- Attraction: Cornelia Fort Airpark at Shelby Bottoms
- Location: 1199 Shadow Ln, Nashville, TN 37206
- Industry: Park
- Website: https://www.nashville.gov/departments/parks/nature-centers-and-natural-areas/shelby-bottoms-nature-center/shelby-bottoms-park
Picture yourself pedaling down a real airport runway where small planes once touched down, all while being just minutes from downtown Nashville.
Cornelia Fort Airpark at Shelby Bottoms offers exactly that experience, blending aviation history with outdoor recreation in a way no other Nashville park can match.
This transformed airpark opened to the public in 2014 after the city purchased the property in 2011, and it’s become a beloved destination for cyclists, runners, and families seeking wide-open spaces with a story to tell.
Named after Cornelia Fort, Tennessee’s first female flight instructor and the first American woman pilot to die on active military duty during World War II, this former airport carries profound historical significance.
Fort was actually in the air above Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, narrowly avoiding a mid-air collision with Japanese aircraft during the attack. The airpark that bears her name operated from 1945 until the devastating 2010 Nashville flood led to its closure.
Related
More in Tennessee
The Secret To Impossibly Smooth Ice Cream Is -320°F Liquid Nitrogen At This Brentwood Shop
Keep Exploring →Today, the preserved runway and hangars stand as both a memorial to aviation history and a unique recreational space that East Nashville residents treasure.
The Runway Experience
Biking Freedom: The main runway stretches out before you in a perfectly flat, 3,500-foot expanse of smooth asphalt. This is what makes the airpark truly special for cyclists. You can pedal as fast as you want without worrying about cars, sharp turns, or sudden obstacles.
Parents love bringing kids here because they can safely ride bikes without the usual neighborhood stresses. The runway forms a 1.25-mile loop that runners frequently use for speed training and distance tracking.
Wide Open Skies: Unlike most Nashville greenways that wind through tree-covered paths, the airpark gives you unobstructed views in every direction. The openness creates an almost meditative quality, especially during sunrise or sunset when the sky turns brilliant shades of orange and pink.
This treeless expanse also makes it perfect for kite flying on breezy days, and you’ll often see colorful kites dancing overhead on weekends.
More in Tennessee
Families Are Calling The Sloth Encounter At This Interactive Sevierville Zoo A Bucket List Experience
Discover MoreRoller Skating & Skating: The smooth runway surface attracts rollerbladers and skaters who appreciate having such a long, uninterrupted stretch to glide across.
The lack of cracks, roots, or uneven pavement makes this one of Nashville’s best skating spots. You can build up serious speed on the straightaways, and the wide space means you never feel crowded even on busy days.
The 1.25-Mile Loop: The loop around the runway provides a perfect distance for various fitness goals. Runners appreciate being able to time their laps precisely, while walkers enjoy the manageable distance that doesn’t feel overwhelming.
You can complete multiple loops depending on your energy level, and the flat terrain makes it accessible for people of all fitness levels.
Family-Friendly Features
Playground Equipment: Since becoming part of the Shelby Bottoms park system, the airpark has added modern playground equipment that kids absolutely love.
Related
More in Tennessee
The Appalachian In Sevierville Feels Like East Tennessee’s Love Letter To The Smoky Mountains
Keep Exploring →The playground sits near the parking area, making it convenient for families. Parents can watch their children play while keeping an eye on older kids biking around the runway.
Outdoor Workout Station: You’ll find a covered workout station with various fitness equipment for bodyweight exercises.
It’s a nice bonus for those who want to add some strength training to their cardio routine. The covered design means you can use it even during light rain or when you need a break from the sun.
Sidewalk Chalk Activities: The vast amount of pavement provides endless canvas space for children to create artwork with sidewalk chalk.
Families often bring buckets of chalk and spend hours drawing, and you’ll frequently see elaborate chalk murals decorating sections of the runway. It’s a simple pleasure that kids never seem to tire of.
More in Tennessee
The Tastiest Apple Strudel In Tennessee Is At This Authentic German Restaurant In Johnson City
Discover MoreSpace to Roam: With over 130 acres, the airpark gives children genuine room to run, play, and explore without parents constantly worrying about them getting too far away. The open sightlines mean you can see across the entire property, providing peace of mind while kids burn off energy.
Wildlife & Nature Connections
Abundant Wildlife Viewing: The airpark serves as an excellent wildlife watching spot thanks to its location within the larger Shelby Bottoms greenway system.
Deer wander through regularly, and you’ll often spot them grazing near the edges of the runway, especially during early morning or evening visits.
Great blue herons, wild turkeys, and even the occasional coyote make appearances, creating unexpected nature encounters in an urban setting.
