This engaging museum, which moved into spiffy new digs in 2018, offers a worthy, balanced look at the state's past, with Native American handicrafts, interactive exhibits and quirky historical artifacts such as President Andrew Jackson's inaugural hat and a dress worn by First Lady Sarah Childress Polk. There's also a hands-on Children's Gallery and space for changing exhibits.
Tennessee State Museum
Downtown & the Gulch
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
1.23 MILES
This monumental museum, reflecting the near-biblical importance of country music to Nashville's soul, is a must-see whether you're a country music fan or…
1.56 MILES
One of Music Row's most historic studios, this is where Elvis, the Everly Brothers and Dolly Parton all recorded numerous hits. The latter did a little…
Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art
7.54 MILES
Cheekwood is a botanical garden with an arty inclination, just southwest of downtown Nashville. The numerous gardens combine themes (Japanese, water,…
14.09 MILES
A beautiful day trip or extended road trip from Nashville, the Natchez Trace Parkway runs for 444 miles through three states until reaching its eponymous…
National Museum of African American Music
1.03 MILES
The National Museum of African American Music tells the story of the impact that African American culture has had on music around the world, from gospel to…
5.96 MILES
This unassuming modern brick building seats 4400 for the Grand Ole Opry multiple times per week. Daytime backstage guided tours are offered every 15…
17.08 MILES
For a photogenic view of this graceful double-arch bridge, pull into the Birdsong Hollow overlook, about 4 miles south of the northern terminus of the…
1.26 MILES
This 6.5-acre park hugs the Cumberland River's eastern bank across from downtown. For kids, there's a climbing wall and an innovative washboard play area…
Nearby Downtown & the Gulch attractions
0.19 MILES
Downtown Nashville's 19-acre green lung swoops grandly north from the Tennessee State Capitol, giving unparalleled (and much televised) views of its white…
0.57 MILES
This 1845–59 Greek Revival building was built from local limestone and marble by slaves and prison inmates working alongside European artisans. Around the…
0.79 MILES
Home to several visual art galleries, Nashville’s premier art district is just a quick walk up from the honky-tonks on Broadway. This historic block is…
4. Nashville Public Library – Downtown
0.84 MILES
For an excellent overview of the Civil Rights movement in Nashville, check out the Civil Rights Collection, a permanent exhibit in the 2nd-floor galleries…
5. National Museum of African American Music
1.03 MILES
The National Museum of African American Music tells the story of the impact that African American culture has had on music around the world, from gospel to…
1.06 MILES
A top-notch post office turned art museum and complex, hosting traveling exhibitions of everything from American folk art to Picasso, and as off-the-wall…
1.12 MILES
This narrow park sits between downtown and the Cumberland River. Take your pooch for a romp in the dog park, have a picnic as you watch the barges from…
1.14 MILES
Musicians like Muddy Waters, Etta James and Jimi Hendrix all played in clubs on Jefferson St, the heart of the city's Black community during segregation…