Waverly, TN is a small rural town in northwest Tennessee with a population barely surpassing 4,000. However, it is rife with things to do and is worth a stop if you’re looking for a true Tennessee experience!
See the town through a local’s eyes with our list of must-see’s and must-do’s!
History
Waverly was originally founded as a stop along the stagecoach road connecting Memphis and Nashville in the early 1800s.
After being moved around between multiple towns, the Humphreys County seat was finally settled in Waverly. The courthouse was built in 1836, and the town was soon incorporated two years later.
Waverly was very pro-Confederacy during the Civil War. Humphreys County voted for secession unanimously. In 1863, Union troops occupied Waverly to guard the railroad connecting Johnsonville and White Bluff, a Federal transfer station and supply depot.
The troops built a fort at the courthouse, although they were constantly bothered by Confederate guerillas. In the Battle of Johnsonville, Confederate troops devastated the Federal depot.
There was a horrific flood in Waverly on August 21, 2021. Rainfall totaling over 17 inches made Trace Creek overflow, impacting everything from the local elementary school to telephone service.
Where is Waverly, TN? How far is it from major cities?
Waverly is in the Trace Creek Valley in Humphreys County, Tennessee. It is located on the junction of US Route 70 and State Route 13.
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Getting from Waverly to Memphis takes about two and a half hours via I-40 W.
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Getting from Waverly to Nashville takes about an hour and 20 minutes via US-70 E and I-40 E.
Things to do in Waverly, TN
Ranging from hitting up the local bars to going on beautiful hikes, Waverly is a diverse (albeit small) town with plenty to do! You will certainly stay busy while passing through this cute Tennessee village.
1. Music City Skydiving, Waverly, Tennessee
If you want to inject some excitement while visiting Waverly, Music City Skydiving has something for everyone- whether it’s your first time jumping or your 10,000th time. Offering tandem skydiving, opportunities for licensed jumpers, and solo skydive certification, you will be able to find something to match your needs.
They have top-notch equipment for both students and experienced jumpers, as well as a full service rigging loft and gear store.
They follow the highest safety standards, with an 8,000 square feet skydiving facility (the largest in the state!).
Get your travel buddy a skydiving gift certificate as a surprise!
Their vision:
An environment where skydiving is more than an item on a bucket list. Stepping through that door at 14,000 feet is a life changing experience.
1005 Airport Road, Waverly, TN 37185
2. Waverly, TN Attractions: The Walls Art Park
The Walls Art Park is “Where art and nature meet” and is a must visit attraction in Waverly.
Their premise is that graffiti artists deserve a legal place to create their beautiful murals. It all started with a train that comes through town covered in stunning art. They decided that the art shouldn’t be illegal, and wanted to do something to change that.
The Art Park is open for artists to paint at their own discretion, rather than being an official event. There’s 15,000 square feet of paintable surface!
When the walls all get filled up, they get painted over to start anew. Everything is catologed on Facebook and Instagram so it’s not lost.
The park has a walking trail where you can stroll from dawn to dusk any day of the year to soak up the gorgeous nature and artwork.
220 South Clydeton Rd, Waverly, TN 37185
3. Things to Do in Waverly, TN: Waverly Train Explosion Museum
The Waverly Train Explosion Museum is a piece of geotourism on The Tennessee River. Geotourism is sustaining or enhancing a natural place through its heritage.
The tank car explosion took place in 1978 after a train derailment a few days prior. This important memorial site is a dedication to the 16 people who lost their lives in the explosion.
The memorial features newspaper accounts, video, and photos. The tour can last anywhere from half an hour to an hour.
Only service animals are allowed in the caboose. There is ramp access, however the doorway is narrow.
124 E Main St, Waverly, TN 37185
4. Waverly, TN City Parks
The City of Waverly, TN has many parks that have grill pits, pools, disc golf courses, baseball and softball fields, and more.
Wayne Park is Waverly’s primary recreational area. Lawson Park contains 37 acres, while Sharp Park is the smallest park in Waverly but still consists of a playground, grills, and picnic shelters.
Residents cherish these parks and they are a major selling point when people consider moving to Waverly. Family and friends gather at the city parks, and passersby relish in their fun charm as well.
