In search of the best and fun things to do in Murfreesboro, TN?

Murfreesboro is a buzzing college town and a place where history has great relevance as the future. The Stone River, which passes through the city, aids the green spaces, hiking trails, and parks.

Running mainly parallel to the river is the Greenway. You would have a feel of the city’s past by visiting the historic Cannonsburgh Village. If you want to learn about how the American Civil War influenced the whole area, get to the Stones River National Battlefield and Fortress Rosecrans.

Murfreesboro is well surrounded by rich fertile agricultural land, with both small and large farms available. Like the historical Batey Farms and Blueberry Patch, some of them allow visitors to pick up their produce.

At the Mayday Brewery, you can taste unique craft beers and if you want to try some lovely Southern food, visit Toot’s Good Food and Fun restaurant.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Murfreesboro, TN.

 Things to Do in Murfreesboro

1. Visit Hazen Brigade Monument

Hazen Brigade Monument Hazen Brigade Monument is located in the Stones River National Cemetery, the burial place of 6,850 soldiers who perished in the Battle of Stones River in 1862-1863.

It is the first monument from that period of the Civil War that is still situated in its original location.

The brigade, headed by Col. William B. Hazen, was famous for its contribution to the Battle of Stones River, the very first day of its existence.

The brigade’s efforts slowed the Confederate Army’s advance and prevented it from the Union Army back to Nashville.

When the battle was finished, Colonel Hazen, along with Col. Isaac C. B. Suman, made the decision to construct a monument tribute to those soldiers who lost their lives in the battle.

Their men were working on the construction of the monument for the next six months. They laid to rest 45 soldiers from their brigade in the monument’s stone enclosure.

Address: 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129-3094, United States

2. Relish Beauty and Peace at The Wat Lao Buddhist Temple

The Wat Lao Buddhist Temple is situated at the Old Nashville Highway. This temple is a revelation and interests travelers due to its intricate beauty and oriental ethnicity.

A visit to this temple is one of the best things to do in Murfreesboro, as its ambiance is sure you keep you in awe. The lit-up lamps, ringing bells, and rolling scriptures, to mention a few.

You will be left in astonishment at the sight of a garden and green lawn in which the golden sculptures of Buddhist deities lie. The tranquil air surrounding the entire temple is just fitting.

The members have a good relationship with visitors and are very welcoming. Do well to visit the Wat Lao Buddhist Temple. Its paintings, Asian architecture, and colorful intricacies make it worth a visit.

3. Batey Farms

Batey Farms is one of the historical family farms that was established in 1807 under the basis of a Revolutionary War grant, located in the Blackman community of Rutherford County, about 6 miles away from Murfreesboro.

It is managed by the eighth generation and is a very popular destination for visitors and locals to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.

The family owns hay, hog, and row crop farming and produces blueberries, strawberries and blackberries, sweet corn, and other produce that is seasonal.

Visitors can visit the farm to select the corn they want or shop at their farm store, which is open all day, and also look out for their fruits and vegetables, including amazing sausages, bacon, and pork hamburgers in Murfreesboro’s Saturday Farmers Market.

Address: strawberries and farm store, 5331 Baker Rd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, United States

4. See the Stone River National Cemetery

Situated beside the Stones River is the historic Stone River National Cemetery. This cemetery has got history with America and its wars.

This is so because the middle Tennessee front had its base here at Murfreesboro, and it was during the war, thousands of soldiers bravely sacrificed their lives.

Stone River National Cemetery has the remains of those brave countrymen buried in its earth. It is therefore referred to as the bravest soil of Tennessee.

The moment you step your feet into the area, you’ll see white tombs as far as your sight can go. You will. Be humbled by the way life in the form of fresh greenery blooms at the place where the very courageous men rest.

5. Discovery Center

Are you looking for things to do in Murfreesboro with kids? If yes, add a visit to the Discovery Center to your checklist.

Discovery Center is Murfreesboro’s most well-known children’s museum and also nature center.

The center was opened in 1986, and it is an interactive and hands-on museum and also a living wetland.

The permanent exhibits at the center include Five Senses that explore the human senses with huge models of the eyes, nose, ear, tongue, and hands.

Another permanent exhibit is the Creation Station, which uses chalk, paint, clay, and other materials to ignite children’s creativity.

Discovery Center also has an exhibit called The Farmers’ Market that demonstrates the journey food takes from the fields where it grows until it reaches our tables.

