Choose wisely. Connect locally.Add your business 
Murfreesboro is a fast-growing city in the center of Tennessee, about 35 miles southeast of Nashville. Founded in 1811 and named for Revolutionary War officer Hardy Murfree, it briefly served as the state capital from 1818 to 1826, and a marker near the courthouse claims the geographic center of Tennessee is just outside town. The 1859 Rutherford County Courthouse still anchors the historic public square.
The city's best-known history comes from the Civil War. The Battle of Stones River, fought here over New Year's 1862 to 1863, was one of the bloodiest of the war, and Stones River National Battlefield preserves the fields, the national cemetery and the Hazen Brigade Monument, the oldest intact Civil War monument. The 1850s Oaklands mansion, once at the heart of a large plantation, is now a house museum.
Today Murfreesboro has more than 160,000 residents and is home to Middle Tennessee State University, one of the largest universities in the state. The Stones River Greenway connects the battlefield, parks and neighborhoods, and the downtown square has local restaurants, shops and festivals, while Nashville is a short drive up I-24.
Stones River National Battlefield preserves part of the site of a major Civil War battle fought from December 31, 1862 to January 2, 1863. A tour road and trails lead to key sites, and the national cemetery holds Union dead. Start at the visitor center for the film and museum exhibits.
Oaklands Mansion is a historic house that grew from a small brick home in the early 1800s into an Italianate mansion. It was occupied by both armies during the Civil War, and a Union surrender took place here in 1862. Guided tours show period rooms, and the grounds are a city park.
Cannonsburgh Village is a reconstructed pioneer village with buildings from the early 1800s to the early 1900s, including a gristmill, schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop and doctor's office. The grounds are free to walk. Guided tours of the building interiors run in the warmer months.
The Hazen Brigade Monument was built in 1863 by Union soldiers to honor comrades killed at the Battle of Stones River. It is considered the oldest intact Civil War monument still in its original place. It stands within the battlefield, and a short path from the parking area leads to it.
Middle Tennessee State University is one of the largest universities in Tennessee, founded in 1911. Its campus has the Center for Popular Music, the Floyd Stadium football stadium and the Murphy Center arena. Visitors are welcome at sporting events, concerts and art gallery shows.
Murfreesboro Public Square surrounds the 1859 Rutherford County Courthouse, one of the few antebellum courthouses still in use in Tennessee. Shops, restaurants and cafes fill the historic buildings around it. It hosts festivals and holiday events, and street parking is free.
The Stones River Greenway is a paved trail system of more than 12 miles along the West Fork of the Stones River. It connects parks, the battlefield, Fortress Rosecrans and neighborhoods. It is popular for walking, running and cycling, and several trailheads have parking and restrooms.
Barfield Crescent Park is a large city park on the south side of Murfreesboro with hiking and mountain bike trails, disc golf, sports fields and picnic shelters. The Wilderness Station nature center has live animals and exhibits on local wildlife. Wooded trails are cooler in summer.
Old Fort Park is a city park built around remains of Fortress Rosecrans, the large Union earthwork fort built after the Battle of Stones River. It has sports fields, a playground, a golf course and greenway access. Signs along the paths explain the fort, which was one of the biggest of the war.
The Discovery Center at Murfree Spring is a hands-on children's museum with indoor exhibits on science, art, and pretend play, next to a wetland area with boardwalks. Children can explore the outdoor wetlands and spot turtles and birds. It is best for younger kids, and it is near downtown.
The Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro is a community arts center in a historic former post office building near the square. It stages musicals, plays and concerts, and has a gallery with changing exhibits by local artists. Tickets are affordable, and many shows are family friendly.
Top-rated local businesses in Murfreesboro, with real reviews on WiserMap.
No reviews yet. Been to Murfreesboro? 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 Murfreesboro? Add your best shots to the gallery.
Log in to add photosPhoto: Ichabod, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Rennett Stowe from USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: MTSUGoRaidersGo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: 615 media, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Chris Light, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jacob bloodaxe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Jacob bloodaxe, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Sydney Risner, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: Skye Marthaler, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Skye Marthaler, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: sduck409, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Gary Todd from Xinzheng, China, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Kenneth Everett, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Hal Jespersen at en.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Caroline, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Rennett Stowe from USA, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 2.0
Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: own work, Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki (thomasmachnitzki.com), Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: MTSUGoRaidersGo, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0
Photo: Tim Eubanks (Raider ATO at English Wikipedia), Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Photo: Dailynetworks at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: Dailynetworks at English Wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Photo: MTSUGoRaidersGo, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
