11 Ways to Stretch Your Summer Travel Budget

Aren't we all ready for an adventure after being close to home during 2020?! Travel research tells us that while many Americans are eager for a trip, most are planning getaways that are a little closer to home. That's great news because Clarksville is a convenient road trip destination, centrally located on I-24. We've put together some ideas and activities that will help you make the most of your travel budget in Clarksville this summer.  (Header Photo: @britneytaylor.) 

Header Photo: @britneytaylor.

Downtown Commons

This full-block urban park is a kid’s delight. An imagination playground with a collection of large blue foam parts allows kids to create a play space that is constantly built and re-built by their imaginations. Water features like a small river replica, a delta area, and small fountains make this a summer favorite. 

Worth The Splurge: Frozen Fuel made-in-house ice cream just down the street on Strawberry Alley. 

Fort Defiance Civil War Park

Hear the stories, learn the history, see the equipment, wander the grounds and experience the views at the Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center. This free attraction includes a remarkable Visitor Center. At event throughout the year, you can learn about life during the Civil War -- what the medical profession looked like, how soldiers mended their clothes, what types of food they ate and songs they sang, what a typical Christmas involved, what artillery was used and what a cannon sounds like.

Don't Miss It: Just around the block, Sevier Station is the oldest standing structure in Montgomery County. This was the homeplace of Valentine Sevier, revolutionary war hero and brother to Tennessee's first governor, John Sevier.

Hit the Water

Time on the water is like no other for unplugging and reconnecting. Bring along your kayaks or schedule a trek with Run-A-Muck Outfitters to see the area's most natural beauty. If you venture down the Cumberland, you can also take in the best views of the city. Choose routes from 2-14 miles along the Cumberland and Red Rivers and their many creeks and forks. Of course, boating, fishing, waterskiing, canoeing, tubing and creek wading are all fun too!

Disc Golf

Have you discovered disc golf? It is truly a sport that the whole family can enjoy. Clarksville’s two courses can be found at Rotary Park (18 holes) and Barbara Johnson Park (9 holes). Rotary is hilly and a bit more challenging through woods and open areas so be prepared for some hiking. The course at Barbara Johnson is flat and more open. So, take your pick for a challenging or laid-back experience and enjoy. (You will need to provide your own discs.)

African American Legacy Trail

Explore the expanse of Montgomery County through the African American Legacy Trail. From community gardens and historic churches to athletic, musical and business trailblazers -- even an inspiring Olympic Champion -- Clarksville is proud of this rich history. Make sure to download the VisitClarksvilleTN APP. Select the Trail and you have an automatic GPS.

Picnics, Trails, Wildlife

Dunbar Cave State Park is a 144-acre scenic natural playground ready to explore with wildlife, trails, picnic areas and events throughout the year. Plus, you can also have a blast at any of 30+ local parks. Easily fill a day with splash pads, picnic areas, trails, horseshoes, playgrounds, a skate park, Blueway access, and more – all free! Make sure to stop by Rotary Park and visit the Wade Bourne Nature Center. 

If off-road cycling is your thing, bring along the bikes and explore the mountain bike trails at North Ford St. Mountain Bike Park. A variety of trails, even a designated kids area, make the park suitable for all skill levels.

Clarksville Parks & Rec  •  Montgomery County Parks & Rec

Worth The Splurge: If your budget allows and everyone in your travel party is over age 5, a guided cave tour at Dunbar is fascinating. It's the only public cave in the WORLD where you can see Mississippian Native American cave art dating to the 14th century. Reservations are recommended and you can make them here. 

Let the Music Play

Downtown @ Sundown happens the first and third Fridays, May – October at Downtown Commons. These free, family-friendly concerts feature local and regional bands from every genre. Bring a picnic and lawn chairs, or enjoy a meal at a downtown restaurant or food truck, then head over to hear the music.

Singer/songwriters along with food trucks are at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery for the Summer Music at the Winery every Saturday and Sunday through October. 

Discover all of Clarksville’s concerts on our Concerts Calendar.

Clarksville Greenway

The Clarksville Greenway is an excellent and scenic choice for biking, walking, jogging, or inline skating. Hop on the 9-mile paved trail at any of four trailheads and find picturesque scenery among the bluffs, creek, overlooks and open fields. Bcycle rentals are also available.

Community Built Playground

The Community Built Playground is a giant space in Liberty Park with a separate area for smaller children and just about everything a kid could want in a playground. Within picnic facilities nearby, a two-mile paved walkway along the Cumberland River, a Dog Park, wildlife, a stocked fishing pond and plenty of large, open spaces for Frisbee, soccer or kite flying, you can easily spend most of your day here.

Arts Galore!

Murals, sculptures, fountains, and galleries are plentiful in Clarksville, concentrated in downtown. You'll find plenty of selfie-ready spots to learn about Clarksville's heritage and culture while you see different artists' talents and perspectives. First Thursday Artwalk is also a fun time each month to meet and socialize with fellow art lovers and the artists themselves.

New This Year: The TN Music Pathways designated two stops in Clarksville with more on the way. See these along with all of our public art here.

Independence Day Celebration (July 3)

See one of the most impressive fireworks displays in the state, if not the southeast, right here in Clarksville. Celebrate our nation's independence with great food, live music, and family-friendly activities followed fireworks display at Liberty Park on the banks of the Cumberland. Liberty Park opens at 5:00, with festivities beginning at 6:30. Fireworks begin about 9:15p.m.