by Isabelle Esteves

Created on: July 09, 2009   Last Updated: May 22, 2012

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is a nineteen acre urban park located between the state capitol building and the Cumberland River. It is located on the site of the French lick which was instrumental in the development and settlement of Nashville. This site is doubly historic.

The park is modeled at least in theory on the Mall in Washington DC but it has a very different look and flavor. It is quite unique and a definite one of a kind sort of park. There is a 200 foot granite map of Tennessee, a walkway that features the 95 counties and thirty one fountains representing the major rivers. There is a World War II Memorial and an

amphitheater  that can seat 2000. It hosts plays, concerts and entertainments throughout the year.

One of the most interesting attractions is the carillon and it is quite amazing to hear it play the Tennessee Waltz as you tour through the park. There are ninety five bells in the 50 columns that produce the music. It plays part of the waltz every 15 minutes and the full song on the hour.

Visiting Bicentennial Mall State Park is a lesson in history for the whole family. You also have one the best views of the state capitol building still available in the city. All the other sides have been obstructed with the building of skyscrapers.

The park is a great place to come for a picnic. There are picnic tables that are covered and are available on a first come first serve basis. When you are facing the capitol along the right side of the park is the Nashville Farmers Market. The Farmers Market has a food court and while there is seating within the building, it is so much nicer to be able to eat outdoors.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park was built to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Nashville. There are time capsules buried all over the park, one for each county and they are scheduled to be opened on the tri-centennial in 2096. This is a great park for walking. For kids the biggest attraction is the fountain. The water shoots out of the 31 jets and on a hot day the spray will be very welcome. Speaking of welcomes, near the fountains you will find the park Welcome Center and the gift shop.

Be sure to walk all the pathways, everyone of them offers a different history lesson. There are walls etched with facts and information that will keep you occupied for as long as you want to keep reading.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is not your average park, but then Nashville is not your average city.

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