About the area...

The McMinnville Parks and Recreation features the Gilley Pool. The pool offers competitive swimmers both 25 and 50-meter lanes, three diving boards all in a 13-foot diving area. Other pool activities are water aerobics, water yoga, and senior water yoga, lap swimming and free swimming lessons. The complex also has four outdoor tennis courts, a racquetball court, basketball courts, lighted ball fields and a 0.75-mile paved walking trail. The fitness center provides weight training, martial arts and aerobics. For year around fun children of all ages can also enjoy the Jungle Jym Playground. For special events a banquet room is available and can accommodate up to five hundred people. Call 473-1212 for more information.

Historic Falcon Rest was constructed in 1896 by mill owner Clay Faulkner. The home had all of the modern conveniences such as indoor plumbing, CHA, and electric lights. Known as "Tennessee's Biltmore", the ten thousand square foot mansion is truly a Victorian delight. The award-winning property is home to Victorian antiques and who knows... you might see a friendly ghost. Elegant dining is provided in the Victorian Carriage House dinging room or the Victorian Tea Room. The Victorian Gift Shop is filled with 1800's style treasures. For more information about Falcon Rest visit their website at www.falconrest.travel .

Inn at Harvest Farms Lake is a seven thousand square foot Victorian-style home located on an impressive 100-acre lake. The inn is very popular for its Lakeside Tea Room and balcony overlook. It is the perfect setting for reunions, showers, holiday parties, and outdoor weddings. You can also stay at the inn. Enjoy romantic dinners in the gazebo, take leisurely walks, fish, picnic, or just relax in the beautifully decorated rooms.

Cumberland Caverns, a US national landmark, is located in McMinnville. Boasting some of the largest cave rooms and the most spectacular cave formations, Cumberland Caverns is Tennessee's largest cave system. The impressive underground ballroom seats 500 people beneath the 3/4 ton crystal chandelier. From May through October the cave is open daily for tours from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. "God of the Mountain", and original underground pageant featuring light and sound is presented during each tour. Check out their website at www.cumberlandcaverns.com .

View from Inside Cumberland Caverns

Rock Island State Park is named for an island in the Caney Fork River. Rock Island is known for water and water activities. With scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and deep pools for fishing, Rock Island State Park is a leading recreation area. Situated on 883 acres, the park offers numerous outdoor activities such as fishing, picnic areas, hiking, swimming, camping, bike trails, boating, and planned programs during the summer. There are ten cabins which are open year round. Equipped for housekeeping, each cabin has three bedrooms and two baths. The cabins also have a fireplace, TV, DVD player, VCR, and a charcoal grill. One cabin is handicapped accessible and one is designated for pets.

Skydiving and Kayaking are two exciting exhibitions held twice a year. Skydiving is held at Warren County Memorial Airport. Qualifying kayak races are held at Great Falls Dam in Rock Island State Park.

Highland Rim Cycling Classic is a U.S. Cycling Federation sanctioned race. Running for over 13 years, and drawing over 400 participants from 30 states and international locations, it is the largest race in the southeast.

McMinnville City Triathlon began in June 2003. With over 200 athletes competing the swam 500 yards, biked 18 miles and ran three miles.

Magness Community House and Library is located in downtown McMinnville. It is a full-service library with a large book collection. The library has 41,400 items and a patron database of 14,770. Built in 1931 by William H. Magness the library continues to remain an information and cultural center for Warren County. The library has up-to-date computer technology and also features five specialized departments: genealogy, horticulture, Southern heritage and a children and young adult section. Throughout the year the library offers programs and special events. There are 10-20 authors from across the country that come to the library to read their works, lecture, and autograph copies of their books. There is also Family Movie Night, the Summer Reading Program (for both children and adults), and Dial-A-Story. By dialing 473-6778 children are able to listen to a recorded story on the phone.

Barren Fork Greenway is a beautiful walking trail located along the banks of the Barren Fork River. It connects Pepper Branch Park to Riverfront Park. The 21-foot-wide paved walkway offers scenic views, piers for fishing along the bank, and togetherness opportunities for family and friends.

Sunset Point Park is an airstrip for remote-control airplane enthusiasts. The 500-foot airstrip allows people to experience the fun of vehicles flying overhead. McMInnville Parks and Recreation maintains the facility and allows all shapes, sizes, and colors of remote controlled airplanes.

Pistole Park Soccer Complex , situated on 15 acres, offers seven soccer fields (four are lighted) and a picnic pavilion. The fields and pavilion are available for rent.