Clarksville

Clarksville is the county seat of Montgomery County, in Central Tennessee. Founded in 1784, Clarksville is one of the south's most historic cities. Today, visitors can experience that history through memorable attractions, unique historic architecture and a variety of annual festivals and events.

Steeped in history, Clarksville began as a settlement along the banks of the Cumberland and Red Rivers by Revolutionary War hero John Montgomery in the early 1780s. In 1785, Clarksville became Tennessee's first incorporated city.

Get in

Clarksville is conveniently located on I-24, at the Tennessee-Kentucky border, just 40 minutes from Nashville International Airport. Interstate exits 1, 4, 8 and 11 serve as city gateways. Several US and state highways also intertwine throughout the city, making the community easily accessible from any direction.

• 1 Clarksville–Montgomery County Regional Airport (CKV  ^IATA). A small airport used mostly for General aviation. (updated Dec 2020)

See

Historic Downtown

Restored brick sidewalks and intersections, period lighting, benches and planters, the Franklin Street thoroughfare represents the centerpiece of a re-emerging downtown district. Explore the area at your leisure by taking the self-guided Walk Clarksville tour. The area features:

• Shopping at a number of antique shops and boutiques.
• Locally-owned restaurants offering everything from gourmet pizzas and burgers to German cuisine.
• Professional productions at a 1940s modern art theatre.
• Stunning architecture dating to the early 1850s.
• Austin Peay State University, Emerald Hill and Archwood, one of the cities finest representations of Italianate Revival architecture, as well as the Mabel Larson Gallery.
• Cumberland RiverWalk, McGregor Park, Riverside Drive. Any season of the year, the Cumberland RiverWalk is a site to behold. The 15-acre park features a RiverCenter with permanent historical displays, a playground, performance stages, picnic areas, and amphitheatre and a pedestrian over walk to historic downtown Clarksville. There are events like summer's Riverfest to winter's Christmas on the Cumberland, and walks adorned by sunsets and colorful autumn foliage.

History

• Historic Collinsville, 4711 Weakley Road, ☏ +1 931-648-9141. May 17-October 14, Th-Su 1PM-5PM. Other times/dates by appointment. Southside. Sprawled over 40 rolling acres, Historic Collinsville is a restored pioneer settlement featuring outbuildings that date from 1830 - 1870. The 30-minute drive from downtown along winding rural backroads provides some of the best countryside scenery in Montgomery County and makes the trip an experience of its own. Scheduled special events make the visit even more educational costumed docents perform day-to-day takes. The grounds include picnic areas and walking trails. Admission charged. 
• 1 Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, 200 S. 2nd Street, ☏ +1 931-648-5780. Tu- Sa 10AM-5PM, Su 1PM-5PM, closed M. Tennessee's second largest general museum, the Customs House Museum is a "must" for family and history buffs alike. Built in 1898 for the flourishing tobacco trade, this architecturally fascinating structure is one of the region's most photographed buildings. Located in the heart of the historic downtown district, the Center features both permanent and rotating exhibits and an Explorer's Floor - a special area for the entire family to solve puzzles and play games. Admission charged.  
• 2 Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum, Tennessee Avenue, Building 5702, Fort Campbell, ☏ +1 270-798-3215. M-Sa 9:30AM-4:3OPM, closed Sundays, and Christmas and New Years. It traces the history of the "Screaming Eagles" from World War II engagements to Vietnam to Operation Iraqi Freedom. Just outside the museum, various aircraft, military equipment and monuments are on display. These massive machines are sure to capture the imagination of every child and child-at-heart. Free.  
• 3 Fort Defiance (End of Walker Street, New Providence Area), ☏ +1-931-648-5780. Daily, Dawn-Dusk. Fort Defiance is a well-preserved Civil War outpost used by the Confederate Army. Overlooking the Cumberland and Red Rivers, Fort Defiance was surrendered without a shot by the Confederates following the fall of Fort Donelson. (updated Dec 2020)
• L & N Train Station (Commerce and 10th Streets), ☏ +1-931-553-2486. Tu Th Sa 9AM-1PM. Built in 1890, the L & N Train Station is the scene for the Monkees' hit, "Last Train To Clarksville". This was once one of the busiest locations in Clarksville, with soldiers and civilians departing and arriving daily. (updated Dec 2020)
• Sevier Station, 120 Duncan St, ☏ +1 931 472-3351. This site is where Fort Defiance stood during the Civil War before the Confederate forces burned it down. It was built by the Confederacy and captured by the Union in 1862. The outer earthworks are still in great condition and gun platforms are even still discernible. 

Mansions

• Smith-Trahern Mansion (1st & McClure Streets), ☏ +1-931-648-9998. M-F 9:30AM-2:30PM. Evenings and weekends by appointment. Built in 1858 by wealthy tobacconist Christopher Smith, this materpiece overlooks the Cumberland River. Constructed during the troubled Pre-Civil War era, the home reflects the transition between Greek Revival and Italianate styles, which were so popular at that time. The home boasts grand hallways, an exquisite curved staircase and a "widow's walk" on the roof. In March 1988, the Mansion was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Admission charged.. (updated Dec 2020)
• Emerald Hill Mansion, 751 N. 2nd St, ☏ +1 931-221-7979. M-F 9AM-4PM. This building began as a farmhouse in the 1820s and has undergone two major renovations in 1900 and 1909. Containing many of the original furnishings, it is the home for the Pace Alumni Center at Emerald Hill-Alumni Relations and Development Offices of the Austin Peay State University. Free. 

