New to Clarksville, TN? 5 Places Every New Resident Should Visit
So you just moved to Clarksville, Tennessee.
The boxes are everywhere. You’ve figured out which grocery store is closest to the house. Your GPS is finally starting to recognize your commute.
And you’ve probably already learned that saying, “I’ll just run down Wilma Rudolph real quick” can occasionally be famous last words.
Welcome to Clarksville.
Whether you moved here because of Fort Campbell, work, family, school, or simply because Middle Tennessee felt like the right place to call home, there’s a big difference between living somewhere and actually getting to know it.
Clarksville has grown tremendously, but there’s still plenty here that gives the city its own personality—from the Cumberland River and historic downtown to parks, trails, caves, museums and local events.
So once you’ve unpacked enough boxes to justify taking a break, here are five places I’d recommend checking out as you start getting to know your new hometown.
1. Historic Downtown Clarksville & Downtown Commons
If you’re new to Clarksville, downtown is a great place to start.
Historic Downtown Clarksville gives you a completely different experience from the busier commercial areas you may encounter when you first move here.
You’ll find historic buildings, restaurants, local businesses, public art and community events throughout the downtown area.
And right in the middle of it is Downtown Commons, an outdoor gathering space that hosts events and activities throughout the year.
One of the best ways to experience downtown isn’t necessarily to have a detailed itinerary.
Park the car.
Walk around.
Grab something to eat.
Check out the murals.
See what’s happening at Downtown Commons.
And start learning the streets.
If your first impression of Clarksville has mostly consisted of moving trucks, errands and traffic, downtown is a good reminder that there’s another side of the city waiting to be explored.
Local tip: Check the community event calendar before heading downtown. Depending on the time of year, you may stumble into live music, festivals, markets or other local events.
2. Liberty Park & Clarksville Marina
If you want to understand why the Cumberland River is such an important part of Clarksville, spend some time at Liberty Park and the Clarksville Marina.
This is one of those places that works whether you want to actually do something or simply get out of the house for a while.
Liberty Park includes walking areas, playground space, sports fields, fishing opportunities and access to the river and marina.
It’s also home to the Wilma Rudolph Event Center.
But you don’t necessarily need an event or activity planned.
Sometimes you just need to grab a coffee, take a walk and enjoy being outside.
If you’ve relocated with children, it’s also worth putting on your list while you’re learning which parks and outdoor spaces your family enjoys.
And if you’re a boater or enjoy fishing, the marina and Cumberland River access make this one particularly worth knowing.
3. Dunbar Cave State Park
This one surprises some people who relocate here.
Yes, Clarksville has an actual cave.
Dunbar Cave State Park is one of the area’s most distinctive outdoor and historical attractions.
The park surrounds Dunbar Cave and offers hiking trails, wildlife viewing and opportunities to learn
