Let’s take a long walk down by the Stones River, The trails and the boardwalks they go on for miles, Plunk an acorn off one of the bridges, Breath in the blossoms stay for a while. Written about the Murfreesboro Greenway System in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

How to Spend a Day Trip in Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Looking for an easy afternoon getaway a few minutes from Music City? Here's how to spend a day in Murfreesboro.

Travel Inspiration From Tennessee Vacation

Approximately 34 minutes south along I-24 from Nashville, Murfreesboro makes for a great day trip. Known for being home to the state's largest college, Middle Tennessee State University, Murfreesboro has some entertaining sports games, plus loads of things to doo. Check out this list for Murfreesboro attractions when you want to take a day trip.

Things to Do in Murfreesboro

Stop 1 of 1

Stones River National Battlefield

Civil war headstones line the Stones river, Where Gunpowder smoke and cannonballs soared, The trees and the breeze and the grass whisper softly, Silent reminders of a country at war. Written about the Stones River National Battlefield in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Stones River National Battlefield visitors center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Phil Cicero
  • Stones River National Battlefield is the site of the Battle of Stones River, one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War with the highest percentage of casualties on both sides
  • Spend a day on the seven miles of trails with information on the battle including strategies and the challenges the Union and Confederate armies faced
  • Some trails are paved and fully accessible while others go through woods and over rocks
  • There are guided tours available and interpretive programs hosted throughout the year
  • The Visitors Center is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays to Mondays
Stop 1 of 1

Oaklands Mansion

Oh if the walls and the windows could talk, What are the things they’d tell us about? Oh if this ole stoic mansion could sing, How much would it sound like a song of the south? Written about the Oakland Mansion in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Oaklands Mansion in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Oaklands Mansion
  • See the grand architecture of Oaklands Mansion while strolling the grounds
  • Open every day from dawn to dusk
  • Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Oaklands Mansion was on the frontlines of the Civil War
  • Hosted Sarah Childress Polk (wife of President James K. Polk), Confederate General Braxton Briggs, oceanographer and naval officer Matthew Fontaine Maury
  • During the Battle of Stones River, Nathan Bedford Forrest's cavalrymen defeated Union forces who were camping on the front lawn of Oaklands
  • It's said the children of the Oaklands Mansion watched the battle from a second story window
  • Self-guided tours are available Tuesday-Friday
  • Reservations are highly recommended, but walk-ins are welcomed
Stop 1 of 1

Cannonsburgh Village

Leather pioneer boots step on a hollow pinewood porch, Of a musty ole cabin by the general store, A hammer on an anvil shapes a new tool, There’s grain in the gristmill and kids laugh in the school. Written about Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Cannonsburgh Village in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Rutherford Co. CVB
  • Not far from the battlefield, Cannonsburgh Village highlights early Tennessee life beginning in the 1830s
  • Explore a gristmill, one-room schoolhouse, town hall, log home, church, doctor's office, museum, general store, caboose and a working blacksmith's shop
  • There's even the world's largest cedar wood bucket on display
  • Self-guided tours are free
  • Visitor Center sells snacks, drinks, souvenirs, post cards and t-shirts
  • Call before visiting as the Village may be closed for special events
  • April 1-Oct. 31 hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 1-4 p.m. Sunday
  • Nov. 1-March 31 hours: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday-Friday weather permitting. Call before visiting
Stop 1 of 1

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

Put your hands in paint learn how vegetables grow, Catch a train at the train depot, Anything you wanna learn whatever is on your list, Anything you can discover is at your fingertips. Written about the birds-eye view of Discovery Center at Murfree Spring in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Enjoy a variety of kid-friendly exhibits on science, nature and more.
Photo Credit: Discovery Center at Murfree Spring
  • For families, there's no better way to spend a day trip than at the Discovery Center with its interactive exhibits and themed events.
  • Kids will love the hands-on experiences like the 5 Senses - with a life-sized nose, tongue, ear, hand and eye that dive into the senses of the body
  • Creation Station - artists can create masterpieces with chalk, paper, cardboard, paint, clay and more
  • The Farmers Market teaches how many miles the average meal takes to arrive on plates and information on buying local
  • Water Works covers interactive systems of pumps, wheels and pipes, teaching the power of water
Stop 1 of 1

