Plan A Trip To Cookeville, One Of Tennessee’s Best Small Towns

Tennessee is full of beautiful, small towns that boast hospitality with the heart and soul of the American south on full display. There are many beautiful places to visit within the state, but if you're looking for a small town with a whole lot of heart, then this oft-forgotten town might be the place to go. Learn all about the many things to do in Cookeville, Tennessee below, and perhaps plan a trip for yourself. There's nothing better than a bit of Tennessee's small-town charm!

The town of Cookeville is known as one of the best spots for nature seekers and outdoorsy folk in the state of Tennessee. The area is rife with a stunning natural topography, and the small-town feel of Cookeville itself is great for slow Saturday afternoons with a glass of iced tea in hand.

Cookeville is located in Putnam County, Tennessee, and was settled in the early 1800s. The Nashville and Knoxville Railroad was completed in the city in 1890, and the city is known for its quiet history and southern charm.

Locals and tourists love to frequent the Cookeville History Museum and Children's Museum, and a visit to the Derryberry Art Gallery is great for fine art seekers. Head over to the Backdoor Playhouse or the Cookeville Performing Arts Center for a show, or perhaps check out Tennessee Technological University, the most underrated university in the state of Tennessee. Cookeville is also home to the Tennessee Bible College and a satellite campus of the Volunteer State Community College.

Editors note: The Cookeville Children's Museum is unfortunately closed as of March 2020.

Most folks head to Cookeville to experience the beauty of the wooded hiking trails, canyon gorges, and rushing rivers that run through the area. There's ample opportunity to go hiking, boating, camping, and even fishing in the nearby area.

Three state parks are accessible through Cookeville: Burgess Falls State Park, Rock Island State Park, and Cummins Falls State Park. Each of them is well-known for natural beauty and waterfalls.

Of course, a walk through the town of Cookeville is a great choice too! There's a myriad of coffee shops and bakeries downtown, and you can catch the game at one of the city's sports bars and pubs. Cookeville is located smack dab in the middle of the Tennessee Barbecue Trail, so make sure you plan a meal around a meat platter with three sides!

Have you ever been to Cookeville, Tennessee? Leave your tips and tricks for a great visit in the comments below!

You can learn more about Cookeville on its website. Happy traveling, friends!

There's more fun to be had in the state of Tennessee, so make sure you visit our site archives for inspiration!