A one-hour self-guided audio walk across Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall brings the state’s history to life through the carillon, the Walkway of Counties, and the Pathway of History. Download the VoiceMap app, start at the carillon, and follow a flat, stroller-friendly route that ends at the Tennessee State Museum.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
You step off the curb and into a stretch of lawn that seems to take a breath for the whole city. The Tennessee Carillon rings out over clipped grass and broad, paved promenades; its notes carve the downtown air and guide you toward a map of the state laid flat at your feet. This is Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park — a public classroom in stone and bronze where the past keeps pace with commuters and lunchtime crowds.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
45–60 minutes
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal elevation and primarily paved surface make it accessible to families and older visitors.
Wildlife
History
The mall was created to commemorate Tennessee's bicentennial and was designed as an outdoor, educational extension of the State Capitol with the Pathway of History documenting key state events.
Conservation
Managed by Tennessee State Parks, the mall balances monument preservation with urban green space; visitors are encouraged to carry out trash and respect memorial areas to minimize impact.
Reserve your spot on the Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park: A Self-Guided Audio Tour today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Download before you arrive
Install VoiceMap and redeem your code while on Wi‑Fi so the audio and maps are available offline; the narration is geofenced and works best when preloaded.
Bring headphones and a fully charged phone
The tour relies on audio cues — headphones make the narration clear and preserve the park's quiet for others.
Start early for photos and fewer crowds
If you want clean sightlines to the State Capitol and the map, aim for early morning or late afternoon; midday is busiest around the Farmers' Market.
Hydrate and wear comfortable shoes
The route is flat and paved but can still be an hour of walking in full sun; a refillable bottle and supportive footwear keep the tour enjoyable.
Smartphone with VoiceMap app
Required to play the downloaded audio tour and follow geotagged directions.
Headphones
Improves audio clarity and preserves the park's atmosphere for other visitors.
Comfortable walking shoes
Flat paved paths reward supportive shoes for up to an hour of walking and standing.
Refillable water bottle
Keeps you hydrated during warmer months; water fountains are limited near the route.
summer