A nature-related permanent exhibit the center boasts is the 20-acre Discovery Center wetland that displays rare native wetland plants and introduces the wetlands ecosystem to those who walk on the boardwalks with raised walkways.

Address: 502 S Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, United States

6. Enjoy the Old Fort Park

One lovely way of knowing more about Murfreesboro city is by taking out little evenings to go on a visit to any of the nearby parks.

There are charming parks with exciting facilities around, and one of such famous parks in the city is Old Fort Park.

Full of fun activities and, at the same time, a calming ambiance, it is the go-to park.

Old Fort Park is pet-friendly, and you’ll see adorable dogs wandering freely with their partners. Facilities include tons of rides like swings, tunnels, the slide away, gaming grounds for the kids.

Couples or families can stay in the garden and spend some quality time while observing the greenery.

7. Fortress Rosecrans

Fortress Rosecrans was built in January 1863 by the Federal Army after the Battle of Stones River in order to protect Murfreesboro.

The fortress was one of the biggest earthen fortifications that the Union constructed in the Civil War and was named in honor of General William S. Rosecrans, the commander of the Army of the Cumberland.

The fortress was abandoned by the army at the conclusion of the war in 1866. The fortress is now a component of Stones River National Battlefield, and remains are located at three sites in Murfreesboro.

The remains from the south wall, as well as those of Lunettes Palmer and Thomas, are in Old Fort Street.

The Redoubt Brannan earthworks are located on West College Street, and the remains of Lunette Negley lie on private property that is today Medical Center Parkway.

A visit to Fortress Rosecrans is one of the best things to do in Murfreesboro if you are interested in history.

Address: Golf Ln Murfreesboro, TN 37129

8. Know More About the City at The Avenue Murfreesboro

There is one characteristic found in every true traveler, and it is that he knows how to tour a city not merely as an outsider but by becoming a part of it.

Hence, you can clothe yourself with the fabrics of Murfreesboro by taking a walk around the city while soaking in its atmosphere and beauty.

What other place will best suit this aim than the most active and bustling part of the city – The Avenue!

This area is full of fancy cafes, restaurants, luxury shops, shopping malls, and multiplexes. There are lovely sculptures littered around the Avenue.

So, if you want to enjoy the aesthetics and aura of the town, the Avenue is the best place to take a walk. You can as well as go out shopping!

Address: 2615 Medical Center Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, United States

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9. The Blueberry Patch

Blueberry Patch Blueberry Patch is a charming blueberry farm run by Angie Kleinau, a retired psychologist.

The farm’s blueberry bushes are near Interstate 24, just a short distance from Murfreesboro, and yet it is far away from the hum of the city.

The serene surroundings of the farm draw not just those who visit to pick ripe, juicy blueberries and also those who want a perfect natural place to unwind and relax.

The 7-acre farm is home to more than 4,500 plants that professor Kleinau and her fellow gardeners established in the past 25 years.

The farm isn’t run by a commercial company but is an element of the Tennessee initiative Pick Tennessee, which encourages residents of the area to visit nearby farms to pick the seasonal fruits and vegetables by hand.

Address: 592 West Gum Rd, Murfreesboro, TN 37127-7821, United States

10. Barfield-Crescent Park and Wilderness Station

Barfield Crescent Park is a well-known 430-acre park located in the southern region of Murfreesboro.

The park has picnic shelters, softball and baseball fields and 3 Little League baseball fields, regular baseball fields with four multi-use fields.

Also featured in the park are Seven miles of dirt and paved hiking trails with 13 campsites, two kid’s playgrounds, and classes for education in the environment.

Other features include an 18-hole disc golf championship course and an active nature station.

The station’s mission is to provide families with the chance to gain knowledge about the nature in their surroundings through events like fireside presentations, hiking with interpretive guides exploring the river, and more.

The programming includes themes like Wild Things, Puppets on the Porch, Tales, Trails, and many more.

The walks on the tremendous Tree Trail have 12 stations that provide details on the trees hikers will observe as they travel through.

Address: 401 Volunteer Rd, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37128, United States

11. Fun at The Center for The Arts

Located at College Street, The Center for The Arts is one of the most premier entertaining zones of Murfreesboro. It is by technique a theater, but it offers more than that.

The Center offers live shows, of course, and they are produced in the form of traditional dramas and musicals.

However, these are not the entire package as the Center for Arts also hosts magic shows. There are also dance performances also!

