Murfreesboro, Tennessee: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Murfreesboro was once Tennessee’s state capital from 1818 to 1826? This historic city, located just 34 miles southeast of Nashville, combines small-town charm with rich Civil War history and modern attractions. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or traveling with family, Murfreesboro offers a surprising variety of experiences that make it worth more than just a day trip from Nashville.

Getting to Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro is conveniently located in Middle Tennessee, making it easily accessible by various transportation methods. Most visitors fly into Nashville International Airport (BNA), which is about 30-40 minutes away by car. The airport serves major airlines with connections to cities across the United States and some international destinations.

If you’re driving, Murfreesboro is located right off Interstate 24, making it easily accessible from Nashville, Chattanooga, and other regional cities. The city is approximately 2 hours from Chattanooga, 1.5 hours from Huntsville, Alabama, and 4 hours from Memphis.

When to Visit Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro experiences four distinct seasons, each offering a different perspective on the city. Spring (April-May) brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city’s many parks and greenways. Fall (September-October) offers comfortable temperatures and beautiful foliage, perfect for hiking and historical tours.

Summer (June-August) can be hot and humid with temperatures often exceeding 90°F (32°C), but this is when most festivals and outdoor events take place. Winter (November-February) is generally mild with occasional snow, and temperatures rarely dropping below freezing for extended periods.

Getting Around Murfreesboro

While Murfreesboro does have a public transit system called Rover with routes covering major areas of the city, having your own vehicle is highly recommended to fully explore the area and visit attractions outside the city center. Many historical sites and natural areas are spread out across Rutherford County.

Downtown Murfreesboro is relatively walkable, with the historic square serving as the center of activity. Many restaurants, shops, and some attractions are within walking distance of each other in this area. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also readily available throughout the city.

Where to Stay in Murfreesboro

Murfreesboro offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences. The city has several modern hotels along Interstate 24 and Medical Center Parkway, including well-known chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Holiday Inn. These locations provide easy access to shopping at The Avenue Murfreesboro and numerous restaurants.

For a more unique experience, consider staying at one of the bed and breakfasts near the historic downtown area, such as the Carriage Lane Inn. These charming accommodations often feature historic architecture and personalized service. If you’re planning an extended stay, several extended-stay hotels and vacation rentals are also available throughout the city.

Historic Attractions in Murfreesboro

Stones River National Battlefield

The Stones River National Battlefield preserves the site of one of the Civil War’s bloodiest conflicts. This 570-acre park offers well-maintained walking trails with informative markers explaining the battle’s significance. The visitor center features exhibits with artifacts, interactive displays, and a short film providing context about the battle that took place from December 31, 1862, to January 2, 1863.

Don’t miss the Stones River National Cemetery adjacent to the battlefield, where nearly 7,000 Union soldiers are buried. Rangers offer guided tours that provide deeper insights into the battle’s strategies and human stories. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, with the visitor center operating from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oaklands Mansion

Step back in time at Oaklands Mansion, an elegantly preserved antebellum home that witnessed significant Civil War events. This Italian-style mansion offers guided tours showcasing original furnishings, period artifacts, and the stories of those who lived and worked there, including both the wealthy plantation owners and the enslaved people.

The mansion’s grounds include beautiful gardens, a natural wetlands area, and native tree arboretum that are free to explore. Special events throughout the year include candlelight tours during the holidays and summer lawn concerts. The mansion played a role in the Civil War when Confederate President Jefferson Davis visited, and later when Confederate General Braxton Bragg established headquarters nearby.

Cannonsburgh Village

Cannonsburgh Village recreates Tennessee life from the 1830s to the 1930s through a collection of historic and reconstructed buildings. This open-air museum features a gristmill, one-room schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, general store, and the World’s Largest Cedar Bucket. Each building is furnished with period-appropriate items that illustrate daily life in earlier eras.

Self-guided tours are free, though guided tours are available for a small fee. The village hosts special events throughout the year, including craft demonstrations, historical reenactments, and seasonal festivals that bring the past to life. It’s an excellent educational experience for visitors of all ages interested in Tennessee’s rural heritage.

Family-Friendly Attractions

Discovery Center at Murfree Spring

The Discovery Center combines interactive learning with play through hands-on exhibits focused on science, nature, and art. Children can explore a simulated town with a grocery store and bank, conduct experiments in the science area, or create masterpieces in the art studio. The center regularly rotates exhibits to keep the experience fresh for repeat visitors.

