The largest city in Bradley County, Tennessee, is sure to get your heart racing. Cleveland is one of the most beautiful cities in the United States, with wonderful places to visit.
The city is blessed with many geographical features, hills, and ridges along the flowing river.
The climate is also quite cool throughout the year, making it a wonderful place to visit.
For those who like spooky things, you may also know Cleveland as the place where you found Tall Betsy, the Halloween Goblin of Bradley County.
He appeared every Halloween night and became synonymous with Cleveland Centenary Avenue.
Perhaps you are considering Cleveland as a vacation destination, and you want to know more about this city. Then, here are the best things to do in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Fun Things to Do in Cleveland (TN)
1. Try Some Whitewater Rafting at the Cherokee National Forest
Whitewater rafting through the gushing waterfalls of the Cherokee National Forest is one exciting adventure you should definitely try while visiting Cleveland, especially if you’re visiting with friends.
It is also a great place to visit with teenage children and as a family.
Always remember to take the necessary precautions if you are planning to travel here with younger children,
The forest and trees are very beautiful, and you can walk along different paths. The landscape is fantastic and breathtaking.
With towering mountains and a flowing river, the Cherokee National Forest is perfect for this Instagram post.
You will also find some really beautiful species of butterflies here.
Photography enthusiasts should definitely visit the Cherokee National Forest for the variety of natural features it showcases, but its most impressive feature is its pristine waterfalls.
Adventure lovers can go rafting, and photography lovers can click some aesthetic pictures.
In addition, other outdoor activities such as camping, boating, swimming, hiking, and cycling can be done here.
2. Try Horseriding at Riding With Ocoee Horseride
Ocoee Horseride is located in the neighboring city of Charleston. This establishment offers the perfect retreat for those looking for outdoor fun and something different.
Ocoee Horseride offers guided horseback rides for riders of all skill levels.
Gallop in the fresh air and feel the wind in your face as you ride a great mare or stallion.
All trails are privately owned by the company, so you don’t have to worry about cleanliness or greenery.
They are well maintained, and the staff is also very warm.
It’s family-friendly and a lovely place to bring your kids for the day.
The best part is that the horses are very well trained so children can easily enjoy this activity.
3. Amire the Scenery of the Candies Creek Wildlife Management Area
This is a great fishing spot with lots of local catch; it is located in Charleston.
Candies Creek Wildlife Management Area is blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, flora, and fauna.
You can go paddling along the waters when the tide is low.
It is very quiet and peaceful, and you can spend a lovely weekend here.
Kayaking is also an option you can try.
Things to Do in Cleveland (TN) at Night
1. Try Camping at Jacob’s Creek Recreation Area
Jacob’s Creek Recreation Area is basically a campground with a variety of beautiful campsites.
With views of the mountains and a flowing river, it’s a great place to set up camp and light a fire.
So bring some friends or get your family to crackle the fire and sing carols all night long.
There is also a shower and dump near the lake. Campsites and RV spaces are also available.
Some of the outdoor activities you can as well experience here in Jacob’s Creek Recreation Area include fishing, boating, and hiking.
2. Spend the Evening at Christmas Story House
You know the one! A Christmas movie where a child’s tongue freezes to a lampost. Visit A Christmas Story House to see where the movie was filmed.
Stop by the museum just across the street to see props and memorabilia from the movie.
Visitors can stay overnight at Ralphie’s house, which is decorated in a vintage eclectic style from the 1940s and 1950s.
3. Survive the Escape Room Challenge
Why not have a go at a genuinely new thing in Cleveland and take on the getaway room challenge? Work collectively with others to tackle puzzles in these real-time games.
Browse various themed rooms, including a homicide secret, a lost old city, and an infection episode.
Ensure you take care of the multitude of issues before the time expires. These escape room difficulties are an incredible diversion for everyone.
Things to Do in Cleveland (TN) For Couples
1. Go on a Winetasting Tour at Morris Vineyard
Charleston’s Morris Vineyard stands out because its wines are excellent, well-crafted, and sold at very reasonable prices.
All visitors who visit will fall in love with the place and the wine.
You can take a nature walk while picking your own grapes.
It is a very relaxing activity, and the vineyard is absolutely breathtakingly beautiful.
The staff here at Charleston’s Morris Vineyard are very warm and friendly and give a personal approach to everything.
In addition, the crops grown continuously change according to the season.
Depending on when (season) you visit, you can pick grapes or blueberries.
Morris Vineyard is also dog friendly, so your furry friends can tag along as well.
Don’t forget to go berry picking and take home some blackberries and blueberries.
2. Visit Red Clay State Park
Red Clay State Historical Park was formerly used for cotton and pasture and is located on 263 acres of narrow valleys.
The park served as the final seat of the Cherokee National Government until 1838 when United States troops enforced the Indian Removal Act of 1830.
This moved most of the Cherokee people in the region to the west. Eleven general councils were convened between 1832 and 1837.
The Trail of Tears began at Red Clay when the Cherokee learned that their mountains, rivers, and valleys would be taken from them forever at the Red Clay Council.
