Remove Ads

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, Tennessee 37243 USA

92 Reviews
Free
Free to Visit
Open Now
Fri 6a-10p
  • Independent
  • Credit Cards
    not Accepted
  • Pet Friendly
  • Wheelchair
    Accessible
  • Public
    Restrooms
Add to Trip
Remove Ads

Learn more about this business on Yelp.

“A 19-acre park located near the State Capitol in downtown Nashville.”

Located in the shadow of the Capitol in downtown Nashville, Bicentennial Capitol Mall gives visitors a taste of Tennessee’s history, natural wonders and serves as a lasting monument to Tennessee’s Bicentennial Celebration, which was June 1, 1996. During the urban building boom in downtown Nashville during the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Tennessee State Capitol disappeared from sight on the east, west and south sides. The northern side of the Capitol was not conducive to the construction of skyscrapers due to the swampy conditions that existed in many areas between the Capitol and the Cumberland River. Because of its natural attributes, the historic French Lick that attracted wildlife, Native Americans, trappers and settlers to what would become Nashville also preserved the remaining view of the Capitol and became the home of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. With just a simple walk in the 19-acre park visitors can experience many facets of Tennessee’s history including a 200-foot granite map of the state, a World War II Memorial, a 95-Bell Carillon, a Pathway of History and the Rivers of Tennessee Fountains. The 11 planters along the Walkway of Counties show native plant species from different regions of the state. The two page park map is a helpful and informative tool for those wishing to take a self-guided tour of the park. To learn more about our seasonal,  ranger-led guided tours, please visit our activities page. A variety of events are offered throughout the year. An annual highlight is Tennessee’s History Festival. Held in the fall, this free event is a popular educational field trip for area schools. During the festival historical interpreters provide hands-on demonstrations of period trades and activities providing a glimpse of how people lived from day to day during the mid 19th century. Schools and groups wishing to attend the festival may make reservations with the park manager. The visitor center, picnic tables and restrooms are located under the train trestle. Picnic tables are available on a first come, first serve basis. Adjacent to the park is the Nashville Farmer’s Market. Open year-round, the market is home to restaurants and shops with a wide variety of offerings and cuisines. The park features a 2,000-seat amphitheater that provides dramatic views of the Nashville skyline. Composed of terraced lawns, the amphitheater was designed after the Greek theater at Epidaurus. The amphitheater may be reserved for a fee. The park is used for many special events. In addition to park sponsored events, the park is a popular location for many local and regional events. Portions of the park may be impacted during these events with park and Metro Nashville street closures being involved during the week and weekends. We are sorry for any inconvenience to our guests during these times and appreciate your patience. 

Read More >
Photo of Blake M.

Reviewed by
Blake M.

A great addition to downtown, lots to learn about TN and it's history. They offer a TN passport you can take around the the Museum and State library to be stamped. A cute little gift shop to get... Read more

Photo of David G.

Reviewed by
David G.

Almost every tour in Nashville goes through Bicentennial. Last time I did a bike tour and Voila it ended here. Very clever design: Love the Tennessee walk with each county represented, clever... Read more

Photo of Andrea W.

Reviewed by
Andrea W.

Nice spot to walk around, and hang out / chat, benches scattered around the park, nice grassy area, also has an amphitheater. Plenty of parking, not very crowded, sometimes has events. Carillons... Read more

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

600 James Robertson Pkwy
Nashville, Tennessee
37243 USA
Remove Ads

Hours

Open now until 10:00 pm
  • Sun - Sat: 6:00 am - 10:00 pm

Problem with this listing? Let us know.

Has RV parking changed? Let us know.

Remove Ads
  • Check
    Parking
  • Check
    Pets Allowed
  • Check
    Restrooms
  • Unavailable
    Wifi
  • Check
    Wheelchair Accessible
  • Unavailable
    Credit Cards Accepted
  • Check
    Outdoor Seating
See More Details (16)

Parking, Dining

Remove Ads

Nearby Hotels

Franklin, Tennessee
FastBook
$$$

Click to discover a
great deal!

Nashville, Tennessee
FastBook
$$

Click to discover a
great deal!

Nashville, Tennessee
Brentwood, Tennessee
FastBook

Click to discover a
great deal!

Remove Ads

Related Trip Guides

  • Trip Guide
  • 1 Week

The top things to do on a Blue Ridge Parkway road trip

  • 85 Places
  • 36:11
  • 1,293 mi
  • Trip Guide

The top things to do on an I-40 road trip

  • 35 Places
  • 49:44
  • 2,851 mi
  • Trip Guide

Things to do in Nashville

  • 9 Places
  • Trip Guide
  • Weekend

Road trip back in time along the Natchez Trace

  • 13 Places
  • 12:01
  • 598 mi
Remove Ads
13703058