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Crossville, Tennessee: Where the Fun Never Stops – Discover the Best Things to Do and Places to Visit!

Crossville runs on its calendar. Stonehaus Winery pours year-round, but the Muscadine and the Blackberry both taste like they were made for a hot afternoon on the plateau. Polk Salad Festival lands in June, the Cumberland County Fair in September, and then the car show in May. Golf goes whenever the weather allows. Come in the fall if you want the plateau and the wine both working at the same time.

You are planning a visit to Crossville, Tennessee and wondering which things to do here are worth your time. Well, you are in luck, because Crossville runs plenty of exciting activities and attractions across all interests and ages. History buff, outdoor enthusiast or someone who came to eat, Crossville has a version for you.

If you are a fan of the great outdoors, Crossville will not disappoint you. The town is ringed by natural scenery, the Cumberland Plateau included, which runs plenty of hiking, fishing and camping. You can also visit the Cumberland Mountain State Park, which carries over 1,800 acres of recreational activities, swimming, boating and golfing among them.

If arts and culture interest you more, Crossville runs plenty of options there too. Visit the Homesteads Tower Museum, which tells the story of the Cumberland Homesteads, or the Palace Theatre, which hosts live performances and shows. On top of that, Crossville carries a lively food and wine scene, with plenty of local restaurants and wineries to work through.

Key Takeaways

• Crossville, Tennessee has plenty of exciting activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests.
• Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Cumberland Plateau and the Cumberland Mountain State Park.
• Arts and culture lovers can visit the Homesteads Tower Museum and the Palace Theatre, while foodies can indulge in the town’s vibrant food and wine scene.

The Great Outdoors

Are you an outdoor enthusiast after some fun in Crossville, TN? Well, you are in luck, because there are plenty of outdoor activities in this charming city. Hiking through to boating, you will find something to suit your taste. Here are some of the stronger outdoor spots in Crossville:

Cumberland Mountain State Park

If you are after a place to spend a relaxing day outdoors, Cumberland Mountain State Park is the spot. This 1,720-acre park carries everything you need for a fun day out. Go hiking on one of the many trails, picnic by the lake, or head out boating and fishing. The park also has a swimming pool and a golf course, so there is a version for everyone.

Obed River Park

For a more adventurous outdoor experience, head to Obed River Park. This park sits on the Obed River and runs plenty of activities to keep you busy. Go for a bike ride on the trails, swim in the creek, or fish. The park also has a playground for kids and picnic areas for a lunch in the sun.

Garrison Park

Garrison Park is a strong place to spend a day with the family. This park has a playground, picnic areas and a lake for fishing. You can also hike one of the many trails or take a bike ride around the park. With so many activities to choose from, getting bored at Garrison Park takes real effort.

Relaxing day outdoors or an adventure-packed one, Crossville has a version for everyone. With so many state parks and lakes in the area, running out of things to do takes some doing. So grab your hiking boots, your fishing rod or your bike and head out into the great outdoors in Crossville, TN.

Arts and Culture

Crossville is a hub of artistic and cultural activity. Live music through to theater performances, something is always happening in this lively town. Here are some of the arts and culture attractions you will not want to miss:

Cumberland County Playhouse

If you are a fan of theater, the Cumberland County Playhouse belongs on your list. This professional theater company has been entertaining audiences since 1965, and it is now among the more popular performing arts venues in the region. You can catch a variety of shows here, classic dramas through to musicals and comedies. The theater also runs educational programs for aspiring actors and theater enthusiasts.

Crossville Model Railroad Club

If you are a fan of model trains, the Crossville Model Railroad Club is the place to be. This non-profit organization is dedicated to preserving and promoting the art of model railroading. Check out their model train display, which features intricate landscapes and detailed train sets. The club also hosts regular events and workshops for train enthusiasts of all ages.

Military Memorial Museum

If military history interests you, the Military Memorial Museum belongs on your list. This museum runs exhibits on a variety of military conflicts, World War II and the Vietnam War among them. You can also pick up the experiences of local veterans and see artifacts from their time in service. The museum is a strong place to learn about the sacrifices of those who have served our country.

Drama, model trains or military history, Crossville has a version for you. Check out these arts and culture attractions during your visit.

Food and Wine

Crossville is known for its wineries and vineyards, so do not miss the chance to taste some of the stronger wines in the area. Here are two wineries to check out:

Stonehaus Winery

Stonehaus Winery is a family-owned winery running complimentary tastings of their wines. The winery sits high atop Tennessee’s Cumberland Plateau and is open to visitors every day of the year. They pour a variety of wines from dry to sweet, with many Southern favorites including Muscadine and Blackberry. They also carry a gourmet gift shop where you can find unusual gifts and souvenirs to take home with you.

