Cookeville is the largest city in Putnam County, Tennessee, United States. It is a dream city where you can create your lifetime memorable fun events. Cookeville is a perfect adventurous holiday destination full of natural beauty. There are a lot of fun things to do in Cookeville for people of all ages.
Cookeville being the hometown of some of the world-famous artists and chefs, attracts many tourists for its artistic attractions and exceptional dining experiences.The city hosts a large number of exciting events like stellar performances held at Cookeville’s most famous theater. Cookeville is well known for fashion, music, hidden murals and culinary delights.
Major attractions for visitors in Cookeville are parks, exhibition centers, outdoor sports, traditional and cultural experiences, sightseeing, historic sites and museums and architecture. Another reason to choose Cookeville as a holiday destination is its weather. Tourists can enjoy both hot as well as cold temperatures depending upon the season.
If you wish to enjoy snow you can visit between December and March months.
20 Best Things to do in Cookeville Tn
We bring for you a list of best fun things to do in Cookeville, Tn
Enjoy Artifacts and Static Display of Old Trains at Cookeville Depot Museum
One of the most famous places in the city for tourist attraction is the Cookeville Depot Museum – built in 1909. The museum is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. It is considered as the heart of Cookeville’s historic west side district.
Tourists come here to enjoy an immense display of artifacts that represent the Tennessee Central Railway’s history and development.The museum showcases various locomotives like Red Caboose (from 1920s), a caboose (from 1960s), two small track cars, a Baldwin steam engine (from 1913), etc.
There is also a replica of a coal tipple on display with a model train loading up with coal.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Dive into the History of Cookeville at Cookeville History Museum
The museum houses permanent displays and exhibits ranging from prehistoric period to the modern day in Cookeville. The museum exhibits start with the first people coming to the area and end with the current day.
The history museum will help you to reread the history of Cookeville, Tennessee Tech, the old post office, the Veterans and the way in which the city has transformed over a period of time. The museum provides programs, activities, and exhibits to promote the history of Cookeville and Putnam County.
The staff here is friendly and very knowledgeable. This museum has won many awards for their exhibits. Walking through the museum is absolutely free. You will get a parking facility and this place is handicapped accessible.
The museum is open from Tuesday to Saturday (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
Parks in Cookeville
Get Memorable On-the-Water Experience at Cane Creek Park
Cane Creek Park is a water-based recreation space, where you can enjoy with your family and friends. Tourists will get facilities like restrooms, picnic areas, playground, barbecue areas, etc. The park is surrounded by a beautiful Cane Creek Lake, which is around 350 acres.
Visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities here like boating, kayaking, fishing, hiking, bike riding, horse riding and relax in the gorgeous setting of nature. In case you bring your pets with you, you need to adhere to the park’s leash rules In summer months visitors can also enjoy swimming, pedal boating, miniature golf and sandy beaches.
The park is an ideal location for family outing as well as group visits. Cane creek park is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. all days of the week.
Visit Charming and Alluring Dream Place Hidden Hollow Park
Hidden Hollow Park is a peaceful, cheerful and beautiful place. Here visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, feeding ducks, playing golf, visiting old churches and beautiful waterfalls. This scenic park is a great choice for spending some leisure time with your family.
The park also provides amenities like volleyball courts, enchanting forest themed playgrounds, picnic areas, flood lights, a petting zoo, making it one of the dynamic locations of Cookeville. Hidden hollow is like heaven to little kids and as an adult it will surely awaken a little child in you.
Relax in the Cosy Atmosphere of Cumberland Mountain State Park
Cumberland Mountain State Park is located on the Cumberland plateau.Visitors can enjoy all kinds of recreational activities in this park like golfing, tennis court, basketball courts, hiking, biking, boating, kayaking, swimming and bird watching.
This park is the perfect recreational space for families and friends. you will get a free parking facility here. You can capture some of the breath-taking views and cherish your experience.
Cumberland Mountain State Park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. year-round.
Enjoy Quality Family Time at Dogwood Park
Dogwood Park is a sparkling jewel in the center of Cookeville city. The park is the best place for family picnics, a variety of games and activities for all age groups. The park has lovely pathways and a beautiful rose garden. In the summer, kids really enjoy the water park available here. Several free concerts are hosted here during this time.
There is an interactive fountain, playground, restrooms, performance pavilion and a seasonal concession stand in the park for the visitors to relax and enjoy.
