Discover Bedford County: Horse Culture, History, and Festivals

In Bedford County, horse history and recurring festivals sit alongside museums focused on local history, historic buildings, and opportunities on the water. When searching for a hotel, it helps to first decide what brings you on your trip: Would you like to attend a festival, explore regional history, take a scenic drive, or set aside time for a water-based activity? Locations and programs vary by theme, season, and scale.

Horse Culture and Local History

The Celebration® takes place in Shelbyville. Since its first event on September 7, 8, and 9, 1939, it has been held every year without interruption. The Celebration® has an equestrian complex covering more than 100 acres. The recurring event and its dedicated complex give horse culture a distinct place in travel plans.

The Bedford County History Museum, located in the Fly Arts Center, presents the community’s local history from the past 200 years. Its exhibits cover The Fly, Founders, The Square, Industry, Echoes of Valor, and Equine Fame. The Gilliland Historical Resource Center is an African American cultural arts center in Shelbyville and Bedford County. Together, these institutions offer different perspectives on local history and culture.

The Shelbyville Courthouse Square Historic District is listed in the Tennessee National Register inventory for the Public Square area. The Shelbyville Hydroelectric Station is considered a representative example of smaller privately owned hydropower projects in Tennessee. In eastern Bedford County, the Normandy Historic District includes 52 predominantly residential buildings arranged along the Seaboard Railroad.

Wartrace is considered the birthplace of the Tennessee Walking Horse. In the town center, visitors can explore the breed’s heritage at the Tennessee Walking Horse National Museum through exhibits on its history and notable figures. Admission is free; check visitor information before your trip. The first officially organized horse show was held in 1906 on the town square in Wartrace.

Festivals and Seasonal Events

The RC Cola-MoonPie Festival takes place in Bell Buckle every year on the third Saturday in June. The program includes 10-mile and 5-kilometer races on certified courses. The event concludes with the cutting of the world’s largest MoonPie. Bell Buckle Daffodil Day takes place every year on the third Saturday in March. The event is associated with thousands of daffodils growing along roads and farmland on a six-mile stretch leading to Bell Buckle.

The American Mule and Bluegrass Festival was founded in 2021 by Marty Ray Gordon. The Jr Mule Skinner program teaches participants about mule anatomy, parts of harnesses, and the history and origins of bluegrass music. Another activity described is a wagon train that travels for about 15 miles along back roads. These program offerings have different focuses: one is educational, while the other is a ride along back roads.

Scenery, Water, and Drives

Normandy Reservoir is a 3,048-acre reservoir that extends beyond Bedford County. Shore fishing is possible at the Normandy Dam boat access. Local providers rent canoes and kayaks for the Duck River and also organize overnight camping trips. This offers several different water-based activities without combining them into a single excursion.

Wartrace is a good starting point for scenic drives through Bedford County and Middle Tennessee. Bell Buckle is about eight miles from Interstate 24. If a particular festival is the reason for your trip, check the dates for the relevant event year.

Discover more destinations: Shelbyville, Bell Buckle, Lauderdale County, Carter, Morgan County, Dickson County, Putnam County, Polk County.

For the broader travel overview: Tennessee.