32 OF THE BEST THINGS TO DO NEAR FORT CAMPBELL

Introduction

Congratulations and welcome to Fort Campbell! You’re now in the part of the country known as Upland South, on the border between Kentucky and Tennessee. This beautiful and historic area has so much to offer visitors and those lucky enough to call it home. While the weather might be unpredictable, snow one day, and spring-like conditions the next, you can always count on having something to do. And most of the time you won’t even have to leave the gates of the installation to find it! Here is a list of 32 of the best things to do while living on or near Fort Campbell.

Suggested Read:

Fort Campbell Kentucky: In-Depth Welcome Center

COVID-19 Notice

Due to the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, many businesses, venues, and parks may be temporarily closed or operating under restricted hours. Many, if not all, of the ones listed here, are likely subject to such restrictions for the time being though new re-openings and closings occur all the time. Therefore, a place we mention here may not currently be open or available for the time being. Check individual websites provided in each section or call to find out each place’s current hours and situation.

25 Things to Do Near Fort Campbell

Know what you are looking for? Click the number(s) to go right to where you want to go: (1-6) Parks, Rivers, & Lakes (7) Golfing (8) Paintball Park (9-10) Shooting Ranges (11) Fishing & Hunting (13) Sports (13-22) Gyms (23) Bowling (24-30) Attractions (31-32) Breweries & Wineries

Parks, Rivers, and Lakes

Clarksville

1. Clarksville Marina at Liberty Park

1190 Cumberland Drive Clarksville, TN 37040 1 (931) 645-7476 About 16 miles south of Fort Campbell and the Kentucky border, you’ll find an outdoor enthusiast’s playground. The Clarksville Marina offers boat slips, a launch area, and ample parking. Amenities include a nearly 2 mile walking trail, a 10-acre fishing pond, pavilions, a playground, a bark park, sports fields, an event center, and more.

2. Dunbar Cave State Park

401 Old Dunbar Cave Road Clarksville, TN 37043 1 (931) 648-5526 One of Clarksville’s most scenic areas, the 8-mile-long Dunbar Cave is a remarkable prehistoric site. The cave and the 144-acre surrounding park were a mineral springs resort at the turn of the century. Some of the oldest known prehistoric cave drawings have been found inside the cave. The park offers ranger-led cave tours, birding, fishing at the 15-acre Swan Lake, and more than 3 miles of hiking trails.

Cadiz

3. Lake Barkley State Resort Park

3500 State Park Road Cadiz, KY 42211 1 (270) 924-1131 Lake Barkley State Resort Park’s 3,600 acres feature a fitness center, public beach, swimming pool, campground with lake access, hiking trails, riding stables, convention center, gift shop, and the Boots Randolph Golf Course. The park rests on the shores of one of the world’s largest man-made lakes and allows for tons of outdoor activities like biking, birding, and boating. Rent pontoons, fishing boats, and more from Lake Barkley Marina and spend hours or days in the great outdoors.

Golden Pond

4. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

238 Visitor Center Drive Golden Pond, KY 42211 1 (800) 525-7077 Land Between the Lakes is the largest inland peninsula in the U.S. Located 45 miles northwest of Fort Campbell, in western Kentucky and Tennessee, the area offers outdoor recreation and a nature station, a living history farm, a planetarium and observatory, a horseback riding campground and stables, an off-highway vehicle area, the Elk & Bison Prairie, the Iron Industry Ruins, gift shops and visitor information centers.

Hopkinsville

5. Gander Memorial Park

41-A and Pennyrile Parkway Hopkinsville, KY 42240 1 (270) 885-9096 The 16-acre Gander Memorial Park honors nearly 250 soldiers who were killed in 1985 while returning home to Fort Campbell. The park features a paved walking trail and a lighted monument featuring a 7-foot copper statue and granite markers chiseled with the names of the fallen soldiers.

Fort Campbell

6. Fort Campbell Dog Parks

South Dog Park:

Bastogne Avenue

North Dog Park:

Morgan Road 1 (270) 956-1006 Dog parks are a great way for owners and their pets to socialize, exercise, and strengthen their bond. Fort Campbell’s South Dog Park has puppy playtime for your newest pet, helping them get accustomed to being around other dogs and enjoying the fresh air. Following proper dog park etiquette is essential to a great experience.

Fort Campbell Golf Course

7. Cole Park Golf Course

1610 101st Airborne Division Road, Fort Campbell, KY 42223 1 (270) 798-4906 Open all week (including most holidays) from 7:30 am to 5 pm, this full 18-hole golf course features a variety of terrain which challenges all levels of golfers, from beginners to the pros. Spend some time at the driving range before your tee time or just grab a cart and hit the links. Individual and group lessons are available, with digital swing analysis being a specialty at the course. There is also the 19th Hole Snack Bar where golfers can take a break and enjoy a variety of sandwiches, drinks, and other snacks. A beverage cart makes the rounds during peak golf season.

