Nashville Bicentennial Capitol Mall: Self-Guided Audio Walking Tour
A one-hour self-guided audio walk across Nashville’s Bicentennial Capitol Mall brings the state’s history to life through the carillon, the Walkway of Counties, and the Pathway of History. Download the VoiceMap app, start at the carillon, and follow a flat, stroller-friendly route that ends at the Tennessee State Museum.
The Experience
Before You Go
Download before you arrive
Install VoiceMap and redeem your code while on Wi‑Fi so the audio and maps are available offline; the narration is geofenced and works best when preloaded.
Bring headphones and a fully charged phone
The tour relies on audio cues — headphones make the narration clear and preserve the park's quiet for others.
Start early for photos and fewer crowds
If you want clean sightlines to the State Capitol and the map, aim for early morning or late afternoon; midday is busiest around the Farmers' Market.
Hydrate and wear comfortable shoes
The route is flat and paved but can still be an hour of walking in full sun; a refillable bottle and supportive footwear keep the tour enjoyable.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early-morning benches near the WWII memorial for quiet reflection
- •The small interpretive plaques along the Walkway of Counties that highlight local industries and stories
Wildlife
- •Eastern gray squirrel
- •Various city birds including northern mockingbirds
Conservation Note
Managed by Tennessee State Parks, the mall balances monument preservation with urban green space; visitors are encouraged to carry out trash and respect memorial areas to minimize impact.
The mall was created to commemorate Tennessee's bicentennial and was designed as an outdoor, educational extension of the State Capitol with the Pathway of History documenting key state events.
Photographer's Notes
- • From the carillon looking toward the State Capitol
- • Over the large, inlaid map of Tennessee for a wide contextual shot
- • Along the Pathway of History near the WWII memorial for close-up details
What to Bring
Smartphone with VoiceMap appEssential
Required to play the downloaded audio tour and follow geotagged directions.
HeadphonesEssential
Improves audio clarity and preserves the park's atmosphere for other visitors.
Comfortable walking shoesEssential
Flat paved paths reward supportive shoes for up to an hour of walking and standing.
Refillable water bottleEssential
Keeps you hydrated during warmer months; water fountains are limited near the route.
Common Questions
How long does the tour take?
Plan for 45–60 minutes to follow the route and listen to the full narration; add time for photos or a Farmers' Market stop.
Where does the tour start and end?
Begin at the Tennessee Carillon in Bicentennial Mall and finish in front of the Tennessee State Museum, per the app's start and end cues.
Is the route wheelchair and stroller accessible?
Yes — the tour follows paved, flat walkways suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, with no steep sections.
Do I need cellular data during the tour?
No — download the tour in the VoiceMap app beforehand for offline audio and maps, but ensure your device has power.
Are restrooms available along the route?
Public restrooms are available near the Tennessee State Museum and at the nearby Nashville Farmers' Market; check current hours before you go.
Is the carillon performance on a fixed schedule?
Carillon playtimes vary; the audio tour includes commentary about the instrument, but check local listings or the park's website for scheduled performances.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
45–60 minutes
Location
Nashville, Tennessee
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal elevation and primarily paved surface make it accessible to families and older visitors.
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