Parks and Recreation

Nature Centers

Bells Bend Outdoor Center

Archaeology Summer
There will be a field school conducting research on Native American culture during the Paleo Period throughout Bells Bend this summer with base operations at the Bells Bend Outdoor Center. The field school will be a joint effort between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, the University of Arizona, Tucson, and the Southeastern Paleoamerican Survey, Inc. There will be regular lectures each week open to the public beginnning usually at 7:00 P.M. and visitors are welcome to observe much of the work being done. To learn specifics, call the park or visit http://bellsbend.pidba.org/.

Dates to remember:

 
  • Thursday, July 8th 7:00 P.M. Introduction to the 2010 Bells Bend Archaeological Project
    Research staff will give an overview of the survey about to begin in Bells Bend. Meet the archaeologists conducting the research, learn specifics about lectures to attend, and find out how to help.  
  • Tuesday, August 10th at 7:00 P.M. The Results of the Bells Bend Archaeoloical Project
    Learn about what the archaeologists found during the summer field school.  Look for additional programs on archaeological topics throughout the summer. Call (615) 862-4187 or 880-2237 to register.

bells bendLocated in western Davidson County, this park takes its name from a peaceful arc of the Cumberland River known as Bells Bend. This rural preserve is defined by its agricultural history, its bountiful opportunities for viewing wildlife, and a landscape shaped by the river.  This 808 acre pastoral park opened to the public in 2007 and supports habitat for plants, migratory birds and other wildlife.  Bells Bend Park offers Nashville residents and visitors access to a unique three-fold experience: cultivating knowledge of the natural world, developing outdoor recreation skills, and understanding cultural impacts upon the land.

Several miles of hiking trails and old farm roads are accessible at the trailhead and the first entrance into the Park.  The Nature Center at the second Park entrance off Old Hickory Boulevard.

Hours: Bells Bend Park is open 7 days a week from daylight until dusk. The Bells Bend Outdoor Center is open for the summer Tuesday 12 noon-4pm, Thursday 12 noon-6pm, Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, and August 8 12:30pm-4:30pm. And by appointment. 

bells bend
Installing the Solar Panels

Directions:
From I-40 take exit # 204 and go North on Briley Parkway. Take exit # 24 and turn left onto State Rt. 12. – toward Ashland City Go over 2 miles and turn left at the stop light onto Old Hickory Blvd. Go 4 miles, the entrance to Bells Bend Park (trailhead) is on your right. Go to the second Park entrance for the Bells Bend Outdoor Center

Contact Information:
Bells Bend Outdoor Center
4187 Old Hickory Blvd.
Nashville, TN  37218
615-862-4187 or Bells Bend or LinnAnn Welch, Director