Overview
Waverly, the county seat of Humphreys County in Central Tennessee, is like the typical sleepy Southern town with charm. It has points of interest covering a large spectrum of time, from the prehistoric era to the Civil War to contemporary culture.
4 sights · 1 things to do · 1 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Waverly
Johnsonville State Historic Park
Site of the Civil War Battle of Johnsonville, where Maj Gen Nathan Bedford Forrest wreaked havoc on the Union fort here, hamstringing the North's efforts to execute its campaign. Additionally, it is the site of the forme…
Waverly Train Disaster Memorial
In February of 1978, Waverly was dealt a severe blow when a propane car derailed from the track and exploded, killing 16 people. This is a memorial to that occasion.
Humphrey's County Museum & Civil War Fort
Small regional museum that includes Civil War events that took place around Waverly.
Loretta Lynn's Ranch
A themed park surrounding the home where this country star used to live. It even includes a Coal Miner's Daughter Museum.
Benton-Houston Ferry (Danville Ferry)
For something quirky, you could ride this ferry across Kentucky Lake, and in so doing, see a partially submerged granary in the river called the Old Danville Grain Elevator. It is a rather eerie sight.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 89°F; winter lows dip to about 27°F. Wettest: May and Apr. (climate data from nearby Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area)
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 — 62 mi away (major hub). Directions
- MKL McKellar-Sipes Regional Airport, Jackson — 71 mi away. Directions
Waverly is a bit off the beaten track from I-40, but it's pretty easily accessed via US 70 from Nashville in a few hours' time.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 1-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Waverly Train Disaster Memorial, Humphrey's County Museum & Civil War Fort, Loretta Lynn's Ranch
- Afternoon Johnsonville State Historic Park, Benton-Houston Ferry (Danville Ferry)
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
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
Waverly is a bit off the beaten track from I-40, but it's pretty easily accessed via US 70 from Nashville in a few hours' time.
See
See Waverly Train Disaster Memorial
In February of 1978, Waverly was dealt a severe blow when a propane car derailed from the track and exploded, killing 16 people. This is a memorial to that occasion.
See Johnsonville State Historic Park
Site of the Civil War Battle of Johnsonville, where Maj Gen Nathan Bedford Forrest wreaked havoc on the Union fort here, hamstringing the North's efforts to execute its campaign. Additionally, it is the site of the former township of Johnsonville that was inundated when Kentucky Lake was formed. Nice interpretive trails along the lake cover these topics. The park also manages the Link Farm State Archaelogical Area that is somewhat to the southeast, where a large discovery of Mississipian burial mounds from 1100AD was uncovered and where Jesse James ironically once farmed.
Do
Do Benton-Houston Ferry (Danville Ferry)
For something quirky, you could ride this ferry across Kentucky Lake, and in so doing, see a partially submerged granary in the river called the Old Danville Grain Elevator. It is a rather eerie sight.
Buy
- Downtown court square Walk around the central square to browse local antique shops, clothing boutiques, and specialty gift stores.
Sleep
There is lodging along Kentucky Lake and around the Waverly area, including at the Johnsonville State Historic Park and Loretta Lynn Ranch. These would probably be more enjoyable than a seedy motel in town.
Go next
- Dickson — Regional city east of Waverly with shopping, restaurants and historic attractions.
- Clarksville (Tennessee) — Larger city north of Waverly on the Cumberland River.
- Nashville — Capital of Tennessee and a major centre for music, culture and entertainment.
Nearby
Dickson
City / town · 10 listings · 23 mi away
Dover
City / town · 4 listings · 28 mi away
Paris
City / town · 22 listings · 33 mi away
Clarksville
City / town · 30 listings · 39 mi away
Ashland City
City / town · 23 listings · 43 mi away
Murray
City / town · 6 listings · 47 mi away
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
Park · 11 listings · 51 mi away
Aurora
City / town · 12 listings · 52 mi away
My experience
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