Parker's Crossroads TennesseeATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Parker's Crossroads, Tennessee.
1. Parkers Crossroads Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Parkers Crossroads Battlefield offers visitors a tour of the historic Civil War battlefield where General Nathan Bedford Forrest fought. The battlefield features four miles of paved trails and over 50 interpretive markers spread across preserved core hallowed ground. Visitors can explore both the north and south sides of the battlefield, which is bisected by Interstate 40.
2. Parkers Crossroads Visitor Center
INFORMATION AND MUSEUM HUB
The Parkers Crossroads Visitor Center serves as a fully staffed information hub with details on attractions from Memphis to Bristol. Inside, visitors will find the Parker's Crossroads Battlefield Bookstore, Gift Shop, and the Battlefield Interpretive Museum showcasing the epic tale of the Battle of Parker's Crossroads. The center is open from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM seven days a week, while the battlefield itself is accessible from sunrise to sunset daily.
3. Rev. John Parker House Site
HISTORIC BATTLEFIELD LANDMARK
The Rev. John Parker House Site marks a significant landmark on the Parker's Crossroads battlefield. This historic site is connected to the Parker family, for whom the crossroads is named, with family roots in the area dating back to 1820. While the original house no longer stands, the site provides important historical context for understanding the battle and the area's development.
4. Civil War Trails Markers
EDUCATIONAL BATTLEFIELD JOURNEY
The Civil War Trails Markers at Parker's Crossroads offer an educational journey through the historic battlefield. These interpretive markers explain the action that took place during the battle, providing context and details about troop movements and strategies. Visitors can follow these markers along the battlefield's paved trails to gain a comprehensive understanding of this significant Civil War engagement.
5. Shiloh National Military Park
MAJOR CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Shiloh National Military Park preserves the site of the first major battle in the Western Theater of the Civil War. Located within driving distance of Parker's Crossroads, this park offers extensive exhibits, a film, driving tour, and numerous monuments commemorating the April 6-7, 1862 battle. The park also includes the Shiloh National Cemetery and the preserved steamboat landing at Pittsburg Landing.
6. Fort Donelson National Battlefield
STRATEGIC RIVER FORTRESS
Fort Donelson National Battlefield preserves a Civil War fort that was critical to controlling the Cumberland River. The February 1862 Union victory at Fort Donelson was one of the first significant victories for Union forces and helped launch the career of General Ulysses S. Grant. Visitors can explore the well-preserved earthworks, cannons, the Dover Hotel (surrender site), and scenic river views through a driving tour and hiking trails.
7. Casey Jones Village
RAILROAD HERO TRIBUTE
Casey Jones Village honors the legendary railroad engineer who sacrificed his life to save passengers during a train crash in 1900. This attraction features the Casey Jones Home & Railroad Museum, an old-country store, and restaurants serving Southern cuisine. Visitors can explore railroad memorabilia, see a replica of Casey's famous engine, and learn about this American folk hero's life and legacy.
8. Rustic Soul Cafe
HOMESTYLE SOUTHERN DINING
Rustic Soul Cafe offers visitors authentic Southern cuisine in a charming, casual atmosphere near the battlefield. The restaurant specializes in homestyle cooking including classics like country-fried steak, catfish, and made-from-scratch sides that reflect the region's culinary heritage. It serves as a popular gathering spot for both locals and battlefield visitors seeking hearty meals after exploring the historic sites.
9. Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm
UNIQUE JEWELRY EXPERIENCE
The Tennessee River Freshwater Pearl Farm is the only freshwater pearl culturing farm in North America, located within driving distance of Parker's Crossroads. Visitors can tour the farm, observe the pearl cultivation process, and learn about the history of pearl farming in Tennessee. The on-site jewelry store offers unique pearl jewelry pieces created from pearls harvested directly from the farm.
10. Natchez Trace State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Natchez Trace State Park offers over 48,000 acres of outdoor recreation opportunities near Parker's Crossroads. The park features four lakes for fishing and boating, miles of hiking and horseback riding trails, and diverse wildlife viewing opportunities. Visitors can also enjoy camping, cabins, a lodge, and a restaurant within this beautiful natural setting named for the historic Natchez Trace trade route.
11. The Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE AND CRAFTS
The Farmers Market in nearby Lexington offers visitors a taste of local Tennessee produce, homemade goods, and artisan crafts. Open seasonally, the market features vendors selling fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, jams, honey, and handcrafted items from the region. It provides a perfect opportunity to interact with local producers and take home authentic Tennessee products as souvenirs.
12. Beech Lake
FISHING AND RECREATION SPOT
Beech Lake is a popular fishing and recreation destination located near Parker's Crossroads in Lexington. The 300-acre lake is known for excellent bass, crappie, and catfish fishing, with boat ramps and fishing piers available for public use. Surrounding amenities include picnic areas, swimming beaches, and walking trails that make it perfect for family outings.
13. Rusty's TV and Movie Car Museum
FAMOUS VEHICLE COLLECTION
Rusty's TV and Movie Car Museum houses an impressive collection of vehicles featured in famous films and television shows. Visitors can see authentic and replica cars from productions like The Dukes of Hazzard, Batman, Ghostbusters, and many more iconic franchises. The museum offers a unique entertainment experience within driving distance of Parker's Crossroads for film enthusiasts and car lovers alike.
14. Chickasaw State Park
SERENE FOREST RETREAT
Chickasaw State Park encompasses 1,280 acres of forested hills and scenic landscapes near Parker's Crossroads. The park offers activities including hiking, horseback riding, boating, fishing, and camping in a tranquil natural setting. Visitors can explore Lake Placid, rentable cabins, campgrounds, and the riding stables that make this park a popular destination for nature lovers.
15. Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store
NOSTALGIC DINING EXPERIENCE
Brooks Shaw's Old Country Store offers visitors a combination of Southern dining and nostalgic shopping within driving distance of Parker's Crossroads. The restaurant serves a popular Southern buffet featuring classic dishes like fried chicken, country ham, and homemade desserts in a charming, antique-filled setting. The adjacent general store sells old-fashioned candies, regional foods, unique gifts, and collectibles that capture the spirit of rural Tennessee.