Get in Touch with Nature in Nashville

Summer is the perfect time to explore the natural beauty of the Nashville area. In between catching a show at the Grand Ole Opry and exploring the city, take some time to get in touch with nature at these area attractions.

Experience a wildlife oasis in the heart of the city with a visit to the Nashville Zoo. Named one of the top zoos in the country, this zoo is the perfect destination for a day of family fun. This zoo contains traditional animal exhibits like giraffes, elephants, lions, tigers and more as well as exciting rare animals including macaws from South America, a meerkat colony from Africa, and white-cheeked and siamang gibbons. The exhibits house the animals in environments similar to their native homes, making the animals comfortable. The zoo is open year round and has special summer hours lasting until October. A gift shop and restaurant are also available on site.

If you are feeling like roughing it for a day or two, check out Loretta Lynn’s Dude Ranch. This attraction contains an RV park, paddle boats, a plantation home, and a theater. Visitors can tour the home, and Loretta Lynn fans will love spending time in the Coal Miner’s Daughter museum that contains artifacts, photographs, and more from Lynn’s life and career. After exploring the property, you can stop in at the Rock-a-billy Cafe or snack shop for lunch or dinner, and you can visit the gift and T-shirt shop on site to grab some souvenirs to commemorate your time here. If you time your trip right, Loretta Lynn may even be performing a concert!

If you are ready to experience some thrills in the Tennessee forest, check out the Eco Adventure Canopy Zipline Tour. This excursion provides you a guide who will take you deep into the forest. You will be securely strapped into a harness, and then you are ready to sail across the canopy for a thrilling adventure! You will have the chance to spot a variety of native wildlife, and your tour guide will describe the eco-system around you and the challenges it faces. This activity is fun for both the young and old and is sure to be a memorable part of your vacation!