Clarksville, TN: History, Caves & Public Art

Fountain in Downtown Clarksville, Tennessee. Photo: Lisa Evans

In this episode of Big Blend Radio's Journey Jukebox travel podcast, travel writer Lisa Evans takes us to Clarksville, Tennessee. It is not the Clarksville of the Mississippi Blues Trail, but a river city less than an hour from Nashville that deserves a day, or several, all to itself.

From the hometown of two Olympic legends to an 1898 Customs House, a living pioneer settlement, a rough and unlit cave, and some of the most colorful public art you will find anywhere, this month is all about the attractions and history. Next month, Lisa returns with Clarksville's food, wine and spirits.

LISTEN TO THE PODCAST EPISODE:

Pat Head Summit with a sculpture of Pat Head, event center, and waterway

Pat Head Summit. Photo: Visit Clarksville

📌 Episode Key Takeaways & Highlights

Two Olympic Legends: Wilma Rudolph overcame childhood polio, and a doctor's prediction that she would never walk normally, to become an Olympic track star. When Clarksville planned her hometown welcome, she refused to take part unless it was open to everyone, making it the first integrated public event held in her honor. Today you can visit the Wilma Rudolph Event Center, her statue, and quotes set into the sidewalk. Pat Head Summitt, the Olympic athlete and basketball coach who was also born near Clarksville, is honored with her own statue in the same park.
Exhibit at Custom House Museum in Clarksville, Tennessee. Photo: Lisa Evans
The Customs House Museum & Cultural Center: Built in 1898 as a post office and customs house for Clarksville's big tobacco trade, this architectural showpiece now holds exhibits on local history, education, health care and sports, including galleries for Wilma and Pat. Highlights include a vintage vending machine that dispenses tiny works of art, a beautiful porcelain bird collection, and hands-on exhibits for kids, including a Lego room.
Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement: A true labor of love for founders Glenn and JoAnn Weakley, who spent years rescuing and relocating authentic buildings. Tour the schoolhouse, church, shops and farm buildings by golf cart, see the authentic tools and furnishings, and try your hand at making butter.
Inside Dunbar Cave in Clarksville TN. Photo: Lisa Evans
Dunbar Cave State Park: This is a rough cave, not a show cave. There are no lights or paved walkways, so bring your own flashlight, reserve a guided tour and be ready to duck. Deep inside is Mississippian-era Native American cave art that visitors may not photograph, and the park works with Cherokee leaders to protect it. Don't miss the walk past Swan Lake on the way in.
Public Art That Tells the Story: See the Last Train to Clarksville mural, with the date the last passenger train came through, and the cats looking out the window of the shelter next door. Then check out the Clarksville Starry Night mural and a mural honoring Austin Peay State University and its namesake, a popular Tennessee governor.
Starry Night Mural in Clarksville TN. Photo: Lisa Evans
Wings of Liberty Museum: The new museum on the edge of Fort Campbell opened this spring and can be visited without going through the base. Exhibits move from World War II through today's conflicts, with a Sherman tank, medical displays, and a headline helicopter simulation tied to the raid on Osama bin Laden.
The Musical Connection: Jimi Hendrix was stationed at Fort Campbell, which is why he joins Roy Acuff on this episode's Journey Jukebox playlist.