Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park
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  • View from inside a large cave opening looking out onto a lush green forest, with rocks and a shallow stream in the foreground and sunlight illuminating the trees beyond.
    • Discover the humble beginnings of Cordell Hull, a sharecropper's son who rose to become Secretary of State and a Nobel Peace Prize recipient. On 55 magnificent acres, Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park offers a glimpse into the past with its preserved log cabin, museum, and the scenic Bunkum Cave Trail. Visitors can explore the legacy of a remarkable Tennessean while enjoying the natural beauty of the area. 
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    Safety and Accessibility

    • Safety

      At Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park, visitor safety is a top priority. The park staff is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests. Visitors should be aware of potential hazards, such as sinkholes near the cave, and take necessary precautions. When visiting the mouth of Bunkum Cave, visitors should be aware that the trail is narrow in some parts and there are two stairwells with metal stairs. The cave is open May 1 through August 31, and you must have a permit which can be obtained online.  

    • Accessibility  

      Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park strives to provide an inclusive experience for all visitors. The park museum is wheelchair accessible, allowing individuals with mobility devices to explore the exhibits and learn about Cordell Hull's life and legacy. While the Bunkum Cave Trail presents some challenges due to its natural terrain and stairwells, the park offers alternative ways to experience the park's beauty, such as the scenic overlooks and the storybook trail. Visitors with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the park office in advance to discuss available accommodation and plan their visit accordingly.  

      More Accessibility Details

    • Responsible Recreation  

      Tennessee State Parks are dedicated to promoting responsible recreation — encouraging visitors to enjoy the parks’ natural beauty while minimizing their own impact. By practicing Leave No Trace principles and respecting park rules, visitors can help preserve these precious resources for future generations. 

      Find Out How

    Featured Park Attractions

      • Victorian era man in suit and hat holding a cigar, standing beside a chair.

      Cordell Hull Library and Archives

      Delve into the life and times of Cordell Hull through historical documents, photographs, and exhibits showcasing his distinguished career and contributions to international diplomacy.   

      • View from inside a rocky cave opening, overlooking a serene forest with bare trees under a clear blue sky. The scene feels peaceful and natural.

      Bunkum Cave

      Explore the wonders of Bunkum Cave, a natural limestone cave with a stream running through it, a small waterfall, and cascade falls. Note that the cave is closed September 1 to April 30 to protect the fragile ecosystem and prevent the spread of White Nose Syndrome.   

      • A rustic wooden cabin with a stone chimney and weathered appearance sits behind a wooden fence. Surrounded by grass and trees under a clear blue sky.

      Replica Birthplace Cabin

      Experience Hull’s early years by visiting the thoughtfully recreated log cabin where he was born in 1871. This charming representation offers a glimpse into the simplicity of frontier life that shaped a future Nobel Peace Prize–winning statesman.

      • Front view of a modern museum entrance with stone and wood facade.

      Cordell Hull Museum

      Discover the life and legacy of Cordell Hull inside the park’s museum, where a variety of engaging photographs and artifacts bring the story to life.

    Park Activities

    Park Amenities

    • Gift Shop
    • Trails
    • Museum
    • Visitor Center
    • All-Terrain Wheelchair

    Inspiration

    • cummins_falls.jpg

      Fall Family Getaways at Tennessee State Parks

      To help you plan your fall vacation, we’ve put together a list of family-friendly getaways. Each experience offers a variety of crowd-pleasing activities and overnight accommodations that fit the needs of families.
      Read Article
    • Sunlit snowy forest with scattered trees and blue sky.

      Escape to a Winter Wonderland at These 3 State Parks

      Wake up to a fresh blanket of snow, explore frosty forests, and find cozy bakeries along the way. Here are three Tennessee state parks to visit this winter if you're searching for a cabin getaway in wonderland.
      Read Article
    Get Inspired
      Meeting room with tables, chairs, wooden floor, and American flag.

    Cordell Hull Meeting Room

    Rates subject to change. Taxes and fees are not included.  

    If you are looking for a space for your next meeting, reunion, or reception, the Activities Center at Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park is just what you need! This area accommodates 30 people in a classroom or U-shape style, 75 people in theatre style, and 50 people for reception style.

    Capacity: 30 - 75 
    Availability: Year-round
    Minimum Rental: 1 Day 
    Amenities: 9 tables, 100 chairs, audio-visual equipment (projector, screen, TV), small kitchen area 
    Rate: $60 

    Please contact the park office at 1-931-864-3247 for detailed pricing, reservations, and more information. 

    For Schools

    Engage your students in a hands-on learning experience with Ranger-led or teacher-led programs at Tennessee State Parks. 

    Request a Program

    PLATINUM

    More Sustainability Information

  • Energy Efficiency

    Added reflective window film to reflect sunlight and keep the building naturally cooler, reducing energy costs. The film is transparent and does not impact visibility.  

  • Energy Audit

    Conducted an energy audit and regularly track park-wide energy usage to ensure efficiency.  

  • Eco-Friendly Practices

    Maintain demonstration gardens where spices and other edible foods are grown as part of the Cordell Hull Homestead.  

    • Gift Shops and Stores

    Visitor Center Gift Shop 

    1300 Cordell Hull Memorial Drive 
    Byrdstown, TN 38549
    United States

    1-931-864-3247
    Hours

    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM 

    Contact Information

    Cordell Hull Birthplace State Park 

    1300 Cordell Hull Memorial Drive 
    Byrdstown, TN 38549
    United States

    1-931-864-3247
    Hours

    9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

    Additional Information

    Reservations & Information
    1-888-TN-PARKS
    1-888-867-2757