Baxter TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Baxter, Tennessee.
1. Window Cliffs State Natural Area
SCENIC HIKING ADVENTURE
Window Cliffs State Natural Area offers a strenuous 5.4-mile hike with multiple river crossings, a waterfall, and breathtaking views of the cliff windows. The trail is considered challenging but rewarding, with unique geological formations that give the park its name. Visitors are advised to bring water shoes for the river crossings, though some hikers manage without them.
2. DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards
LOCAL WINE TASTING
DelMonaco Winery & Vineyards is a 52-acre estate that was purchased by the DelMonaco family in 2006 and completed in November 2008. The winery started with only four varietals and has expanded to include nearly 30 acres of vineyards. DelMonaco Winery offers a bar setting for wine tastings and is one of the top attractions in Baxter.
3. Cockspur Market
LOCAL FARMERS MARKET
Cockspur Market is a beloved farmers market in Baxter known for its warm and friendly atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the helpful locals who contribute to a very good experience in the area. The market offers a variety of local produce and goods, making it a popular spot for both residents and tourists.
4. Baxter City Park
RECREATIONAL GREEN SPACE
Baxter City Park serves as the main recreational area for residents and visitors in Baxter. The park offers various outdoor activities and green spaces for families to enjoy. It ranks as one of the top attractions in the Baxter area according to visitor ratings.
5. Cookeville Boat Dock
WATERCRAFT RENTALS
Cookeville Boat Dock provides pontoon rentals and other watercraft for enjoying Center Hill Lake. Visitors praise the friendly and helpful staff at the marina who enhance the overall experience. The dock serves as a gateway to water-based recreation in the Baxter area.
6. Vintage Rose Antiques
UNIQUE ANTIQUE SHOPPING
Vintage Rose Antiques is located in a new warehouse facility at 10495 Cookeville Boat Dock Road in Baxter. The store offers furniture, collectibles, decor, and a nice farmhouse selection for shoppers interested in unique finds. They operate with specific hours on Thursdays, providing a specialized shopping experience for antique enthusiasts.
7. Cummins Falls State Park
NATURAL WATERFALL WONDER
Cummins Falls State Park is one of Tennessee's most scenic waterfalls, located near Baxter in Cookeville. The park features a 75-foot waterfall that cascades into a deep pool, making it a popular swimming destination during warm months. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails that lead to spectacular views of this natural wonder.
8. Burgess Falls State Park
CASCADING WATERFALL SYSTEM
Burgess Falls State Park showcases a series of spectacular cascades that plunge more than 250 feet in elevation. The park's 1.5-mile round-trip River Trail/Service Road Loop leads hikers past the cascades of the Falling Water River. Visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of four waterfalls, with the main waterfall dropping over 130 feet into a gorge.
9. Depot Museum & Visitors Center
LOCAL HISTORY HUB
The Depot Museum & Visitors Center is housed in a historic train depot building near Baxter, offering insights into local history and culture. The museum features exhibits about the railroad's importance to the area's development and other aspects of regional heritage. Visitors can gather information about local attractions while exploring this charming historical site.
10. Belle and Beau Acres
PRIVATE CAMPING RETREAT
Belle and Beau Acres offers a private oasis with primitive camping, nature trails, and water access including a waterfall. The campground provides a secluded retreat for those looking to connect with nature in the Baxter area. Visitors can enjoy the tranquil setting while still having access to natural water features and hiking opportunities.
11. Whistle Stop Restaurant
LOCAL ITALIAN-AMERICAN CUISINE
Whistle Stop Restaurant is a popular dining establishment in Baxter serving Italian, American, and pizza dishes. The restaurant has earned positive reviews from visitors and locals alike for its menu variety and quality. It stands as one of the primary dining options in the Baxter area, offering a casual and welcoming atmosphere.
12. Huddle House
CLASSIC AMERICAN DINER
Huddle House is an affordable American diner in Baxter offering classic comfort food in a casual setting. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a menu focused on traditional diner fare. Huddle House provides a reliable dining option for travelers and locals looking for familiar American cuisine at reasonable prices.
13. Center Hill Lake
SCENIC RECREATIONAL RESERVOIR
Center Hill Lake is a beautiful reservoir located near Baxter that offers numerous water recreation opportunities. The lake spans approximately 18,000 acres with 415 miles of shoreline, providing ample space for boating, fishing, swimming, and other water sports. Visitors access the lake through various marinas including Cookeville Boat Dock, where rentals are available for a day on the water.
14. Tennessee Tech University
HIGHER EDUCATION CAMPUS
Tennessee Technological University is a public research university located in nearby Cookeville, just a short drive from Baxter. The campus spans over 235 acres and offers visitors beautiful grounds, architectural points of interest, and various cultural and sporting events open to the public. The university contributes significantly to the region's cultural and educational landscape, hosting art exhibitions, musical performances, and NCAA Division I athletic competitions.
15. Cookeville History Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Cookeville History Museum preserves and showcases the rich heritage of the Cookeville area, including neighboring communities like Baxter. The museum features rotating exhibits that highlight various aspects of local history, from early settlement to modern development. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of this Upper Cumberland region of Tennessee.