6 Best Sights in Tennessee, USA

Ijams Nature Center

Fodor's choice

Part of the Urban Wilderness that includes the adjacent Forks of the River Wildlife Management Area, this 315-acre woodland is home to former marble quarries. Mead's Quarry Lake is where River Sports Outfitters rents paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes to explore the clear blue water. More than 12 miles of trails connect to adjacent public lands, allowing for extended hiking and mountain biking circuits, and Ijams Crag is popular with rock climbers. Navitat is also based here, offering six different aerial high-ropes challenge courses through the treetops.

Centennial Park

West End

Built for the 1897 Tennessee Centennial Exposition, this popular park is not only home to the Parthenon Museum but is also a pleasant place for walking, relaxing, and participating in outdoor festivals. Craft fairs, festivals, and performances are often held in the 132-acre park, which includes a small lake, picnic areas, a band shell, an arts center, and a dog park.

Corsair Distillery

Wedgewood-Houston
This second Corsair location opened in 2016 and serves as the headquarters for this creator of small-batch whiskeys and other spirits. Three types of tours are offered, ranging from 30-minute general ones that end with a five-spirit tasting to cocktail classes and "master tours." Tastings are also offered without tours, and Corsair has an outdoor area where dogs are welcome.

Recommended Fodor's Video

Fort Granger

Fort Granger was an earthwork fort created by the Union troops during the Civil War. Today, it’s a park along the Harpeth River with a self-guided walking tour through the Franklin Battlefield. Start at the beginning of the path and follow the placards to learn the history of the Battle of Franklin. If you follow the path all the way to the end, it will lead you to Pinkerton Park.

Fort Negley Park

Wedgewood-Houston
The history of the Civil War–era fort is told through videos in the visitor center and panels along outdoor pathways. This is also the site of veterans events throughout the year. There’s a gift shop and views of the Nashville skyline.

Pinkerton Park

This park has not one but two playgrounds for little ones to explore. For older kids, there are Ping-Pong tables, plenty of green space, and a paved 1-mile walking trail around the park’s perimeter. There are also picnic tables, pavilions, and grills if the weather calls for barbecue.