Art projects and exhibits are held here regularly, and you will meet them, both recreational and educational in nature. Another interesting attribute is the qvant garde performances. You’ll enjoy it every bit!

The theatre camps and audition-based participation adds up to make this place an all-in-one entertainment destination. They are open by 10 am every day of the week except on Wednesdays.

The center also offers a variety of classes for children. The building that houses the facility is an attractive Italianate structure constructed in 1909 as a post office.

The building was later used as a library in 1962. It was beautifully restored and opened as a Center for Arts.

Visiting this art center is one of the best fun things to do in Murfreesboro for art lovers.

Address: 110 W College St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, United States.

12. Long Hunt State Park

Established in 1974, the Long Hunt State Park is a 2,600-acre park that is worth adding to your list of things to do in Murfreesboro, TN.

Long Hunt State Park comprises four areas: Bryant Grove, Couchville, Baker’s Grove, and Sellars Farm.

The park is a well-known location for various recreational activities, including fishing, nature observation, and hiking.

There are two boat launch ramps that are located on the picturesque J. Percy Priest Lake, an event space, a small visitor center, a camp for groups, and a basic backcountry camping site.

There are more than 20 miles of hiking and walking trails that traverse a variety of habitats and terrains, ranging from easy leisurely strolls to more difficult and longer hikes in the park.

There’s also a paved Arboretum Trail that is self-guided and the over five miles-long Volunteer Trail along the shore of the lake.

Sella’s Farm State Archaeological Area is a Native American mound, one of a few in Tennessee that is protected by the federal government. It was used from around about 900 AD until 1500 AD.

13. General Bragg Trailhead

General Bragg Trailhead on West College Street is among many trailheads that connect towards Murfreesboro’s Stones River Greenway System.

The trailhead is an outdoor picnic area with restrooms, a children’s playground, as well as a water fountain. There’s a huge parking area right adjacent to the trailhead.

The trailhead provides access to beautiful views within the Greenway. There is an additional spur trail that begins on the other side of the pavilion and leads towards the Stones River National Battlefield, which will add 1.5 millimeters to your walk.

If you begin your walk with Thompson Lane Trailhead or Fortress Rosecrans Trailhead, you will be at Thompson Lane Trailhead or Fortress Rosecrans Trailhead. Once you get to the General Bragg Trailhead, you will almost be halfway along the Greenway, 1.5 miles in both directions.

Address: West College Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37129

14. Embrace nature at The Fortress Rosecrans

If, after spending some time at simplistic and conservative parks, you wish to go for some more thrills, head to the Fortress Rosecrans.

The Fortress Rosecrans is that someplace else with extra adventure that will thrill you. It is boundless, edgy, rugged, and totally free with nature as it exists in its truest form.

There are deep woods and untamed trees, with brooks flowing by and little bushy hilly platforms. As a historic area and Fortress, there are signs that will give you a rare feel.

After spending time at the restrained and simplistic parks others, you may want to go for some thrilling adventure to someplace else. The Fortress Rosecrans is that someplace else. It is rugged, edgy, boundless, and completely free with nature at its most authentic form.

You will experience an uncanny and thrilling feeling in your pathways. It’s an absolutely perfect place for simplistic activities like trailing, picnicking and biking too.

The academy is open every day of the week .

Address: 511 Mercury Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, United States

15. Nissan North America, Inc. Tours

The tour of Nissan North America – Smyrna Manufacturing provides a fascinating look into the workings of this massive automobile manufacturing facility located in Smyrna, close to Murfreesboro.

After a brief introduction video, guests are taken by 50-person trams throughout the huge plant, where Nissan produces Altimas, Maximas, Pathfinders, and other well-known vehicles, which include their electric vehicle called the LEAF.

The facility covers the area as 113 football pitches, which is nearly 600 million square feet.

Every visitor is equipped with headsets – as the place is noisy and also safety goggles.

Visitors can observe every step of the process, starting from cutting metal sheets to painting the finished vehicles.

The tours are free and available every Tuesday and Thursday, and it is worth adding to your list of things to do in Murfreesboro if you have an interest in automobiles.

Address: 4500 Singer Rd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, United States

16. Middle Tennessean Museum of Natural Heritage

The Middle Tennessee Museum of Natural History is named Earth Experience, is the first natural history museum within Middle Tennessee.

