Hohenwald is weird. I mean that in the best way possible. It’s this tiny Tennessee town about an hour and a half southwest of Nashville that feels like it’s caught between three different worlds. On one hand, you have the rugged, deep-woods heritage of the Highland Rim. On the other, you’ve got a massive, world-class sanctuary for retired circus elephants. Then, just to keep things interesting, there's a heavy influence of Swiss heritage and a community of off-grid enthusiasts living in one of the world's oldest intentional communities nearby. If you are looking for things to do in hohenwald, you aren't going to find a shopping mall or a movie theater. You’re going to find silence, some very large ears, and a lot of history.
People usually end up here by accident. They’re driving the Natchez Trace Parkway and need gas, or they saw a sign for "The Elephant Sanctuary" and realized they can't actually go inside (more on that later, because it’s a common heartbreak). But if you actually stick around, you realize Hohenwald—which literally means "High Forest" in German—has a vibe you can't find in the neon-soaked streets of Broadway in Nashville. It’s quiet. It’s slow.
The Elephant in the Room (Literally)
Let's address the big one first. Most people searching for things to do in hohenwald are looking for The Elephant Sanctuary. It is the largest natural-habitat refuge for captive elephants in North America. It’s huge. Over 3,000 acres of rolling hills and ponds where elephants who spent their lives in tiny circus trailers finally get to just... be elephants.
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Here is the thing: You cannot go in.
I’ve seen people drive three hours, pull up to the gate, and get genuinely upset. The sanctuary is not a zoo. It’s a retirement home. To keep the animals unstressed, the habitats are closed to the public. However, that doesn't mean you should skip it. The Elephant Discovery Center in downtown Hohenwald is actually worth your time. They’ve got these massive high-def screens linked to "EleCams" so you can watch the elephants roaming the deep woods in real-time. It’s surprisingly peaceful to sit there and watch a 9,000-pound animal tear down a tree branch three miles away. The center also does a great job of explaining why these creatures need so much space and the heartbreaking history of the ivory trade.
Meriwether Lewis and the Mystery at Grinder’s Stand
Just a short skip from downtown is Milepost 385.9 on the Natchez Trace Parkway. This is where Meriwether Lewis—yes, that Lewis from Lewis and Clark—met his end. It’s one of the most significant historical sites in the state, and honestly, it’s a bit eerie. Lewis was staying at an inn called Grinder’s Stand in 1809 when he died of gunshot wounds.
The official story? Suicide.
The local rumor for the last 200 years? Murder.
You can walk the section of the Old Trace that still looks exactly like it did in the 1800s. Deeply rutted paths, overhanging trees, and a heavy silence. There’s a monument there that’s a "broken shaft," symbolizing a life cut short. It’s a great spot for a picnic, but it’s also a place that makes you think about the grit it took to navigate this wilderness before iPhones. The National Park Service maintains a small museum there that’s free. Go look at the exhibits and decide for yourself if you think Lewis was killed for his journals or if he just couldn't handle the pressure of his post-expedition life.
Wine, Swiss Heritage, and High Forest Vibe
Did you know Hohenwald was settled by Swiss immigrants? It explains the name. While the Swiss influence has faded into the general Southern tapestry, you can still feel it at Natchez Hills Vineyard. This isn't some snobby, nose-in-the-air winery. It’s a porch-sitting, live-music-playing kind of place. They do tastings of local varietals, and it’s arguably the best place to unwind after hiking around the Trace.
If you’re hungry, you’re probably going to end up at Junkyard Dog Steakhouse. Don’t let the name fool you. It’s the local "nice" spot. It’s located in a converted old building with a ton of character. They do a solid ribeye, but people really go for the atmosphere. It’s where the town’s stories get told.
The Farm: A Different Way of Living
Just outside of town is The Farm. Founded in the 1970s by Stephen Gaskin and a caravan of hippies from San Francisco, it’s one of the most famous intentional communities in the world. It’s still active today. While it’s a private residential community, they are surprisingly welcoming if you’re respectful.
They have a store where you can buy books on midwifery (they basically pioneered modern home-birthing in the US) and soy products. If you’ve ever eaten "The Farm" brand nutritional yeast or soy tech, it started here. They often host workshops on everything from solar power to mushroom foraging. It’s a fascinating look at a group of people who decided the mainstream world wasn't for them and actually made their alternative work for over fifty years.
Getting Outside: Lewis County Park and Natural Bridge
If you’ve got kids or just need to move your legs, Lewis County Park has some decent trails. But the real gem is the Natural Bridge. It’s a double span of rock that’s been carved out over millennia. It’s not as massive as the one in Virginia, but it’s tucked away in a hollow that feels like something out of a fairy tale.
The water in this part of Tennessee is incredibly clear. There are several creeks nearby, like the Buffalo River, which is perfect for a lazy kayak trip. If you head just a bit north to the Buffalo, you can rent a boat and spend four hours drifting past limestone bluffs. It’s one of those things to do in hohenwald that really highlights the geography of the Highland Rim.
Weird Museums and Local Quirks
You have to visit the Lewis County Museum of Natural History. They have one of the largest collections of trophy mounts in North America. It’s... a lot. Whether you’re a hunter or not, the sheer scale of the collection is impressive. It’s housed in the old train depot area, which is the heart of the town’s aesthetic.
Also, keep an eye out for the local events. The Hohenwald Oktoberfest is a big deal here. It’s a nod to that Swiss/German heritage and brings in artisans from all over the region. It’s less about "beer tents" and more about community, handmade crafts, and surprisingly good food.
Is Hohenwald Worth the Trip?
Honestly? Yes. But only if you’re the kind of person who likes "slow travel." If you want fast-paced entertainment, stay in Nashville. But if you want to see a town that is fiercely independent, deeply connected to its land, and home to some of the world's most interesting conservation and social experiments, then Hohenwald is your spot.
It’s a place of contradictions. You have hunters in camo eating lunch next to vegan commune members from The Farm. You have high-tech elephant monitoring stations situated next to 19th-century pioneer graves. It’s a weird, beautiful mix.
Practical Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the EleCam Schedule: Before you go to the Discovery Center, check their website. Sometimes the elephants are more active in the mornings.
- Download Maps: Cell service in Lewis County is patchy at best. If you're hitting the Natchez Trace or headed to The Farm, don't rely on Google Maps live. Download the offline area.
- Timing the Trace: The Natchez Trace is beautiful in the fall, but that’s when it’s busiest. Try a weekday in late spring for the best weather and the fewest crowds at the Meriwether Lewis site.
- Fuel Up: Hohenwald is the last "major" stop for a while if you’re heading south on the Trace. Top off your tank here.
You won't find many places left that feel this authentic. There are no chain hotels in the heart of town; you’re looking at local motels or Airbnbs. Embrace it. Talk to the person behind the counter at the general store. Ask them about the elephants. They’ll tell you stories you won't find on any travel blog.