Get Outside
Rutherford County is right next door to Nashville, but we love our more relaxed lifestyle. It’s the perfect place to shake off those winter blues and enjoy time outside this spring.
Wilderness Station at Barfield Park, headquarters of Outdoor Murfreesboro, specializes in environmental education and outdoor recreation with a nature center, educational programs and plenty of space for fun. Hikers can explore the 275-acre backcountry area with 5 miles of hiking trails through hardwood forest, limestone outcrops and a River Overlook. The Nature Center is home to owls, a hawk, snakes, turtles and more. Check out a free educational backpack filled with learning materials. Outdoor Murfreesboro offers many educational programs both at the Wilderness Station and on the surrounding trails.
Spring is a great time to hit the Greenways. Both Murfreesboro and Smyrna have inviting greenway systems with miles of trails and facilities for family fun and enjoying nature.
The Murfreesboro Greenway System consists of seven sections with 15 miles of trails, bridges, and boardwalks for enjoying our beautiful natural setting. Sixteen trailheads provide access for hiking, running, biking, skating, nature photography, picnicking, birdwatching and fishing. Three trailheads have put-in points for boating and paddling. Two bark parks allow off-leash exercise for your furry friends. Several trailheads have parking, playgrounds, public restrooms and picnic tables. Get in on the Greenway Scavenger Hunt or enjoy the art installations on the Breezeway Restorative Trail.
The Town of Smyrna Greenway System offers trails varying in length from less than half a mile to almost six miles. Take your canine pal to play at Bark Springs at Sharp Springs. Find water access and boat rentals at Stewart Creek Boat Ramp. Enjoy family amenities such as sports facilities, public restrooms and picnic shelters, concession stands, horseshoe pits, volleyball courts and a playground at several parks:
This spring, don’t miss the Tennessee Tulip Experience at Lucky Ladd in Eagleville. More than 300,000 bulbs in 33 varieties create a beautiful kaleidoscope of picture-perfect tulips. Selfies are encouraged! Precut bouquets and potted bulbs are available to buy at their market. Learn about the area’s agricultural roots through educational agricultural experiences at this 60-acre farmstead owned by the Ladd family. Look for other events coming up—and be sure to check the weather before you go.
Dig Into History
Explore the past in the interactive experiences, fossils, dinosaur bones and unique archeological finds at Earth Experience, the first natural history museum in Middle Tennessee. You’ll get a chance to see relics from as far away as Antarctica and as close as our own front door. Learn about ongoing research and activities through exhibits that reflect the ground you walk on and the environment where you live. Learn from Ty the T-Rex and his adventures while exploring with the 3-D phone app.
For some interesting local history, visit the Sam Davis Home in Smyrna. This Greek Revival home sits on 168 serene acres with more than 100 of the Davis family's personal effects on display. The permanent exhibit, “Recovering Their Story: The African-Americans on the Davis Plantation,” shares stories of the enslaved workers on the property. Learn about their lives, work and accomplishments for another viewpoint of life in that era. Tours give visitors a true sense of 19th-century life. Owl Prowl is a fun adventure for the youngest guests, with an interactive and shared learning experience for the whole family during Family Nights at the Museum.
Play Indoors
For some indoor adventure, you can challenge your body and your mind—and have a blast in the process. Climb Murfreesboro is the largest indoor rock-climbing gym in Tennessee, with more than 16,000 sq. ft. of climbing space. The amazing Funtopia kids’ area has more than 20 stations for young climbers. Get a day pass or buy a monthly membership—great fitness and yoga classes are included.
Discovery Center at Murfree Spring encourages children to learn about the world around them through hands-on exhibits and programs in arts, culture, science, health and the environment. Take the elevated boardwalk through 20 acres of urban wetlands teeming with native plants and animals. Enjoy outdoor fun at the Nature Play center. Kids will learn about gravity on the 2-and-a-half story super slide and solve STEM-based problems in fun and engaging ways. Featured exhibits include “Wallace & Gromit Get Cracking!” (TM) Blast off in Wallace’s moon rocket, launch a porridge cannon, fix the broken Autochef, design your own cracking contraption and more!
Several types of assistive technologies are available during your visit, such as noise-reducing headphones, weighted vests and The Chill Zone, a sensory calm-down space.
The Smyrna Outdoor Adventure Center (SOAC) features interactive exhibits, climbing adventures, outdoor activities, swimming, and training programs for paddling, camping, hiking, boating and more. Visit the discovery den for programs, crafts, games, and stories.
The center includes an art gallery, plenty of history and culture exhibits, a lecture space for presentations and events. The featured exhibit running through May 7 is Wild Kratts: Ocean Adventure. Explore this interactive display focused on STEM skills. Use the powers of science and teamwork to help marine animals and overcome the villain's evil plans.
Get your thrills when you try your hand at axe throwing. Murfreesboro Axe offers a fun and relaxed environment for a day or night out with friends. Guests might even get a lesson from Duals World Champions Lucas Johnson or Hayden Brown.
Take a Tasty Break
Get your grub on at Toot’s in one of four Rutherford County locations. Toot’s Restaurants have been serving good food and fun since 1985, with their famous fried pickles, daily specials, kids club and happy hour specials. Winner of multiple awards for their food and family atmosphere, Toot’s is a perennial local favorite.
Stay energized for all your adventures with a smoothie bowl from Juice Bar Murfreesboro, made fresh every day with all-natural ingredients and superfoods to nourish you. Sample a smoothie, juice, or bowl meant to prioritize nutrition without sacrificing taste.
Rutherford County has everything you need, including a variety of great restaurants, live music and shopping to make your spring break unforgettable. Make your plans today to break free of those winter blues with a trip to Rutherford County.