If you are feeling hungry, Stonehaus Winery also has a café serving sandwiches and coffee. You can eat while taking in the long views over the vineyards.

Chestnut Hill Winery

Chestnut Hill Winery is another strong winery to visit in Crossville. They run tastings of their award-winning wines, Aaron Tippin’s Blueberry Wine among them, which is made from locally grown blueberries. The winery sits in a historic building that was once a creamery. You can tour the winery and pick up the winemaking process, or sit back and relax over a glass of wine.

If you are a fan of Winesap apples, you will love Chestnut Hill Winery’s Winesap Apple Wine. It is an unusual wine and you will not find it anywhere else. The winery also has a gift shop carrying wine-related gifts and souvenirs.

So, wine connoisseur or simply after a fun day out, Crossville’s wineries are worth the visit. And do not forget to bring home a bottle or two of your favorite wine as a souvenir.

History and Heritage

If you are a history buff, Crossville is the place to be. The town carries a long history, and there are plenty of places to visit to learn more about it. Here are a few places to explore the history and heritage of Crossville.

Cumberland Homesteads

The Cumberland Homesteads is a historic site telling the story of the Homestead Act of 1862, which gave people the chance to own land in the West. The Cumberland Homesteads were established in 1934 as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal, and they were designed to give a fresh start to families who had lost everything during the Great Depression.

The Homesteads were built on 28,000 acres of land in the Cumberland Plateau, and they included homes, schools and community centers. Today you can visit the Cumberland Homesteads and see the original homes, schools and community centers. You can also pick up the history of the Homestead Act and how it shaped the lives of the people who lived in the Cumberland Homesteads.

Homesteads Tower Museum

The Homesteads Tower Museum sits in the heart of Crossville and is dedicated to preserving the history of the Cumberland Homesteads. The museum holds an extensive collection of artifacts, documents, photos and memorabilia telling the story of the Homesteads and the people who lived there.

One of the highlights of the museum is the Homesteads Tower, built in 1937-38 and serving as the administrative offices for the Cumberland Homesteads. Today the tower houses the museum’s exhibits, including displays on the Homestead Act, the history of railroads in the area, and the daily life of the people who lived in the Homesteads.

History museums, historic sites or simply learning more about the history and heritage of Crossville, the Cumberland Homesteads and the Homesteads Tower Museum belong on your list.

Stonehaus runs complimentary tastings, which makes it the cheapest good hour in town. Chestnut Hill pours award-winning wines in a building that used to be a creamery, and the Winesap Apple Wine is the one you will not find elsewhere. Both have gift shops if you want to carry something home. Lunch at Grinder House Coffee costs less than dinner at The Brass Lantern. Do the wineries first and eat late.

Shopping and Collectibles

After some unusual shopping in Crossville? The Antique Village Mall and Plateau Bowling Lanes are where to start.

Antique Village Mall

If you are a fan of antiques and collectibles, you will love the Antique Village Mall. With over 100 booths and 30,000 square feet of space, finding something that catches your eye takes no effort. Vintage clothing through to antique furniture, this mall carries it all. You might even find something worth bragging about to your friends.

But be warned, you might get lost in this maze of antiques. So make sure you wear comfortable shoes and bring some snacks. You do not want to get hangry while hunting for that one piece.

Plateau Bowling Lanes

After a fun activity that is not shopping related? How about heading to Plateau Bowling Lanes? This bowling alley is not your average alley. With 24 lanes, a snack bar and an arcade, you are in for a good time.

But the real find in this place is the antique shop located inside. Yes, you read that right, an antique shop inside a bowling alley. So while you wait for your turn to bowl, take a stroll through the shop and see what turns up.

And who knows, maybe you will find an antique bowling ball to add to your collection. Just make sure you do not accidentally bowl with it.

So, fan of antiques or simply after a fun activity, Crossville has got you covered.

Family Fun

After some family-friendly activities to enjoy with your loved ones? Crossville has got you covered. Lakes through to arcades and speedways, there is a version for everyone in the family.

Meadow Park Lake

Take a break from the noise of everyday life and head over to Meadow Park Lake. This serene lake runs a peaceful atmosphere where you can settle in and spend an unhurried day with your family. The lake is ringed by scenery and carries plenty of space for fishing, picnicking and even kayaking. And do not forget to pack some fudge for a sweet treat while you are there.

Arcade

After some indoor fun? Check out the arcade in Crossville. With plenty of games to choose from, you will find something everyone in the family enjoys. Classic arcade games or something more modern, the arcade has got you covered. Plus, it is a strong way to beat the heat on a hot summer day.