Park is open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Side Trips from Cookeville
Fall in Love with the Beauty and Adventure at Cummins Falls State Park
Cummins Falls State Park is located nine miles to the north of Cookeville on the Blackburn Fork State Scenic River. You can enjoy some light adventures and have some mesmerising personal time at Cummins state park. The park is famous for one of the largest (75 foot) and most beautiful waterfalls of Cookeville – Cummins Falls.
The park provides amenities like parking facilities, picnic spots, fishing, hiking, boating and trailheads. Cummins Falls State Park is open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. during season and till 4:30 p.m. during off-season.
Enjoy Scenic Beauty of Magnificent Waterfalls at Burgess Falls State Park Sparta
Burgess Falls State Park Sparta is situated around a steep gorge. This park is well-known for hiking activity, waterfalls, wildlife, and wildflower viewing, Visitors can enjoy 4 breath-taking waterfalls from here. Most spectacular is the last fall and it plunges more than 130 feet into the gorge.
This park offers a butterfly garden, picnic areas with grills, fishing, hiking, rest rooms and play grounds. Swimming is not allowed here. From spring through autumn is the best time to visit this park.
Enjoy Horse Riding With Scenic Trial at Circle K Horse Pavilion
The Circle K Horse Pavilion provides group as well as private training courses of all skill levels. It is a great place for horse lovers. You can ride a horse or get training in case you don’t know it and enjoy miles of scenic beauty of Cookeville, flowing stream, indoor/outdoor arena, kids camps and much more.
The Circle K Horse Pavilion provides a safe environment for horses and adheres to all safety standards.
The pavilion is open from Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Go for Riding Some Gentle Horses at Wildwood Stables
Wildwood Stables is situated next to the picturesque Park Loop Road in Acadia National Park. They provide a variety of horse rides & tours. They also provide the facility of horse camps for the visitors who bring their own horses with them.
Wildwood Stables offers multiple long trails for enjoying horse riding or scenic walks and takes you through various beautiful scenes and picturesque locations. The horses at the stable are very gentle and calm. Here you will also get the facility of dinner and wagon rides.
Shopping in Cookeville
Enjoy Shopping Some Unique and Trendy Stuff at Market on the Square
Market on the Square is one of the most popular shopping spaces of Cookeville. It has a multi-level mall for shoppers and offers a great selection of products like jewellery, apparel, home décor, handicraft etc.
You can shop whatever you want and get some good deals and discounts in many shops. The market also has a variety of restaurants where you can savour delicious food. The market is fit for people of all ages.
Market on the square is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Saturday.
Have an Offbeat Shopping at The Outdoor Experience
The Outdoor Experience shop is located in the Upper Cumberland region. The shop offers a variety of outdoor equipment and gear for all adventure activities like hiking boots, kayaks, canoes, climbing and fishing equipment, equipment for hiking excursions, etc. It is a one stop shop to cater to all your adventure needs to enjoy the outdoor recreation in Cookeville.
Buy Few Antiques at Cookeville Antique Mall
Cookeville Antique Mall is a retail space of over 9000 sq. ft. Shoppers can choose from a wide range of antiques, vintage items, world over collectibles, jewellery, apparel, books, toys and more. You can find something unique for your home and take a memory with you. The antiques are fairly priced and vendors here are friendly, willing to answer all your questions.
The mall is open from Tuesday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hidden Gems in Cookeville
Taste the Finest Wines at DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards
DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards have a spacious building with a large gathering room and meeting rooms. It is an incredible place. If you are a wine lover you must visit this place. You can enjoy excellent tasting wines at this winery.
They have a great selection of wines like dry reds, dry whites, semi sweets and fruit wines. This place also offers many themed activities and events. The staff here is friendly. This winery is open seven days a week.
Catch a Show and Live Performance at The Backdoor Playhouse
The Backdoor Playhouse is one of the best performing arts theaters in Cookeville. This theatre is around 60 years old. You will love to visit this place and have a wonderful experience as the ambience is cosy, comfortable and beautiful. This theater is situated on the Tennessee Tech University campus and is a popular location among entertainment enthusiasts.
Have a Unique Gaming Experience at Paradise Games and Arcade
Paradise Games and Arcade is the best place to visit if you relish playing games. You can enjoy a variety of games here like cabinet games, retro games, consoles, a pool table, VR, etc. At paradise games there is always something for everyone to enjoy.
