Updated May 23, 2022
Right along the edge of the Kentucky-Tennessee border lies the 5th-most populated military installation in the country: Fort Campbell. Home to the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment and 101st Airborne Division, this post is inhabited by thousands of military families.
Lucky MilSpouses who call Fort Campbell home get to experience living in two different states at the same time! Two-thirds of Fort Campbell is located in Tennessee, and one-third is located in Kentucky. From downtown Clarksville breweries to Kentucky national parks, there’s no shortage of things to do.
Here are 13 items to add to your list of things to do near Fort Campbell:
- McGregor Park Riverwalk
- Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- Road Trip to Nashville
- Old Glory Distilling Co.
- Tie Breaker Park
- Beachaven Vineyards & Winery
- Liberty Park & Marina
- Fort Defiance Park and Civil War Center
- Dunbar Cave State Park
- Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
- Try Your Swing at Cole Park Golf Course
- Challenge Course and Indoor Climbing Wall
1. McGregor Park Riverwalk
Located in Clarksville, Tennessee, McGregor Park, Riverwalk is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll or afternoon picnic. Hugging the Cumberland River, this charming outdoor installment features benches, walking paths, picnic tables, and swings. This is one of the best free things to do near Fort Campbell, KY, which means you don’t have to worry about budgeting for a visit, either!
Whether you walk along the waterfront sidewalks or just relax on a bench, you’ll enjoy scenic views for miles. Once you’re finished soaking it all in, you can find delicious food and activities just a stone’s throw away. McGregor Park Riverwalk is surrounded by mom-and-pop diners, chain restaurants, and even shopping.
Local Tip: Come here during the holidays to see the park dressed in festive lights!
2. Blackhorse Pub & Brewery
Of all the food and drink options near Fort Campbell, Blackhorse Pub & Brewery is at the top of the list. From gourmet pizza and pasta to salads and sandwiches, their diverse American menu pairs perfectly with their line of unique brews.
The best part? The founder behind this downtown Clarksville hotspot is a former helicopter pilot for the 101st Airborne Division. There’s nothing like supporting a fellow Vveteran while indulging in flavorful food and delicious booze.
3. Mammoth Cave National Park
According to the National Park Service website, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to thousands of years of human history and a rich diversity of plant and animal life, earning it the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
Visitors can choose from a self-guided tour, which does not require a reservation, or a guided tour, which does require a reservation. The national park features more than just the cave — it also has great hiking, fishing, camping, lodging, and more. Make sure you take advantage of Mammoth Cave’s Military Pass to get in for free!
4. Road Trip to Nashville
One major plus of living near Fort Campbell: Music City is only an hour’s drive away! If you’re looking for a day or weekend trip, buckle up your seatbelt and head to Nashville. Opt for famous tourist attractions like the Grand Ole Opry and Country Music Hall of Fame, or choose to go off the beaten path and explore up-and-coming areas like Germantown or East Nashville.
Whether you’re there for a few hours or a full weekend, a stroll down Broadway is a must. Famous for live music and southern fare, this stretch of downtown Nashville gives visitors the full Music City experience. Not to mention the amazing restaurant scene, which is truly a foodie’s dream.
5. Old Glory Distilling Co.
Despite being a young establishment, Old Glory Distilling Co. has quickly become a staple in Clarksville, Tennessee. This artisan distillery is nestled in a 1940s-inspired space and features innovative spirits.
Choose from their signature moonshine, vodka, rum, or whiskey, or do a tasting of all four. Many thirsty visitors also opt for a tour where knowledgeable, hands-on staff guide you through the distillery and teach you how their liquor is made. Complete with a patio and outdoor green space, this is also an ideal venue for a wedding, corporate party, or formal affair.
6. Tie Breaker Park
Tie Breaker Park’s tagline, “Water, Sun, and Family Fun,” describes this wet and wild establishment perfectly. Located in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, families looking for a respite from the summer heat can take advantage of water attractions like Hurricane Alley, Riptide Express, Ripple River, and The Splash Zone.
If all the splashing and swimming has your appetite worked up, head to The Snack Attack and refuel poolside. Their menu features classic comfort food like pizza, hot dogs, nachos, and soft pretzels, as well as refreshing ICEEs in cherry, cola, and blue raspberry.
7. Beachaven Vineyards & Winery
Conveniently located off I-24, Beachaven Vineyards & Winery is a charming retreat for wine lovers. Offering free tours and tastings for only $5, the staff at Beachaven winery will treat you like an old friend as you peruse the breathtaking vineyard and wine-making area.
Beachaven’s locally famous Jazz on the Lawn event draws music-loving crowds for an evening of melodic tunes, dancing, and food. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and you’ve got the perfect date night. If you fancy one of their wines in particular, buy a bottle to take home and snag a wine-inspired gift for your favorite wine connoisseur while you’re at it!
8. Liberty Park & Marina
Liberty Park & Marina welcomes boaters, kayakers, picnickers, and bird watchers alike. The quaint pond and wetlands attract a diverse array of wildlife, so you’re sure to spot some interesting animals as you stroll along the walking trail.
In addition to dog parks, swings, fishing docks, and exercise areas, this outdoor playground also features a delicious restaurant, Liberty Park Grill.
9. Fort Defiance Park and Civil War Center
As the former site of a Civil War fort, Fort Defiance Park and Civil War Center features breathtaking views, hiking trails, and of course, boatloads of history. Start with the 15-minute movie and move on to the interpretive center where you’ll hear and learn about the history of Clarksville and its people during the war. Tie it all together by ending your adventure at the museum!
10. Dunbar Cave State Park
If you’re looking for one of the prettiest, most scenic things to do near Fort Campbell, KY, then you need to check out Dunbar Cave State Park. This is a prehistoric site with remarkable sites. It features a 110-acre cave with a beautiful surrounding park, including mineral springs and a resort. Dunbar Cave is the 280th largest cave complex in the world. Some of the oldest cave drawings yet discovered have been found inside Dunbar cave. You can enjoy cave tours, birding, fishing, and plenty of hiking trails in this park.
11. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
Famous for its Elk & Bison Prairie, Land Between the Lakes provides a native grassland habitat to elk and bison. They roam free within this 700-acre enclosure. Visitors can explore the prairie habitat by traveling in an enclosed vehicle via a 3.5-mile paved loop road.
Enjoy the living history farm, a planetarium, observatory, campgrounds, horseback riding, and more. If you’re not feeling “outdoorsy,” this expansive recreational area also features a planetarium, nature center, museum, and gift shop.
12. Try Your Swing at Cole Park Golf Course
The Cole Park Golf Course is open all week long, including most holidays, and features a beautiful 18-hole golf course. There is a lot of variety in the terrain available at Cole Park with challenge levels varying from beginner to pro. You can spend some time at the driving range or head straight out to the course. As a bonus, there’s the 19th Hole Snack Bar for you to take a break and enjoy sandwiches, drinks, and other snacks after you finish the course.
13. Challenge Course and Indoor Climbing Wall
Only attempt this activity if you’re open to testing both your physical and mental skills. The Challenge Course and Indoor Climbing Wall will test your limits as an individual or as a team… and sometimes both!
It features five unique elements all featuring their own challenges. You’ll have to communicate properly, be patient, work as a group, trust, cooperate, and get creative. The Indoor Climbing Wall is great for beginners and experienced climbers alike, offering challenges for ages five5 and up to adults. It’s a perfect family experience.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or adventure seeker, there’s no shortage of things to do near Fort Campbell. Not everyone can say their home spans two states!
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