by Brian Vandenbroek

Created on: July 15, 2009

Located in downtown Nashville, the Bicentennial Capital State Park sits near the Tennessee capitol building. Coming in at just 19 acres, this hidden gem was built in honour of Tennessee's 200th year of statehood. Bicentennial park offers visitors more than just a lesson in Tennessee's history. The park contains beautifully maintained grass space, an open auditorium, fountains and geysers creating a park worth visiting for its landscaped beauty alone. Fortunately, the park has more than manicured park space to offer its visitors.

Of course, there are the amenities one would usually expect from such a park. Bicentennial park offers picnic areas, a meeting room and pathways for anyone who wants a scenic place to go for a walk or a jog. During the week, park rangers are happy to give guided tours. Rangers will introduce visitors to the park's features including the railroad trestle, the Pathway of History and the Court of 3 Stars. Tours take place at regular intervals during business hours. Phone (615) 741-5280 for more information.

Starting at the park's north end you'll find the Carillons and the Court of 3 Stars. Designed to be the park's focal point, the area represents the three divisions of the state: East, Middle, and West Tennessee. The circular pattern on the ground is fashioned from red, white, and blue granite. The Carillon surrounds the 3 stars and contains 95 bells which play portions of the Tennessee Waltz at regular intervals. A 96th bell sits at the state capitol and answers the other 95 when they finish playing.

Located along the length of the park are memorials to Tennessee, its history, and its people. On the park's west side, for example, is the Pathway of History. This 1,400 foot long wall has a 200 year time line of the state's history etched itno its surface. Pylons break the time line into ten year spans and a break in the wall represents the civil war. Further up you'll find the World War II memorial. The memorial features a granite globe floating on 1/8 inch of water. The globe shows countries as they were during the war and gives a brief history of the war's most significant events and battles.

The geography of Tennessee is represented here as well. Along the park's east side is the Walkway of counties containing a time capsule from each of Tennesee's counties, scheduled to be opened in 2096 on the state's tricentennial. A 200 ft granite map of Tennessee is located along the park's entrance at James Robertson Parkway. Just past the Railroad Trestle is the Rivers of Tennessee Fountain. Made up of 31 water fountains, the Rivers fountain is designed to represent each of Tennessee's predominant waterways.

Although technically not part of Bicentennial park itself, the Nashville Farmer's Market is still worth a visit after spending the day exploring the park. The farmer's market has been in operation in various locations around Nashville since the early 1800s and is now located adjacent to the park at 900 Rosa Parks Blvd. The market is open seven days a week from 8am to 6pm, offering visitors everything ranging from fresh produce, to specialty foods, to locally made arts and crafts. The market even has a variety of restaurants willing to feed you when you get hungry.

All things considered, it's easy to see why Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park was recently listed as Nashville's #1 tourist attraction. For more informaiton on the park and its amenities visit www.tennesee.gov.environment/parks/bicentennial.

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