8 Best Things to Do in Dickson, Tennessee
Dickson a quaint city in Tennessee filled with history, culture, and charm. Here are the best things to do in Dickson, TN.
From exploring a historic railroad hotel museum to indulging in a day of pampering at a spa, there are plenty of fun things to do in Dickson. And since Dickson is just 35 miles from Nashville, it makes for a great day trip or weekend getaway!
My guide to this charming city includes must-visit attractions, local eats, unique shopping, and annual events. You’ll love these quintessential Dickson activities!
Top Things to Do in Dickson, TN
1. Clement Railroad Hotel Museum
The Clement Railroad Hotel Museum is housed in the old Hotel Halbrook State Historic Site, one of the few remaining examples of a railroad hotel in Tennessee.
The Hotel Halbrook was constructed in 1913 and operated until 1954. It was mainly managed by women, and Governor Frank G. Clement was born in the back room.
The museum is a great introduction to Dickson’s history. You’ll learn all about the town’s commerce, it’s role in the Civil War, the county’s Civil Rights progress, and all about Governor Clement.
2. Bloom Day Spa
Bloom Day Spa is a relaxing small town spa in Downtown Dickson.
You can spend the day getting pampered with massages, facials, body treatments, hydrotherapy soaks, hair removal, tinting and lash services, and nail services.
They have a quiet and cozy relaxation room where you can sip complimentary wine and a sauna where you can feel cleansed and refreshed. It’s the perfect way to spend the day or even just an afternoon!
3. Montgomery Bell State Park
Montgomery Bell State Park has three lakes on its 3,850 acres, a Lodge and restaurant, plenty of campsites, an 18-hole golf course, and miles of hiking trails.
The park was named for iron tycoon Montgomery Bell who formed one of the largest iron industries in Tennessee. The park is built where his main iron furnace was located, though no furnace exists today.
Hike the trails like the Ore Pit Loop Trail to explore some of the pits where they used to mine for iron, see the site of the first Cumberland Presbyterian Church along with replica structures, and enjoy lake activities like swimming, fishing, boating, and paddling.
4. Promise Land
Promise Land in the neighboring town of Charlotte, TN was the first African American community in Dickson County.
The community was established after the Civil War by freedmen and women. It covered about 1,000 acres and included 50 homes, several stores, two churches, and a school.
Only the St. John Church and the schoolhouse remain today. You can make an appointment to tour the historic buildings.
5. Eat Your Way Around Town
Dickson has a ton of great places to eat!
You’ll find everything from pizza to burgers to craft beer to upscale fine dining. Here are a few of my favorites:
- Zander’s Woodfired Pizza for their pizzas and ice cream flights
- One19 Craft Kitchen & Brewery for their on-site brewed beer and pub-style classics, Little Bite of Everything for their award-winning burgers and hand-cut fries
- Lugo’s for their upscale contemporary American dishes
- Las Delicias Traditional Flavors of México for their authentic Mexican food and homemade ice cream
6. Shopping on Main Street
Dickson has plenty of local shops to explore.
You have everything from antique shop to bookstores to boutiques. The Downtown Dickson Historic District has over 100 locally owned commercial businesses, boutiques, and restaurants, so it’s the perfect place to shop for a local souvenir.
Here are a few local Dickson stores to check out:
- Buff City Soap — deliciously scented soaps you can buy and learn to make yourself
- Reading Rock Books — new and used books
- High Cotton — unique gifts, clothing, and decor from over 100 vendors
- At Home on Main — clothing and accessories for women
7. Attend an Annual Event like Burns BBQ Bash
With annual events all year-round, Dickson is fun to visit any time of year!
The 1st Saturday Arts and Craft Market happens on the first Saturday of each month, in May you can celebrate all things Old Timers at the Old Timers Day Festival, and in early-May to late-June you can attend the Promise Land Music and Arts Festival.
When I visited, I got to experience the Burns BBQ Bash. This free festival in Burns, Tennessee hosts local ad near-by barbeque competitors to find the best local barbeque. The festival also has craft vendors, food vendors, live music, fun and games for the kids, and a fireworks finale.
8. Stay at East Hills Inn B&B
If you’re looking for a unique place to stay, the East Hills Inn Bed & Breakfast is the perfect choice. This B&B is tucked away in a suburban neighborhood with a huge park-like property.
This fully restored 1940s home is a great place to stay for a romantic weekend in Dickson. There are four bedrooms all with private baths, plus three cottages.
The bed and breakfast is only a few minutes from Downtown Dickson and Montgomery Bell State Park.
Dickson Things to Do Map
Ready to do all these fun Dickson activities? Use the map below to plan out your trip.
I hope you have a great time exploring Dickson, Tennessee!
Dickson, TN FAQ
What is Dickson, TN known for historically?
Dickson, TN is known for its railroad history as it was a major stop on the railroad line between Nashville and the Tennessee River. The town was also the home of former Tennessee Governor Frank G. Clement who had a hand in desegregating Tennessee. Nearby is the Promise Land African American community established shortly after the Civil War.
What’s close to Dickson, TN?
Dickson is only about 35 miles from Nashville and Franklin. Towns and cities in Dickson County include Burnes, Charlotte, Dickson, Slayden, Vanleer, and White Bluff.
Did Luke Perry live in Dickson, TN?
Yes, Luke Perry lived part-time in Dickson County where he owned a farm in Vanleer in the mid-1990s.
Is Dickson a suburb of Nashville?
Dickson is not a suburb of Nashville, but it is part of the Nashville metropolitan area. Dickson is a city in Dickson County, just about 35 miles west of Nashville.
Where to Stay in Dickson, Tennessee
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your visit to Dickson, from the top rated accommodations to unique stays you can’t get anywhere else.
- Where We Stayed: East Hills Inn Bed & Breakfast
- Best Hotel: Hampton Inn Dickson
- Great Value: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Dickson
- Unique Stay: Lodge at Montgomery Bell
More Tennessee Itineraries
Find more fun things to do nearby in Tennessee with these top posts.
- Romantic Weekend in Dickson, TN Itinerary
- Tips for Visiting Montgomery Bell State Park
- Tennessee Hikes: Ore Pit Loop Trail
- 14 Fun Things to Do in Nashville, TN
- An Unforgettable Visit to Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis, TN
- See Rock City: Your Ultimate Guide
- 8 Incredibly Fun Things To Do in Chattanooga, TN
- One Day in Chattanooga, TN Itinerary
- Perfect Girls’ Weekend in Chattanooga, TN
- The Lost Sea: America’s Largest Underground Lake in Tennessee
Ready to visit Dickson, Tennessee? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Dickson using Booking.com.
- Start Packing: Check out my packing list resources so you’re prepared for your trip.
Cheers!
Paige
Which of these top things to do in Dickson, TN are you most looking forward to? Let me know in the comments below!