Speedway

If you are after some high-speed excitement, head over to the speedway in Crossville. With tours available, you can pick up the history of the speedway and get a behind-the-scenes look at how everything works. And if you are feeling adventurous, take a spin around the track yourself. For those with younger children, there is also a splash pad and a jumping pillow to enjoy.

So what are you waiting for? Book a cabin in Crossville and get ready for some family fun.

Golfing in Crossville

If you are a golf enthusiast, Crossville is the place to be. Known as the Golf Capital of Tennessee, Crossville carries premier golf courses inside a 20-mile radius. Seasoned pro or beginner, there is a course for you.

Golf Course

One of the more popular golf courses in Crossville is the Fairfield Glade Resort. With a spread of golf courses to choose from, getting bored takes real effort. The courses were designed by some of the better-known architects in the industry, Jack Nicklaus and Joe Lee among them.

If you are after a challenge, the Stonehenge Golf Course is the one for you. This course is known for its difficult terrain and demanding holes. But do not worry, because the long views of the Cumberland Mountains make up for the tough game.

Another strong option is the Lake Tansi Golf Course. This course suits beginners or anyone after a more relaxed game. The course is ringed by scenery, a lake and rolling hills included.

Whichever course you choose, you will have a strong time. And who knows, you might even improve your game and turn into the next golfing superstar.

So pack your clubs and head to Crossville for a golfing adventure of its own kind.

Frequently Asked Questions

What mischief can you get into in Crossville, Tennessee?

Well, we do not condone mischief, but we do encourage having fun. There are plenty of outdoor activities in Crossville to keep you occupied. Go hiking, go fishing, or try your hand at disc golf. If you are feeling really adventurous, go zip-lining or take a hot air balloon ride. Just make sure you do not get into any real mischief, like stealing a cow or something.

Are there any hidden gems in Crossville, Tennessee that tourists often miss?

Absolutely. One of our favorites is the Obed Wild and Scenic River. It is a strong spot for hiking, kayaking and exploring. Another is the Homesteads Tower Museum, which tells the story of the New Deal community established in Crossville during the Great Depression.

What’s the best way to spend a day in Crossville, Tennessee?

Start your day with a hike at Cumberland Mountain State Park. Afterward, head to downtown Crossville and check out the art galleries and antique shops. Grab lunch at one of the local restaurants, Grinder House Coffee or The Pour House Bistro among them. In the afternoon, head over to the Palace Theatre and catch a movie or a live performance. Finish off your day with dinner at The Brass Lantern or Forte’s on the Square.

What are some must-visit restaurants in Crossville, Tennessee?

If you are after some Southern cuisine, you cannot go wrong with The Brass Lantern or Forte’s on the Square. For a more casual dining experience, check out Grinder House Coffee or The Pour House Bistro. And if you are in the mood for pizza, The Original Pizza Place is the one.

What are the most popular events and festivals in Crossville, Tennessee?

One of the bigger events in Crossville is the Cumberland County Fair, which runs in September. There is also the Tennessee Polk Salad Festival in June, which celebrates the local delicacy of polk salad. And if you are a fan of classic cars, do not miss the Crossville Cruisers Car Show in May.

What’s the best way to cool off in Crossville, Tennessee during the summer?

Head to Lake Tansi and go for a swim or rent a paddleboard. You can also go tubing or kayaking on the Obed River. And if you are really looking to beat the heat, check out the Cumberland Mountain State Park swimming pool. Just do not forget your sunscreen.

Frequently asked questions about Crossville, Tennessee

Which Crossville museum covers the Homesteads?

The Homesteads Tower Museum. The tower itself went up in 1937-38 as the administrative offices for the Cumberland Homesteads, and it now holds the exhibits. Those cover the Homestead Act, the railroads in the area, and the daily life of the families who settled out here. The Homesteads themselves were established in 1934 under the New Deal, on 28,000 acres of the Cumberland Plateau. You can still walk among the original homes and schools.

Which park near Crossville has the swimming pool?

Cumberland Mountain State Park, 1,720 acres of it. The pool is there, along with the lake for boating and fishing, the trails, and a golf course. It runs everything you need in a single stop, so a whole day there is easy to fill without driving anywhere else. Obed River Park is the other one, with creek swimming and bike trails. Garrison Park has the family lake and the playground.

Which river near Crossville suits kayaking?

The Obed. Obed River Park sits on it, and you can swim the creek, bike the trails or fish from the bank. Further out, the Obed Wild and Scenic River carries the kayaking and the hiking both, and it stays quieter than the state park does. Lake Tansi is the other water, and it is better for a paddleboard than a paddle. Summer is when either one really earns its keep.

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