10 Must-Do Activities in Rutherford County, TN
Visiting from out of town, or recently relocated to the area? Here's a list of fun things to do in Middle Tennessee.
Whether you’re a long-timer looking for something different or a newcomer eager to explore their new home, you can find plenty of fun things to do in Rutherford County.
In This Article
1. Spend a Sunny Saturday on the Lake
Or a Monday, a Tuesday, etc. Every day’s a good day to hike, swim, boat or fish at J. Percy Priest Lake at Long Hunter State Park.
2. Immerse Yourself in Local History
Visit Stones River National Battlefield, a 650-acre national park and cemetery located near Murfreesboro, TN.
3. Marvel at Murfreesboro, TN
Explore Murfreesboro’s historic downtown square, which boasts unique shops and restaurants. (P.S., the square was the location for Martina McBride’s award-winning “Independence Day” music video.)
4. Tour a Beautiful Campus
While you’re in Murfreesboro, spend the afternoon walking around Middle Tennessee State University’s (MTSU) beautiful campus. (It’s the fastest-growing, largest undergraduate university in the Nashville region.)
5. Explore Rural Life in Eagleville, TN
Round up the family or a few friends and head to Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville. It includes Tennessee’s largest petting zoo, pony rides, playgrounds, gemstone and fossil mining, wagon rides, you name it!
6. Dive Deep into the Region’s Black Heritage
Learn about Rutherford County’s African American heritage at Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center, located inside a stately historic school building.
7. Savor Rutherford’s Roots with a Visit to Toot’s
Sink your teeth into the famous fried dill pickles and burgers at Toot’s Restaurant — there are three locations in Rutherford County.
8. Sample Southern Fare in Christiana
Grab some grub at Miller’s Grocery, an antique-filled country café that features Southern home cooking.
9. Capture the Region’s Beauty on Foot
Spend time outdoors by running or walking along the Smyrna Greenway, which showcases the beautiful natural areas of town.
10. Place Yourself Right in the Middle of Tennessee
Stand in the exact geographic center of the state. It’s a half-mile from MTSU’s campus, and the spot is marked by an obelisk.
Rutherford County Economic Development
This digital edition of the Rutherford County Economic Development is sponsored by Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
