Cookeville TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cookeville, Tennessee.
1. Cummins Falls State Park
NATURE'S SWIMMING PARADISE
Cummins Falls State Park is one of the most popular natural attractions near Cookeville, featuring a stunning waterfall and swimming hole. Visitors can hike to the falls and enjoy swimming in the natural pool during warmer months. The park offers both challenging trails and beautiful scenery, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
2. Tennessee Legend Distillery
LOCAL SPIRITS & TASTINGS
Tennessee Legend Distillery at Maddux Place offers visitors a chance to sample locally crafted spirits in downtown Cookeville. The distillery produces a variety of moonshine, whiskey, and other spirits with unique flavors representing Tennessee heritage. Guests can enjoy guided tastings and purchase bottles to take home as souvenirs.
3. Cookeville Depot Museum
HISTORIC RAILWAY HERITAGE
The Cookeville Depot Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and showcases the region's rich railway history. Originally built in 1909, the museum houses a 1912 Baldwin steam engine, vintage cabooses, and various artifacts from the Tennessee Central Railway. Visitors can explore an HO scale replica of what Cookeville looked like in 1955, offering a glimpse into the city's past.
4. Red Silo Brewing Company
CRAFT BEER HAVEN
Red Silo Brewing Company is Cookeville's premier craft brewery offering a rotating selection of handcrafted beers. The brewery features a welcoming taproom where visitors can sample flights or enjoy pints of their innovative brews. Beer enthusiasts appreciate the casual atmosphere and the opportunity to chat with knowledgeable staff about brewing techniques.
5. Dogwood Park
DOWNTOWN GREEN OASIS
Dogwood Park serves as a central green space in downtown Cookeville, offering playgrounds, walking paths, and seasonal events. The park features a performance pavilion where concerts and community gatherings are regularly held throughout the year. Families appreciate the well-maintained facilities and proximity to downtown shopping and dining options.
6. Cookeville Antique Mall
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNT
Cookeville Antique Mall houses a vast collection of vintage items, collectibles, and antiques from dozens of vendors. Treasure hunters can explore multiple aisles filled with furniture, jewelry, toys, and unique memorabilia from various eras. The mall provides a nostalgic shopping experience where visitors often discover unexpected finds with historical or sentimental value.
7. Cookeville History Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Cookeville History Museum preserves and displays the rich cultural heritage of Cookeville and Putnam County. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's development from early settlement to modern times. The museum offers periodic special exhibitions and educational programs that highlight different aspects of local history.
8. Ralph's Donut Shop
LEGENDARY LOCAL PASTRIES
Ralph's Donut Shop is a beloved Cookeville institution known for its handmade donuts and pastries that have delighted locals for generations. The shop is famous for its butter twist donuts, which many consider to be the signature treat worth waiting in line for. Ralph's opens early and often sells out of popular items, reflecting its status as a must-visit culinary destination in Cookeville.
9. The Market on the Square
MULTI-LEVEL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
The Market on the Square is a multi-level shopping destination in downtown Cookeville featuring an eclectic mix of food products, kitchen items, and home decor. The street level offers various foods and condiments, while the lower level houses cute home decorations and a dedicated Christmas room. Shoppers appreciate the diverse selection that makes it possible to complete holiday or gift shopping in one convenient location.
10. Burgess Falls State Park
CASCADING WATERFALL WONDERS
Burgess Falls State Park, located just outside Cookeville, features a series of spectacular waterfalls along the Falling Water River. Hikers can follow the moderately challenging River Trail/Service Road Loop to view the four distinct waterfalls, culminating in the impressive 136-foot main falls. The park also offers picnic facilities, fishing opportunities, and a native butterfly garden for visitors to enjoy.
11. PLENTY Downtown Bookshop
LITERARY HAVEN DOWNTOWN
PLENTY Downtown Bookshop offers a curated selection of books from favorite and emerging authors in the heart of Cookeville. The independent bookstore creates a welcoming atmosphere for readers to browse, discover new titles, and connect with the literary community. Book lovers appreciate the knowledgeable staff recommendations and the shop's contribution to Cookeville's cultural scene.
12. Crawdaddy's West Side Grill
CAJUN-INSPIRED DINING EXPERIENCE
Crawdaddy's West Side Grill brings New Orleans-inspired cuisine to Cookeville with a menu featuring seafood, steaks, and Cajun specialties. The restaurant offers a lively atmosphere with regular live music performances that enhance the dining experience. Patrons enjoy both the flavorful food and the vibrant ambiance that makes this eatery a standout in Cookeville's culinary scene.
13. Cane Creek Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HUB
Cane Creek Park offers 262 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities including a 56-acre lake, hiking trails, and sports facilities. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, picnicking, and various athletic activities throughout the expansive grounds. The park hosts community events and provides a natural retreat for families seeking outdoor entertainment close to Cookeville.
14. Cream City Ice Cream and Coffee House
SWEET TREATS DOWNTOWN
Cream City Ice Cream and Coffee House serves up handcrafted ice cream and specialty coffee drinks in a charming downtown setting. The shop offers a rotating selection of unique flavors made in-house alongside classic favorites that appeal to all ages. Visitors appreciate the cozy atmosphere that makes it perfect for an afternoon treat or casual meeting spot in Cookeville.
15. City Lake Natural Area
FISHING AND HIKING RETREAT
City Lake Natural Area offers a peaceful setting for fishing, hiking, and enjoying nature just minutes from downtown Cookeville. The area features a popular fishing spot with ample parking and a boat ramp for small watercraft. Nature enthusiasts can explore trails leading to a waterfall, making it a versatile outdoor destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.