Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park

Bicentennial Mall first opened June 1, 1996 in celebration of the 200th anniversary of the state of Tennessee. Located on 19 acres in downtown Nashville it provides a grand entrance to the State Capital. It is an urban state park and a great place to spend an afternoon.

Bicentennial Mall Map

We combined our trip with a visit to the farmer’s market so that is where we parked. Alternatively, there are some weekend parking lots on the 6th Avenue side of the park.

Tennessee Amphitheater 

Our group wandered in from the side in the middle of the park and the kids quickly found the amphitheater. It is open to the public and our group of 7 enjoyed pretending to perform and running around the stage as the adults watched from the stands.

Bicentennial Mall Amphitheater

From there we wandered through the middle of the park toward the Court of 3 Stars and Bell Carillon.

Walking through Bicentennial Park

Green Grass Field Made for Picnics

There is a HUGE open green space that you can run in, picnic, bring a Frisbee and enjoy. There are also events held in the space through the year including Kites and Kids day in March, the “Whole Kid Festival” in May and Tennessee’s History Festival in October. Look for the list of annual events here for dates and more details.

Open grassy field at Bicentennial Mall State Park

As you traverse the green don’t forget to look down – you are possibly walking on the Path of Volunteers; a path of commemorative bricks that were purchased by Tennesseans to commemorate the bicentennial celebration.

World War II Memorial 

Be sure to stop and see the World War II Memorial. Our kids loved exploring the 18,000 pound granite globe of the world that floats on water so you can turn it and see the countries as they were during the War.

Floating globe at Bicentennial Park

Court of 3 Stars

At the far end of the park near Jefferson Street is the Court of 3 Stars and the Bell Carillon. The Court is made of red, white and blue granite and displays the 3 stars of Tennessee.

There are 95 bells that symbolize the 95 counties of Tennessee. There is a 96th bell known as the “answer bell” on the ground of the capital that symbolizes that government answers to the people. The bells play Tennessee songs at the top of the hour every hour.

Inside the Bells

Excuse my thumb – we got there at the end of the bell show so there are only a few seconds in this video, but it will give you an idea of what you will hear.

Walkway of Counties and the Pathway of History

Make sure you go back and see the other end of the park. You have two choices – the walkway along 6th Ave. is also known as the Walkway of Counties. Our kids had a great time reading the details and trying to find certain counties in Tennessee (all 95 are represented).

Alternatively, walk along 7th Ave. and see the Pathway of History. A 1,400 foot Wall of History showcases historic events that occurred over two centuries.

Pathway of History

Continue past the amphitheater to the Rivers of Tennessee fountains. The fountains are open all summer. Wear your swimsuits and bring a towel. At the top of the stairs you will find a HUGE map of Tennessee. Our kids loved trying to find favorite cities.

There are restrooms under the train bridge and be sure to see the exhibits in the Visitor’s Center before you leave.

Bicentennial Mall Visitor's Center

Family Fun Facts

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park (Map)

Hours: 6 AM to 10 PM daily

Cost: FREE

Lauren headshot

Lauren is a transplant from Texas and has become a local tourist exploring the area with her two children. She loves to discover new places in Nashville to share with others.

Leave a Comment