Tennessee Cookeville

Cookeville, Tennessee, blends laid-back Southern vibes with invigorating outdoor pursuits and a vibrant college-town community spirit, all just steps from Tennessee Tech University. Locals cherish meandering the lush paths of Cane Creek Park, paddling or angling on Cane Creek Lake and City Lake, trekking the scenic Cane Creek Blue Trail in Cane Creek Park, or pedaling the Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail. Downtown's eclectic eateries, craft breweries, and seasonal events like the Sunset Concert Series keep the social scene buzzing and bonds strong.

Hiking, Biking & Trails Cookeville boasts over 50 miles of trails and greenways, including the Cane Creek Blue Trail and Tennessee Central Heritage Rail Trail. These paths meander past waterfalls, forested hills, and lake views, linking neighborhoods to parks, wildlife areas, and the Tennessee Tech campus.

Family-Friendly Activities Families head to Cane Creek Park for its whimsical playgrounds and splash pad, Thrive Family Fun Center for trampoline jumps and arcade games, and the Cookeville Children's Museum for interactive exhibits and hands-on discovery. The Cookeville Farmers Market (year-round) delivers fresh local produce, handmade crafts, and live tunes to the historic depot district.

Local Breweries & Dining Cookeville's craft beer buzz thrives at spots like Red Silo Brewing Company and Creekside Brewing Company, both with cozy taprooms, patios, and rotating food trucks or live tunes. For eats, Father Tom's Pub serves innovative, locally sourced Southern fare, while Calfkiller Brewing Company pairs farmhouse ales with wood-fired pizzas in a rustic, countryside setting.

Visit Cookeville: Things to Do
AllTrails: Best Trails in Cookeville
Enjoy Tennessee: Adventures in Cookeville

Cookeville is a haven for active lifestyles and sports fans, fueled by Tennessee Tech University's energetic campus scene and endless outdoor pursuits in the Upper Cumberland's state parks, all within an 80-mile drive of Nashville.

While Cookeville lacks professional teams, big-league action is accessible nearby: root for MLB's Nashville Sounds, NHL's Predators, or MLS's Nashville SC in Nashville, or catch minor-league fun with the Cookeville Chukars baseball right at home. Tennessee Tech's Golden Eagles deliver thrilling Division I action at Tucker Stadium for football and Eblen Center for basketball, with a storied history including Ohio Valley Conference titles and FCS playoff appearances.

Cookeville excels in top-tier facilities and wild natural escapes. The Cane Creek Recreation Center and Gymnasium pack fitness gear, climbing walls, courts for basketball and pickleball, and leagues for all ages, while the Cookeville Community Center offers group classes and indoor sports. Locals hit the Cane Creek SportsPlex for baseball, softball, and soccer tournaments, or the new Cane Creek splash pad for summer fun. Beyond town, Cummins Falls and Burgess Falls State Parks beckon with 50+ miles of trails for hiking, biking, and rock climbing, kayaking on Cane Creek Lake, fishing, and disc golf amid waterfalls and gorges. With four distinct seasons showcasing vibrant fall foliage and mild springs, Cookeville inspires an effortless, adventure-packed daily rhythm.

Tennessee Tech Golden Eagles Athletics
Cookeville Leisure Services: Parks & Recreation
Visit Cookeville: Outdoor Adventures

Cookeville is an outdoor lover’s paradise just 80 miles from Nashville and surrounded by the Cumberland Plateau’s state parks. Hike or bike the legendary Burgess Falls and Cummins Falls trails, paddle Cane Creek Lake or City Lake, or climb rugged sandstone bluffs at Window Cliffs State Natural Area and Fall Creek Falls. Thrill-seekers tackle bouldering routes and waterfall rappelling, while families love disc golf at Cane Creek Park, wildlife spotting, and playgrounds at Dogwood Park and City Lake Natural Area.

History and culture enrich every outing. Dive into regional heritage at the Cookeville History Museum with its Native American artifacts and railroad-era exhibits, explore the Depot Museum’s WWII stories and coal industry displays, or wander the historic WestSide district’s murals and courthouse square.

Year-round festivals—from the Fall FunFest and Putnam County Fair to the Sunset Concert Series and Red, White & Boom fireworks—keep the vibe electric. Whether you chase adrenaline or quiet plateau escapes, Cookeville delivers unforgettable adventures for all ages.

Visit Cookeville: Explore Outdoors
Cookeville History Museum
Visit Cookeville: Events

Cookeville embraces year-round celebrations that highlight its Southern heritage, community spirit, and vibrant college-town culture.

Spring
As dogwoods bloom and temperatures climb, Cookeville buzzes with outdoor markets and cultural kickoffs. The Cookeville Farmers Market launches its outdoor season with fresh local produce, artisan goods, and live music, while the Hip Cookeville Firefly Festival brings indie tunes, dance, and crafts to the WestSide district streets. The International Storytelling Festival—marking its 53rd year in 2025—draws crowds for tales from global narrators, workshops, and family sessions at downtown venues.

Summer
Summertime in Cookeville pulses with music, festivals, and lakeside leisure. The Sunset Concert Series rocks free outdoor stages at Dogwood Park and Tennessee Tech with local and regional bands, while the Tennessee Pickle Festival floods downtown with quirky pickle-themed eats, games, and artisan booths. Independence Day fireworks dazzle during the Red, White & Boom multi-day bash with parades, concerts, and a 1,000-foot downtown waterslide, and nearby trails, Cane Creek Lake, and Cummins Falls beckon for boating, biking, swimming, and picnics amid the greenery.

Fall
With fiery foliage and crisp air, Cookeville toasts harvest vibes through fairs and film fests. The Fall FunFest spotlights indie crafts with screenings, street vendors, and parties in historic downtown, while the nearby Putnam County Fair celebrates autumn's hearty side with livestock shows, live music, and carnival rides. Parks like Cane Creek and the Cane Creek Blue Trail set the scene for hiking, pumpkin patches, and cozy gatherings.

Winter
Cookeville’s winter sparkles with cozy markets and Golden Eagle spirit during holiday events. The indoor Farmers Market at the Depot runs Saturdays through March, offering seasonal treats, crafts, and warmth, while Tennessee Tech basketball games at Eblen Center pack the arena with cheers and festive tailgates. Theaters and galleries host yuletide shows, nurturing joyful bonds in the season's chill.

Throughout the year, Cookeville’s calendar overflows with farmers markets, art walks, music series, and neighborhood bashes that reflect its welcoming, spirited character.

Visit Cookeville: Events
Firefly Festival
Tennessee Pickle Festival
Fall FunFest
Putnam County Fair