Murfreesboro, Tennessee · Published by Emberlight Studios
Updated October 2026 · 9 places · Murfreesboro
Quick answer
Our top picks are Barfield Crescent Park, Old Fort Park and Gateway Island.
These free, year-round options in Murfreesboro include city parks and trails, a historic museum, a preserved village, public art, and a public library. Check each venue’s own website for current access details, since some sites have seasonal schedules or weekday-only hours.
697 Veterans Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN 37128
Barfield Crescent Park is a 430-acre city park in south Murfreesboro with paved and unpaved walking trails. Its natural areas include forest, grassland and riverside habitat, and the park offers more than seven miles of trails.
Best for: hiking and nature
1025 Old Fort Parkway, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Old Fort Park is a 50-acre community park with a playground, skate park, pump track, open play space and access to the greenway. The city also identifies picnic facilities and restrooms among its amenities.
Best for: playgrounds and greenway access
1875 West College Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Gateway Island is a city park connected to the West College Street greenway trailhead. The city describes the greenway as a paved system for walking, running, cycling and other non-motorized activities, linking trails and natural settings around Murfreesboro.
Best for: walking by the river
312 South Front Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
Cannonsburgh Village is a historic village representing roughly a century of early Tennessee life, from the 1830s to the 1930s. The city offers free self-guided tours of the site.
Best for: local history
1 Public Square, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
The Rutherford County Historic Courthouse Museum occupies five exhibit rooms in the historic courthouse on the downtown square. Its displays include local objects and artifacts tracing more than 200 years of county history, and admission is free.
Best for: county history
105 South Church Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
The Patriot’s Flag is an outdoor mosaic mural mounted on the Shacklett’s Photography building in downtown Murfreesboro. The 8-by-16-foot artwork is made from 650 hand-painted tiles created by residents from across Rutherford County.
Best for: public art
105 West Vine Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Linebaugh Public Library is the Rutherford County Library System’s main library, located near the downtown square. The library system provides public library services, and its Murfreesboro locations offer free community resources and programming.
Best for: reading and community programs
521 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Myrtle Glanton Lord Public Library is a Rutherford County Library System branch on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Local coverage describes its books and digital resources alongside free storytimes, reading support and craft and activity programs.
Best for: children and families
2240 North Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro, TN 37129
The Murfreesboro Greenway is a city trail system of paved paths, bridges and boardwalks, with the Stones River Trail forming its main route. The city lists walking, running, bicycling, skating, nature photography, picnicking, birdwatching and fishing among the activities visitors can enjoy.
Best for: walking, cycling and birdwatching