5. The Milkshakery, Waverly, Tennessee
(photo: themilkshakery)
The Milkshakery has an impressive 4.9 stars on Facebook. They offer “specialty milkshakes and sodas.”
Their menu of milkshakes includes:
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Cinnamon Toast Crunch
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Twist ‘n Shout
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The Outrageous Brownie
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Peanut Butter Crunch
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The Magical Mermaid
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The Roasted Marshmallow
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The Loretta Lynn
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The Fruity Explosion
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The Ultimate Surprise
As for their waffles, they offer:
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Cookies and Cream Extreme
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Carnival
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Bomb
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Fruity Pebbles Dream
People rave about how polite the staff is and say it is the perfect stop when you’re out visiting the countryside.
And if you’re a local, you’re bound to run into someone you know!
108 N Church St, Waverly, TN 37185
6. Boardwalk Bar, Waverly, TN
The Boardwalk is “The best little beer & liquor bar around! Great pizza, sandwiches & wings! Great staff! Pool tables, darts. 21+.”
They have an annual Super Bowl Party with free food for the game and drink specials. They also have regular karaoke.
As a responsible business, they always close when weather gets rough because “drinking and driving, especially on roads made more hazardous by bad weather, is just a bad idea any way you slice it.”
The Boardwalk has a devout following of regulars who you can see weekly (or sometimes nightly!) Their homey atmosphere and fun activities create an irresistible hangout spot that is perfect for getting together with your buds.
112 W Court Sq, Waverly, TN 37185
7. Pilot Knob Ridge Three-Mile Yellow Trail
The Pilot Knob Ridge Three-Mile Yellow Trail is a moderate loop trail with little traffic a short drive away from Waverly, Tennessee.
It’s mainly used for running and hiking and can be accessed all year. Dogs are allowed on the trail as long as they’re kept on a leash.
The elevation gain is 347 feet.
There is a babbling brook and the nature of the trail smells sweet and earthy. Visit in the fall for beautiful foliage. Pay attention while hiking for cute frogs and mushrooms!
However, there aren’t many places to stop along the trail and people complain of an excess of spiderwebs.
8. Things to Do in Near Waverly: Loretta Lynn’s Ranch / Hurricane Mills
(photo: TheKindredCampers)
Visit this “Coal Miner’s Daughter Museum” to be transported back in time!
The museum is 18,000 square feet and is located on her ranch and home. Loretta has an impressive amount of memorabilia and awards from her career that are all on display for you to ogle at.
Here are the admission rates:
- Full tour: $30 per person
- Home tour: $17.50
- Museum: $17.50
- RV full hookup: $42.50 per night
- RV with water and electric: $37.50 per night
- Tent: $20 per night
8000 Highway 13 South, Hurricane Mills, TN 37078
9. Waverly, TN Things to Do: Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park
(photo: Brian Stansberry)
The Nathan Bedford Forrest State Park started out as a local park built during a work recovery program in the Depression Era. Now it’s a Tennessee State Park, hosting the Tennessee River Folklife Interpretive Center and Museum.
The center explores the customs of people on the river including commercial fishing, crafts, musseling, and more. Videos about the park’s history and river life are available for viewing if you ask!
The park has over 20 miles of hiking trail. You can set up camp overnight in cabins, RV camping, or in a tent, with five back country shelters available. Put this on your list of things to do while visiting Waverly.
10. Hilltop Thrift Shop
You’ll be doing more than just shopping at The Hilltop Thrift Shop. You’ll also be supporting a good cause!
It is owned and operated by the James Developmental Center. The thrift shop supports programs for developmentally delayed children and adults in the county.
There is something for everyone at the store with accessories, coats, shoes, and clothing for all ages. You can also find furniture, curtains, bedding, appliances, and household items.
Peruse their section of “books, many many books”!
102 Young Rd Waverly, TN 27185
Map of Things to do in Waverly, TN
Is Waverly, TN Safe To Visit?
Statistically speaking, Waverly is a safe place to visit. In 2020, Waverly had a violent crime rate of 340 per 100,000 people and a property crime rate of 1093 per 100,000 people. Waverly’s violent crime and property crime rate is significantly less than the national average.
Here’s a scale to give you some perspective on Waverly’s violent crime rate:
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