Outside, the wetland habitat features boardwalks where families can observe native plants, birds, and other wildlife. The center offers special programs including summer camps, homeschool days, and themed events throughout the year. It’s an ideal destination for families with children ages 2-10, providing entertainment that’s both fun and educational.

The Miracle Field

The Miracle Field is a specially designed, rubberized baseball field and inclusive playground that accommodates children and adults of all abilities. The playground features sensory-rich activities, wheelchair-accessible equipment, and play structures that encourage interaction between children of different abilities.

During baseball season, the Miracle League hosts games for players with physical and developmental challenges, creating an environment where everyone can participate. The complex includes covered picnic areas, concession stands, and ample parking, making it a comfortable destination for families to spend several hours.

Barfield Crescent Park

Spanning over 430 acres, Barfield Crescent Park offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking trails, sports fields, and picnic areas. The park’s seven miles of trails wind through diverse habitats including forests, fields, and along streams, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife and plant species.

The park features a dedicated wilderness station that offers nature programs, guided hikes, and educational workshops throughout the year. For families, there are multiple playgrounds, an 18-hole disc golf course, and baseball fields. The park’s spacious pavilions can be reserved for gatherings and are popular for family reunions and birthday celebrations.

Dining and Nightlife

Murfreesboro’s dining scene has expanded dramatically in recent years, offering everything from traditional Southern cuisine to international flavors. The historic downtown square hosts several local favorites including The Alley on Main, known for its Italian-inspired dishes and homemade pasta that has been perfected over generations.

For those seeking local flavors, Slick Pig Bar-B-Que offers authentic Tennessee barbecue with slow-smoked meats and traditional sides. Their smoked wings with white sauce have developed a cult following among locals. Sweet tooths shouldn’t miss Hattie Jane’s Creamery, which crafts small-batch ice cream using local ingredients including milk from nearby Hatcher Family Dairy.

The city’s craft beverage scene has grown with establishments like Hop Springs Beer Park, which features Steel Barrel Brewery’s creations along with live music in a scenic setting. Cedar Glades Brews offers a rotating selection of craft beers in a casual taproom environment. For evening entertainment, check out Hank’s Honky Tonk or The Boro Bar and Grill for live music spanning country, rock, and blues genres.

Shopping Experiences

Murfreesboro offers diverse shopping options from major retailers to unique local boutiques. The Avenue Murfreesboro is an outdoor lifestyle center featuring over 100 stores and restaurants including national brands like Express, Sunglass Hut, and Kirkland’s. It’s a one-stop destination for fashion, home goods, and dining.

Downtown Murfreesboro’s historic square is home to locally-owned shops offering unique finds. Bella’s Boutique and Sugaree’s Boutique carry trendy women’s clothing and accessories, while Trendy Pieces features vintage and upcycled furniture. For antique lovers, Hylabrook Antique Mall houses multiple vendors selling everything from Victorian furniture to mid-century modern pieces.

Don’t miss specialty shops like Cultivate Coworking Gift Shop, which showcases products from local artisans including handmade jewelry, pottery, and artwork. Country Gourmet offers gourmet food items, kitchen gadgets, and Tennessee-made products that make perfect souvenirs or gifts to take home from your trip.

Practical Tips for Visitors

When visiting Murfreesboro, it’s helpful to know that the city is generally safe with a welcoming atmosphere for tourists. The downtown area and major attractions are well-maintained and visitor-friendly. As with any destination, it’s wise to keep valuables secure and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

The city hosts several major events throughout the year that can affect accommodation availability and prices. These include the Main Street JazzFest in May, Uncle Dave Macon Days music festival in July, and various Middle Tennessee State University events, especially during football season. If your visit coincides with these events, book accommodations well in advance.

Murfreesboro embraces Southern hospitality, so don’t be surprised if locals strike up conversations or offer assistance. Tipping is customary in restaurants (15-20% of the bill) and for services like hotel housekeeping ($2-5 per day) and tour guides ($5-10 per person for group tours).

Ready to Explore Murfreesboro?

Murfreesboro offers a perfect blend of Southern history, family-friendly attractions, outdoor recreation, and modern amenities. Whether you’re tracing the footsteps of Civil War soldiers at Stones River National Battlefield, enjoying interactive exhibits with your children at the Discovery Center, or savoring authentic Tennessee barbecue, this charming city delivers experiences that will create lasting memories.

With its convenient location near Nashville, rich historical significance, and variety of attractions for all ages and interests, Murfreesboro deserves more than just a day trip. Plan to spend at least a weekend exploring this gem of Middle Tennessee, where Southern hospitality and fascinating history await around every corner.