Area Attractions
Things to See And Do Around Downtown McMinnville
Cumberland Caverns
Cumberland Caverns is Tennessee’s largest show cave and displays some of the largest underground rooms in Eastern America. Now offering daily tours year round. Something for everyone. Come Discover Tennessee's Underground.
Falcon Rest
Clay Faulkner built this 10,000 square-foot, solid-brick dream home in 1896. Clay's mansion, which has been called "Tennessee's Biltmore" by PBS, was equipped with all the "modern conveniences:" electric lights, central heat and air, indoor plumbing and even a telephone. Over the last dozen years, Historic Falcon Rest has developed a reputation among tour groups and individual visitors as "the Victorian mansion where history is fun."
The McMinnville Sunset Hills Arboretum
The McMinnville Sunset Hills Arboretum, located at the McMinnville Civic Center Complex, is a Class II arboretum with more than 78 species of trees, shrubs and flowers. Each is labeled for easy identification with growing information and a photograph. The Sunset Hills Arboretum is part of the City's "Tree Trails" which being developed to emphasize the connection to our thriving nursery industry. The arboretum is made possible by generous donations from our many local nursery owners. We invite you come see the species before you buy; then visit the many retail nurseries on the Nursery Stock Tour. The Arboretum is open all year and there is no admission.
Download a free Arboretum brochure and map here.
Nursery Stock Tour
Enjoy the finest nursery stock in the country grown in the Nursery Capital, McMinnville, Tennessee. Choose from a wide assortment of bedding plants and trees available from their native ground to your garden.
Download a tour map of the retail nurseries (PDF).
The Birthing Tree
Located on Sparta Street, this tree is named for the number of children born under its shade to parents who were members of wagon trains. The tree is very large and among the oldest in Tennessee.
Trail of Tears in Warren County
See and read about the Trail of Tears, while taking a five-mile hike on Caldwell Mountain at Shellsford. Follow the path the Native Americans took as they were displaced from their home. It was this path passing through McMinnville that they would stop to mill their corn and/or care for their sick.
McMinnville Civic Center Complex
This multi-use facility is available for daily use and special group events. It includes indoor facilities for Basketball, Volleyball, Tennis, Racketball, Walking Track, McMinnville Wellness and Fitness Center, Ping Pong, Games, Vending and special activity rooms. The Center is also used for conventions, trade shows, and other special events. Outdoors, the Civic Center grounds have a number of recreational components including: The Gilley Pool, Seven Lighted Ball Fields, Jungle Jym Playground, Four Outdoor Lighted Tennis Courts and 3/4 mile Paved Walking Trail.
Barron Fork Greenway Trail
The Barren Fork Greenway is a beautiful lineal park located along the banks of the Barren Fork River connecting Riverfront Park to Pepper Branch Park. The 12 ft. wide paved walkway may be used by walkers, joggers, bikers and roller-bladers. Scenic views can be enjoyed all along the river. Two piers give access to fishing along the bank.
Rock Island State Park
Located at the confluence of the Collins and Caney Fork Rivers, this 883-acre wooded park is dominated by the Great Falls of the Caney Fork River - an imposing limestone gorge. It provides scenic overlooks, waterfalls and deep pools for fishing, rock-hopping and exploring. Historic features of the park include a 19th century textile mill and one of Tennessee's early hydroelectric plants.
Fall Creek Falls State Park
Fall Creek Falls State Park is one of the most scenic and spectacular outdoor recreation areas in America. Laced with cascades, gorges, many waterfalls, streams, and lush stands of virgin hardwood timber, the 20,000 acre park beckons those who enjoy nature at her finest. Fall Creek Falls is the highest waterfall in the eastern United States at 256 feet.
