Photo Galleries Park Tour '07 History Festival Spring Flowers Tennessee Critters Park Information Hours of Operation The park closes at dark Map of the park Directions Located at the foot of the State Capitol between James Robertson Parkway and Jefferson Street, 6th and 7th Avenues. Exits from the Interstates are marked Bicentennial Mall.

Bicentennial Capitol Mall
State Park
600 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-3081
Office: 615-741-5280

The Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park is located in the shadow of the State Capitol in downtown Nashville. The 19-acre park is designed to complement the Tennessee Capitol Building, give visitors a taste of Tennessee's history and natural wonders, and to serve as a lasting monument to Tennessee's Bicentennial celebration.

Park Rangers are well-versed in Tennessee's historical, natural and recreational attractions. Programs by park rangers are conducted at regular intervals Monday thru Friday. It is suggested that you call the park for these times.

Meeting Rooms

Next to the park at the Nashville Farmer's Market is a meeting room that is available free of charge capable of seating up to 30 people. Contact number for reservations is (615) 880-2001.

Picnic Pavilions

Picnic tables located under the train trestle are on a first-come first-serve basis.

Restaurants

The Nashville Farmers Market is located next to the park. It has an international food court consisting of several ethnic food vendors.

Restrooms

Restrooms are available under the train trestle.

The Tennessee Amphitheater

The center section of the park features a 2,000-seat amphitheater, composed of terraced lawns providing dramatic views of the State Capitol building. Its design is patterned after Greek amphitheaters, such as the one at Epidaurus. This will be the site of many special events, ceremonies and concerts for years to come. Groups may reserve the amphitheater for a fee.

Historical Significance

Historical significance With the urban building boom in downtown Nashville during the late 1950s and early 1960s, the Tennessee State Capitol disappeared from sight on the east, west and south sides. The northern side of the Capitol was not conducive to the construction of skyscrapers due to the swampy conditions that existed in many areas between the Capitol and the Cumberland River. Ironically, the historic French Lick that attracted wildlife, Indians, trappers and settlers to what would become Nashville also preserved the remaining view of the Capitol and became the home of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park. In order to save the one remaining view of the Capitol and to commemorate Tennessee's 200th birthday, the concept of a mall similar to the one in Washington, DC, took shape.

Here are some historical features to look for when you visit Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park:

Zero Mile Marker Small Tennessee Granite Maps Tennessee Map Plaza The Railroad Trestle The Rivers of Tennessee Fountains Tennessee Flags

Pathway of History World War II Memorial Carillons and the Court of 3 Stars CCC Memorial The Walkway of Counties Path of Volunteers

Tour Buses

Tour buses are welcome at the park.

Honors

The Nashville Business Journal 2006 Book of Lists ranks Bicentennial Capital Mall State Park as Nashville's #1 Tourist Attraction.

Annual Events

Tennessee's History Festival, October