Winter Getaways Near Cookeville

Feb 2, 2016

Winter In Tenessee

Even when the winter chill sets in, Cookeville is bustling with activities and attractions. Brave the cold or warm up indoors with these winter getaways.

Explore the Great Outdoors

With such a prime location in Middle Tennessee, Cookeville offers ample opportunity to hit the open road with your Nissan Versa [https://www.nissanofcookeville.com/searchnew.aspx?make=Nissan&model=Versa%20Note] and explore the great outdoors. Start with a trip to Cummins Falls State Park, just nine miles north on Highway 135. This small park spans just over 200 acres and is the ideal spot for a rugged hike to one of Tennessee’s largest waterfalls. For another top-rated day park, drive 10 miles south down Highway 135 to Burgess Falls State Park. Take one of the moderate hiking trails to see gorges, waterfalls, and wide-open views of the canyon.

Just 42 miles south of Cookeville, Fall Creek Falls State Park is Tennessee’s most popular state park. Start at the Betty Dunn Nature Center, take your pick from about a dozen easy to difficult hiking trails, and enjoy the park’s stark natural beauty in winter. If you’re really feeling adventurous, pack your gear along and set out on one of the park’s two overnight trails.

Discover Cookeville’s History

If you’ve lived in the Cookeville area for long, you know the area has a fascinating history. Visit the Cookeville History Museum on East Broad Street and get to know the story of how the city came to be. The museum has a historic timeline, permanent and traveling exhibits, and educational programs.

Cookeville Depot Museum

On the city’s west side, don’t miss the Cookeville Depot Museum at the corner of Depot Street and Cedar Avenue. Originally built as a Tennessee Central Railroad station, this depot brought thousands of people to Cookeville and had a significant impact on the area’s growth. Despite its unique design, the station stopped receiving passengers in 1955 and ceased serving the railroad altogether in 1968. Today this distinguished brick building holds the Cookeville Depot Museum, where visitors can see historic steam engines, cabooses, and other railroad memorabilia.

Immerse Yourself in Regional Art

Middle Tennessee is celebrated for its regional artwork, and Tennessee Tech University’s Appalachian Center for Craft is the ideal place to see both historic and contemporary examples. Immerse yourself in up to 25 exhibitions each year at the Craft Center Gallery, which shows artwork by local, national, and international artists. Sign up for one of the dozens of available workshops, and try your hand at blacksmithing or woodworking. Visit the center in Smithville, just 30 miles southwest on Interstate 40 and Highway 56.

Catch a Performance

To see some of Cookeville’s best theater, catch a performance at the Cookeville Performing Arts Center, just west of Dogwood Park in the center of town. The center seats just over 450 and hosts a variety of plays, independent film screenings, and musicals. For an even more intimate performance, get tickets for the center’s Backstage Series events, which take place on a smaller stage.

No matter the weather, there’s plenty to do in Cookeville throughout the winter season. Stay inside or get out on the open road and take advantage of these four getaways near Cookeville.