It's hard to imagine that this beautiful lake is artificial, but so it is, built by a railway company in 1914 and handed over to public use in 1973. These days thousands of people visit every year (parking is limited, so arrive early on weekends), enjoying 6 miles of trails around the lake and in the surrounding woods. Look out for turtles, beavers, deer and otters, and take time to visit the bird center. Pets are not allowed on the trails.
Getty Images/Flickr Open
Ïã¸ÛÁùºÏ²Ê¼´Ê±¿ª½±'s must-see attractions
Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum
6.9 MILES
This monumental museum, reflecting the near-biblical importance of country music to Nashville's soul, is a must-see whether you're a country music fan or…
6.15 MILES
One of Music Row's most historic studios, this is where Elvis, the Everly Brothers and Dolly Parton all recorded numerous hits. The latter did a little…
Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art
4.21 MILES
Cheekwood is a botanical garden with an arty inclination, just southwest of downtown Nashville. The numerous gardens combine themes (Japanese, water,…
9.53 MILES
A beautiful day trip or extended road trip from Nashville, the Natchez Trace Parkway runs for 444 miles through three states until reaching its eponymous…
National Museum of African American Music
7.02 MILES
The National Museum of African American Music tells the story of the impact that African American culture has had on music around the world, from gospel to…
11.94 MILES
This unassuming modern brick building seats 4400 for the Grand Ole Opry multiple times per week. Daytime backstage guided tours are offered every 15…
11.46 MILES
For a photogenic view of this graceful double-arch bridge, pull into the Birdsong Hollow overlook, about 4 miles south of the northern terminus of the…
7.27 MILES
This 6.5-acre park hugs the Cumberland River's eastern bank across from downtown. For kids, there's a climbing wall and an innovative washboard play area…
Nearby Nashville attractions
1. Travellers Rest Plantation & Museum
2.58 MILES
Tours of this historic house, which dates from 1799, tell the story of John Overton, a Tennessee attorney, judge and businessman who also founded Memphis…
4.12 MILES
Sevier's playground, picnic tables and lots of greenery provide some respite from the busy 12South streets. The highlight of the park is the Sunnyside…
3. Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art
4.21 MILES
Cheekwood is a botanical garden with an arty inclination, just southwest of downtown Nashville. The numerous gardens combine themes (Japanese, water,…
4. I Believe in Nashville Mural
4.36 MILES
This red, white and blue mural, fashioned after the Tennessee flag, exudes Nashville pride. Painted by Adrien Saporiti in 2012, it's a popular backdrop…
4.48 MILES
The Harding-Jackson family purchased enslaved people to build a cotton gin, gristmill and sawmill along the Natchez road in the early 1800s. These…
4.64 MILES
Mammals chill out along the grassy Savannah Loop and the bamboo-filled Jungle Loop, and amphibians get their own special house. We're partial to the…
5.15 MILES
The story of Belmont Mansion is the story of Adelicia Acklen, a Nashville socialite turned savvy businesswoman. One maneuver of note? Asking her second…
5.22 MILES
A colorful dragon sculpture lurks in the heart of this busy park, luring hordes of small children eager to scramble over its serpentine back. There's also…