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Are you anywhere near Nashville? If so, drive some 79 miles (127 km) east and have an adventure in one of the state’s most wonderful cities. Let’s explore the best things to do in Cookeville TN.
Cookeville is known for its delicious cuisine, music, murals, and fashion. With many restaurants, museums, activities, and bars, you can get one of the best experiences of your life.
Another excuse to visit this place is the weather: you can enjoy both hot and cold temperatures depending on the season.
Cookeville is located 101 miles (162 km) west of Knoxville and approximately 79 miles (125 km) from Nashville. Only 4 cities are located within Putnam County, and Cookeville is just beside Baxter, Algood, and Monterey.
Read on to get acquainted with this Southern city, also known as Tennessee’s College Town.
Table of Contents
Weather in Cookeville, Tennessee
In summer, the temperatures remain around 82.4 degrees Fahrenheit (28 degrees Celsius) and rarely go above this range. On the other hand, winters can be very cold sometimes, with temperatures reaching as low as 12.2°F (-11°C).
If you want to enjoy the snow, visit between December and March. Otherwise, the best time to visit this place is between April and June.
Things To Do in Cookeville – Activities
1. Horseback Riding at Circle K Horse Pavilion
You can choose between private or group horseback riding lessons at Circle K Horse Pavilion. Even if you are a beginner, they have various programs to teach you from the basic level.
Both indoor and outdoor tracks allow the horses to remain protected under the boundaries of the pavilion. The horses and the scenic views of acres of wide pasture land with plenty of trees will definitely entertain you.
If you opt to ride indoors, the architecture is as good as the nature outside.
2. Paradise Games and Arcade
Paradise Games and Arcade is where you can enjoy some time away from everyday chaos. It’s also a great place to socialize by meeting new people from different backgrounds while playing games.
There are plenty of games to choose from, such as retro games, gaming consoles, cabinet games, pool tables, VR games, and much more. The best part is that the arcade updates its inventory weekly to add new games, allowing you to have something new every visit.
3. Watch Movies at Sparta Drive-in
If you love watching movies, especially at the cinema, Sparta Drive-in is an experience you can’t miss. The place is only a 20-minute drive away from Cookeville. This drive-in theater is very popular among both tourists and locals.
While the content they show at the cinema is entertaining, what makes it special is its retro design and charming ambiance. You can also enjoy all these with delicious hamburgers and nachos provided on demand.
The overall service and environment are top-notch, making Sparta Drive-in a must-visit on your next trip to Cookeville, TN.
4. The Outdoor Experience
One of the great places to purchase all the equipment for outdoor activities is The Outdoor Experience. It is located in the Upper Cumberland region, where you can find hiking boots, canoes, kayaks, climbing equipment, equipment for fishing, and much more. The customer service is great, and they usually never run out of stock.
We recommend you visit this place and buy all the necessary equipment for adventure before leaving for nearby lakes and waterfalls.
5. Kayaking at Rock Island State Park
Rock Island State Park is home to Eric Jackson, a world-famous kayaker who has brought the sport of kayaking to great heights. This park is located southwest of Cookeville and offers great activities, including kayaking.
The rapids are Class III and Class IV, so if you are a beginner, then this place might not be ideal for you to start kayaking. However, you can watch professional freestyle kayaking below the Great Falls Dam in Twin Falls.
The runnable water in this park is not as long as you will find in the other parts of the country, but its atmosphere is what makes it enjoyable.
6. Fishing and Other Activities at Nearby Lakes
Many lakes offer great fishing spots, but Dale Hollow Lake is the best. It is quite famous for bass fishing and activities such as paddling, swimming, and water skiing.
If you want to catch different varieties of fish, we recommend visiting Standing Stone State Park, where you will find a fishing spot called Kelly Lake, where you can reel in trout, bass, catfish, and even a bluegill.
Things To Do in Cookeville – Sights
7. Hollow Park
Hollow Park is the first on our list of the most scenic places in Cookeville, TN. It is a recreational club initially operated as a cattle, tobacco, and corn farm. Now, it is converted into a park with sensational views with special features such as fishing ponds, swimming pools, picnic areas, and playgrounds.
If you love playing outdoor sports, then there are volleyball courts to play volleyball. You can also visit the petting inside the park.
8. Cookeville Depot Museum
Founded in 1909, Cookeville Depot Museum is located at the railroad depot.
In this museum, you can find many artifacts that teach you about the history of the place and how the Tennessee central railway developed.
There is ground on all sides of the museum, which is considered the park area, where you can experience the 1913 Baldwin steam engine, 1960’s caboose, 1920s classic caboose (red), and a couple of small track cars.
9. Cookeville History Museum
Cookeville History Museum takes you on a journey about the history of Putnam County and Cookeville. The museum has constructed the timeline quite efficiently, and the whole experience of learning from the very start to the current form of the city will never get you bored.
Another good reason to visit this place is its friendly staff, who treat their guests well to improve their experience.
10. Dogwood Park
Dogwood Park is ideal for you if you like scenic views while walking. Beautiful trails and rose gardens make the whole environment pop up with mesmerizing colors. In addition, the park also features water activities if you visit during the summer season, making it a great place to enjoy with children.
The park also has some great murals that you can enjoy.
11. Cummins Falls State Park
Cummins Falls State Park is located 9 miles northwest of the city center. It is an amazing spot to plan your day trip, as stunning waterfalls can only be seen during daylight.
This state park is a perfect picnic spot with a well-maintained parking lot and trails for families.
The park also offers opportunities to learn about local cultures and beliefs.
12. Cane Creek Park
Another great picnic spot, Cane Creek Park, features a beautiful lake within the boundaries of the park called Cane Creek Lake. You can set up a bonfire or barbecue to enjoy your day out.