Amphitheater performances are held year-round at the park’s 18 picnic tables, observation tower, and other nature walks.
3. Shop at Market at the Mill
Here at Market at the Mill, they offer customers a comfortable and pleasant environment with plenty of parking spaces and shady areas for relaxation from the sun.
A wide variety of fresh local vegetables and many other items are available.
The event will be full of music and artists.
Come out and eat the best local vegetables you can get your hands on.
Fresh local fruit, artists, artisans, live music, and cuisine are part of the Mill Market, which usually starts in June and runs every Thursday until the end of the season.
The stalls at the Old Woolen Mill in Cleveland, Tennessee, under the shade of the trees, are free.
Things to Do in Cleveland (TN) For Kids
1. Let Them Admire Wildlife at Little Country Farm and Mobile Petting Zoo
Have you ever fantasized about meeting and interacting with wild animals?
That’s exactly what the wonderful Little Country Farm and Mobile Petting Zoo offer.
You can actually pet live animals at this zoo.
They have different kinds of animals for you and your kids to interact with, including black and white rabbits, cute goats, and many more.
Zoos also teach children about empathy and how to be kind to animals.
The staff is also attentive and friendly.
For those who want to experience outdoor riding, you can also try pony riding.
2. Don’t Miss a Trip to Deer Park
Deer Park is a favorite among toddlers in Cleveland because it offers an excellent playground.
There is a sandpit, a glider wing, a climbing area, swings, slides, and many other fun attractions.
Here at Deer Park, picnic tables are set up so you can enjoy a packed lunch with your kids. There is also a pop machine.
Deer Park is well maintained, and all the equipment is shiny and new.
It is very roomy and great for jogging. It’s another place to cool off and relax.
3. Give Them the Time of Their Lives at Jumpin’ Junction
Jumpin’ Junction is a great place to hang out.
Massive inflatables for jumping, sliding, and fun cover about 15,000 square feet of the facility.
Jumpin’ Junction also has a two-story tunnel labyrinth and an arcade. It’s time for the youth to go barefoot but keep their socks on.
Wii, Xbox, and Playstation3 are available at Jumpin’ Junction for older kids.
Luckily, there is refreshment and free Wi-Fi as well. Please note that you cannot bring food or drink outside.
Indoor Activities to Do in Cleveland (TN) For Adults
1. Visit the Hiwassee River Heritage Center
Hiwassee River Heritage Cente is a historical museum located just outside of Cleveland in the neighboring city of Charleston.
The museum is only a 15-minute drive from the city.
The Hiwassee River Heritage Center showcases the rich history of the Cherokee and Civil War periods.
In the interpretive center, you will find various banners that depict the history of the Cherokee era.
There are also artifacts and displays, including paintings that were famous during the Civil War, such as Sherman Leaving the Henegar house, a 2012 painting by Don Troiani that is very historically significant.
There are also bits of information and a few artifacts related to local African American history.
Next to that is a short outdoor trail that provides a fun way to get some information about the previous events of the Cherokee-American Wars and the Civil War.
2. Check Out Leisure Time Bowling
Leisure Time Bowling is Cleveland’s premier bowling alley; it is a great place to have a fun time and compete with your bowling friends.
The staff is excellent and attentive. The food counter on-site offers great food and prices.
Video game machines are also available here.
Children will especially enjoy the game room, where they can earn tickets and win prizes by playing on the game consoles.
3. Shop at West Side Market
For the freshest and best local ingredients, head to the West Side Market.
The attractive red brick market has been in use since 1912 and is one of the oldest in the city.
The market sells a wide variety of foods inspired by cultures from around the world.
Try the best coffee, bread, and pastries, and pick up amazing cheeses and fresh fish. Here at West Side Market, visitors can take guided tours to learn all about its 100-year history and sample its best products.
Romantic Things to Do in Cleveland (TN)
1. Relax at Johnston Park
Johnston Park is a cool and refreshing place in the middle of nature, so you will definitely feel rejuvenated after walking around the garden.
The park also has a small playground for kids, tennis courts, and a swimming pool too.
The dog park and skate parks are well designed and located in different parts of the park.
It is a beautiful and picturesque small city park that you can visit to relax.
2. Check Out the Japanese Garden at Fletcher Park
Fletcher Park has a dedicated area where beautiful Japanese plants and flower species are displayed.
In addition, the park also boasts lush greenery with tall trees towering over it.
At Fletcher Park, dogs are also allowed on the trails, so you can bring your furry friends with you.
There is also a picturesque lake inside the park where you can just sit and enjoy a pleasant time.
You can also pack a picnic and have a great lunch here with your kids.
The walkways are well paved, and there are several bridges connecting different areas of the park.
There is also a picturesque gazebo.
Spending a relaxing day here is a great way to spend a day with the family.
3. Visit the Apple Valley Orchard
This great establishment offers all things apples.
From apple pies to apple butter to applesauce, there are a variety of apple-related products to choose from.
Try some of the heavenly apple pies, which are warm and fresh with a delicious crust.
The apple fritters are another must-try.
All the food on offer is delicious, and the drinks like the applesauce are also very tasty.
