Murfreesboro: Greenways, Wetlands and History

Murfreesboro offers several ways to plan a trip: trails along the Stones River, protected wetlands and places that bring the region’s history to life. If you’re looking for a hotel, you can plan around whether you’d rather spend most of your time outdoors or visit historic sites.

Greenways, River Access and Trails

The Murfreesboro Greenway System includes more than 17 miles of trails, bridges and boardwalks. Paddlers can access the Stones River from three small boat launches. The Stones River Trail follows the West Fork Stones River for 10.5 miles from the Thompson Lane Trailhead to the Barfield Crescent Park Trailhead. A shorter connection is the 1.1-mile Lytle Creek Trail, which follows Lytle Creek from Cannonsburgh Village to Old Fort Park, where it connects to the Stones River Trail.

The distances and endpoints make it easier to choose trails that fit your trip: the Stones River Trail follows the river between two named trailheads, while the Lytle Creek Trail connects two named places. This lets you incorporate different sections of the Greenway System into your stay.

Wetlands and Wildlife Watching

Murfree Spring Wetlands is a protected wetland. A 0.4-mile combination boardwalk and paved trail borders and passes through it. The area is well suited to birdwatching and wildlife photography. Interactive panels along the boardwalk provide information about the wetland’s plants and animals. Here, the trail, landscape and information are closely connected: you can take in the surroundings while learning more about their habitats.

Barfield Crescent Park offers another distinct setting: the 430-acre community park is in southern Murfreesboro. Together with the greenways and wetlands, it offers a varied nature-focused experience, though the trails and landscapes are not all the same.

Stones River National Battlefield

Stones River National Battlefield commemorates the Battle of Stones River, one of the largest and most significant battles of the American Civil War. The site covers about 670 acres and has more than seven miles of trails. All sites are accessible by car, and most can also be reached by bike or on foot. The Murfreesboro Greenway System connects parts of the battlefield to other sections of the trail network on foot or by bike.

Fortress Rosecrans is another part of the site’s history. It is the largest earthwork fortification of its kind built during the American Civil War. A 0.9-mile paved loop trail passes several preserved sections. You can see the remains of Curtain Wall No. 1 on a City of Murfreesboro property along the Lytle Creek Greenway. The historic structures and present-day trails offer different perspectives on the site’s history.

History at Other Sites

Historic Cannonsburgh Village depicts about 100 years of early life in Tennessee, from the 1830s to the 1930s. Free self-guided tours let you explore the village at your own pace.

Oaklands Mansion aims to preserve the mansion and its grounds and share the two centuries of history at this site with a diverse audience. Self-guided tours are available Tuesday through Friday. Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. Check visitor information before you arrive.

Discover More at the Discovery Center

The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is an interactive children’s museum and nature center. Offerings include interactive exhibits, educational programs, walking trails and opportunities for outdoor exploration. The LEGO Lab is a hands-on building area designed to encourage imagination, problem-solving and STEM learning through play. Individual exhibits and programs may change; check what’s currently available before your visit.

Explore more destinations: La Vergne, Smyrna.

See the regional travel overview: Rutherford.