Spring Hill, Tennessee: Where Fun and Adventure Meet!
Spring Hill sits 30 miles south of Nashville, which puts it squarely between two better-known towns. Franklin has the polish and the price tag that goes with it. Columbia has the older downtown and the Polk connection running through it. Spring Hill has the battlefield, Rippavilla and a great many new houses. Come for the Civil War ground and use the other two for dinner.
Planning a trip to Spring Hill, Tennessee and wondering what to do? You are in the right place. Spring Hill sits 30 miles south of Nashville and carries a variety of activities across most interests. Outdoor adventures, historical sites or indoor entertainment, Spring Hill has a version of each.
History readers have several sites here, the Rippavilla Plantation and the Spring Hill Civil War Battlefield among them. Outdoors people get the parks and trails, plus fishing and boating at the nearby lakes. For indoor entertainment, the Upstage Theatre or the local bowling alley will take an evening. And the shopping and dining run across most tastes and budgets in Spring Hill.
Key Takeaways
- Spring Hill, Tennessee offers a variety of activities to suit every interest, including historical sites, outdoor adventures, and indoor entertainment.
- Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Rippavilla Plantation and the Spring Hill Civil War Battlefield, or enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating.
- Spring Hill also offers a variety of shopping and dining options, as well as indoor entertainment like the Upstage Theatre and a local bowling alley.
Discovering Spring Hill, Tennessee
Welcome to Spring Hill, Tennessee. You have chosen well. Rolling hills, beautiful countryside and friendly folks, and Spring Hill is where you slow down and have some fun.
Start with the shops, restaurants and attractions in town. History readers should make the Rippavilla Plantation, the antebellum mansion that shows the lives of the enslaved and of the slave-owning family in the years leading up to the Civil War.
For something outdoors, head over to the Crossings of Spring Hill, a retail complex with over 90 shops, dining options and entertainment, most of it open to the air. Or the Towhee Golf Club, where you tee off with the Tennessee countryside around you.
For relaxation, Spring Hill has options. Walk the town’s parks and nature trails, or book a day at one of the local spas.
And no trip to Spring Hill works without the local food. Mama D’s Baked Mac & Cheese through to the Fainting Goat Coffee Co., and the craving gets handled.
So pack the bags, take the sense of adventure, and go and see Spring Hill, Tennessee properly.
Historical Adventures
History readers get plenty in Spring Hill. Civil War sites through to early 1800s museums, and Middle Tennessee’s part in the war is laid out across them.
Civil War Sites
Spring Hill holds several Civil War sites, the Spring Hill Battlefield among them, with the Carter House a short drive north. The sites carry interpretive markers and monuments, and there are artillery pieces from the fighting.
Carter House
The Carter House is the historic site used as a field hospital during the Battle of Franklin. You take a tour of the house and hear what the family went through. It stands over in Franklin rather than here, which is worth knowing before you set out.
Rippavilla Plantation
The Rippavilla Plantation is a Greek Revival house that served as a Confederate hospital during the war. You take a tour of the house and get its history with it.
Spring Hill Battlefield
The Spring Hill Battlefield is the site of the Battle of Spring Hill, fought during Hood’s campaign of 1864. You take a self-guided driving tour and read the interpretive markers along the way.
Tennessee Museum of Early Farm Life
The Tennessee Museum of Early Farm Life covers life in Middle Tennessee through the early 1800s. The artifacts and exhibits show what the work and the days actually looked like.
So for a historical day in Spring Hill, these sites and museums are the ones. Middle Tennessee’s part in the Civil War, and the shape of life in the early 1800s.
Outdoor Fun
Spring Hill, Tennessee suits people who want to be outside. Family-friendly activities or something with more edge, both are covered. Here are the best outdoor activities in Spring Hill.
Harvey Park
For a day out with the family, Harvey Park is the place to be. This park has picnic tables, a playground, walking trails and grills for cooking on. And there is plenty of shade, which matters through the hot months.
Chickasaw Trace County Park
For hiking and biking, Chickasaw Trace County Park is the destination. With over 8 miles of bike paths and hiking trails, a whole day disappears into it. There are picnic pavilions and a fire pit for afterwards. It is a drive out of town rather than a local walk.
Panic in the Woods
For something with more adrenaline, Panic in the Woods is the one. This haunted attraction works for people who want a proper scare. You navigate a dark forest and meet whatever is living in it. It is the Halloween version of an evening out.
