Named after American naval commander and War of 1812 hero Oliver Hazard Perry, Perry County is on the western edge of Middle Tennessee. The county incorporates Lobelville and Linden, midway between Memphis and Nashville. While Perry County is the most sparsely populated county in Tennessee, it gives an abundance of fun, historic, cultural and outdoor activities. Here's all you can do and see in one day in Perry County.
Have breakfast in Linden
With so much to explore for just one day in Perry County, you will want to start early. Southern Style Steakhouse serves breakfast and opens at 5 or 6am on most days. Another option for breakfast is Mayberry’s Deli and Café, which is downtown and opens at 7am. The breakfast menu features omelets, bagels, pancakes, waffles and French toast. The café also offers a variety of ice cream and coffee drinks.
Experience history at Cedar Grove Furnace Historic Site
After breakfast, a 12-mile drive from downtown Linden will take you to Cedar Grove Furnace Historic Site. Once Perry County’s largest industrial operation, Cedar Grove Iron Works produced crude iron from ore mined from nearby pits. The iron was melted using charcoal made from trees from the surrounding wood. It was originally constructed as a single-stack furnace in 1832 and rebuilt in 1833 year as a double-stack furnace.
Photo: Perry County Chamber of Commerce
Explore downtown Linden
Linden’s downtown swirls around the Historic Perry County Courthouse and is filled with shops. Just a few minutes from downtown, Linden City Park features a splash pad, fun for children during hot days. The splash pad is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The Linden City Park also features jungle gym equipment, swings and park benches.
Photo: Perry County Chamber of Commerce
Visit Pinckney’s Tomb Historic Site
A 15-minute drive from downtown Linden will take you to Pinckney’s Tomb Historic Site, the largest grave house in Tennessee. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Pinckney’s Tomb is a limestone-and-wood structure covering the burial site of local farmer Pinckney Hufstedler and members of his family. A wall of cut stone almost 5 feet high surrounded the area, originally built as a graveyard for about 10 to 12 burials.
Head to Lobelville
The drive from Linden to Lobelville takes less than 20 minutes. This city of the Buffalo River was founded in 1854 by French trader Henri de Lobel who established his trading post on the Buffalo River.
The historic downtown district offers not only shopping but also arts experiences. Enjoy the murals illustrating local history, shop at the local stores and choose from several dining options. One of the eateries in the area is Hott’s BBQ, open every day except Sunday and Monday. The menu includes pulled pork, ribs, brisket and pork chops.
If you’re in Perry County on the weekend, enjoy the free Music on Main Street celebration featuring a variety of artists every other Saturday from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Detour to Mousetail Landing State Park
Ready for a wildlife adventure? Plan to visit Mousetail Landing State Park. From downtown Lobelville, head south on South Main Street/Highway 13 for 3.6 miles and turn west onto Highway 438. Stay on Highway 438 for 18 miles to the park entrance.
Photo: Perry County Chamber of Commerce
Mousetail Landing State Park typically takes hours (even days) to explore, but if you love nature and only have one day in Perry County, make plans to visit the park. Activities include fishing, paddling, hiking, biking and boating. The 1,247-acre state park is popular not only with anglers, hikers and campers but also with day users enjoying the scenic location along the Tennessee River.
Story has it that Mousetail Landing received its name during the Civil War when one of the area’s tanning companies caught fire. With so many mice fleeing the burning tannery, the area near the park became known as Mousetail Landing.
Dine at Commodore Café in Linden
If you’re in the area Friday or Saturday and you’re ending your trip of one day in Perry County back in Linden, plan to have dinner at the Commodore Hotel and Café. Enjoy locally sourced food and music every weekend including country, blues and rock shows. The Video Corner is another option for dinner in Linden. The menu includes paninis and sandwiches, as well as seafood and pizza.
Photo: Commodore Hotel & Music Cafe
Stay longer in (or come back to) Perry County
If you’re spending more than one day in Perry County, plenty of outdoor activities will keep you exploring and entertained with hiking, fishing and kayaking. Fish in the Buffalo River or Tennessee River and visit Mousetail State Park. This map will help you plan your trip.