Bicentennial Capitol Mall Highlights
Notification Alert

Ongoing Improvements at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Visitors may experience temporary closures and limited access at Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park due to ongoing capital improvement projects. Work will include infrastructure and facility upgrades to enhance the park for future visitors. Some areas of the park may be closed at times, and nearby parking or road access may be affected.

Please check our website and social media pages for updates. We appreciate your patience and understanding during these renovations.

  • Tall, white columns with blue accents stand among blooming trees. A vibrant pink tree in the foreground contrasts with a cloudy sky. Serene atmosphere.

    • A Walk Through Tennessee’s Story

    Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park isn't just a park; it's a living, breathing history book etched into the heart of Nashville. This urban oasis offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical monuments, and cultural experience — all within the shadow of the Tennessee State Capitol. But there's more to this park than meets the eye. Discover the hidden gems and historical secrets that make Bicentennial Capitol Mall a must-visit destination.

    Explore the Park

    Discover Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

    Created as a part of Tennessee's 200th anniversary celebration held on June 1, 1996, Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park stands as a testament to the state's rich heritage and vibrant future. More than just a green space, the nearly 20-acre park serves as an educational and recreational hub, inviting visitors to explore Tennessee's history, ecology, and culture. The park's design thoughtfully integrates natural features representing the state's diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Eastern Tennessee to the fertile plains of its western reaches. This park is a place where history comes alive, where families can gather, and where the spirit of Tennessee shines brightly. 
    Fountains spray water upward in a plaza surrounded by green trees and a tall flagpole with flags. The sky is blue with fluffy clouds, creating a lively atmosphere.

    History

    The story of Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park isn't just about a park; it's about a state coming of age, a celebration of its past, and a promise for its future.

    As Tennessee approached its bicentennial in 1996, a vision began to take shape of a space that would not only commemorate the state's 200 years but also serve as a legacy and a place where history could be touched, felt, and understood. This wasn't just about creating another green space. It was about weaving together the threads of Tennessee's story into a tapestry of stone, water, and native plants.  

    The early 1990s saw the earnest beginnings of this ambitious project. Where state businesses and parking lots once stood, a transformation began. The landscape was reshaped, and the foundations for a unique urban park were laid. The visionaries behind the project sought to create more than just a pretty space. They wanted a living classroom: a place where visitors could walk through time and learn about the events and figures that shaped Tennessee.  

    Honoring the Past, Building the Future

    In 1996, the dream became a reality. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park was officially dedicated on Tennessee's 200th birthday. The park opened its gates, inviting Tennesseans and visitors alike to step into a carefully crafted narrative of their state's history. The park's design became a deliberate act of storytelling, with each element carefully chosen to represent a piece of Tennessee's identity.
      • A row of black granite timeline markers lines a path through the park, each engraved with a year, set against colorful autumn foliage and a backdrop of the Nashville skyline.

      Moving Through Tennessee's History

      Guiding visitors through the park, the Pathway of History etches Tennessee's milestones in granite, showing the timeline of a state shaped by triumphs and trials. At the north end of the park, the Court of Three Stars honors the unity of East, Middle, and West Tennessee. Near the Visitor Center, an expansive 200-foot granite map offers a bird’s-eye view of the land, tracing musical roots, waterways, and topography. Nearby, fountains babble like the state's rivers and streams, flowing into the Mississippi River trough at the River Fountain. The planters on the east side of the park showcase the variety of flora throughout the state, including a sample of native plants from all three regions of the state.

      • Black globe sculpture surrounded by tall engraved panels and trees under a blue sky.

      Markers of Memory

      The World War II Memorial, anchored by an 8-ton granite globe, remembers the sacrifices of Tennesseans who served, including seven Medal of Honor recipients. At the north end, the 95-bell carillon rises as a musical landmark, chiming every quarter hour and filling the air with song on the hour. Memorials across the grounds preserve Tennessee’s spirit of resilience — the Civilian Conservation Corps and Works Progress Administration are honored in stone, while the Civil Rights Memorial stands as a solemn reminder of the fight for justice.

    • Outdoor amphitheater with white chairs and a stage with a canopy, distant buildings in background.

    Community Spaces & Events

    The park’s 2,000-seat terraced amphitheater, modeled after the Greek theater at Epidaurus, offers sweeping views of the Nashville skyline and can be reserved for events. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park regularly hosts both park-sponsored and community events, and while portions of the grounds may be impacted by street closures during these times, visitors are encouraged to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and spirit of the gatherings.

