Cookeville is one of Tennessee’s most picturesque cities and it offers plenty to do. Whether you’re in search of adventure or just need some downtime, here are some exciting things you can do in this charming city.
For history buffs, Cookeville Depot Museum is the perfect destination. It showcases many artifacts that document the Tennessee Central Railway’s legacy.
1. Dogwood Park
Dogwood Park is the perfect spot for families to come together and enjoy picnics and walks. It features an interactive fountain, performance pavilion, rose garden, seasonal concession stand and restroom facilities.
At its heart is an impressive playground that provides children with a safe and fun place to play. It boasts various toddler equipment, ziplines and rock climbing walls for added adventure.
At 30 East Broad Street, across from Cookeville Municipal Building, visitors can enjoy plenty of playground areas and swings for adults to enjoy. The park is open year-round from April through October.
Not all nature parks provide visitors with an up-close view of live elk, stunning trails, waterfalls, horseback riding and fishing opportunities. But Dogwood Canyon Nature Park in Lampe, Missouri is one of the few places where visitors can experience a wide array of activities.
About 30 miles southwest of Branson on Highway 86, this park offers plenty for all ages to do. Enjoy wildlife encounters and a scenic nature trail as well as replica churches from the 1800s like Hope Wilderness Chapel and admire Thunder Falls – an impressive 60-foot waterfall!
Dogwood Canyon’s Glory Hole is a popular attraction, boasting an expansive turquoise pool filled with various types of fish. Biking through the park on one of its many paved trails is another enjoyable way to explore, with numerous loops available throughout.
The park also features an indoor hall for weddings, meetings and other events. This shelter can accommodate up to 160 guests with its kitchenette, non-working fireplace and rectangular tables measuring 12-8 feet in length. You may rent out this facility in half or in full for a whole day.
2. Seven Senses Food and Cheer
Cookeville, Tennessee is a picturesque vacation spot located east of Nashville that offers plenty of activities. It boasts stunning parks, stunning waterfalls and exciting events that make Cookeville an inviting destination. Additionally, there are plenty of excellent eateries and shopping outlets nearby as well.
One of the finest restaurants to dine in Cookeville is Seven Senses Food and Cheer, which specializes in southern American cuisine in the city’s historic West Side district. Their menu boasts an array of upscale dishes sure to please your palate.
At the restaurant, you can sample a range of delectable cocktails made with local craft beers and wines. Plus, the bar staff is welcoming and helpful – making it the ideal spot for enjoying an enjoyable meal with friends.
Father Tom’s Pub in Cookeville is another excellent option for dining. It boasts a dog-friendly garden and patio as well as some delectable snacks, like its famous Bacon Tomato Cheese Griller.
Aside from its bar, this restaurant also has an amazing kitchen that serves up delectable dishes. Try their signature chicken wings, fried pickles, sandwiches and burgers!
In addition to its menu, the restaurant also has an impressive dessert section that should not be missed. Choose from flavors like peanut butter cup, black cherry, Tennessee fudge, caramel cone and cake batter for a truly delectable experience.
Experience all that Cookeville has to offer by visiting some of its most captivating attractions and taking in the sights. There are historical plaques, murals, local shops, as well as delicious eateries that will leave you with a lasting taste in your mouth.
3. Market on the Square
Market on the Square is one of the main attractions in downtown Cookeville. Here you’ll find everything from souvenirs to gift baskets – as well as a great place for food!
It has a unique selection of gifts that will make your loved ones smile from ear to ear. Established in 2004, the gift shop and boutique offers wedding gifts, baby registries, gourmet kitchen supplies and jewelry – something for everyone!
Market on the Square hosts free concerts throughout the summer months, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors. Concerts take place Tuesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. during May, June, and September.
The Market on the Square boasts an extensive selection of restaurants. Many have been around for years and are well-known for their superior cuisine.
For those seeking something unique, Market on the Square is an ideal destination to check out something new. Plus, its bar offers a relaxing atmosphere after a long day of shopping.
Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy some live music in the courtyard. Many shops have outdoor seating as well.
At Market on the Square, you can take part in a number of exciting events like the Haunted Half Marathon and Blues and Brews Craft Beer Festival. These activities provide an entertaining way to spend the day.
ART Prowl is a two-day art tour that brings over 30 artists to locations across Cookeville. This showcase of regional talent serves as an opportunity for local businesses and organizations to support their artists while offering demonstrations, kids’ activities and exclusive ART Prowl deals at participating stores, cafes and pubs.
4. Our Protectors Mural
Cookeville is an idyllic destination, offering visitors a range of activities and sights to explore. From stunning murals to historic attractions, Cookeville truly has something for everyone in this charming and quaint city.
One of Cookeville’s most iconic murals, Our Protectors Mural, was painted to honor law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency technicians, paramedics, military personnel and helpful local people who stood tall during 9/11 terrorist attacks. This iconic work of art has become one of the city’s must-see attractions and draws tourists from around the globe.
Another fun activity to do in Cookeville is visiting the Cookeville History Museum. This historic attraction houses an engaging permanent exhibit that tells the story of Putnam County and Cookeville from its origin to present day through interactive displays.
It offers an array of special exhibitions and rotating displays that allow visitors to discover the region’s vibrant history from a fresh perspective. Furthermore, the museum hosts events suitable for everyone in your family; from lectures to book signings.
Aside from its impressive collection of artifacts, the museum is also renowned for its affordable and free entry policy. This makes it a great attraction for budget-conscious visitors who want to spend a day learning about the city’s heritage without breaking their budget.
Visit the Market on the Square, one of many attractions to do while in this charming city. This multi-level retail center houses numerous shops selling everything from apparel and jewelry to home goods and decorations.
In addition to its many stores, the market also features a selection of cafes and restaurants. Here you can enjoy delectable dishes as well as snacks in style.
5. Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a beloved outdoor activity for residents and visitors to Cookeville. Not only is it fun, but also provides breathtaking views of the city and its environs.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers an abundance of mountain trails ideal for horseback riding. Enjoy stunning panoramas, lush flora and diverse wildlife along these scenic routes.
Around Pigeon Forge, there are plenty of stables that offer guided trails and hayrides for visitors of all ages and experience levels. These rides make a perfect family vacation, romantic getaway, or just an enjoyable trip with friends!
Cades Cove is an excellent destination for riders of all ages and skills levels. This popular tourist spot features several stables that offer guided tours, hayrides and horse-drawn carriage rides.
Sugarlands Riding Stables provides an enjoyable and tranquil horseback riding experience in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Their horses are well trained and friendly, giving you a chance to explore nature with a guide by your side.
Five Oaks is an excellent destination for horseback riding in the Smokies. This stable is renowned for its friendly, experienced horses and offers an hour-long tour that winds its way along cascading streams and through wooded areas.
Jayell Ranch Adventure Park is an ideal destination for families who want to experience horseback riding and other attractions in the area. This park provides several activities like horseback riding, ziplining and ATV rides.
Aside from horseback riding, this establishment also provides other thrilling activities like ATV rides and monkey and exotic bird experiences. Their prices are competitively priced too – making them the first 5-star rated horseback riding facility in the area! Their staff is highly trained and they ensure all safety precautions are taken before their patrons begin their ride.
