Clarksville, Tennessee is a riverside city with an identity that is constantly evolving. Whether you’re strolling past street murals, hunting for vintage treasures, or hiking ancient caves, Clarksville rewards the curious traveler.
If you’re planning a visit (or just wondering what makes this city tick), here’s a thoughtfully curated guide to the best things to do in Clarksville.
1. Explore Local Art Downtown
Downtown Clarksville has a thriving creative scene, and three of its artistic anchors are just a few blocks apart.
The Downtown Artists Co-op is a collective-run gallery featuring monthly exhibits and a rotating showcase of local painters, photographers, ceramicists, and textile artists. You’ll often catch the artists themselves hanging work or greeting guests during First Thursday Art Walks.
Just a short stroll away, the Lorenzo Swinton Art Gallery is one of the most exciting Black-owned creative spaces in the city. Founded by artist and former U.S. Marine Lorenzo Swinton, the gallery houses bold, Afrocentric pieces and often hosts sip-and-paint nights, community events, and rotating exhibits that spotlight underrepresented voices.
Completing the trio is Drafts by Olasubomi (DBO) Gallery. This vibrant space hosts open-studio hours, live art showcases, poetry readings, and rotating exhibits. It’s also where you’ll meet the namesake artist, Olasubomi Bashoru.
2. Visit the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center
Step into one of Tennessee’s most architecturally distinct buildings, originally a post office and customs house from 1898.
The Customs House Museum features everything from regional history to a hands-on kids’ area where you can step inside a giant bubble.
It has one of the largest interactive model train displays in the region, with buildings modeled after the town and unique easter eggs like a cow being abducted by aliens.
Don’t miss the upstairs gallery showcasing contemporary Southern artists or the hall dedicated to famous local athletes, including Wilma Rudolph.
3. Get Lost in Books and Vinyl
Start at HUDUBAM Booktraders, a cozy independent shop that feels like a well-loved secret. I enjoyed the pride flags throughout, the display on banned books, and the titles recommended by staff members. They host readings, pop-ups, and events that bring together creatives and readers alike.
For audiophiles, AndVinyl (just up the street) is a haven of retro sound. Flip through crates of vinyl records, pick up a vintage turntable, or attend one of their occasional DJ pop-ups and listening nights.
4. Take a Stroll in Nature
Just minutes from downtown, Dunbar Cave State Park feels like an ancient escape. You can walk shaded trails, spot herons by the lake, or take a guided cave tour that explores prehistoric Indigenous art dating back to the Mississippian era.
The cave itself was once a concert venue but its story goes back thousands of years. The rock art inside includes spiritual symbols carved by the original inhabitants of this land.
Nearby, the Wade Bourne Nature Center inside Rotary Park is an educational center with displays and exhibits about local flora and fauna. The park itself is a peaceful escape for nature lovers, with over 100 acres of land, a playground, and more.
Hike its wooded trails, relax by the creek, and keep an eye out for birds. I enjoyed the sensory trail put in by the Eagle Scouts.
No visit to Clarksville is complete without a walk along the Cumberland Riverwalk, a beautifully maintained path stretching from McGregor Park all the way to the F&M Bank Arena and beyond.
Whether you’re biking, jogging, or just sipping coffee on a bench, you’ll pass historic markers, playgrounds, and stunning views of the water. The riverwalk is especially magical at sunrise and sunset.
5. Celebrate Local History
Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center offers more than battlefield facts. The museum tells the story of Clarksville’s occupation during the Civil War with empathy and depth.
Outside, you’ll find reconstructed fortifications that bring the history to life and if you time it right, you can attend a living history event. I was able to see a canon be fired.
In downtown Clarksville you’ll find a statue honoring the 19th Amendment, celebrating women’s right to vote.
Clarksville’s contribution to women’s history is also reflected in Liberty Park’s Wilma Rudolph Pavilion, which honors the three-time gold medal Olympic track star and Tennessee native with a statue, event center and memorial walkway.
Rudolph overcame childhood polio to become the fastest woman in the world, a symbol of resilience that continues to inspire.
The same park holds a plaza honoring another gold-medal Olympian with a bronze statue of Coach Pat Head Summitt, a University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach. As a coach, she acquired 1,098 career wins, the most in college basketball history at the time of her retirement.
6. Snap Photos of Clarksville’s Iconic Murals
Clarksville has leaned into its creative streak with a burst of colorful street art. Three murals in particular have become must-sees:
- The Clarksville Train Mural, depicting a steam engine charging forward, pays homage to the city’s rail history and the famous “Last Train to Clarksville” song.
- The Starry Night Mural, with swirling blues and yellows echoing Van Gogh’s style over the skyline of Clarksville instead of Arles, France.
- APSU Wall Mural, painted by Aka‑Bashorun and a student, showcases Austin Peay State University’s spirit and features nursing, aviation, military and athletics elements
These make great stops on a self-guided art tour.
7. Hunt for Deals at Thrift Shops
If you love a good treasure hunt, Clarksville won’t disappoint.
You Never Know Thrift Shop is a local favorite, packed with eclectic finds and vintage oddities. Part resale boutique, part community curiosity shop, it’s the kind of place where you’ll leave with something you didn’t know you needed.
For a more organized (but still wildly fun) shopping experience, head to Miss Lucille’s Marketplace, a sprawling warehouse full of curated booths with furniture, fashion, gifts, antiques, and handmade goods.
There’s also a full coffee bar and café onsite so you can refuel between aisles.
8. Meet Local Growers at the Downtown Farmers Market
From May to October, Saturday mornings in Clarksville mean one thing: the Downtown Market at Public Square.
You’ll find farm-fresh produce, handmade crafts, fresh flowers, and maybe even live opera being sung on a pop-up stage.
The vibe is laid-back and neighborly with homemade soaps and a petting zoo. It’s the perfect place to meet the people behind the food and to support local growers and makers.
11. Hang out at Downtown Commons
Right in the heart of downtown, Downtown Commons is Clarksville’s outdoor living room, a flexible green space designed for gathering.
By day, locals stop here for lunch breaks or playtime under the fountains. There are shaded tables, lawn chairs, and plenty of open space for a picnic or a spontaneous game of frisbee. It’s dog-friendly, family-friendly, and right across from some of the city’s best local businesses.
There’s often yoga on the lawn, outdoor movie nights, and community events throughout the year, from winter light displays to fall festivals.
Know Before You Go
Whether you’re wandering an art gallery, sipping coffee by the river, or finding new-to-you treasures in a thrift store, Clarksville is where history meets hip and tradition blends with creativity.
Pack a camera, wear your walking shoes, and come see what this Tennessee city has to offer. You just might stay longer than planned.
Till next time, safe travels!