    From the Rangers

      • Aerial view of an outdoor amphitheater with semicircular steps and two towers. Surrounded by lush green trees and pathways, conveying tranquility and openness.

      The Perfect Day 

      Begin your day with a trip to the Visitor Center to grab a map and start your self-guided tour. Stroll along the Pathway of History, immersing yourself in Tennessee's past, and then head to the Court of Three Stars to experience the unique acoustics. Conclude your day by enjoying the cityscape view from the north end of the park, and walking down the east side of the park to see the state's varying flora.

      • Aerial view of a city park with train tracks and surrounding buildings.

      Insider Information 

      Venture to the far south end of the park to discover the 200-foot granite map of Tennessee, complete with additional maps highlighting the state's musical heritage, land usage, and topography. Also, take note of the natural features on the 6th Avenue side of the park, which are representative of ecology throughout Tennessee. This starts with having bald cypresses on the south end of the park, eastern red cedars in the middle of the park, and beech trees on the north end of the park — each section correlating to one of our grand divisions.  

      • The front entrance of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park Visitor Center features large glass panels decorated with scenic and historical images, including soldiers, a flag display, park columns, and a globe monument. The glass doors display operating hours and the Tennessee State Parks logo.

      Know Before You Go

      Getting to the park is easy, with free parking available on 6th and 7th Avenues. The park also hosts events year-round, and portions of the grounds may be impacted by street closures during these times. We appreciate your patience and invite you to enjoy the unique atmosphere these gatherings bring to the park.

    Download Park Map
    • Aerial view of a city park with a circular plaza featuring a star pattern. Tree-lined paths extend towards a city skyline under a clear blue sky.
    • Aerial view of a cityscape featuring a prominent neoclassical building, surrounded by lush green lawns and trees. Tall skyscrapers in the background under a clear sky convey a lively urban atmosphere.
    • Aerial view of paved plaza featuring a large, outlined Tennessee shape. Train tracks run above, bordered by lush green trees lining the pathways.

    Land and Water

    The park offers a stunning view of the historic Tennessee State Capitol building from its north end. This vantage point allows visitors to appreciate the park's design in relation to the city's iconic landmark. Although the park does not have natural bodies of water, it features McNairy Springs (a re-creation) on the west side of the park between 7th Avenue and the Amphitheater.  

    Plants

    Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park showcases a diversity of plant and animal life.

    Take a stroll through the park and learn directly from a park ranger about the unique flora and fauna that call this space home. The park displays flora prominent throughout the state, offering a glimpse into Tennessee's diverse ecosystems. 

    • Sunlight filters through lush green leaves above a tall black metal fence, creating a serene and peaceful atmosphere in the park setting.

    Trees of Tennessee

    Explore our interactive guide to discover the tree species growing throughout the park.

    The trees in the park were carefully selected to represent the diverse array of species found in Tennessee. Learn how these plantings celebrate the state’s rich ecological diversity. 

    Learn More
    • Upward view through a canopy of green leaves against a bright sky.

    Plant Types

    • Eastern Red Cedar
    • Redbud (Eastern Redbud)
    • Tulip Poplar (Tulip Tree, State Tree)
    • Bald Cypress
    • Eastern Hophornbeam
    • Swamp Oak (Willow Oak)
    • Pawpaw (Asimina Triloba)
    • Redbud (Eastern Redbud)
    • Southern Magnolia
    • American Holly
    • Sassafras
    • Eastern Red Cedar
    • Sugar Maple
    • Yellow Wood
    • Virginia Pine
    • Red Maple
    • Big Leaf Magnolia 
    • Beech (American Beech)
    • London Planetree

    Animals

    Wildlife can be seen throughout the park, including occasional nocturnal mammals. 

    • A small brown rabbit sits among green foliage and dry twigs, looking to the left. The scene conveys a calm, natural forest setting.

    Animal Species

    • Squirrels
    • Rabbits
    • Skunks
    • Opossums
    • Snakes

    Inspiration

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      Tennessee State Park Road Trips

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      Eight Stroller Friendly State Parks In Tennessee

      Tennessee is well known for its beautiful state parks that offer a variety of outdoor activities for families. However, not all state parks are equally accessible for families with young children. Parents with strollers often face challenges due to uneven terrain, steep hills, or narrow paths. In this blog post, we will explore eight state parks in Tennessee that are stroller-friendly and offer a great outdoor experience for families with young children.
      Read Article
    Get Inspired

    Enhance Your Park Visit with Our Mobile Apps

    Plan your visit with the Tennessee State Parks app and discover guided adventures with the Explore Tennessee State Parks app.

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