Parks, history and weekends nearby
Things to Do in Manchester, TN
One of the best parts of living in Manchester is how much there is to do outside. Here are the places locals and visitors talk about most, from ancient history to music festivals.
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
This is the signature park in Manchester. It sits along the Duck River on the north side of town, at 732 Stone Fort Drive. The centerpiece is an ancient Native American earthwork enclosure that dates to the Middle Woodland period, roughly 100 BCE to 500 CE, at the meeting point of the Duck and Little Duck Rivers. Today archaeologists understand it as a ritual enclosure rather than a fort. The park also has waterfalls, pools along the river, hiking trails and a museum. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation lists park hours of 8:00 a.m. to sunset, with the museum open 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Bonnaroo at Great Stage Park
Great Stage Park in Manchester has hosted the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival since 2002, and in 2019 it also hosted the first Exit 111 Festival. Bonnaroo brings visitors from all over to Coffee County.
City parks and the greenway
The City of Manchester lists the Little Duck River Greenway, City Park, the Recreation Complex outdoor pool and an indoor pool among its things to do. These are easy spots for a walk, a run or an afternoon with the kids.
Waterfalls
Besides the falls at Old Stone Fort, the city points visitors to Rutledge Falls, another local favorite.
Golf, wine and spirits
The city also lists Willowbrook Golf Club, the Old Stone Fort golf course and Beans Creek Winery. Within a short drive are the George Dickel and Jack Daniel distilleries.
Arts and culture
Foothills Crafts and the Arrowheads/Aerospace Cultural Center are also on the city list, a nice nod to both local craft traditions and the aerospace work at nearby Arnold Air Force Base.
Tims Ford State Park nearby
South of Coffee County, near Winchester in Franklin County, Tims Ford State Park covers 3,546 acres on Tims Ford Lake. It has trails, campgrounds, a marina and the Bear Trace golf course.
Living close to all of it
If weekends outdoors are a big part of why you want to live here, tell me. I can focus your search on homes near the parks, the river or the lake. Request my buyer guide or read Living in Manchester.
Common questions
What is Old Stone Fort?
An ancient Native American ritual enclosure from roughly 100 BCE to 500 CE, protected today as Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park in Manchester.
Where is Bonnaroo held?
At Great Stage Park in Manchester, Tennessee, its home since 2002.
Is Tims Ford State Park near Manchester?
Yes. It is south of Coffee County near Winchester, in Franklin County.
Matt Sargent is a Tennessee licensed affiliate broker with Keller Williams who helps buyers and sellers in Manchester and Coffee County. Call (615) 497 1658 or send a message.