Points of Interest between Chattanooga, Tennessee to Murfreesboro, Tennessee

picture of Chattanooga, Tennessee

Nonfiction Article: Best Things to do on a Road Trip from Chattanooga, TN and Murfreesboro, TN

If you're planning a road trip to explore the beautiful state of Tennessee, there are plenty of things to see and do on the way from Chattanooga to Murfreesboro. The journey covers nearly 90 miles and takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes, with the halfway point at Monteagle, TN. Whether you want to soak up the breathtaking scenery, learn about the state's history, or indulge in some delicious food, the route from Chattanooga to Murfreesboro has got you covered.

Exploring Monteagle, TN

Monteagle, TN is a small town that lies at the top of the Cumberland Plateau. It's the halfway point between Chattanooga and Murfreesboro. While the town itself doesn't have many tourist attractions, stopping by the Monteagle Sunday School Assembly is a must-visit. This place was founded in 1882 and named Monteagle Assembly, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places in the United States. It's located on a mountaintop campus and provides a serene and peaceful environment for the attendees. Many famous personalities have spoken at this forum, including American presidents.

Top Five Things to Do

1. Visit Ruby Falls

Located 1120 feet below the surface of Lookout Mountain, Ruby Falls is an incredible underground waterfall inside a limestone cave. You can take a guided tour that starts with a scenic elevator ride. The waterfall is illuminated, which gives it a magical appearance. They have added modern laser and light show effects for more fun-filled experiences. You'll walk through narrow areas and sometimes even have to crawl through very tight spaces, according to legend, and the tour is not recommended for anyone who has claustrophobia. But trust us, it’s worth the adventure in the dark tunnels to feel the cool misty breeze of the waterfall, and witness nature’s creation.

2. Go to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

If you're a fan of steam locomotives and vintage rail about, head to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga. You can enjoy a ride behind steam locomotives in any of their classic coaches, or you can choose the open-air car for better sightseeing. They offer scenic train trips, dinner trains, and trips during different occasions and festivals. Come ready to adventure into history and experience firsthand how the steam engine train operates, and the courage our forefathers had in building the rail system in early America. The museum also offers interactive exhibits and tours.

3. Check out Jack Daniel’s distillery

Jack Daniel’s Distillery is a tourist attraction known worldwide, located in Lynchburg, TN. This distillery produces one of the world's best-known liquors, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey. You can take a guided tour exploring the distillery from fermentation to distillation to the bottling process. The tour explains the company's history, and how it overcame its rocky past. You'll also witness the charcoal mellowing process that is unique to this distillery, which makes this whiskey as a standout compared to other whiskeys. Take part in the testing of several samples or enjoy a handicap accessible tour around the distillery.

4. Mammouth Cave National Park

This national park is the largest cave system in the world and is located in Kentucky, just a drive away from Murfreesboro. It takes an hour to reach the park area from Murfreesboro, but the drive is not too bad. There is a guided tour and wandering option inside the cave. This national park provides you with a unique geological experience, as you walk through twisted passages, and witness various cave animals. You can also try participating in spelunking, camping, hiking, and enjoy the wildlife and nature around the area. There are even ranger-guided programs for children as young as toddlers.

5. The Stones River National Battlefield

Stones River National Battlefield is located in Murfreesboro, TN, along the Civil War Discovery Trail. The park honours and commemorates the courageous US Army Union soldiers who fought against the Confederate army Union to protect Tennessee and further northern borders. You can take a self-guided tour of the national park, which includes an audio tour for visitors to hear about the battles that took place around the historic site. There are landmarks and monuments placed throughout the park in memory of the soldiers, and also topical events are hosted during the major occasions throughout the year, like July 4th Independence Day.

An Interesting Fact About Each Location

  • Did you know Ruby Falls has been operating since 1928? The falls were named after the founder's wife, Ruby Lambert fell in love with the beauty of the location.
  • Did you know that Tennessee Valley Railroad museum is a non-profitable institute that functions with the public's support, consisting of volunteers as engines drivers and staff and providing a steam exhibit?
  • Jack Daniel's is one of Tennessee's many state symbols, recognized by a state resolution in 2013.
  • Mammoth Cave National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it has three different sprawling levels to the cave system.
  • Stones River National Battlefield is located in an area that experienced more die-hard war strategy and soldier fatality during the American Civil War.

Conclusion

In summary, the road trip from Chattanooga to Murfreesboro is filled with fun and exciting things to see and do, from breathtaking caves, steam locomotives, and historical parks to whiskey distilleries. The trip covers around 90 miles and takes approximately 1 hour and thirty minutes without the time spent exploring each must-visit location. However, all these tourist locations are worth the lengthened time; besides, the countryside views make the road trip worthwhile to travel without hurrying to your next destination.