Haunted Woods
The other one for a scare is Haunted Woods. This attraction runs on being chased by zombies and other monsters. It gets the heart going, which is the point of it.
Whatever the interest, Spring Hill has outdoor options. Family-friendly parks through to the scarier end, and something will fit. So grab the friends and family and head outside.
Indoor Entertainment
Looking for indoor entertainment in Spring Hill, Tennessee? There are options. Recreation centers through to interactive exhibits. Here are a few to consider:
Longview Recreation Center
To get active, the Longview Recreation Center is the spot. There is a fitness center, an outdoor pool, a gymnasium, racquetball and tennis courts. And they run a variety of fitness classes if you want the structure.
Escape Room
Ready for a challenge? Check out the Escape Room in Spring Hill. You get locked in with a group of friends and work the puzzles and clues before the time runs out. It tests the problem-solving properly.
James K. Polk House
History buffs should not miss the James K. Polk House. This exhibition facility covers the life and legacy of President James K. Polk, who was in the White House from 1845 to 1849. You get the presidency and the mark he left on American history. It sits over in the next town, so allow for the drive.
Getting active, testing the brain, or learning something new, Spring Hill has the indoor options for all three.
Shopping Spree
You are in Spring Hill, Tennessee and ready to shop. Spring Hill has the options for it. Furniture, antiques or vintage items, something will catch your eye.
Spring Hill Antique Mall
Antiques people need the Spring Hill Antique Mall. This place is a proper trove of vintage items and you never know what turns up. Furniture through to knick-knacks, it is all in there.
The good part about the Spring Hill Antique Mall is the pricing. You take home a piece of history without emptying the account. And the staff will answer questions and point you at what you are after.
So for a bit of nostalgia, head on over to the Spring Hill Antique Mall. It will not disappoint. And you might find the piece the room has been missing.
Rippavilla is the one to see. It is the antebellum house at the center of the story here, and the Spring Hill Battlefield sits alongside it as a self-guided driving tour. Most of the rest of this page is a chain, a park, or a drive to another town. That is not a criticism, it is simply how a commuter town works. Plan the history first and fill the rest in around it.
Dining and Nightlife
For dining and nightlife in Spring Hill, there is enough to work with. Classic bars through to burger joints, and something to suit most people.
Classic Bar
If you’re looking for a classic bar experience, look no further than The Mockingbird Restaurant and Bar. This cozy spot offers a laid-back atmosphere, great drinks, and delicious food. The ambiance is perfect for a night out with friends or a casual date. You’ll love the live music and friendly staff. Plus, the location is just a short drive from Nashville, making it a great option for those looking to explore the city’s nightlife.
Burger Joints
If you’re a burger lover, you’re in luck. Spring Hill has some of the best burger joints around. For a classic burger experience, head to Burger Shack. This spot serves up juicy burgers with all the fixings, plus delicious sides like onion rings and fries. The ambiance is casual and laid-back, making it a great spot for families or a quick lunch.
For a more upscale burger experience, check out The Lost Cajun Kitchen. This spot serves up gourmet burgers with unique toppings like crawfish and andouille sausage. The ambiance is cozy and welcoming, with friendly staff and great drinks.
Whatever the mood, Spring Hill has the dining and nightlife for it. A classic bar experience or a good burger, both are here.
Exploring Nearby Cities
Spring Hill is well placed for the nearby cities. Here are a few suggestions:
Franklin
Franklin is a short drive from Spring Hill and holds plenty. Stroll down Main Street for the shops and restaurants, or tour some of the historic homes. And there is a ghost tour if you want the evening version of it.
Columbia
Columbia is the other nearby city worth a visit. Walk the downtown area for the historic buildings, or head to the Columbia Arts District for the local galleries. And for a bite to eat, Puckett’s Grocery & Restaurant is the safe bet.
Brentwood
Brentwood is where you go for outdoor fun. There are parks and green spaces through the area, Crockett Park and Owl Creek Park included. And the Brentwood Skate Center is the indoor alternative.
Nashville
And then Nashville. Music City is a short drive from Spring Hill and packed with things to do. The Country Music Hall of Fame, a show at the Grand Ole Opry, or a walk down Broadway past the honky-tonks. And the hot chicken while you are there.
