“Where history meets the river”
Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park was built during the Middle Woodland Period, circa 250 AD, nearly 1,500-2,000 years ago. Native Americans used this area continuously for about 500 years, eventually leaving it abandoned. By the time English settlers arrived, it was unclear of what the area had been used for, making Old Stone Fort an immense archaeological attraction. The park is home to an abundance of activities for guests to enjoy. The hiking trail follows the wall of Old Stone Fort which was used by the Native Americans as a ceremonial gathering place. The Old Stone Fort Museum, built by Tennessee State Parks, is located near the park entrance. The museum's exhibits interpret the theories regarding the fort's builders, archaeological excavations at the site, small theater, small welcome/gift shop center, historical lineage of early Native Americans, and the culture of its builders. An observation deck atop the museum displays information about the Old Stone Fort and surrounding rivers and views of the Blue Hole Falls.
Great place to see! Mile and quarter loop can be done quick or slow and shows all the beautiful sites along the big duck and little duck river. I recommend it!!
I visit here a lot! There's a great deal of history here at Old Stone Fort Park. The walls were built by Woodland Indians about 3,000 years ago. During the Civil War, there were gunpowder mills, and later on, a paper mill. On the Little Duck river side, there is a saltpeter cave. It was mined during the Civil War to make gunpowder.
This place was beautiful! We got a trail map at the little museum at the entrance and had a nice leisurely hike around the wall adjacent to the river. The waterfalls were fantastic! It’s a great place to spend an hour or two stretching your legs on a walk, or having a picnic and a swim in the river!
We visited during August 2019 and found it quite interesting.
Museum was closed, but a pretty, friendly park
Old Stone Fort State Par is truly a hidden gem located in central Tennessee. Just over an hour from Nashville in Manchester, this archeological park harkens back to pre-Columbian days and the ruins belong to the Native Americans who dwelt in the area. From the hiking trails, you will get multiple views of the Duck River (including some glorious waterfalls) which feeds into the nearby Morton Lake. There is a small museum on site and a quaint gift shop. For history and/or nature enthusiasts, this offers a nice way to get away from it all and spend a few hours.
This park is cute... Am east hike along the water/falls... The old stone fort is cool.
Do you want to see small piles of dirt? If yes, this place has you covered. But other than that this place offers little of interest. This place also has a museum containing only replica artifacts, and a "Time Tunnel", which is a sad attempt to make their sad little park interesting.
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Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park
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Parking
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Pets Allowed
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Restrooms
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Wifi
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Wheelchair Accessible
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Credit Cards Accepted
- Max Stay
- 14
- Max Length
- 40 ft
- Season End
- Year Round
- Affiliation
- State park or forest
- Sites Count
- 51
- Season Start
- Year Round
- Back In RV Sites Count
- 20
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Sites
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Laundry
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Showers
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Big Rigs
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Firewood
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Fifty Amp
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Tent Sites
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Full Hookup
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Paved Sites
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Dump Station
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Sewer Hookup
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Water Hookup
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Potable Water
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Back In RV Sites
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Standard Tent Sites
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Vehicle Wash Permitted
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