The museum’s primary focus is Tennessee; however, it contains a wide array of exhibits from around the globe.

The museum houses more objects than it can show in its exhibits which include fossils and minerals, gems and rocks, as well as archeological objects.

Two rooms are available containing minerals, two rooms for fossils and rocks, and meteorites showcased in the central area.

The backroom contains the museum’s most popular display, the 38-foot male T. reptile that’s almost as high as the room itself, made of more than 300 bones that were dug out over time.

Rex lived during the Cretaceous Period – 66 to 68 million years ago. A large portion of the museum’s collections originates from the personal archive belonging to Lewis Elrod, a mineral, gem, and fossil hunter.

Address: 816 Old Salem Rd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, United States

17. Learn more about Murfreesboro from Bradley Academy

Do you have an interest in knowing a bit more about Murfreesboro’s background story? If yes, there is no better way to learn that other than through the prestigious Bradley Academy.

Bradley Academy had its doors opened back in 1806. The present academy which you see today is not the same as the initial one.

It was pulled down entirely and had to be raised again. Currently, there is a museum inside, and you will find it too. The museum offers an exhibition that is encompassed the Civil War period of the city.

Its Bradley Academy Museum and Cultural Center is home to a large auditorium, a dining space, a conference room, and a theater for concerts and performances.

A visit to the Bradley Academy is definitely one of the best things to do in Murfreesboro. It is open from Monday to Friday between 8:30 am – 3:30 pm.

Address: 511 Mercury Blvd, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, United States

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18. Miller’s Grocery

Over 75 years ago, the tiny town of Christiana, located about 6 miles away from Murfreesboro, was a bustling area with a bank, hotel, a phone office, other businesses, and a renowned grocery store.

In 1995, in celebration and to remember past times, the store was completely restored and became a flourishing café serving delicious food that is home-cooked, such as burgers, meatloaf, salads, and Fried chicken.

It’s a comfortable, cozy space with walls adorned with old-fashioned artifacts. Apart from mouth-watering food, it offers bluegrass, folk, and Americana entertainment every Friday and Saturday evening.

Their Sunday buffet is well-known throughout the region, and they always have surprises with seasonal and fresh ingredients.

For a memorable dining experience, add a visit to this attraction to your list of things to do in Murfreesboro, TN.

Address: 7011 Main St, Christiana, TN 37370, United States

19. Mayday Brewery

Mayday Brewery is located in a beautiful historic building in the heart of downtown Murfreesboro, and it is worth adding to your list of places to visit while in the area.

The brewery, a place that locals are known to hang out on Thursdays and Fridays, and also a great place to enjoy craft beer selection and live music in a comfortable atmosphere.

The taproom, which is a favorite among patrons, is situated right close to the brewery, in an expansive brick-lined space with an impressive ceiling, large tables for gathering, artwork on the walls as well as a variety of rotating beers available on the tap.

On Mondays, the brewery hosts a themed party with outfits, live entertainment, and even a special bottle of beer.

The brewery tour is offered on Saturdays. There’s always a food truck that is parked in the area for visitors who are hungry.

Address: 521 Old Salem Rd, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, United States

21. Oaklands Mansion

For some history time, add a visit to Oaklands Mansion to your list of things to do in Murfreesboro, TN.

Oaklands is a huge historical plantation as well as a beautiful Italianate mansion within Murfreesboro, Tennessee, that is included as a part of the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, it’s an exhibit house that is filled with vintage furniture and fabrics and an extremely popular tourist destination.

Docents are volunteers who give free tours, which provide details about the part Oaklands had in the story of Murfreesboro as well as during the Civil War and modern times.

The volunteers also provide information about its residents, particularly those eight ladies who led the effort to save the house from destruction and transform it into a modern historical treasure.

This secret gem and a local attraction are set in meticulously maintained gardens that include paths for walking as well as native tree forest natural wetlands, and historic gardens.

Oaklands Mansion can be used to host a variety of local celebrations, events, and weddings.

Address: 800 N Maney Ave, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, United States

22. Stones River National Battlefield

The Stones River National Battlefield is an expansive 570-acre park that runs across the Stones River, 3 miles from Murfreesboro.

The park is the scene of the historical Battle of Stones River, an important American Civil War battle in 1862-1863 that ended insignificant victory for Union forces.

The park’s main feature is the Stones River National Cemetery, which is where the remains of 6,850 soldiers who died during the battle are buried.

