
Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Travel Destinations in Nashville, United States
1. Radnor Lake Nature Center and Reserve
A pristine, urban oasis featuring hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and environmental education programs.
- Wildlife Haven: Provides a protected habitat for native species like the red-tailed hawk and beaver.
- Educational Opportunities: Offers guided tours, workshops, and events to educate visitors about local ecosystems.
- Urban Refuge: Located within Nashville city limits, offering easy access for urban residents to enjoy nature.
2. The Greenways of Nashville
A network of interconnected parks and trails that provide opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration.
- Accessible Recreation: Offers wheelchair-accessible trails and amenities to accommodate diverse abilities.
- Environmental Stewardship: Implementing sustainable practices such as native plant landscaping and habitat restoration.
- Community Connection: Connects neighborhoods, businesses, and attractions throughout Nashville.
3. Percy Warner Park
A scenic park with hiking trails, horseback riding, and stunning city views.
- Natural Beauty: Home to rolling hills, forested trails, and wildflower meadows.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers a variety of recreational activities including hiking, horseback riding, and picnicking.
- Historical Significance: Preserves the history of the Warner family, early settlers to the area.
4. Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park
A urban park with historical exhibits, gardens, and a 200-foot granite map of Tennessee.
- Historical Education: Showcases Tennessee's history through exhibits, monuments, and the timeline of events inscribed on the granite map.
- Nature & Wildlife: Features gardens filled with native plants, providing habitat for local wildlife.
- Accessibility: Designed to be accessible and inclusive, with smooth walkways, rest areas, and visitor facilities.
5. Centennial Park
A large urban park featuring a Parthenon replica, walking trails, and lake.
- Architectural Wonder: Boasts a full-scale replica of the ancient Athens' Parthenon.
- Sustainable Landscape: Incorporates sustainable practices such as water conservation and native plant landscaping.
- Outdoor Activities: Offers a variety of recreational activities including walking, jogging, picnicking, and boating.
6. Cheekwood Estate and Gardens
A botanical garden and art museum set on a historic estate.
- Art & Culture: Showcases an extensive collection of American art, with rotating exhibits throughout the year.
- Natural Beauty: Features gardens showcasing a variety of flora from around the world.
- Historical Preservation: Preserves the historic Cheek mansion, built in the early 20th century.
7. The Nashville Zoo at Grassmere
A zoological park and garden featuring a variety of animals from around the world.
- Animal Conservation: Supports wildlife conservation efforts through breeding programs, education, and research.
- Habitat Protection: Provides habitats that mimic the natural environments of the animals they house.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs to raise awareness about wildlife and conservation issues.
8. Cumberland River Paddle Company
A kayak rental company that offers guided tours of the Cumberland River.
- Eco-Friendly Transportation: Promotes eco-friendly transportation by providing kayaks as a means of exploring the river.
- Historical Education: Provides historical context for the sites along the Cumberland River during guided tours.
- Wildlife Observation: Offers opportunities to observe local wildlife, including birds, fish, and other aquatic animals.
9. The Warner Parks' Cycling Club
A cycling club that organizes rides in Percy and Edwin Warner Parks.
- Active Living: Promotes an active lifestyle by offering cycling opportunities.
- Community Engagement: Provides a sense of community for those who share a love of cycling.
- Environmental Stewardship: Promotes sustainable transportation and practices through its rides and events.
10. The Nashville Farmers' Market
A year-round market featuring local produce, food vendors, and artisans.
- Local Sustainability: Promotes local agriculture by offering fresh produce from nearby farms.
- Community Gathering Space: Provides a gathering space for the community to connect and share in local culture.
- Support Local Artisans: Offers a venue for local artisans to showcase and sell their products.
11. The Greenhouse Ministries Farm
A farm that provides job training and employment opportunities for those experiencing homelessness.
- Social Impact: Empowers individuals experiencing homelessness by providing job skills and employment.
- Local Agriculture: Grows and sells fresh produce, reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
- Community Engagement: Engages volunteers and supporters in the mission of supporting those experiencing homelessness.
12. The Harpeth River State Park
A state park featuring hiking trails, fishing, and canoeing along the Harpeth River.
- Natural Beauty: Offers scenic views of the river and surrounding woodlands.
- Recreational Opportunities: Provides opportunities for hiking, fishing, and canoeing.
- Historical Significance: Preserves the history of the Harpeth River, which was once a significant transportation route.
13. The Adventure Science Center
A science museum featuring interactive exhibits focused on environmental education.
- Environmental Education: Provides hands-on experiences to learn about the natural world.
- Innovative Technology: Employs state-of-the-art technology in its exhibits and programs.
- Community Engagement: Engages the community through educational programs, events, and outreach initiatives.
14. The Nashville Food Project
A nonprofit organization that fights hunger and food waste through community engagement.
- Food Security: Works to address food insecurity by distributing meals to those in need.
- Waste Reduction: Reduces food waste by rescuing surplus produce and preparing meals for distribution.
- Community Engagement: Engages volunteers in the fight against hunger and food waste.
15. The Nashville B-cycle
A bike sharing program that offers eco-friendly transportation around the city.
- Sustainable Transportation: Promotes eco-friendly transportation as an alternative to cars.
- Community Accessibility: Provides access to various attractions, neighborhoods, and businesses throughout the city.
- Health and Wellness: Encourages physical activity and healthy lifestyles by offering bike-sharing options.