Things to Do in Clarksville

Whether you prefer kayaking down a river or observing a Civil War reenactment in a field, you can do them both in Clarksville. And whether you’re craving some sushi or some good, old-fashioned Southern comfort food, you can savor them both in Clarksville.

Go Downtown

Downtown Clarksville’s Roxy Theatre was built as a movie theater in 1949; now it showcases live theater productions and is the inspiration for the developing Center for Arts and Education.

From May through October, the city’s bustling farmers’ market—held at the restored L&N Train Station—is a fun place for the whole family to explore. Vendors display a variety of wares, including fresh produce, farm-fresh cheese, hand-sewn quilts, and toys for the kids. And after you’ve built up a thirst strolling around the market, you can quench it by visiting the "ice pop" stand for some of Clarksville's frozen treats—flavors include sweet lemon cream, grapefruit and pink lemonade.

Visit the Past

Clarksville’s Customs House Museum and Cultural Center exhibits a dizzying, eclectic style that makes it the city’s architectural gem. You can learn about local history and explore the bubble cave, which explains how bubbles are formed and why sinkholes form. The Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum on the Tennessee side of Fort Campbell allows you to marvel at aircraft and military equipment while learning about the 101st Airborne Division Screaming Eagles.

You can step further back in time by following the four historical markers on the Clarksville/Montgomery County Civil War Trail. And at the 4-acre Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center, you can head to a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Red and Cumberland Rivers and walk the trails among the cannons and displays. Along the way, you will encounter actors dressed in period garb who bring the area’s history alive.

Get Physical

There are plenty of opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors in Clarksville—you can hike through a cool cave at Dunbar Cave State Park, which is just a mile and a half northeast of town; hike or bike on the peaceful trails alongside Swan Lake; picnic at the Cumberland Riverwalk, which is also has a playground for the kids; and hike or bike the 5-mile, rails-to-trails Clarksville Greenway.

Boaters can enjoy a 2-mile canoe or kayak trip down the Blueway at Robert Clark Park, and when weather keeps you indoors, try the 18-hole D&D Blacklight Mini Golf for an otherworldly visual experience. Paintball enthusiasts can have a blast (pun intended) at Clarksville Zombie Hunters!

Enjoy Some Northern Southern Cooking!

Although Clarksville isn't technically in the Deep South, it doesn’t mean you can’t chow down on classic Southern cuisine here. The Catfish House (1461 Zinc Plant Road, Clarksville) offers such favorites as deep-fried pickles; fried okra; a whole catfish paired paired with hush puppies, coleslaw and white beans; and caramel pie. The menu at Moss’s Southern Cooking (253 Clearview Drive, Clarksville) features chicken ‘n’ dumplings, turnip greens, fried squash, cornbread and beans. You’ll be happy that you saved some room for dessert when you spot the chess pie and peach cobbler.

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