Clarksville, Tennessee might be one of America’s best-kept secrets, but it’s not going to stay that way for long. With a growing number of businesses and community development, the Southern river city is quickly becoming a must-see destination for travelers seeking unique experiences. In this guide, we’ll showcase some of Clarksville’s must-visit attractions and provide tips on how to make the most of your visit.

Tour Dunbar Cave State Park

One of Clarksville’s most exciting and educational attractions is Dunbar Cave State Park, located just a few miles from downtown. The park offers guided tours of Dunbar Cave, the only public cave in the world where visitors can see 14th-century Native American Mississippian art. Tours are available four times daily, seven days a week, from May through September.

But the cave is not the only reason to visit the park. In 2023, Dunbar Cave State Park celebrates its 50th anniversary, and there will be many activities related to the cave’s musical and Civil War history, wildlife, and ecology. Visitors can also enjoy trail-side picnic tables, 3+ miles of easy-to-moderate wooded trails, a display about Affricanna Town, and the cave’s history as a musical venue, along with a variety of wildlife species. Before you leave, make sure to stop by the Visitor Center & Gift Shop for impressive displays about the cave’s history.

Cross Creek Clays: The Ultimate Shooting Experience

Cross Creek Clays offers a shooting experience like no other, attracting gun enthusiasts and novices alike. Tucked away just 20 minutes from downtown Clarksville, the massive hilltop lodge offers a glimpse of what’s to come.

Cross Creek Clays offers three 16-station courses, catering to shooters of all levels. From beginners to advanced, each course is clearly marked and easily navigable, ensuring everyone has a memorable experience.

The concreted path and pull-offs make for a smooth and enjoyable journey. You won’t have to worry about getting stuck in the rough terrain, so you can focus on the thrill of shooting.

The stunning surroundings at Cross Creek Clays add to the experience. You’ll spot dozens, if not hundreds, of sasquatches throughout the complex, adding to the fun and unique vibe. The attention to detail by owner Joe Calabrace, a retired 160th Special Forces Veteran, is evident in every aspect of the venue.

Fencing alongside the cart paths provides a sense of security, while the large outdoor back porch with giant swings and an outdoor kitchen offers a rustic feel. These small touches add up to an unforgettable experience.

Step Back in Time and Experience Rural Life at Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement

If you’re looking for a unique historical experience in Tennessee, look no further than Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement. This hidden gem offers visitors the chance to step back in time and explore life as it was in the 1800s.

Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement is home to 16 restored and authentically furnished homes and buildings that provide a fascinating glimpse into daily life in rural Tennessee during the 1800s. Each building has been painstakingly restored to its original condition and filled with period-appropriate furnishings, so you can experience what life was like for the early pioneers.

Visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of the settlement, complete with stories and insights into the history of each building. Alternatively, if you prefer a more in-depth experience, you can reserve a guided tour presented once daily.

One of the highlights of a visit to Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement is learning about how pioneers survived in rural Tennessee during the 1800s. You can try your hand at making butter, discover all the clever and ingenious ways our ancestors “made do” with what they had, grew or made by hand to endure when neighbors might be miles away.

In addition to the self-guided and guided tours, Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement offers a range of themed activities, day camps, and special events throughout the year. These events provide a fun and engaging way to learn more about the history of the settlement and experience life as it was in the 1800s.

Taste the World’s Flavors: Exploring Clarksville’s Diverse Food Scene

Clarksville, Tennessee, is a city that is home to people from all over the world. The Fort Campbell Army Installation, Austin Peay State University, and various international industries draw in a diverse population, which is reflected in the city’s craft food and beverage scene. Here, you can discover an abundance of flavors from different cultures and countries.

Many of the city’s residents bring their home country’s flavors with them and open up eateries, breweries, food trucks, and wine bars. From authentic Indian curries and Thai noodle dishes to Korean barbecue and Greek gyros, Clarksville has an array of international cuisine to satisfy any foodie’s cravings. You can also explore the tastes of France, Germany, Italy, and Latin America, or even venture out to try the exotic dishes from South America and the South Pacific.

If you’re visiting Clarksville and want to experience the flavors of the South, you won’t be disappointed either. The city is renowned for its Southern cuisine, and you can enjoy a variety of mouth-watering dishes such as hand-breaded catfish, biscuits and gravy, chicken and waffles, barbecue, and classic burgers. You can find Southern food in various eateries and food trucks, making it convenient to try out.

No matter what kind of food you’re craving, one place you won’t want to miss is Johnny’s Big Burger. While it’s famous for its burgers, the Honeybun and Cream is a must-try dessert. This delectable treat is made up of a warm, honey-glazed bun topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Shop to Your Heart’s Content at Miss Lucille’s Marketplace

Miss Lucille’s Marketplace is a shopper’s paradise. With 52,000 square feet of space in a converted warehouse, this place offers a wide range of products, from new items to upcycled, repurposed, boutique, antique, collectible, and handmade products. Men and women alike can spend hours perusing the old and new items, searching for treasures or getting inspiration for their next project. It is a must-visit destination that promises a unique shopping experience.

Miss Lucille’s Marketplace has something for everyone. With such a vast selection, shoppers can browse and discover unique items that they won’t find anywhere else. The marketplace features a range of vintage items and antiques, alongside new products, making it the perfect place for treasure hunting.

When you need a break from shopping, the on-site cafe at Miss Lucille’s Marketplace is the perfect spot to recharge. The cafe offers a fresh, from-scratch seasonal menu that includes family-themed entrees like Uncle Red’s Reuben, Fannie’s Chicken Salad, and Born on the Bayou Bowl. You can relax and enjoy the comfortable ambiance while indulging in a delicious meal.

Miss Lucille’s Marketplace is not just about shopping and dining; it also has a creative coffee shop that serves up an array of imaginative beverages. You can sip on unique coffee blends and smoothies, like The Three Leaf Clover, The Twilight Princess, and La Vie En La Rose, which are not only delicious but also one of the most Instagram-worthy features you’ll find in Clarksville, Tennessee.