You can also buy some applesauce and apple butter to take home or as gifts for friends and family.
The shop is excellent and well designed, and the staff is warm and friendly.
Free Things to Do in Cleveland (TN)
1. Clear Your Head Through a Walk on the Cleveland Greenway
The 4-mile-long public Greenway is a very popular spot for those who love to exercise or take nature walks; it is also known as the Bradley County Greenway.
The Cleveland Greenway is also famous for being the longest of the Greenway network in Bradley County.
It starts at Willow Street and ends at Mohawk drive and also follows South Mouse Creek for its entire length.
The waterway is accessible at four points and makes an excellent backdrop for pictures.
The Greenway is constructed of a mixture of concrete and asphalt, making it very durable and easy to walk on.
In addition, beautiful bushes and small trees are planted along the entire length, where you can stand and rest in the shade.
It’s a great walk if you’re looking for some peace and quiet or some time to yourself.
2. Worship at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church
Episcopal Church of St. Lukáše is proud to be one of the oldest buildings around and also the second oldest church in all of Cleveland.
Built in a beautiful Gothic style, it has stood firm since its foundation in 1873.
There is also a short heart-wrenching story connected to its history, as it was built in memory of a seven-year-old young lady who passed on while riding a buggy.
The church itself is also an architectural beauty, with stained glass windows and golden arches.
The bell tower has three floors, and volunteers ring the bell from time to time after each service.
The church also found pride of place on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
Kneel at the altar and pray for blessings in this beautiful church.
3. Spend Some Time at Edgewater Park
The Edgewater Park is located on the shores of Lake Erie and includes Edgewater and Perkins beaches, as well as a marina and yacht club.
The area is a great place to visit for water sports, including paddle boarding and kayaking.
Edgewater Park also has a number of boat rentals and launch sites too.
One of Cleveland’s famous “script” signs can be found down near the shores of the lake and is a great photo opportunity.
Cheap Things to Do in Cleveland (TN)
1. Learn About the Locals at Museum Center at 5ive Points
This is simply a culmination of the Tennessee city’s rich history, culture, and art.
The River of time is its main exhibit, tracing the complete history of three counties: Bradley County, Polk County, and East Hamilton County.
The center has five or six rotating exhibitions that change throughout the year.
The art gallery is also very nice and showcases various arts and crafts from the south side.
The center also sometimes hosts social events.
The staff here at the Museum Center at 5ive Points are warm and friendly, and you can also opt for some guided tours.
The museum focuses primarily on the Ocoee region of Tennessee.
2. Experience Zip Lining with Ocoee Zipz
Ocoee Zipz is located 40 minutes from Cleveland and offers up to seven zip lines.
They usually provide a two-hour tour that takes you through the various courses offered.
Zip lines are incredible and can range from 5 feet to 95 feet in height.
Take off like a bird as you zoom through the sky.
Plus, they have a Wizard of Oz-themed zip line that will make you feel like you’re in a fantasy land.
3. Tour the William G. Mather Steamship
The liner William G. Mather was the lead vessel of the Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company. Set up to move merchandise to ports all through the Great Lakes, the boat was worked in 1925 and worked until 1980.
The William G. Mather is estimated to be 618 feet long and has been reestablished to its unique condition.
It is currently a historical center boat where guests can encounter what it resembled to deal with these boats, which are viewed as so critical to the Great Lakes industry.
Cool Places to Visit in Cleveland (TN)
1. Black Fox Farms
Black Fox Farms has been in business since 1899, making it one of the oldest businesses in Bradley County.
Products offered by this wholesale nursery include nursery and container growers of ornamentals, shade, and flowering trees, perennials, hardy ferns, and hostas.
It can also be used for weddings and other events.
With its rustic charm and peaceful surroundings, this place is perfect for any occasion.
2. Greater Cleveland Aquarium
A portion of the Greater Cleveland Aquariums’ bigger occupants, including three types of sharks, stingrays, and moray eels, can be seen very close in a stroll through the ocean tub.
Witness these amazing toothy creatures as they swim overhead.
The aquarium restores a variety of habitats, including the original Ohio River, rainforest, reef, and coastal boardwalk.
Visitors can explore the touch pool and get up close to stingrays, seahorses, cleaner shrimp, and coral.
3. Cleveland Public Square
The city’s historic public square has been part of the city since the end of the 18th century.
The public square has been recently renovated and offers a café, an amphitheater, a lawn, and an ice rink.
It hosts many of the city’s major public events, including concerts, rallies, and parades.
On a historical note, the square once contained the bodies of Abraham Lincoln and James A. Garfield for public viewing after their deaths.
The public square has some impressive sights to see. One for the founder of the city, Moses Cleveland, another for his soldiers and sailors, and the very spectacular fountain of eternal life, the war memorial fountain.
Conclusion
Cleveland, Tennessee, is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in America, having a variety of outdoor activities, historical and cultural attractions, and unique tours.
It doesn’t matter if you’re looking for white water rafting or a more relaxed experience; there are certainly lots of things to do in Cleveland (TN) as it has something for everyone.