Shopping at The Avenue

The sidewalks lead from store to store, Single bell signals an opening door, Art supplies, clothes, good food and drink, Sporting goods, perfume the whole kitchen sink. Written about The Avenue in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Enjoy a day of shopping at The Avenue.
Photo Credit: Rutherford County CVB
  • With a variety of stores to choose from, The Avenue is a one-stop shop
  • Gather inspiration for your home and closet
  • Retailers include Express, Sunglass Hut, Yankee Candle, Kirkland's, Gymboree and more
  • Have a bite at a variety of restaurants like Bar Louie and BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse
  • Get a new topcoat or a massage at Nails So Happy, Massage Envy and Spa and ELife Nail Spa
Stop 1 of 1

The Miracle Field

Batter on up to home plate, The Babe and Mighty Casey aren’t the only ones who are great, Cheers from the crowd - players trot around the bases, Smiles on the faces of kids of all ages. Written about the Miracle Field in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Kids with all abilities can play at The Miracle Field.
Photo Credit: Rutherford County CVB
  • The Miracle Field can be enjoyed by children of all abilities
  • A custom-designed, rubberized baseball field
  • Open to adults and children with special needs
  • Perfect for wheelchairs and other assertive devices
  • Features sensory stations, zipline, ramps and turf
  • Enjoy a lunch on one of the covered picnic tables or at one of the concession stands

Places to Eat in Murfreesboro

Stop 1 of 1

Cedar Glades Brews

  • Cedar Glades Brews is a premier beer lover's destination in Murfreesboro
  • Sour beers, lagers, farmhouse ales
  • Cotswold Morris is a perfectly balanced with roasted malts and hops
  • IPAs and porters
  • Representation on tap from other breweries nationwide
  • There are non-alcoholic beers to sip, too, from Urban ARtifact's SEEDLESS Mango Sour beer, Athletic Brewing Company's Run Wild IPA and Radeberger Gruppe's Clausthaler Dry Hopped Lager
Stop 1 of 1

Hop Springs Beer Park

Raise up a cold one in the hot sun, Cool condensation on the glass, The taste of Tennessee summers in the tap room, The marriage of hops and the barley in the mash. Written about the Hot Springs Beer Park in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Take in the views with a brew at Hop Springs Beer Park.
Photo Credit: @nashbrewnette
  • Enjoy the rolling hills at the new Hop Springs
  • The tasting room is the ultimate hangout spot
  • You'll find an extensive list of craft beer
  • Live music every weekend
  • Delicious food from food trucks
  • Family and dog-friendly venue
  • Hop Springs is open Wednesdays to Sundays
Stop 1 of 1

Alley on Main

A little taste of everything your tastebuds wanna try, From butter garlic pasta to Christy’s famous pie, From Calabria Italy to Main Street. near the Square, Welcome to the Alley come in pull up a chair. Written about the Alley on Main in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Sample a variety of seasonal plates at Alley on Main.
Photo Credit: Alley on Main
  • The recipes at The Alley on Main have been passed down for generations
  • Meals freshly made in-house
  • Comfort foods like lasagna with a quarter-pound of beef, pork, four cheeses, basil and meat sauce
  • Tomato pasta that's been perfected over 130 years
  • Fried catfish sandwiches that feature eight-ounce, farm-raised fillets with house-made coleslaw and tartar sauce
  • 16-ounce T-bone steaks
  • Pork chops and chicken fried chicken
  • Kid-friendly menu includes pasta, grilled or fried chicken tenders, grilled or fried shrimp, turkey and cheese and The Huck Special - one meatball, no sauce with fries on the side
Stop 1 of 1

Hattie Jane's Creamery

Fresh vanilla in a waffle cone, creamy as can be, Handmade here from local farms born in Tennessee, 1 scoop 2 scoop 3 scoop 4, Everyone always comes back for more. Written about Hattie Jane’s Creamery in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Hattie Jane's Creamery in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
Photo Credit: Andrew Saucier
  • Seasonal and local flavors, including Hatcher Family Dairy milk are infused into the ice cream at Hattie Jane's Creamery
  • Located on North Church Street in downtown Murfreesboro
  • Waffle cones, toppings and other treats are all made in-house from scratch
  • Flavors include glazed donut, butterscotch Oreo, chocolate coconut honeycomb, cookie jar supreme, Nana Puddin' and more
  • Vegan flavors made with coconut

Plan a trip to Murfreesboro to discover even more ways to make memories.

 

 

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