One of the things military families like best about Fort Campbell, Kentucky, is that the area experiences four seasons. And for a die-hard group of fall fans, fall is the best season to find new things to do near the base.
So, if you’re new to Fort Campbell, KY, and nearby Clarksville, TN, use this guide to help you get out and explore autumn activities.
The region’s most anticipated fall festival is on Honeysuckle Hill Farm, which runs from mid-September through the end of October. It has all the trappings of a traditional autumn celebration, including a pumpkin patch, farm attractions, and a corn maze.
But what brings fun-seekers back every year are the unique activities like the Hillbilly Pig Races, Singing Chicken Show, and the Pumpkin Cannon. They also host a Hometown Hero Day and a Trick-or-Treat event.
What’s a military town without Oktoberfest? At the end of September, bring the family to enjoy German polka music, games, food, and plenty of fun.
The Star Spangled Brewing Company is hosting the event at Beachaven Winery. Sign up your strongest family member for the stein holding competition. Admission is free.
You can always count on the MWR for family and budget-friendly entertainment. Fort Campbell’s celebrates October with a free Oktoberfest experience that includes polka music, keg tapping, games, arts and crafts, food and beverage vendors, and the chance to indulge in a paid VIP experience that includes a commemorative beer stein and an authentic German meal.
If your family prefers a frightful October experience, don’t miss “Your Worst Nightmare.” This scary event features a hayride and a walk through a haunted WWII headquarters building. Less frightening, kid-friendly hours are from 7 to 9 p.m., but the scare factor increases from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., so watch your step!
For hometown fun, head to downtown Clarksville, TN, for trick-or-treating. Families are invited to collect candy from fifty participating booths. Local businesses decorate their booths, dress up, and give candy away by the handfuls.
If your family also loves dressing up, plan to register for the costume contest. Don’t worry about dinner; food vendors line the streets so your family can enjoy dinner together.
Want to learn more about what it's like to live near Fort Campbell and Clarksville? We have the best information to get started.
When you’re lucky enough to wake up to a crisp and sunny fall day, don’t waste a minute of the fresh air. Head outside and enjoy your local parks and nature outlets.
It's time to pack a picnic and settle in for a day of fun on the river banks. You won’t have to go far in Clarksville to find scenic views, colored leaves, a walking path, and playgrounds. If you want, you can stroll to nearby businesses for a bite to eat or go shopping.
Fort Defiance is a local favorite any time of year, thanks to the history and interpretive center, but when fall weather is upon you, you’ll want to hike for a while and maybe snap that family photo for a holiday card later. After spending time in the interpretive center, head to the museum to learn more about Clarksville’s role in the Civil War.
Explore these prehistoric caves and view the impressive art history throughout the system, including cave art from 14th-century Mississippian Native Americans who called the area home. Then, head outside to explore the mineral springs and trails. When the weather is right, you can also hike and fish. The park is located in Clarksville and contains 144 acres.
Hikers, bikers, and pet walkers love the Clarksville Greenway. It’s nine miles of a paved trail converted from a local railway bed. Along the route, you can stop and catch a few scenic views from the trail, overlooking the bluffs, woods, and river.
This one is for you, rock climbers, whether novices or experienced. Get the best fall leaf view from atop the tree line, climbing straight up the bluff. Here’s what you’ll find at King's Bluff Park: 9.78 acres of a limestone crag and more than 160 routes cutting the Cumberland on 1,673.85 linear feet of cliff. That’s a lot of cliffs!
Fort Campbell has a lot going on year-round, but the fall is one of the best times to enjoy the base and the surrounding Clarksville area. So mark your calendars for more than one event and make some memories your family will talk about for years to come.
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