Part of Shelby Bottoms: The airpark connects to over five miles of paved trails and five miles of primitive trails throughout the 960-acre Shelby Bottoms Greenway.
Related
More in Tennessee
The Tastiest Apple Strudel In Tennessee Is At This Authentic German Restaurant In Johnson City
Keep Exploring →This means you can extend your visit by exploring the bottomland hardwood forests, wetlands, and Cumberland River frontage that characterize the broader natural area. The Shelby Bottoms Nature Center sits nearby, offering educational programs and exhibits about local ecosystems.
Bird Watching Opportunities: The combination of open fields and nearby forests makes this an excellent birding location. You might spot various warbler species during migration seasons, plus resident birds like Eastern Bluebirds in the nesting boxes scattered throughout the area. The park’s designation as an Important Bird Area reflects its ecological significance.
Historic Hangars & Summer Concerts
The Original Hangars: Two historic airplane hangars remain standing at the airpark, serving as tangible connections to the site’s aviation past.
These structures now host the popular Cornelia Airpark Concerts series, transforming what were once airplane storage buildings into unique music venues.
Walking around these hangars, you can almost imagine the small planes that once filled them.
Monthly Concert Series: From May through August, the airpark comes alive with the Cornelia Airpark Concerts, held monthly inside the hangars. Local bands perform while craft beer flows and food vendors set up shop.
Tickets remain reasonably priced, with all proceeds supporting park preservation through Friends of Shelby Park and Bottoms. The atmosphere blends music festival vibes with community gathering energy.
Family Activities at Concerts: The concert series welcomes all ages, offering free kids activities alongside the musical performances.
Attendees can bring their own instruments for a free drink, encouraging community participation. The events create a festive atmosphere where Nashville locals gather to support their neighborhood park while enjoying great entertainment.
Atmosphere & Setting
Instagram-Worthy Backdrop: The long, empty runway creates a striking visual that’s become popular on social media.
The eerie beauty of an abandoned airstrip, combined with the historical significance, draws photographers and casual visitors alike.
You’ll find the space especially photogenic during golden hour when long shadows stretch across the tarmac.
Urban Oasis Quality: Despite being just minutes from downtown Nashville, the airpark feels remarkably removed from city life.
The lack of traffic noise and the expansive openness create a peaceful escape. You can genuinely feel like you’ve left the city behind, even though you’re still within its boundaries.
Historic Aviation Connection: Beyond Cornelia Fort herself, the airpark witnessed several notable aviation moments.
Country music legend Patsy Cline was flying toward this very airpark when her plane crashed in 1963, adding layers of Music City history to the location.
Musician Earl Scruggs survived a crash landing here in 1975, and the runway saw thousands of flights during its 66 years of operation.
Open Sightlines: The complete lack of trees in the central area means you can see the entire park at once. This openness feels liberating, especially for those used to Nashville’s tree-lined greenways. It also means no shade during summer, so early morning or evening visits work best during hot months.
Practical Considerations
Free Entry & Parking: The airpark charges no admission fees, making it an excellent budget-friendly activity.
Parking fills the lot adjacent to Shadow Lane, with spaces usually available during weekdays. Weekend parking gets tighter, especially on nice weather days, though spaces typically open up regularly as visitors come and go.
Best Times to Visit: Early mornings offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, plus better wildlife spotting opportunities. Weekday afternoons tend to be quieter than weekends.
Summer evenings provide beautiful light and comfortable temperatures. The airpark opens from dawn to dusk daily, giving you flexibility in planning your visit.
No Amenities On-Site: Be aware that the airpark lacks restrooms and water fountains. You’ll need to bring your own water and plan accordingly. The main Shelby Bottoms Nature Center, located about a mile away at 1900 Davidson Street, provides facilities if needed.
Family-Friendly Environment: The park attracts families, fitness enthusiasts, and history buffs in equal measure.
The atmosphere remains friendly and welcoming, with people generally respecting greenway etiquette. Cyclists typically call out when passing walkers, and everyone shares the space considerately.
Connect to Larger Trail System: If you want to extend your adventure beyond the runway, the airpark connects to the broader Shelby Bottoms Greenway network.
You can easily spend several hours exploring the paved and primitive trails that wind through forests and along the Cumberland River. A notable pedestrian bridge connects to the Stones River Greenway for even more trail options.
Weather Considerations: The completely exposed runway means no protection from elements. Hot summer days require sunscreen and plenty of water, while windy conditions can be intense without any windbreaks. Rain makes the runway slippery, so check the forecast before visiting.
Cornelia Fort Airpark at Shelby Bottoms
📍 1199 Shadow Ln, Nashville, TN 37206
