My trip

Muletown Columbia, Tennessee

Start on the Square.

Just south of Nashville, discover a welcoming town with a character all its own.

The Maury County Courthouse clock tower above the Public Square on a summer evening, with crowds in the street and a fire truck's ladder flying an American flag.
  1. On the Square 48 places

    The Courthouse Square and the storefronts that face it.

  2. A Short Walk 81 places

    Within three-quarters of a mile of the Courthouse, about 20 minutes on foot.

  3. A Short Drive 159 places

    Within 12 miles of the Courthouse, about 25 minutes by car.

  4. Day Trips 18 places

    Up to 60 miles from the Courthouse.

On the Square

Among Tennessee's first designated Main Street Communities, historic downtown Columbia is a classic, Southern downtown anchored by its iconic Courthouse on the square, surrounded by vibrant shops, local eats, boutiques and antique finds.

All 48 places on the Square
Four friends crossing the street in front of the Maury County Courthouse on a sunny day.

A Short Walk

Within three-quarters of a mile of the Courthouse, about 20 minutes on foot.

All 81 places a short walk away
  • The courtyard fountain between the President James K. Polk Home and the brick Polk Sisters' House. 5 min walk

    President James K. Polk Home & Museum

    James K. Polk served as the 11th U.S. President from 1845-49.

  • A geometric mule mural in greens and oranges on a long wall reading Columbia Arts District. 12 min walk

    Columbia Arts District

    The emerging Columbia Arts District was established as a haven for artists and artisans to gather together in an eclectic mix of contemporary creative culture, near the heart of downtown Columbia only blocks from Downtown Columbia.

  • The stone and timber pavilion at Riverwalk Park under bare winter trees. 9 min walk

    Riverwalk Park

    Tucked away just off the Downtown Square in Columbia - a walkable distance - is Riverwalk Park, nestled along the banks of the Duck River, one of the most ecologically diverse rivers in the United States.

This Week

What is on the calendar for the next seven days.

  1. Pryor Art Gallery - Tennessee Watercolor Society

    Mon–Thu 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pryor Art Gallery

  2. Singo at Puckett's Restaurant - Columbia

    6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Puckett's Event Space On the Square

  3. Trivia Night

    7 p.m. to 8 p.m. McCreary's Irish Pub On the Square

  4. Name that Tune

    6 p.m. Rebel Bar & Grill 15 min walk

  5. Singer Songwriter Night

    Rebel Bar & Grill 15 min walk

  6. Tri Star Sports Radio Show LIVE at DB's

    6 p.m. to 8 p.m. 6 min drive

  7. Ghosts of Greenwood

    5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

  8. Karaoke Under The Stars

    7 p.m. 15 min walk

Every date on the calendar

A Short Drive

Within 12 miles of the Courthouse, about 25 minutes by car.

All 159 places a short drive away
  • A woman in a ball cap paddling a kayak on the Duck River toward an old iron bridge. A short drive

    The Duck River

    The Duck River winds 290 miles through Middle Tennessee and is one of the longest rivers that runs entirely within the state’s borders.

  • A softball pitcher in green mid-windmill delivery during the Midstate Classic, with teammates and fans behind her. 15 min drive

    Ridley Sports Complex

    Tennessee's Premier Tournament Destination, Ridley Sports Complex is a modern, multi-purpose sports facility located on the outskirts of Columbia, less than 50 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee and 75 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama.

A hiker in a Muletown cap looking up at the waterfall at Stillhouse Hollow Falls. 35 min drive

Day Trips

Up to 60 miles from the Courthouse.

Stillhouse Hollow Falls

Stillhouse Hollow Falls is a 90-acre state natural area located approximately 21 miles southwest of Columbia and three miles northeast of Summertown off Hwy US 43 in Maury County, TN.

All 18 day trips

Plan your trip

Two Days in Muletown

Start from Visit Columbia's 48 Hours in Columbia, or from two empty days. Add places from anywhere on the site, and the walk or drive between stops fills in as you go.

Plan from 48 Hours in Columbia All nine itineraries

Day 1

  1. On the Square

    Savor Muletown Roasted Coffee

  2. About 1 min walk

    See Downtown Columbia

  3. About 1 min walk

    Shop Duck River Books

  4. About 2 min walk

    Lunch Square Market & Cafe

  5. About 9 min walk

    Explore Riverwalk Park

2 more stops on Day 1

Day 2

  1. About 9 min drive from the Square

    Savor The Stubborn Mule

  2. About 9 min drive

    See President James K. Polk Home & Museum

  3. About 11 min walk

    Shop Columbia Arts District

  4. About 1 min walk

    Lunch Boot Stompin' BBQ

  5. About 5 min drive

    Explore The Factory at Columbia

2 more stops on Day 2

Riders and a covered wagon coming down the street toward the Courthouse during the Mule Day parade, with crowds along the barricades.

Every April

Mule Day

Mule Day has been a popular Columbia tradition since the 1840s. It began as “Breeder’s Day”, a single day livestock show and mule market event held on the first Monday in April. Over time Mule Day evolved.

Evolving still, Mule Day went from being a single day event to a multi-day festival, attracting thousands of attendees. Now Mule Day is typically held the first weekend in April. Saturday's Mule Day parade is the highlight of the event.

About Mule Day

Stories

All stories

The Welcome Center

The Visit Columbia, TN Welcome Center is located at 713 N. Main St. on the Downtown Square.

Monday – Friday10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Saturday10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Sunday12:00 pm – 3:00 pm

931-560-1506

Getting Here

Columbia is 45 miles south of Nashville, Tennessee and 75 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama with easy access from Interstate 65.

Downtown is walkable once you park, but you’ll typically want a car to explore parks, venues, and attractions outside downtown.

Visitor info

The Muletown Newsletter

Sign up to receive Muletown, our quarterly e-newsletter to stay in the know on Columbia's events, shopping, dining experiences & entertainment options.

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