Special Events in Spring Hill
Spring Hill is not a typical small town in Tennessee. It knows how to run an event. Across the year there are things on that will improve a stay in Spring Hill.
For something spooky, the Haunted Tours are the one. You work through the town’s most haunted places while the ghost stories and legends get told. Try not to take it too seriously.
For adrenaline, the Zombie Paintball Hayride is a must. You ride a wagon through a zombie-infested field and shoot at the undead with paintball guns. It gets the heart going.
History readers have a few specialty museums in Spring Hill. The Tennessee Museum of Early Farm Life covers the state’s agricultural past. And the Rippavilla Plantation is the antebellum mansion that does the rest of it.
And Spring Hill runs a broad program of events across the year. Music festivals through to food fairs, there is usually something on. Check the local events calendar for the dates of your stay.
Whatever the interest, Spring Hill has something for it. So do not skip the town’s special events and programming while you are here.
Spring Hill Reviews
The itinerary is planned, so here is what other people make of these places. These are the reviews of Spring Hill worth reading:
- “The equipment was top-notch, but the staff was a little too enthusiastic for my liking. I felt like I was at a cheerleading camp instead of a trampoline park.” – TripAdvisor
- “The atmosphere was great, but the food was a little lacking. I mean, who puts pineapple on a burger?” – Yelp
- “The reviews were right – this place is a blast! The staff was super friendly and made sure we had a great time. Highly recommend!” – Google Reviews
- “The reviews were right – this place is a blast! The staff was super friendly and made sure we had a great time. Highly recommend!” – Google Reviews
So the reviews of Spring Hill are mixed, and most people enjoy the time here. Keep an open mind and try something new.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some hidden gems in Spring Hill, TN that are worth checking out?
Spring Hill has quieter places worth finding. History readers should make Rippavilla Plantation, the preserved antebellum mansion that runs tours. The other is the Tennessee Children’s Home Society Museum, a small museum telling the story of the organization and the children who passed through it.
What’s the most unique activity to do in Spring Hill?
For something different, try axe throwing at Battle Axe. It is a safe way to work off stress and compete against friends. And it makes a good Instagram post.
Where can I find the best BBQ in Spring Hill?
BBQ lovers do well around Spring Hill. Jack of Hearts BBQ is the best of them, with smoked meats and sides that hold up. And Martin’s Bar-B-Que Joint is known for the whole hog and the Redneck Taco.
What are some fun date ideas in the area?
Looking for a date idea? A wine tasting at Amber Falls Winery works, with a variety to taste and an outdoor patio to sit on. Or a movie at The Mockingbird Theater, the small cinema that runs independent films. Both are drives out rather than in town.
What are some of the best outdoor activities to do in Spring Hill?
Spring Hill has the outdoor options. For a hike, the trails at Harvey Park give you views and quiet. And for something on the water, kayaking on the Duck River is the relaxed way to spend a day.
What’s the best way to spend a day in Spring Hill on a budget?
On a budget, Spring Hill still works. The self-guided tour of the Spring Hill Battlefield costs nothing and covers the history properly. Pack a picnic and use one of the many parks in Spring Hill. And the local farmers market has the fresh produce and the homemade goods.
Frequently asked questions about Spring Hill, Tennessee
How much walking does the Spring Hill Battlefield actually involve?
Very little. It is a driving tour rather than a walking trail, and the distances between stops are meant for a car. You stop at the interpretive markers, read them, and get back into the car again. The ground itself is working farmland and roadside verge, not preserved parkland with signage on every corner. Wear something you do not mind standing in wet grass in, because there is no made path. Give it most of a morning if you intend to read everything on the markers. Rippavilla is the fixed point to start from and the sensible place to leave the car for the day.
Is Chickasaw Trace County Park hard going?
Harder than the mileage suggests, and that is exactly the appeal of the place. The bike trails are single-track through wooded hills, with roots and short steep pitches rather than the long sustained climbs you might be expecting. Walkers are welcome on the same paths. You will be sharing them with bikes coming the other way at speed, so keep your ears open. Take water, because the loops connect and you will end up doing more than you had planned.
Is Harvey Park worth it if you want a real walk?
No. And that is fine. It is a town park built around picnic tables, grills and a playground, with paths rather than proper trails. What it does well is a family afternoon in the shade with somewhere to cook lunch on. For actual distance you want Chickasaw Trace or the battlefield roads instead of this. Come here for the easy version of a day spent outside.
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