Old Stone Fort State Archaeological Park is located on the Duck River west of the city of Manchester in Coffee County, Tennessee, and consists of two separate areas. Its earthworks and main hiking trail are a focus for archaeology. Greenway, public art, music and wine offer other themes for planning a trip to Manchester.
Old Stone Fort: Earthworks, Trail and Museum
Old Stone Fort is an ancient earthwork enclosure built by Indigenous peoples of North America during the Middle Woodland period, approximately between 100 BC and AD 500. The term “enclosure” draws attention to the surrounding structure: the main hiking trail follows the enclosure wall. Old Stone Fort also served as a ceremonial gathering place for Indigenous peoples; the trail’s route and this function should be distinguished.
On the hike, you can learn more about the structure from twelve information panels and see waterfalls. The park museum displays replicas from the prehistoric period of Indigenous peoples of North America, as well as dioramas and photographs. The trail, information panels and museum thus offer different ways to explore the history of Old Stone Fort.
Greenway and Art Walk
The Little Duck River Greenway is a walking trail; horses and motorized vehicles are not permitted. The Art Walk along the Greenway was created with murals commissioned by Manchester Parks and Recreation from artists Matt Wiley and Lance Turner. As a thematic counterpoint to the archaeology of Old Stone Fort, the Greenway offers art outdoors. This combination of a walking trail and public art adds another cultural focus to a stay in Manchester.
Music and Event Dates
Bonnaroo takes place every June on a 700-acre farm in Manchester, Tennessee. The exact dates may vary from year to year, so check the dates for your desired year before traveling. Good Friends Music Fest was founded in 2018 as a free, multi-day music festival in Manchester. For travel planning, Bonnaroo’s fixed June timing therefore differs from the multi-day format of Good Friends Music Fest.
Wine and Dining
Since 2004, Beans Creek Winery has produced handcrafted, award-winning wines from grapes grown in Tennessee. Café Rosé is located at Beans Creek Winery and complements a visit with a relaxed, upscale dining experience. Its location at the winery brings wine and dining together in one place. As the food selection may change, check the current offerings before your visit.
Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests
A trip centered on Bonnaroo is planned around its June timing and the event dates for that year; at Old Stone Fort, the trail, information panels and museum offer different ways to explore archaeology. The Greenway adds outdoor art to these options, while Beans Creek Winery combines wine and dining. Decide which theme will shape your stay, and if you are traveling for a festival, coordinate your travel dates with the event.
Discover more destinations: Tullahoma
Go to the main travel overview: Coffee.
