performances. Later, the cave was owned by country music legend Roy Acuff and hosted some of Nashville's biggest names in entertainment. Admission to park: Free. The cave is closed except for paid guided tours. However, these tours have been suspended indefinitely. The grounds have several hiking trails, ranging between just over a half-mile loop and just under a two-mile loop. Fishing is allowed on premises, but not swimming or boating due to the lake's small nature.
- Historic Downtown Walking & Driving Tours, 931-647-2331. See the best of historic downtown Clarksville and its perimeter through self-guided walking or driving tours. Brochure maps are available at the Visitor Information Center, Chamber of Commerce, Customs House Museum, Montgomery County Courthouse, and Cumberland RiverCenter.
Do Roxy Regional Theatre
The Roxy Regional Theatre, Clarksville's oldest professional theatre, offers patrons a combination of professional company shows and community offerings. Housing in a 1947 art modern theatre, the Roxy produces 10 mainstage productions annually. the Roxy's "Other Space" produces four new scripts a year in its 40-seat black-box theatre.
Golf
Clarksville is a golfer's paradise with a climate that makes golf virtually a year round sport. "11th Best City in the U.S. for Public Golf" by Golf Digest, Clarksville courses offer beautiful greens at affordable prices.
Do Clarksville Country Club
Do Eastland Green
Do Mason Rudolph
Do Swan Lake
Bowling
Clarksville has a variety of bowling centers to choose from with standard to black light bowling. All offer bowling times and shoe rentals. The centers also offer snack bars and evening entertainment. Call the centers for open times and events.
Do The Pinnacle Family Entertainment Center
Do Skyline Lanes
Water sports
The bounty of the Cumberland and Red Rivers is a haven for water enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy water skiing, jet skis, fishing or just cruising the river, the area offers a beautiful setting for fun in the sun. The area's Cumberland River was named one of the top catfishing spots in the U.S. by Field and Stream.
Buy
Whether your preference is a large department store or a unique bargain haven - or something in between - Clarksville offers a full gamut of shopping opportunities. Some widely recognized anchor stores in or around Governor's Square Mall include Border's, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, Hobby Lobby, PetSmart, and Linens & Things. If antique hunting is your ideal excursion, or you're looking for a truly unique gift or collectible, Clarksville has lots to offer in the historic downtown district or along Fort Campbell Boulevard. Fireworks can be purchased along main roads of Tennessee, and particularly on Fort Campbell Blvd. There are dozens of tents and full firework stores as you travel down the road. Fireworks are legal in Tennessee.
Shop Governor's Square Mall
Besides a movie theatre with reasonable pricing and many dining options, this moderately-sized mall has plenty of shopping options. Dillard's, Sears, Belk, and JC Penney are the present department stores. There is a standard set of other stores including beauty/health stores, children's stores, men's/women's stores, sports stores, electronics stores, craft stores, home stores, and even Firestone Auto Care.
Eat
Clarksville is home to every major American chain and Southern chains as well. Sonic Drive-In restaurants and Waffle House restaurants can be found in abundance along with Popeye's, Charlie's Subs, Chik-fil-A, Jack-in-the-Box, Long John Silvers, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries fast food chains. Smoking is still allowed in some sections of certain establishments.
Eat Sam's Gyros Cafe
This casual cafe offers tasty gyros among other menu items in very large portions. There is no website or menu offered online, but the pricing is relatively low. It is a great value for your money. The location is great, being on a main road of the area with lots of shopping and sight-seeing around.
Drink
Drink Beachaven Winery
Enjoy free tours and tastings at one of Tennessee's foremost commercial wineries. Known for production award winning wines and champagnes, Beachaven provides a glimpse into the centuries old art of wine making. Hundreds of distinctive gift items and a large shaded picnic area ensure that your visit is complete. Free.
Drink Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
Get the pretzels with the beer cheese dip and the Whitehorse pizza. There are many different unique Blackhorse beers available as well as more well-known bottled beers.
Sleep
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