It has a family friendly fun environment where people of all ages can have a good time. It’s one of a kind family fun center where all can cherish playing games, munching snacks, savoring cool soft drinks and browsing through a variety of collectables.
Entertain Yourself with Cinematic Experience at Sparta Drive-in
If you are a cinema lover then Sparta drive-in is an ideal destination for you. This retro style driving theatre is very popular among locals as well as tourists. You will get here a collection of the latest blockbuster movies.
The ambience of this theatre is very appealing and charming. You can enhance your outdoor movie experience with available food items like nachos and hamburgers.
Eat in Cookeville
Sip Your Morning Cup of Coffee at Poets’ Coffee
Located in the Historic Courthouse Square, poets’ coffee is the best place to kick start your day with a rejuvenating cup of tea/coffee and scrumptious breakfast. You can also enjoy the outside scenic beauty while sipping your beverage through the large windows.
This coffee shop offers a variety of caffeinated drinks like Americanos and Cuban espressos, Earl Gray, White Orchard, Green Tea Tropical and much more. You will also get healthy breakfast options like classical bagel with avocado, cream cheese, etc.
Feel Charmingly Nostalgic at Cream City Ice Cream & Coffee House
Cream City Ice Cream & Coffee House is a local ice cream parlor in Cookeville with a heart of gold. It offers yummy handmade ice creams and locally roasted coffee. You will get 40 unique, specialized and delicious flavours of reach, creamy ice creams making it difficult to choose one.
You can treat yourself with handmade waffle cones and a variety of coffee as well and rejuvenate your mood. Their seasonal offerings are classic and attractive. They can cater to multiple diet intolerances as well so just feel free to ask and savour yourself.
Savour Your Meal at Seven Senses Food & Cheer
It is one of the finest restaurants of Cookeville to enjoy your meal. Seven Senses Food & Cheer specializes in offering authentic southern American cuisines. You will get affordable, plentiful and memorable dishes made with locally procured fresh ingredients. The menu consists of a variety of options ranging from sliders to salmon.
Few famous dishes of this restaurant include fried green tomatoes, mac and cheese, and the bacon tomato cheese griller. They also have an impressive drinks menu including local craft beers, wines, and cocktails. The staff here is attentive and friendly. The ambience is cosy and relaxed.
The restaurant is open from Tuesday to Saturday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Frequently Asked Questions: –
Q1. How many waterfalls are in Cookeville?
Ans. Cookeville is a hidden gold mine of waterfalls. There are over 150 waterfalls within a 40 miles radius of Cookeville. Some of the famous waterfalls are Cummins Falls State Park, Burgess Falls State Park Sparta, Fall Creek Falls State Park.
Q2. Romantic things to do in Cookeville, Tn?
Ans. Cookeville is a place of natural beauty. Cookeville has a lot to offer to couples for their memorable romantic stay – lovely waterfalls (Burgess falls, cumin falls), beautiful parks (Cumberland Mountain State Park), intriguing art exhibits, art theaters (The Backdoor Playhouse), recreational clubs, lake, horse riding (Circle k Horse Pavilion), wonderful winery (DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards) and much more.
Q3. What are the top attractions to visit in Cookeville?
Ans. Top attractions in Cookeville are Cookeville Depot Museum, Cummins Falls State Park, Cane Creek Park, Cumberland Mountain state park, Paradise game and arcade, Brugess falls state park Sparta, Sparta Drive in and much more.
Q4. What are the most popular things to do in Cookeville with children?
Ans. Cookeville is a family-oriented community. There are lot of exciting things to do in Cookeville for kids like taking a splash in the cascading Dogwood Park water fountain, stepping across the tracks into a static display of classics at the Cookeville Depot Museum, enjoying a picnic in the grassy knolls, watching some outstanding performances at Cookeville children’s theatre, Cookeville skatepark and much more.
Where to Eat in Cookeville?
Though Cookeville is a small town it has many eateries that will satisfy your tastebuds. Some of the best restaurants in Cookeville are Crawdaddy’s West Side Grill, Cheddar’s, Scratch Kitchen, the Rose Garden Restaurant, Seven Senses Food & Cheer, Poets’ Coffee, Cream City Ice Cream & Coffee House.
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