Nearby is the well-known Hazen’s Brigade Monument, erected in 1863. It’s the oldest Civil War monument still standing in its original site.

Address: 3501 Old Nashville Hwy, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, United States

23. Toot’s Restaurant

For a superb dining experience, add Toot’s Restaurant to your list of things to do in Murfreesboro, TN.

The Toot’s Good Food and Fun restaurant is a genuine Southern experience. Each of the four locations they have within Murfreesboro is lively, extremely frequented, noisy, almost always full, casual and enjoyable, which is what you would expect from a restaurant.

Everything inside their first downtown Murfreesboro location, which first opened on the 15th of April in 1985, is large; the dining area is large and lined with large screen TV.

The restaurant serves curly fries in portions that are massive, as are their burgers, and so are their drinks.

The menu has all the Southern favorites: wings, oysters, chicken tenders, oysters, and burgers, all is fried, with the exception of their amazing raw oysters.

The sauces they serve are famous, made from scratch, and unique. Every day, there is a special day, so be sure to check it out prior to ordering.

Address: 860 N Broad St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129, United States

24. Stones River Greenway

Murfreesboro Greenway System connects the urban green spaces, neighborhood parks, historic sites parks, and bike and hiking trails.

It includes the Lytle Creek trails as well as The Stones River greenway. The Greenway has well-maintained areas to enjoy nature, hiking or biking, walking and running, and also in-line skating.

There are over 15 miles of trails, and more trails are added regularly. There are several locations for access on the Stone River for those who would like to launch kayaks and canoes.

There are 13 accessible trailheads that provide accessibility to Murfreesboro Greenway System from different places in town. You can download and print maps of the trails.

Address: 1100 Cason Ln Murfreesboro, TN 37128-6745, United States

26. The Heritage Center

The Heritage Center of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County was opened in 2006 with the intention to share the history of Rutherford County and the city of Murfreesboro, with a special emphasis on the way in which Rutherford County and the Civil War affected the area.

The center provides a wide range of exhibits, educational programs, as well as public programs and tours to historic downtown sites.

The center also functions as an orientation center that directs visitors to the most significant historical and cultural locations, activities, resources, and events within the county.

The center is a joint venture from Murfreesboro, the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, the City of Murfreesboro, and the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University.

Address: 215 W College St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, United States

27. Cannonsburgh Village

Historic Cannonsburgh Village is an interesting attraction located on 6 acres of lab space in downtown Murfreesboro.

The Village is a re-creation of Murfreesboro, which was then renamed Cannonsburgh and was in its present form from the 1830s through the 1930s.

Cannonsburgh Village has a one-room schoolhouse, a gristmill, an operator’s cabin for telephones, a caboose, the University house, and the wedding chapel.

The Village is also home to the Leeman House, a museum, a general store, a medical office, a well, a blacksmith’s workshop, and several other amenities that made up the town in which early pioneers resided.

One of the most interesting items from the life of the early pioneers includes the World’s Largest Cedar Bucket. Visitors are free to explore independently or take an organized tour.

This answers what to do in Murfreesboro for some exploration time, do add to your list of Murfreesboro attractions to visit.

Address: 312 S Front St, Murfreesboro, TN 37129-3558, United States

28. End your trip at Hattie Jane’s Creamery

Ending your trip in Murfreesboro can get no better than eating some ice cream from a popular local creamery.

Hattie Jane’s Creamery obtains its milk from the local Hatcher Family Dairy. They offer some of the best flavors in town, and their ice cream parlor has earned quite a reputation for itself.

You can even lay your hands on some seasonal flavors while you are around. You will enjoy the donut-flavored ice cream along with coconut and pudding flavors, all available here.

Hattie Jane’s Creamery comes with unique flavors that are liked and will well-be liked by everyone in town, including tourists. So, try out the parlor yourself. They are open by noon every day of the week except on Wednesdays.

Address: 116 N Church St, Murfreesboro, TN 37130, United States

Want to check out other cities in Tennessee? here are guides on things to do in Gatlinburg, things to do Kingsport , and things to do in Crossville for a fun Tennessee exploration.

Plan your trip to Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro, Tennessee, is a city with incredible features and pleasurable activities, all packaged to give visitors a thrilling vacation experience.

So, start preparing towards making this city your next vacation stop.

The post 28 Best & Fun Things to Do in Murfreesboro (TN) appeared first on The Tourist Checklist.