Discover the Best Things to Do in Crossville, TN: Guide for Visitors.
Crossville, Tennessee, is a charming small town located in Cumberland County. Crossville is in the heart of the Appalachian region and has a rich history and breathtaking natural scenery.
With just over 12,000, the town is known for its warm hospitality and laid-back lifestyle. Crossville has a strong sense of community, with residents actively involved in local events and initiatives.
One of the main attractions in Crossville is the Cumberland County Playhouse, a renowned performing arts theater that has become a cultural hub for the region.
The Playhouse hosts a range of productions throughout the year, featuring local talent and professional actors from across the country. As a result, the theater has helped put Crossville on the map, attracting visitors from near and far who come to experience the vibrant arts scene.
In addition to the Playhouse, Crossville is home to various other attractions and amenities. The town has a thriving downtown area with unique shops, restaurants, galleries, and several parks and outdoor recreation areas.
Cumberland Mountain State Park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, and fishing, while Lake Tansi offers boating and swimming opportunities. Crossville is also known for its excellent golf courses, with several championship-level courses in the area.
Overall, Crossville offers a unique blend of small-town charm and cultural sophistication. The town’s rich history and natural beauty are matched by its thriving arts scene and modern amenities, making it an ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the best of Tennessee.
Cumberland Mountain State Park
The tranquil and picturesque Cumberland Mountain State Park lies in the rolling hills of Cumberland County, Tennessee. This 1,720-acre park boasts an artificial lake, Byrd Lake, as a central hub for many recreational activities.
Visitors can hike through miles of winding trails, bike along scenic paths, and swim in the refreshing waters of the Olympic-sized pool. Nature enthusiasts can indulge in bird watching or cast their lines and reel in catches of catfish, bass, bluegill, and bream from the lake’s banks.
As visitors stroll through the park’s lush woodlands, they’ll come across rustic cabins tucked away amidst the trees, offering a perfect retreat for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Each cabin has all the modern amenities needed, including cable TV, fully equipped kitchens, and fireplaces that are perfect for snuggling up with a good book on chilly nights.
The park’s campgrounds offer a peaceful retreat, and visitors can pitch their tents or park their RVs at any of the 147 campsites with provided hookups.
For avid golfers, the park offers a world-class championship golf course designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cumberland Plateau, this links-style course offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience that takes full advantage of the natural terrain.
With thirty-six cabins ranging from modern to rustic for lodging, visitors can fully immerse themselves in the golfing experience at Cumberland Mountain State Park.
With its beautiful lake, diverse activities, and breathtaking scenery, Cumberland Mountain State Park is a true oasis of peace and serenity that will refresh visitors.
Crossville Model Railroad Club
The Crossville Model Railroad Club in Tennessee is a true marvel for train enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates finely crafted models. This museum boasts a collection of five layouts, each dedicated to a different scale of the model trains.
From the largest ‘G’ scale to the most miniature ‘Z’ scale, visitors can witness a stunning variety of displays that showcase the history of railroading in the United States. The attention to detail in the construction of the layouts is awe-inspiring, and visitors are invited to explore each one to appreciate the hard work that has gone into creating them.
The museum is home to the Crossville Model Railroad Club and the Upper Cumberland Railroad Society, both dedicated to preserving and honoring the railroading heritage in Tennessee and beyond.
The volunteers who maintain the displays are passionate about sharing their knowledge and love of trains with visitors, making it an ideal destination for families and individuals of all ages.
The club members invest thousands of hours annually to operate and maintain the display suite, which includes a library filled with books and memorabilia that visitors can peruse to learn more about this fascinating hobby.
The Crossville Model Railroad Club is more than just a museum; it is a community of people who share a common interest in trains and railroading. The club is open to anyone who wants to start or expand their knowledge of this beloved hobby, and the members are always willing to share their expertise with visitors.
The monthly meetings and social gatherings offer opportunities to meet other enthusiasts and learn more about the history and technology of trains. With its welcoming atmosphere and impressive displays, the Crossville Model Railroad Club is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the fascinating world of model trains.
