Tennessee’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Guide
Last updated: 6/5/24
State parks aren’t typically right in the middle of a state’s biggest city, but that’s exactly where the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is located. This unique park is directly across from the State Capitol building in Nashville.
While the Bicentennial Capitol Mall isn’t your normal state park, it’s easily accessible and has a lot to offer visitors. There are plenty of opportunities to learn about Tennessee’s history and the natural environment even though the park is tiny.
Of course, one of my favorite things about the park is its location. I cannot tell you how many times I went for a walk around the park with a stroller after my daughter was born and I just needed a place to get out of the house for a little while.
If you’re thinking of visiting the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park for yourself, here’s everything you need to know.
History of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
The area that is now the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is directly across from the Tennessee State Capitol building. Unlike the rest of downtown, it didn’t attract the same urban infrastructure because the land is pretty swampy and not a good foundation for skyscrapers.
Luckily for Nashville, this meant that we would eventually get an 11-acre state park in our downtown. The park was built to celebrate Tennessee’s Bicentennial on June 1, 1996.
Features
The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is small, but there’s plenty going on. Since it was built for the Bicentennial celebration, there is a lot in the park dedicated to the state’s history. You’ll find a granite map of the state, a World War II Memorial, and a walkway with important historical dates displayed.
One of my favorite features is the 95-Bell Carillon. During the daytime, the bells ring on the quarter hour (for example at 9:15, 9:30, and 9:45) and play a full song on the top of the hour. Because the bells ring so frequently, you’ll definitely get a chance to hear them while you’re there.
You can’t exactly hike in the park like you can in some of the other state parks, but there is a .9-mile walking trail around the Bicentennial Mall. As I said earlier, this is perfect for pushing a stroller. I see lots of moms there every time I go along with groups of friends, people who are clearly visiting Nashville, and solo walkers who seem like they’re on a lunch break.
There’s also a lot of wide open grass spaces. You’ll see people picnicking depending on the time of day.
It’s especially convenient because the Nashville Farmer’s Market is next door. You can stop by the Market House to pick up a bite to eat, so you can picnic without needing to pack anything yourself. The Tennessee State Museum is also across the street as well. You really could spend a large chunk of the day in this one spot.
Events
Because this is a state park, you’ll find some of the normal events you’d expect like ranger-led hikes, and there are other programs and festivals held here each year.
The Tennessee Statehood Celebration happens here each year in June and the Tennessee History Timeline is held in October.
You can check their events page to see what’s going on, but I find that their Facebook page tends to be updated more often.
Two of the events I’ve attended here have been the Southern Festival of Books and Nightlight 615 (an outdoor movie series for 21+). I would highly recommend both!
Final Thoughts
Even though the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park isn’t your usual state park, it’s worth visiting! I certainly keep coming back over and over, and it helps that there’s so much to do nearby.
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The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is located at 600 James Robertson Pkwy, Nashville, TN 37243. You can visit the park website for more details.
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