Many locals come to this area for fishing, so you can join them to make your visit even more fun.
13. Burgess Falls State Park Sparta
Popular for its hiking activities, Burgess Falls State Park Sparta offers a scenic view of Upper Cumberland with 3 amazing waterfalls. However, hiking is more challenging than it is in the other areas of the country, mainly due to many creek crossings.
If you love hiking and outdoor exploring, check out the oldest national parks in the United States and enjoy not only communing with nature but experiencing these historically preserved lands and cultural heritage sites.
14. Exploring Murals
Cookeville is quite famous for its murals. The locals maintain them and protect them with heart and soul.
One of the many murals in Cookeville is called “Our Protectors,” a tribute to firefighters, paramedics, emergency technicians, and military personnel. Local artists painted the “Our Protector” mural at Cedar and W. Broad streets.
Things To Do in Cookeville – Food and Restaurants
15. Stonehaus Winery
As the name suggests, Stonehaus is a place where you can try different kinds of wine. You can also learn how wines are made, which isn’t as easy as it seems. A family runs the winery, and they have a gift shop where you can buy all the items related to wine.
At Stonehaus, you can also try some great local foods.
16. Poet’s Coffee
Visiting Poet’s Coffee early in the morning would energize you for the upcoming activities. The coffee house is on the Historic Courthouse Square.
The staff here is very professional and welcoming, and the large windows set the perfect view of the busy city while enjoying your delicious coffee.
17. Seven Senses Food and Cheer
One of the best restaurants in the city, Seven Senses, is where you can try Southern American dishes. The best on the menu are tacos, fried pickles, chicken wings, and burgers.
The restaurant has some great options for lunch and dinner and a friendly staff that makes it a must-visit.
18. Cream City Ice Cream and Coffee House
Cream City Ice Cream and Coffee House is located in the city’s downtown area. This place is quite popular because of its dark chocolate ice creams, and the downtown location makes the experience even better.
Things To Do in Cookeville – Nightlife
19. Father Tom’s Pub
Father Tom’s Pub is a great place to enjoy your night in Cookeville. The specialties of this place include a classic pub atmosphere, a great beer selection, and a modern menu.
One of the most delicious items on the menu is brussels sprouts and duck fat tater tots.
20. Crawdaddy’s West Side Grill
Aside from its great food and drinks, Crawdaddy’s West Side Grill also has some of the city’s finest wine selections. The bar has everything from local, domestic, and imported brews to extensive liquor and wine selections.
The place offers indoor and outdoor sitting areas, but we highly recommend sitting indoors as its interior décor has a modern vibe.
How To Get To Cookeville, TN
Cookeville doesn’t have an international airport, but 5 are in the neighborhood. The closest one is in Nashville, only 65.2 miles (105 km) away from this small town. It is also the cheapest route to reach this area.
Other airports are Knoxville, Louisville, Chattanooga, and Huntsville. The distance to Cookeville from the following places is as follows.
- Knoxville – 102 miles (163.9 km)
- Chattanooga – 97 miles (156.5 km)
- Louisville 170 miles (274.3 km)
- Huntsville – 136 miles (219.8 km)
To reach Cookeville from the nearest airports, you can either travel by bus or hire a private taxi. We recommend traveling by public bus as they are cheap and convenient.
Another good option is renting a car at a per-day rate of $58 to $88.
How To Enjoy Your Cookeville, TN Visit
To enjoy your Cookeville visit to the fullest, we advise you to follow these 4 expert tips:
- Cookeville is a great family vacation spot, so stick to the family-friendly areas.
- Only plan a trip when the risk of tornado activity is low.
- The weather conditions are too hot or too cold depending upon the season, so check the temperatures and pack clothes accordingly.
- There are some great outdoor activities, so keep the relevant equipment with you before leaving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Things To Do in Cookeville, TN
What Is Cookeville, Tennessee, Known For?
Cookeville is a small town known for its delicious local foods, arts, museums, nightlife, and outdoor adventures. It is also one of the biggest cities in Putnam County.
What Is It Like Living in Cookeville, TN?
Cookeville, TN, sometimes gives its visitors a suburban feel, mainly because of the locals in this area. Most of them are quite conservative.
What Is the Crime Rate in Cookeville, TN?
Cookeville’s annual crime rate is 33.95 incidents for every 1,000 people. With a crime index of 11 (out of 100), Cookeville is safer than 11% of U.S. cities.
What Is the Cost of Living in Cookeville, TN?
Cookeville’s housing expense is around 25% less than the national average. Other expenses, such as transportation and utility, are also 9% and 5% less, respectively.
Conclusion – Things To Do in Cookeville, TN
There will be no shortage of fun and memorable things at Cookeville, Tennessee. Well-known for its wonderful scenery, great food, adventure activities, and warm people, Cookeville is one of the must-go places you should soon check out from your travel itinerary.
Take time to experience Cookeville, and you won’t regret it!
For other fun-filled US destinations, check these related reads:
- Top 20 Fun Things To Do in Rockwall, TX
Marjolein Dilven
Founder of Spark Nomad, Radical FIRE, Copywriter
- Expertise: Personal finance and travel content. I’m a full-time traveler, and I’ve been to 49 countries and 5 continents.
- Education: Bachelor of Economics at Radboud University, Master in Finance at Radboud University, Minor in Economics at Chapman University.
- Over 200 articles, essays, and short stories published across the web.
Marjolein Dilven is a journalist and founder of Spark Nomad, a travel platform, and Radical FIRE, a personal finance platform. Marjolein has a finance and economics background with a master’s in Finance. She has quit her job to travel the world, documenting her travels on Spark Nomad to help people plan their travels. Marjolein Dilven has written for publications like MSN, Associated Press, CNBC, Town News syndicate, and more.