Art

Public Artworks are scattered throughout downtown.

• Wilma Rudolph Statue, McGregor Park, Riverside Drive, 931-645-7476. To honor one of America's most outstanding Olympic athletes and her legacy, a bronze statue of Clarksville native Wilma Rudolph was hand-crafted in her likeness by local sculptor Howard Brown. The statue of her three-time gold medalist resides at the base of the pedestrian overpass at College Street and Riverside Drive. Free
• Public Square / Eternal Flame, Between Franklin and Main Streets, Downtown, 931-645-7444. Free. The facade of the former City Hall Building with it sweeping Romanesque arch was constructed in 1941, although the building is much older. Erected in the median in 2004, an Enternal Flame stands to honor the sacrifices of soldiers and their families.
• Millennium Plaza & Public Art, 1 Millennium Plaza, 931-648-5787. The Montgomery County Courthouse and Courts Center feature photographic displays illustrating Montgomery county's fascinating history and heritage. In addition to the bronze fountain in the Millennium Plaza, two bronze statues are located at 1st and Franklin Streets and 2nd and Commerce Streets. A mural depicting Clarksville architecture is located on Franklin Street. Free.
• Mabel Larson Gallery, Harned Hall, Austin Peay Campus, 931-221-7333. Hours: M-F 8AM-5PM. Mabel Larson Gallery is house in Harned Hall on the campus of Austin Peay State University. On exhibition is selected art from the University's permanent art collection.

Do

• Clarksville StormPay.com Speedway, 1600 Needmore Rd, ☏ +1 931-645-2523. Hours: F Sa nights, March-October. 1/8 mile Drag Races for bracket racing on Friday nights. 1/4 mile high bank clay oval track for late model, open wheel, mini sprint, pro-street, street stock and mini-mode cars. Fenced park area for children. Admission charged. 
• 1 Dunbar Cave State Park, 401 Old Dunbar Cave Rd, ☏ +1 931-648-5526, toll-free: +1 888-867-2757. Hours: Park open daily 8AM-sunset. Visitor Center Daily 8AM-4:30PM. Tours by appointment. This 110-acre park is one of Clarksville's most scenic areas. The cave and surroundings were a mineral springs resort at the turn of the century. In the 1930s and 40s, the huge cave entrance served as a naturally air-conditioned venue to Big Band performances. Later, the cave was owned by country music legend Roy Acuff and hosted some of Nashville's biggest names in entertainment. Admission to park: Free. The cave is closed except for paid guided tours. However, these tours have been suspended indefinitely. The grounds have several hiking trails, ranging between just over a half-mile loop and just under a two-mile loop. Fishing is allowed on premises, but not swimming or boating due to the lake's small nature.  
• Historic Downtown Walking & Driving Tours, 931-647-2331. See the best of historic downtown Clarksville and it perimeter through self-guidd walking or driving tours. Brochure maps are available at the Visitor Information Center, Chamber of Commerce, Customs House Museum, Montgomery County Courthouse, and Cumberland RiverCenter.
• 2 Roxy Regional Theatre, 100 Franklin St, ☏ +1 931-645-7699. The Roxy Regional Theatre, Clarksville's oldest professional theatre, offers patrons a combination of professional company shows and community offerings. Housing in a 1947 art modern theatre, the Roxy produces 10 mainstage productions annually. the Roxy's "Other Space" produces four new scripts a year in its 40-seat black-box theatre.  
• Swan Lake Sports Complex, 2002 Sanders Rd, ☏ +1 931-645-7476. Wide range of sports in this center. It includes several softball fields, tennis courts, sand volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a playground, and a large pool. Encompassing over 50 acres. 

Golf

Clarksville is a golfer's paradise with a climate that makes golf virtually a year round sport. "11th Best City in the U.S. for Public Golf" by Golf Digest, Clarksville courses offer beautiful greens at affordable prices.

• Clarksville Country Club, 224 Fairway Drive, ☏ +1 931-647-5674. 
• Cole Park, 1610 101st Airborne Division Blvd, ☏ +1 270-798-4906. Ft. Campbell. 
• Eastland Green, 550 Clubhouse Lane, ☏ +1 931-358-9051. 
• Mason Rudolph, 1514 Golf Club Lane, ☏ +1 931-645-7479. 
• Swan Lake, 581 Dunbar Cave Rd, ☏ +1 931-648-0479. 

Bowling

Clarksville has a variety of bowling centers to choose from with standard to black light bowling. All offer bowling times and shoe rentals. The centers also offer snack bars and evening entertainment. Call the centers for open times and events.

