Welcome to Bowie Nature Park

Directions to Bowie Nature Park  |  Google Map of Park Location

Park Homepage  |  Park Facilities  |  News & Events  |  Park History

Bowie Nature Park, located in Fairview, TN contains over 700 glorious acres of forest, lakes & trails, Bowie is a great place for individuals, couples & families to come and enjoy their time.  Bicycling, horseback riding, fishing, running, walking and playing aboard the Treehouse Playground can be enjoyed each & every day of the year.

With a modern Nature Center, Bowie Park is also an exciting place to learn more about nature.  You can also Reserve the Nature Center, Outdoor Classroom or Picnic Areas for your upcoming community or social event!

All visitors & residents to our "city's treasure" are welcomed to come and enjoy the many wonders found at Bowie Nature Park!

• Download A Map of Bowie Park
  Offered as an Adobe Acrobat Reader file, Click Here to download a Map of Bowie Park. [file size: 299kb]

• Trail Mileage figures - Click Here to download.

• Trails may be closed due to wet conditions, it is advisable to call before riding by calling 799-5544 Ext. 1.

		BOWIE NATURE PARK QUICK GUIDE & PARK HOURS
		Bowie Park & Nature Center 7211 Bowie Lake Road Fairview, TN 37062 Tel: (615) 799-5544 Email: bowiepark@fairview-tn.org Park Hours Sunrise to Sunset - Year Round The entrance to Bowie Park is located in the city of Fairview on Highway 100 approximately 1 mile west of the Highway 96/100 exchange in Williamson County. Nature Center Hours Tues. - Sat. [10:00 - 4:00] Closed - Sunday & Monday Bowie Nature Center [Winter Hours] Open Tuesday - Friday [10:00 - 4:00] Closed Saturday, Sunday and Monday Featuring:  - 700+ Acres  - Modern Nature Center  - Exhibits and Art  - Monkey Treehouse Playground  - Joann's Outdoor Classroom  - Lakeside Picnic Areas  - Walking, Hiking, Bike Riding  - Horseback Riding, Fishing Trail Closures: At any time, Trails may be closed due to wet conditions, it is advisable to call before riding by calling 799-5544 Ext. 1. Additional Information regarding Bowie Nature Park: • Directions to Bowie Nature Park • Google Map of Park Location • General Information • Park Facilities • Park History

 

TRAIL INFORMATION

Bowie Nature Park has an expansive 17 miles of trails.  The majority of the trail system is shared by hikers, mountain bikers, and equestrians, however there are sections of the trail system that are designated:

• Foot Traffic Only

• Horseback Riding Only

• or Closed For Repair

Trail use fee, [for each bicycle and each horse]:

• $2.00 per day.

• All Fairview residents and residents of Postal Zip 37062 are exempt from this fee.

If you are unfamiliar with Bowie Nature Park’s Trail system please read all trail signs and/or consult the “Official” Bowie Nature Park Trail Map (located  at the kiosk in front of the restrooms) before riding.

Only trails on the “Official” Bowie Nature Park Trail Map are sanctioned trails that can be used by equestrians and mountain bikers.  All trails are open to day hikers.

Copies of The “Official” Bowie Nature Park Trail Map can be found at the kiosk in front of the restrooms, the Park Office, City Hall or download one here.

FOOT TRAFFIC ONLY TRAILS

Foot traffic trails are located at Lake Van, Upper Lake, and along the Little Turnbull River, and around the Treehouse Playground.   All trails are open to foot traffic.

Lake Van Trail Interpretive Trail
The “Interpretive Trail” hike around Lake Van has signs with a brief description of points of interest. There is an in depth brochure that can be obtained by sending a stamped self addressed envelope to:

Bowie Nature Park
7211 Bowie Lake Road
Fairview, TN 37062

The Forest Succession Brochure is located on post “1” as you cross the Lake Van Dam.  This brochure gives a brief overview of forest succession, exotics and the plant “community” around the lake.  It includes a leaf chart to help with the identification of the tree species.  

This brochure was funded under an agreement with the Department of Agriculture / Urban Forestry Grant.
 

 

PARK RULES

• Vehicles are restricted to designated roads and parking areas only.

• Motorized vehicles permitted on paved or gravel roads only.

• The speed limit is 18 miles per hour on all roads in the park with the exception of the road in front of the playground, which is 10 miles per hour.

• No alcoholic beverages allowed on park property.

• No dumping or littering on park property.

• All pets must be on a leash or tether at all times.

• No swimming allowed on park property.

• No boating allowed in park without written permission from the Parks Department.

• Riding on closed trails can result in a citation.

• Cutting of timber prohibited except by permission of the City Manager, Park Director.

• Fires in designated areas only - picnic areas and picnic shelters.

• Fishing is allowed, except where prohibited by sign.

• No hunting allowed on park property.

• No firearms allowed.

• Removal of plants is prohibited.

• Disturbing habitat of animals prohibited.

• Fishing at any of the six lakes at the park. A valid Tennessee fishing license is required and children under 12 years old must have adult supervision.

• Picnicking at any of several picnic tables located around Lake Van and the Twin Lakes

 

VOLUNTEER DAY

In order to keep the playground safe and clean there is a lot of maintenance that takes place every year, most of it is done by the park staff.  Occasionally a project needs to be done that spells “Community Fun”.  As soon as the weather warms up we plan to have a “MULCH DAY”. There will be food, fun and games while we spread new mulch inside the playground.  Anyone interested in helping organize this can call the park office 799-5544 or E-mail us at bowiepark@fairview-tn.org.

 

AFFILIATED ORGANIZATIONS

The Friends of Bowie Nature Park welcomes new members, folks who love and value our Park. Meetings are informal, fun and generally productive.

Some feature guest speakers and refreshments. Current goals include improving Park trail signage so newcomers don’t get lost, increasing recreational and educational opportunities in the Park, and bringing electricity to Joann’s Outdoor Classroom. Come be an active participant in Fairview’s crown jewel – Bowie Nature Park!  The Friends meet the 4th Thursday of the month, except June, July, November and December when there is no meeting.   Time and place? At the Nature Center, 7 pm. Hope to see you there.  Still uncertain? Learn more at www.friendsofbowienaturepark.com.

 

BOWIE NATURE PARK IS A LEGACY FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS

Bowie Nature Park and the legacy of land provided by Dr. Evangeline Bowie are protected by the
Land Trust For Tennessee.

Nature photography, the abundance of wildlife and the beauty of the park make nature photography rewarding, even for beginners. The Fairview Chamber of Commerce sponsors a “Nature Photo” contest at Nature Fest annually.  There is a category for Bowie Nature Park photos.