Fort Campbell Paintball Field

8. Paintball Field

6644 Jordan Springs Road Fort Campbell, KY 42223 1 (270) 956-3118 Simulate the battlefield experience on Fort Campbell’s paintball field. The unique, hands-on experience is available to train for battle or just have fun. Great for groups, large and small, who are interested in air-soft games or paintball. Call to schedule a reservation.

Fort Campbell Shooting Ranges

9. Privately Owned Firearm Range

Located at Range 16 Marketing Garden Road, Building R016B Fort Campbell, KY 42223 1 (270) 412-7939 The range is open to active duty and dependents, retirees, and authorized DoD personnel and guests. There are four different types of ranges for pistol, rifle, and shotgun users: three lanes of eight pop-up targets, seven sniper lanes ranging from 218 to 800 yards, five concrete bays, and 18 sand/fox hole ranges with target frames at 25 yards. Firearms are available to rent and ammunition available for purchase. Personal firearms are welcome, however, they must be transported properly in accordance with Fort Campbell regulations.

10. Skeet & Archery Range

6657 11th Airborne Division Road Fort Campbell, KY 42223 1 (270) 412-4015 Learn to shoot trap, skeet or Five Stand, or use one of the six archery lanes to perfect your aim. The range is open to active duty and dependents, retirees, and authorized DoD personnel and guests. Shotguns and bows are available to rent.

Fort Campbell Fishing & Hunting

11. Fort Campbell Fish and Wildlife

6645 101st Airborne Division Road Fort Campbell, KY 42223 1 (270) 798-9824 All fishing and hunting programs on Fort Campbell are administered through Fort Campbell Fish and Wildlife, not Fort Campbell Family and MWR. The programs include seasonal hunting (deer, turkey, quail, etc.), and trout, black bass, panfish, catfish, and crappie fishing.

Fort Campbell Sports

12. Intramural Sports

Fort Campbell’s Intramural Sports Program offers active duty military the opportunity to enhance individual morale and unit esprit de corps through individual and team competition. Intramural sports include softball, bowling, soccer, flag football, volleyball, and basketball.

Fort Campbell Gyms

Fort Campbell offers eight physical fitness centers to meet all of your fitness needs. Gyms are normally open to all active duty and dependents, retirees, DoD authorized personnel and guests. From climbing walls to softball fields, the fitness facilities on post allow you to stay in shape and get healthy however you like.

Note:

All gyms are currently affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Some are currently closed, others operating with shortened hours and strict distancing policies. Check the MWR site for updates and specific guidelines for each gym.

13. Fort Campbell Fitness Centers

California Road 7979 1 (312) 541-2294 This massive gym has everything you could possibly want for your fitness needs, from a three-lane indoor track to a 40 foot climbing wall. It has loads of weights, cardio machines, and even an outdoor area with two softball fields.

14. Sabo PFC

Toccoa Road 7037 1 (270) 798-7355 In addition to all the standard gym equipment, Sabo features two full courts for indoor sports like basketball and volleyball, mats for Combatives training, saunas, team sports equipment for sign-out, and more.

15. Lozada PFC

Desert Storm Ave (corner of 38th) 6992 1 (270) 798-5830 From the 7,200 square foot weight room to the spin class room, this gym has everything. You can work up a sweat just how you like, from racquetball to yoga, then hit the sauna when you’re done.

16. Estep PFC

Kentucky Avenue 2270 1 (270) 798-4023 or 1 (270) 798-4664 A top-of-the-line fitness facility, Estep houses the Alpha Warrior Battle Rig designed to hone Soldiers warfighting abilities. The gym also has personal trainers and classes available in fitness techniques from belly dancing to Zumba.

17. Fratellenico PFC

Indiana Avenue (corner of 55th St) 3932 1 (270) 798-9418 All the best weight and cardio equipment, plus rooms for TRX and Wellbeats instruction.

18. Olive PFC

A Shau Valley Road 6990 1 (270) 798-4101 Another fully-equipped gym for all your weight and cardio needs.

19. Gertsch PFC

Indiana Avenue (corner of 50th St) 3610 1 (270) 798-2753 With its location near several of the on-post housing areas, this all-encompassing gym is a favorite for the military families and dependents living on post as well as active duty personnel.

20. Clarksville Base

Headquarters Loop Road 7540 1 (270) 412-5285 In addition to weight and cardio rooms, Clarksville’s gym has an open area for things like plyometric training and agility ladder work. And there’s a great walking/running trail right outside.

21. Aquatics

Fort Campbell’s Aquatics branch offers an assortment of activities, classes, and certifications for soldiers, families, retirees, and the Fort Campbell community. The post has one indoor pool and three outdoor pools (opened seasonally). Private parties and equipment rentals are available.