• Hooper Bowling Center, 5380 Tennessee Ave, ☏ +1 931-431-6347. Ft. Campbell. 
• The Pinnacle Family Entertainment Center, 430 Warfield Blvd, ☏ +1 931-647-2695. 
• Skyline Lanes, 201 Kraft St, ☏ +1 931-645-2456. 

Water sports

The bounty of the Cumberland and Red Rivers is a haven for water enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy water skiing, jet skis, fishing or just cruising the river, the area offers a beautiful setting for fun in the sun. The area's Cumberland River was named one of the top catfishing spots in the U.S. by Field and Stream.

Buy

Whether your preference is a large department store or a unique bargain haven - or something in between - Clarksville offers a full gamut of shopping opportunities. Some widely recognized anchor stores in or around Governor's Square Mall include Border's, Old Navy, T.J. Maxx, Hobby Lobby, PetSmart, and Linens & Things. If antique hunting is your ideal excursion, or you're looking for a truly unique gift or collectible, Clarksville has lots to offer in the historic downtown district or along Fort Campbell Boulevard. Fireworks can be purchased along main roads of Tennessee, and particularly on Fort Campbell Blvd. There are dozens of tents and full firework stores as you travel down the road. Fireworks are legal in Tennessee.

• Briar & Bean of Clarksville, 105 Fairview Ln, ☏ +1 931 552-6465. This is a coffeehouse featuring a smoking room in the back of the house. It has moved from the mall and is now a stand-alone location. They sell fine handmade cigars and there is a gift shop with flasks, pipes, and other tobacco paraphernalia. Coffee products are extensive and they have many gourmet options besides the standard hot cup of joe. 
• Oddball Media, 3863 Trenton Rd, ☏ +1 931 920-0051. This retro nook is great for buying and selling all types of music and films, or just plain browsing. They carry both new and pre-owned items like CDs and vinyl records if you are looking for music and DVDs and VHS tapes if you are looking for films. They are also home to video games dating back to Super Nintendo. Average prices and a lot of fun to look around in! 
• 1 Governor's Square Mall, 2801 Wilma-Rudolph Blvd, ☏ +1 931 552-0289. Besides a movie theatre with reasonable pricing and many dining options, this moderately-sized mall has plenty of shopping options. Dillard's, Sears, Belk, and JC Penney are the present department stores. There is a standard set of other stores including beauty/health stores, children's stores, men's/women's stores, sports stores, electronics stores, craft stores, home stores, and even Firestone Auto Care.  

Eat

Clarksville is home to every major American chain and Southern chains as well. Sonic Drive-In restaurants and Waffle House restaurants can be found in abundance along with Popeye's, Charlie's Subs, Chik-fil-A, Jack-in-the-Box, Long John Silvers, and Five Guys Burgers and Fries fast food chains. Smoking is still allowed in some sections of certain establishments.

• 1 Papa Murphy's Take 'n' Bake, 1571 Fort Campbell Blvd, ☏ +1 931 55-2210. This pizza restaurant prepares the food right in front of you for you to take home and cook, and everything is very fresh and clean. They proudly offer a military discount. Everything is delicious! (updated Dec 2016)
• 2 Sam's Gyros Cafe, 3095 Fort Campbell Blvd, ☏ +1 931 431-4886. This casual cafe offers tasty gyros among other menu items in very large portions. There is no website or menu offered online, but the pricing is relatively low. It is a great value for your money. The location is great, being on a main road of the area with lots of shopping and sight-seeing around. (updated Dec 2016)

Drink

• Beachaven Winery, 1110 Dunlop Lane, ☏ +1 931-645-8867. May-Sep: M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su noon-5PM; Oct-Apr: M-Sa 9AM-5PM, Su Noon-5PM. Enjoy free tours and tastings at one of Tennessee's foremost commercial wineries. Known for production award winning wines and champagnes, Beachaven provides a glimpse into the centuries old art of wine making. Hundreds of distinctive gift items and a large shaded picnic area ensure that your visit is complete. Free. 
• 1 Blackhorse Pub & Brewery, 132 Franklin St, ☏ +1 931-552-3726. Get the pretzels with the beer cheese dip and the Whitehorse pizza. There are many different unique Blackhorse beers available as well as more well-known bottled beers. (updated Dec 2016)

Sleep

• Clarksville Microtel Inn & Suites, 241 Holiday Drive, ☏ +1 931-218-2171, fax: +1 931 905-2505. 
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Clarksville, 110 Westfield Court, ☏ +1 931 551-3200, fax: +1 931 551-4066. 
• Quality Inn Exit 4, 3095 Wilma Rudolph Blvd, ☏ +1 931 648-4848. 
• Quality Inn, 700 Sango Road, ☏ +1 931 358-5800. 
• Comfort Suites, 115 Fairbrook Place, ☏ +1 931-538-1642. 

Go next

Routes through Clarksville

Paducah ← Hopkinsville ←	W  E	→ Ashland City → Nashville
END ← Hopkinsville ←	N  S	→ Ashland City → Nashville
END ← Russellville ←	N  S	→ Dover → Memphis