Henry Horton State Park

Henry Horton State Park

By Becky Forkel, Director of Membership & Operations at Experience Tennessee/SCTTA

Henry Hollis Horton was born in Alabama in 1866. During his time in Sewanee, he attended the University of the South.

While practicing law in Marshall County, he married Anna Adeline Whilhoite. While serving as speaker of the Tennessee Senate, Governor Austin Peay passed away and Henry Horton became governor. Following his term, he ran for and was elected governor for two more terms. Following his death, Tennessee purchased this land to establish Henry Horton State Park. Due to its proximity to Nashville, Columbia, and Murfreesboro, this is a very popular state park.

Henry Horton State Park is located on land that he farmed. Located on the Duck River, this beautiful land offers many outdoor recreation opportunities. There are hiking trails, kayaking and canoeing, golf, camping, a lodge, cabins, frisbee golf, picnicking, an excellent restaurant, and so much more.

The campground has 76 sites, sits on the banks of the river, and features an aviary near the camp store.

Throughout the park, rangers and staff are eager to assist you so you can enjoy what it has to offer. There is a family graveyard here where Governor Horton is buried. There are also some ghost stories associated with the property. Check out the rangers’ schedule of activities on the Henry Horton State Park website.