Rutherford County has a lot to offer when it comes to fun things to do. As Tennessee’s geographic center, located just 30 miles from Nashville, TN, our booming county combines a rich and vast history with a lively modern community.
Home to Murfreesboro, Smyrna, La Vergne, and Eagleville, Rutherford County offers a wide range of activities, such as cheering on Middle Tennessee State University sports teams or hiking beautiful trails. Whether you’re a long-time resident looking for something different or a newcomer seeking adventure, there is no shortage of fun things to do in Rutherford County, TN.
Here are some fun activities to enjoy if you’ve just moved to Rutherford County:
- Long Hunter State Park
- Stones River National Battlefield
- Historic Downtown
- MTSU Campus Walk
- Lucky Ladd Farms
- Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center
- The Alley on Main
- Miller’s Grocery
Long Hunter State Park
Partially located in La Vergne, TN, Long Hunter State Park boasts 2,600 acres across four sections: Couchville, Baker’s Grove, Bryant Grove and Sellars Farm, which features a government-protected Native American mound. Family and friends enjoy a variety of recreational activities, including fishing, biking, hiking, camping, boating and more! Guests can also take advantage of the two boat ramps on J. Percy Priest Lake and knowledgeable guides at the visitor center.
With more than 20 miles of hiking trails, a swimming beach area, backcountry camping and more, Long Hunter State Park is the perfect place to spend an afternoon enjoying the outdoors with family or camping overnight underneath the stars.
Stones River National Battlefield
One of the bloodiest conflicts of the Civil War, The Battle of Stones River, began on the last day of 1862. If you’re a history buff, Stones River National Battlefield is the perfect place to visit. Guests learn more about important military and political gains for the Union and see how this battle changed Rutherford County forever. Offering a 650-acre national park and cemetery, Stones River National Battlefield is a great place to enjoy an afternoon while soaking up some history.
Historic Downtown Areas
A part of Rutherford County’s landscape, both Murfreesboro and Smyrna are home to historic downtown areas where you and your family can enjoy unique shops, charming coffee houses, restaurants, the local art scene and more.
Learn more about the communities that make up Rutherford County.
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
Neighbors and students alike enjoy the arts, sports and campus activities offered on Middle Tennessee State University’s beautiful campus. As the largest undergraduate university in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee region, the MTSU campus boasts fall and spring dance concerts, regular theatre productions of Broadway classics and contemporary works, orchestra and choral concerts, athletic events and much, much more!
Lucky Ladd Farms
Have you recently moved to Rutherford County with your family? Are you searching for activities to fill up the family-fun-o-meter in your new digs? Whether you live in Nashville or are visiting from Nantucket, you should round up the crew and head to Lucky Ladd Farms in Eagleville, Tennessee! From April through October, visitors can enjoy Tennessee’s largest petting zoo, pony rides, playgrounds, gemstone and fossil mining, wagon rides, and so much more. Lucky Ladd Farms is the perfect place to enjoy some family fun on a weekend or summer weeknight.
Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center
The Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center is the perfect place to visit for those interested in local history, art, and cultural matters! Learn about Rutherford County’s African American heritage as you peruse the historic school building of the Bradley Academy Museum & Cultural Center. With original classrooms, Civil War Exhibits, art galleries and more, your family or friend group will soak up a bit of Rutherford County history and have fun while learning about your new town.
The Discovery Center
The Discovery Center provides hands-on education opportunities for our youngest neighbors, visitors, and their families. This hands-on museum features interactive exhibits, daily programs, exploratory camps, an outdoor wetland boardwalk and more. Themes range from biology to physics to social and emotional learning. It’s a great place to host a child’s birthday party too!
The Alley on Main
From appetizers to handmade desserts, The Alley on Main is a local favorite amongst Rutherford County residents. With a menu that focuses on fresh steaks, seafood, and pasta, everyone in your family can find a dish they enjoy. Each item on their menu is scratch-made daily, so your lunch, dinner, or catering order will always be fresh. The Alley on Main also offers daily specials and seasonal items that rotate in and out of their menu.
Mayday Brewery
This all-ages, patio pet-friendly venue offers over 20 tasty taps plus pizza from a local pizzeria. Singer-songwriter nights happen every Wednesday, and you can enjoy a pint on the patio while listening to live music every Friday. Mayday Brewery also hosts an array of fun activities such as trivia night, bingo and yes, even yoga throughout the month. Food trucks have also been known to show up outside for famished fans.
Southern Flare Cigar Lounge
Named “Nashville’s Mecca of Cigars” by WTVF Channel 5 and a “Cigar Delight” by the Daily News Journal, Southern Flare cigar bar offers an unforgettable upscale lounge and walk-in humidor experience right in Rutherford County. Visitors enjoy an extensive wine, beer and craft cocktail menu, premium cigar selection and a signature in-house menu.
Miller’s Grocery
Want to experience some authentic southern dining right in Rutherford County? Grab some grub at Miller’s Grocery. An antique-filled country café that features down-home cooking, Miller’s Grocery is the perfect place for delicious food and memorable experiences for the whole family. From lunch to dinner, you can find something for everyone to enjoy. Visitors also enjoy live music Friday and Saturday nights starting at 5 p.m.