Location: Cookeville
Top Things to do in Cookeville
Top Restaurants in Cookeville
The 7 Best Budget-friendly Things to do in Cookeville, Tennessee (TN)
Cookeville is a city in Putnam County, Tennessee, United States. Its population at the 2010 census was 30,435. It is the county seat and largest city of Putnam County and home to Tennessee Technological University. It is recognized as one of the country's micropolitan areas, smaller cities which nevertheless function as significant economic hubs. Of the twenty micropolitan areas in Tennessee, Cookeville is the largest; the Cookeville micropolitan area's 2010 Census population was 106,042.
Restaurants in Cookeville
1. Old Mill Camp and General Store
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Reviewed By rozgarland1
This park was one of the nicer ones we have stayed at. Feels more like a nice state park... Lots are spaced out nicely, with grass, gravel and some partially paved spots. Picnic table and fire ring provided. You can tell that the owners really care about providing a nice place as things are landscaped well, and kept mowed and super clean. The office is part of a General Store, which has some really nice “tourist” items, along with snacks, cold drinks, and more. Best thing is the awesome ice cream cones and sandwiches. Can’t say enough things about how nice the owners are.... we chose to stay there when we were deployed to Cookeville to help with disaster recovery after tornados ripped up the town. We were with Samaritans Purse and weren’t sure how long we would need to stay. They worked with us on letting us continue to stay there, especially after the Covid-19 virus made a big appearance. We stayed an extra 2 weeks because we felt safer being there than traveling home to New Mexico. The park is about 12 miles out of Cookeville and is located right across the street from the Cummins Falls State Park. The falls are within walking distance, and apparently a very popular place in the summer. We can’t recommend this RV park enough. We will definitely make it a point to come back there...hopefully, this summer.
2. Tennessee Legend Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 119 reviews
Not just another moonshine place. Come sample the best selection of Whiskey, Moonshine, Cream Liqueurs, and other spirits inspired by our roots in the Smoky Mountains.
Reviewed By Bsweetin
This is a great place to stop in. Ling helped me last week while I was in town dropping my son off at school. There is a wide selection to choose from and everything is tasty. My favorites are the Blackberry Whiskey, Peanut Butter Cup Whiskey and their Hammershine White Lightning Moonshine. Try any one of those and you will be pleased.
3. Cummins Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 646 reviews
Cummins Falls is the 8th largest waterfall in Tennessee. Hiking and swimming are the favorite activities in this park. More information on this park and many more can be found at the TN State Parks website. Gorge Access Permits are required to access the gorge or the base of the falls and can be purchased online only on the Cummins Falls page of the Tennessee State Parks website. While gorge access is limited to 100 people per day, access to the overlook and other hiking trails above the gorge will not require a permit. All permit users will be required to watch a safety video before accessing the gorge. Access to the gorge and base of the waterfall is only allowed during fair weather conditions and is subject to change when rain appears anywhere in the watershed.
Reviewed By ThePurpleTraveler
We have hiked Cummins Falls many times. There is now a safety video you must watch before hiking. If you plan to hike down to the gorge and upstream to the waterfall you must now buy a gorge permit. They limit the number of permits per day and they do tend to sell out quickly. They cost $6 per person and there are no refunds if the gorge ends up closed for any reason. So buy your gorge permits early! If you do not want to hike the gorge you do not need a permit, but the parking lot does fill up quickly. It is best to get there right at 8am, otherwise you may be turned away. The hike up top to the overlook and top of the waterfall is not very difficult. The hike to the gorge and waterfall is different every time. This past time it was under a purple flag/level 3 and it was hard. You have to get into the water/river several times to get to the waterfall. There is no dedicated path or trail. You find your own way there. Sometimes the water is up to knees and above. Water shoes are recommended, lots of rocks to navigate. Once you get to the waterfall you can swim(life jackets are recommended and available on a first come first serve basis.) Good sturdy shoes are definitely needed and trekking poles or a walking stick help a lot too. Having said all that it is one of our favorite places to hike and we go a couple times a year.
4. Cookeville Depot Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 105 reviews
Originally built in 1909, the Cookeville Depot Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is the heart of Cookeville's historic west side district. The museum houses many Tennessee Central Railway artifacts, as well as an HO scale replica of what Cookeville's west side looked like in the summer of 1955. On the other side of the diorama is a replica of a coal tipple with a model train loading up with coal. The grounds surrounding the museum are considered a park area where the museum has a static display consisting of a 1913 Baldwin steam engine, a 1920's classic red caboose, a 1960's caboose, and two small track cars. This area also offers picnic tables and a number of benches for visitors. Please feel free to bring a sack lunch and stay a while!
Reviewed By Honestreview4you2020 - Cookeville, United States
Cute little train museum in the heart of the historic Cookeville. Fun for kids of all ages. Informative history lesson for adults. Model trains for the kiddos.
5. Russell Stover Chocolates
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
Reviewed By Yehbut - Bluffton, United States
All my life I have seen and ate these delicious chocolates. Didn’t know they had a store! Located in TN the Russell Stover Chocolate store has something for all chocolate lovers! The 2 ladies working had excellent customer service! Great gifts! FYI if you open a account with your phone number you get a FREE box of chocolates with a $10 purchase! A must see for all chocolate lovers!
6. Dogwood park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Reviewed By TN_traveling_junkie - Cookeville, United States
This place never gets old. It’s spacious, green, beautiful, and fun. From the amphitheater, to the walking paths, the huge fountain for playing, and the huge playground- this place has it all. Great way to kill time or just relax.
7. Red Silo Brewing Company
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Red Silo Brewing Company is Cookeville first micro brewery located in the historical westside of Cookeville.
Reviewed By AbacoJack - Fort Lauderdale, United States
If you love craft beers, Red Silo is a MUST stop while in Cookville, TN. Great Beer, Awesome atmosphere, Family Friendly (homemade rootbeer & flavored Sodas also on tap). Always a different local band playing, so stop by and enjoy
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