Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Lebanon took its name from the red cedars that crowd the rocky glades around it, the same trees that made the biblical Lebanon famous. Founded in 1802 as the seat of Wilson County, it lies about 30 miles east of Nashville on Interstate 40 and still revolves around its old public square.
Cumberland University, founded in 1842, made the town a training ground for lawyers; Cordell Hull studied at its law school, and its football team is still remembered for a 222 to 0 loss to Georgia Tech in 1916. Cracker Barrel was born here in 1969 and keeps its headquarters in town. Around the square, markers recall the 1862 Battle of Lebanon and antique dealers fill many old storefronts.
South of town, Cedars of Lebanon State Park protects rare cedar glades with spring wildflowers, trails and campsites. Each August the Ward Agricultural Center hosts the Wilson County Fair beside the log buildings of Fiddlers Grove. Nashville and Old Hickory Lake are both within about 40 minutes.
A state park about 7 miles south of town, set inside a larger state forest of eastern red cedar and open limestone glades. It has a campground, cabins, picnic shelters and a summer swimming pool. Visit in April or May, when rare glade wildflowers bloom along the trails.
Lebanon's largest city park, with walking paths, ball fields, playgrounds, picnic pavilions and the Jimmy Floyd Family Center, an indoor recreation complex with pools and a fitness area. It suits a relaxed afternoon with children. Bring a picnic and use the paved loop for an easy walk.
The longest loop in Cedars of Lebanon State Park, about 5 miles through cedar forest, open glades and karst ground dotted with sinkholes and small caves. It is mostly level but rocky underfoot. Start early on summer days, carry water and look for low glade flowers beside the path.
The center of Lebanon since 1802, ringed by brick storefronts with antique dealers, cafes and local shops. Markers tell the story of the 1862 Battle of Lebanon, when Union cavalry surprised John Hunt Morgan's Confederate raiders here. Park once and browse on foot; weekday mornings are quietest.
A collection of more than 50 original and replica buildings at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, including log cabins, a general store, a church and a schoolhouse that recall rural Wilson County life. It is liveliest during fair week in August. Check opening hours before visiting at other times.
A private university founded in 1842, with a tree-shaded campus a few blocks from the square. Its law school, which moved to Alabama in 1961, trained Cordell Hull, the Secretary of State who won the 1945 Nobel Peace Prize. Stroll the grounds, or catch a Phoenix baseball game in spring.
A historic downtown movie house on West Main Street, a short walk from the square, now restored as a venue for concerts, comedy nights, community shows and private events. The marquee and intimate hall make for a pleasant evening out. Check the schedule ahead, since shows are not held every night.
Held each August at the James E. Ward Agricultural Center, this is one of the largest fairs in Tennessee, with livestock shows, carnival rides, live music, craft exhibits and plenty of fair food. In recent years it has also hosted the Tennessee State Fair. Weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends.
No reviews yet. Been to Lebanon? Be the first to share your experience.
Share what you loved, what to skip and tips for other travelers.
Log in to write a reviewBeen to Lebanon? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Eric Polk(Epolk), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Ichabod, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jerrye & Roy Klotz, MD, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Brian Stansberry, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Brian Stansberry, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Brian Stansberry, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Brian Stansberry, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Brian Stansberry, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Brian Stansberry (photographer), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Brian Stansberry, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Ichabod, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Ichabod, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
