Cookeville, Tennessee and Pulaski, Tennessee are two quaint southern towns with a lot of charm. If you're looking for a road trip through the heart of Tennessee, you'll want to make sure to stop at some of the incredible museums, parks, and landmarks along the way.
An interesting fact about this road trip is that you'll be traveling along part of the historic Natchez Trace Parkway, a 444-mile route that follows a path used by Native Americans and early European explorers.
The halfway point of this road trip is Murfreesboro, TN, a city with a rich history and plenty of things to see and do.
The trip from Cookeville to Pulaski is about 115 miles and should take around 2 hours to drive without stops. However, with all the great attractions to see along the way, you'll want to plan for a full day or even a weekend to take in all the sights.
1. Stones River National Battlefield Located in Murfreesboro, this historic site commemorates the Battle of Stones River during the Civil War. Visitors can explore the battlefield, visit the museum, and take guided tours to learn about this pivotal moment in American history.
Point of Interest: Explore the nearby Stones River Greenway for hiking and birdwatching opportunities.
2. Jack Daniel's Distillery As you continue on your road trip, make sure to stop at the world-famous Jack Daniel's Distillery in Lynchburg. Take a tour to see the whiskey-making process up close and sample some of their finest products.
Point of Interest: Enjoy a stroll through Lynchburg's charming town square and visit the many unique shops and restaurants.
3. Pulaski, Tennessee Once you arrive in Pulaski, take some time to explore this small town's many historic landmarks, including the Sam Davis Home and Plantation, the historic downtown square, and the Giles County Courthouse.
Point of Interest: Don't miss the beautiful Milky Way Farm, once owned by candy maker Frank Mars, and now open for tours and events.
4. Beechcraft Heritage Museum In Tullahoma, be sure to visit the Beechcraft Heritage Museum, which showcases the history of Beechcraft aviation and the impact of the Beech family on the local community.
Point of Interest: Take a scenic drive along the nearby Cascade Hollow Road for beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
5. Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park Just outside of Manchester, you'll find the Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park, which preserves the remains of a Native American ceremonial site dating back over 2,000 years. Take a hike to see the ancient earthworks and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Point of Interest: Visit the nearby town of Tullahoma to explore its historic district and enjoy local shopping and dining.
Overall, this road trip offers a great mix of history, natural beauty, and local culture. Depending on how much time you spend at each stop, the entire trip should take around a weekend to complete. So pack your bags, hit the road, and get ready for an incredible Tennessee adventure!