Military Memorial Museum
The Military Memorial Museum is an excellent destination for history buffs and military enthusiasts visiting Crossville, Tennessee. The museum boasts over 5,000 military objects, ranging from weapons and uniforms to medals and personal belongings.
The artifacts span conflicts from the Civil War to the present day, and visitors can explore the exhibits organized by war. The museum is housed in a beautifully restored historic building, adding to the ambiance of the displays and exhibits.
As visitors enter the museum, they are greeted by the history of Cumberland County during the Civil War, setting the scene for the rest of the exhibits.
The World War II section is pervasive, including a particular area dedicated to Camp Crossville, a German POW camp that operated in the area during the war. Visitors can view the memoir of Gerhard Hennes, Behind Barbed Wire, which provides a personal account of life as a prisoner of war at Camp Crossville.
The museum also honors local heroes, including World War I Medal of Honor recipients from Tennessee and Sergeant Alvin C. York, a legendary figure who served in World War I and received the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive.
The Military Memorial Museum offers an educational and engaging experience for visitors of all ages. The exhibits are informative and provide a unique perspective on the history of the United States through the lens of military conflict.
The museum is staffed by friendly and knowledgeable tour guides happy to share their expertise with visitors. Admission to the museum is free, making it an accessible and valuable resource for the community and visitors alike.
The Military Memorial Museum is a testament to the dedication and passion of local historians and military veterans who have worked tirelessly to preserve and share the stories of those who have served the country.
Chuckles
Chuckles Fun Center is a popular family entertainment center that opened in 2004 in Crossville, Tennessee. With a sprawling 7-acre facility, Chuckles is a one-stop destination for all your entertainment needs.
The indoor activity center boasts an extensive range of arcade games, including redemption games where you can win tokens for prizes at the redemption counter. The facility also houses a large laser tag arena perfect for group outings, birthday parties, and team-building events.
If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion, Chuckles has themed party rooms that can accommodate all your needs.
Its commitment to excellence sets Chuckles apart from other family entertainment centers. From the cleanliness and appearance of its facilities to the quality of its personnel, Chuckles strives to create an environment that is safe, inviting, and enjoyable for people of all ages.
The entire staff is dedicated to providing excellent service and ensuring every guest has a great experience. Chuckles regularly inspect its facilities to maintain a high standard of excellence, encouraging teamwork among the staff and elevating morale.
If you’re looking for outdoor entertainment, Chuckles has got you covered. Its award-winning 18-hole miniature golf course is a major attraction, featuring unique landscaping and all-pro turf that provides a challenge even to the serious golfer.
Chuckles also have an exciting go-kart racetrack that spans over 700 feet and is loaded with twists and turns to get everyone’s competitive spirit going.
Even the littlest ones can join the fun with double-rider carts. And when you need a break from all the action, you can head to Chuckles’ famous Treetop Cafe for some delicious food and drinks.
Cumberland County Playhouse
Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Cumberland County Playhouse is a cultural gem that has become a cornerstone of the community in Crossville, Tennessee.
The theater boasts two indoor stages, an outdoor venue, a comprehensive education program, and a concert series, making it the only primary non-profit professional performing arts resource in rural Tennessee.
With more than 145,000 visitors annually, the Playhouse has become a beacon of artistic expression, attracting a resident professional company, a full-time staff, and more than 100 visiting professionals and guest artists nationwide.
The theater’s rich history is rooted in the visionary spirit of Paul Crabtree, a Broadway producer, and director who saw the potential for creativity and self-discovery in the small town of Crossville. So when community leaders approached him about staging a show for local school-aged children, Paul saw an opportunity to create something extraordinary.
With the entire community’s help, he built the Playhouse from the ground up, giving rise to a cultural institution thriving for over five decades.
Cumberland County Playhouse is a vibrant hub of artistic and cultural activity today. The theater’s diverse programming reflects a commitment to exploring critical social issues, while its education program helps to foster the next generation of artists and performers.