22. Challenge Course and Indoor Climbing Wall

6621-K Airborne Division Road Fort Campbell, KY 42223 1 (270) 412-7855 The Challenge Course is a great way to test your skills both individually and with a team. The course consists of five different elements, each with their own challenge, testing communication, patience, trust, cooperation, group cohesion and creativity. The Indoor Climbing Wall has programs available for beginners to experienced climbers. Both of these challenges can be taken on by kids ages 5 and up. It’s the perfect family adventure.

Fort Campbell Bowling

23. Hooper Bowling Center

5380 Tennessee Ave. Fort Campbell, KY 42223 1 (270) 798-5887 Featuring 32 bowling lanes, party packages, cosmic bowling, the Hooper Grille, Tilt N’ Tap lounge and more. Reservation and event information can be found on their site here.

Attractions Near Fort Campbell

Fort Campbell

24. Leisure Travel Services

2840 Bastogne Ave. Fort Campbell, KY 42223 1 (270) 798-7436/0509 The Leisure Travel Services offers discounted and special offer tickets to theme parks, tours, attractions, and events throughout the area. Steeply discounted tickets and passes to Disney World, theme parks, museums, zoos, aquariums, sporting events, and dinner shows are just a few of the offers the LTS provides. This office is a great resource for seeking out new adventures and area information.

25. Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum

5702 Tennessee Ave. Fort Campbell, KY 42223 1 (270) 798-3215 The Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum traces the history of the famed 101st Airborne Division “Screaming Eagles” through World War II, Vietnam, and Operation Desert Storm. There are various aircraft, military equipment, and monuments on display. The pièce de résistance is the fully restored C-47 aircraft resembling the plane used to carry Maj. Gen. Maxwell D. Taylor into Normandy during World War II.

Hopkinsville

26. Amazing Acres

3445 Deason Road Hopkinsville, KY 42240 1 (270) 881-2445 Amazing Acres has been a burley and dark fired tobacco farm since 1978. It’s not just a regular farm (hence, amazing in the name) as there are activities for kids of all ages to enjoy. Depending on the time of year, you can pick pumpkins, churn butter, learn about beehives, go on the hayride, make scarecrows, and get up close to a variety of animals (rabbits, ducks, turkey, buffalo, goats, elk and more).

27. Tie Breaker Family Aquatic Center

9503 Eagle Way Bypass Hopkinsville, KY 42240 1 (270) 890-0730 Tie Breaker Family Aquatic Center features a twisting tube, open-air plume, lazy river, and the splash zone, an interactive playground for toddlers to teens. The center is open daily from Memorial Day through the start of school, after that you can visit on weekends until Labor Day.

Clarksville

28. Clarksville Speedway and Fairgrounds

1600 Needmore Road Clarksville, TN 37040 1 (931) 645-2523 The UMP-sanctioned speedway boasts a 1/8-mile drag strip and 1/4-mile dirt track. The Clarksville Speedway and Fairgrounds also host events like the county fair, the circus, roller derby and drive-thru Christmas lights.

29. Cumberland RiverWalk and River Center at McGregor Park

640 N. Riverside Drive Clarksville, TN 37040 1 (931) 645-7476 The Cumberland RiverWalk has transformed the downtown area. It is the premier location for music events, art exhibits, and community festivals. The walk includes a 2-mile riverfront promenade, wharf, amphitheaters, an overlook plaza, a playground, and a picnic area.

30. Fort Defiance Civil War Park and Interpretive Center

120 Duncan St. Clarksville, TN 37042 1 (931) 472-3351 Located on a bluff 200 feet above the confluence of the Red and Cumberland rivers, Fort Defiance Civil War Park has a breathtaking view of downtown. Visitors are encouraged to walk the trails and enjoy the history. Displays, cannons, and occasional re-enactors are just some of the things you can enjoy on your visit to Fort Defiance. The center offers free group tours and field trips for students to learn about local history and the Civil War in Tennessee.

Distilleries and Breweries

Kentucky

31. Bourbon Distilleries

Kentucky is known for its bourbon. In fact, nearly 100% of bourbon is made in the state so it makes sense that there’d be ample distilleries to visit near Fort Campbell. Plan a tour with a group, find the distilleries closest to you, or follow the extensive Kentucky Bourbon Trail through the state.

Tennessee

32.Breweries

Tennessee is quickly becoming a craft brewing state. While you might think Tennessee is known for its music because of Nashville, the city and the rest of the state is chock full of new and well-established craft breweries. Some of the best breweries near Fort Campbell can be found here.

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Conclusion

The Kentucky/Tennessee area surrounding Fort Campbell has so much more to offer than meets the eye. Whether you’re interested in fishing, hunting, boating, or hiking, there’s something there for you. Or, if you prefer a different kind of entertainment like bourbon tasting, historical re-enactments or live music, they have that too. Whatever your mood, there’s something for you to enjoy near your new home. Get out there and start exploring!