Need a little getaway? How about an outdoor adventure-themed trip to Brown County? With a huge state park and charming Nashville nearby, this area is a great destination for experienced adventurers + novice nature seekers alike.
Before you start packing your bags, here’s everything you need to know about the area + our insider recommendations.
Drive time: ~1 hour
Est. population: 15,000
Horseback riding could make a great summer date, just saying. | Photo by @cityofshay
🥾Things to do
Explore the hills of Brown County State Park on a 2.2 or 3.3-mile horseback ride. Pro tip: Kiddos under seven can hop on a parent-assisted pony ride. The saddle barn is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day except Tuesday.
Watch nature come alive from the observation room. The yard behind the center is decked out with bird baths, feeders, trees, and toys that animals of all types enjoy. Pro tip: Call ahead to confirm when the center is open, as its hours vary.
Enjoy some of the most scenic hiking in the park as you circle these two lakes. Outlooks + benches are available as you walk, so pack a lunch and stay a while. All trails are open from dawn to dusk.
🍽️ Restaurants + cafes
Enjoy the views + dine the Big Woods way. The outdoor space has lots of seating, fire pits, and live music on the terrace stage. Pro tip: Try the fan-favorite pulled pork BBQ nachos paired with Brown County-made Quaff ON! beer.
This artsy historic spot in the heart of downtown Nashville offers a unique house-made spin on brunch classics like sweet potato waffles and breakfast tarts — with an array of vegan options.
Take a brake from riding + enjoy food, drinks, and treats in the dining room or on the streetside patio. Pro tip: Order a s’mores grill kit to make your own dessert at your table.
Ooey Gooey Cinnamon Rolls & Cafe
Pick your choice of 15+ decadent cinnamon roll flavors, or take a page out of Editor Shea’s book and order the Breakfast Volcano: A cinnamon roll, scrambled eggs, and sausage gravy.
🏕️ Cozy campsites + cabins
Boulders Lodge | 465 E. Fruitdale Rd., Morgantown
15 minutes from Nashville, this secluded lodge is perfect for large groups. With two kitchens, two electric fireplaces, a sauna, a hot tub, a fire pit, and a massive rope swing, you won’t have to go anywhere else to find entertainment.
Abe Martin Lodge | 1405 IN-46 W., Nashville
Stay inside the park and enjoy free admission, an indoor waterpark, a game room, and homestyle food prepared at Little Gem Restaurant. Hiking trails are accessible directly from the property, and both hotel rooms + cabins are available to rent.
Story Inn | 6404 Indiana Highway 135, Nashville
The village of Story was first founded in 1851, and up until the 1930s supported two general stores, a church, a one-room schoolhouse, a grain mill, a sawmill, a slaughterhouse, a blacksmith’s forge, and a post office. Now, the historic district has become an inn with varying cozy accommodations, a beautiful events space, and a fancy restaurant and more casual tavern, both utilizing ingredients grown on-site in Story’s gardens.
eXplore Brown County | 2620 Valley Branch Rd., Nashville
Stay overnight in one of the property’s themed cabins, hook up your RV or camper, or pitch a tent on the campsite. All sites are within walking distance of a four-acre lake, restrooms, and showers. While you’re there, you can add to the adventure with activities like zip lining, paintball, buggy + ATV tours, mountain biking, canoeing, and fishing.
Acre Ridge Cabin | 6426 Persimmon Ridge Rd., Nineveh
10 miles from both Brown County State Park and downtown Nashville, you can get the best of both worlds at this handcrafted log cabin surrounded by peaceful nature. Awaken your competitive side in the game room, then unwind in the hot tub, glass atrium or hammock.
