Bicentennial Capitol Mall Tours
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.

  • A broad aerial shot shows the entire length of the park, including the amphitheater, long central lawn, Market House buildings to the left, and parking areas to the right, with a freight train passing along the park’s southern edge.
    • Stone pillars line a pathway with a city skyline and trees in the background.

    Bicentennial Capitol Mall Tours

    Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park offers many ways to explore Tennessee's history!

    Join us for an in-person tour of the park or find a digital park tour below to learn more about Tennessee’s unique stories. 

    In-Person Tours

    Our on-site tours of the park begin at the Visitors Center, on the corner of 6th Ave N. and Harrison St., underneath the train bridge. We’ll look at the park’s Map Plaza and River Fountains before heading into the park. The tour goes over each of our monuments and memorials, including the state World War II Memorial, as well as discuss some of the quotes along our expansive Pathway of History. Tours generally last around 60-75 minutes, and we’ll cover approximately one mile around the park on paved surfaces. 

    Want to book a tour for your group or organization?

    Contact Ranger England and Ranger Gibson at Mallory.England@tn.gov and Jackson.Gibson@tn.gov to set up a tour time. 

    • Aerial view of paved plaza featuring a large, outlined Tennessee shape. Train tracks run above, bordered by lush green trees lining the pathways.
    • The black granite globe of the World War II Memorial sits in the foreground, with engraved stone panels labeled “Gratitude,” “Triumph,” “Courage,” and more lit by early morning sunlight.

    Essential Eligibility Criteria for In-Person Tours

    Program participants should be able to independently, or with the assistance of a companion or adaptive equipment, do the following:

    • Be able to travel over 1-mile of paved surfaces. Regular bench seating is available.
    • Tolerate exposure to the natural elements, including sun and variable temperatures for up to two hours.
    • Stay alert and focus attention during instruction for one to two hours.
    • Understand and follow directions to avoid and/or manage risks in an urban environment. 

    Additional Tour Options

    • Digital Park Tour

      This digital tour highlights our park’s monuments, memorials, and key features that celebrate the history of Tennessee. Scroll through the interactive webpage for pictures of the park and to learn more about its features. This digital tour is great for viewers unfamiliar with the park, those who want to see photos of the park, and for learning general Tennessee history. 

      View Now

    • County Time Capsules Digital Tour

      Did you know our park has 99 time capsules? The County Time Capsules hold items from each of the state's 95 counties. These time capsules were installed in the park for the opening in 1996 and will be opened in 2096—the state's 300th birthday! The stainless steel capsules are underneath stones on the park's east side, each with an inscription about the county from 1995. 

      Curious to see what your county placed in the time capsule? Check out our webpage to learn more! 

      View County Time Capsules

    • Pathway of History Highlights Tour

      This digital tour features a few of the 500+ quotes along the 1,400-foot Pathway of History. Use the digital tour website to see significant events and fun facts that impacted Tennessee and world history. 

      View Pathway of History Highlights

    • Tennessee Trees Tour

      Explore the many native trees of Tennessee from anywhere! From swamp oaks to maples and big leaf magnolias to bald cypress trees, this digital tour takes a stroll along 6th Ave N., featuring trees from throughout the state. 

      View The Trees Tour

    • Path of Volunteers Brick Inscriptions

      The inner sidewalks of Bicentennial Capitol Mall are filled with nearly 17,000 inscriptions of individuals' and organizations' names who contributed to the creation of the park. Use this website to find where your brick lies within the park! 

      View the Path

    Support Trails at Tennessee State Parks

    With donations made through the Tennessee State Parks Trail Pack, you can help directly fund trail maintenance projects and new builds that will improve the future of trails at Tennessee State Parks. Plus, we'll send you some unique, annual vinyl stickers with each donation.

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    Search Places to Stay

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