Clarksville, Tennessee, is welcoming summer travelers with an exciting mix of new attractions, unique experiences and longtime visitor favorites. At a time when Americans are increasingly choosing shorter, high-value getaways, Clarksville stands out as a centrally located destination where visitors can enjoy riverfront recreation, arts and culture, local dining and memorable family experiences—all within a weekend trip.
1. Tennessee Wings of Liberty Museum – The 50,000-square-foot TN Wings of Liberty Museum opened its doors in May as the second-largest museum in the U.S. Army’s museum enterprise. Immerse yourself in America’s military history through the stories of Fort Campbell’s 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and special forces units from WWII forward. The museum is located outside the post’s gates, accessible without a military ID, and admission is free.
Three More Must-See Museums in the Area: Expand your historical frame of reference with a visit to Fort Defiance Civil War Park & Interpretive Center, which illustrates this turbulent era from the vantage point of multiple Clarksvillians. Don’t miss the breathtaking view of the city from the Visitor Center overlook. Step into the pioneer era at the 40-acre rural Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement with more than a dozen authentically furnished outbuildings. Finally, experience what made Clarksville the city it is today and let the kids experience a Bubble Cave at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center, Tennessee’s largest general interest museum.
2. 16 New Murals – Twenty local artists painted 16 stairwell landings in the city’s First Street Parking Garage in June. Collectively titled Color in Concrete, the 9′ x 9′ works transform the concrete walls into a vibrant public art gallery. Pieces pay tribute to Fort Campbell, provide messages of hope, represent Tennessee’s state symbols, showcase diversity and inclusion, and celebrate nature and positivity.
3. America’s 250 Celebration – Join Clarksvillians downtown July 3-4 for two days of family festivities that include music, food, makers and artisans, a patriotic carnival, plus historic displays and exhibits. For a full schedule of events, visit america250cmc.com/.
4. Dunbar Cave Tours are Back – After being closed for a full season due to flooding, cave tours at Dunbar Cave State Park are back. Regular guided tours are available Friday – Tuesday four times daily, and the special Spray Hall tour for the more adventurous resumes on Wednesdays.
5. Veteran-Owned Distillery – Founded by a 5th Special Forces Green Beret, Leatherwood Distillery opened downtown in May. The small-batch spirits include creatively crafted and named bourbons, flavored rums, whiskey, vodka and gin.
6. Celebrate 40 years of Beachaven Winery – Tennessee’s oldest single-family-owned winery turns 40 this year, and they’re celebrating with special events throughout 2026. A limited-release collection featuring the same wine harvested from four different years will be available in limited quantities. Wine slushies are back for the summer, and live music is on tap every weekend.
7. Double the Italian Restaurants – Two new Italian restaurants bring the city’s total to four, doubling the comforting goodness that is pasta, cheese, pizza, and tiramisu. Reopening this summer as an Italian Steakhouse, Trattoria di Cat in downtown Clarksville is one of three restaurants inside Shelby’s Trio, where guests can dine with panoramic views of the city and Cumberland River. We Love Emilia features authentic, fresh scratch-made entrees and desserts that have become a local favorite.
8. Songwriter Nights – Nashville’s top songwriters perform and talk about their hits in an intimate setting each Saturday evening at Skyline 500, a rooftop bar atop Shelby’s Trio, overlooking the Cumberland River.
Although not new, these experiences are longstanding summer favorites for residents and visitors alike.
9. African American Legacy Trail – Clarksville’s African American impact extends to athletics, performing arts, education, government, medicine, and business, along with Civil Rights. More than 30 stories are packaged in a brochure available at the Customs House Museum & Cultural Center and Visit Clarksville Visitor Center, and on the Visit Clarksville website and APP. Check-in at places on the app and earn a custom logo pin.
10. Tubing & Kayaking – Take to the water for a laid-back float or an active paddle along Clarksville’s Blueway. A short 2.5-mile stint from Robert Clark to Billy Dunlop Park is an ideal way to unplug, cool down, and soak in the area’s natural beauty on a hot summer day.
11. Markets Galore – Clarksville celebrates agriculture, artists, and makers at open-air markets throughout the city. Find festivities downtown each Saturday and first Sunday, at Old Glory Distilling on Thursday evenings, plus other neighborhood markets on Monday and Friday evenings. Beyond the fresh-baked breads, jewelry, lawn art, hand-made popsicles, produce and plants, it’s the sense of community and local support that keeps people coming back week after week.
