# Clifton, Tennessee: A Hidden Gem on the Tennessee River's Kentucky Lake ## Clifton Chamber of Commerce and Visitor's Center 113 Main Street, Clifton, TN 38425, (931) 213-4027 [Find Lodging](https://paulaydelott.us/index.php/visitor-information/#lodging&Itemid=121)[Find Food and Entertainment](https://paulaydelott.us/index.php/visitor-information/#restaurants&Itemid=120)[Visitor Shopping](https://paulaydelott.us/chamber-members#visitor&Itemid=170)[Things to Do](https://paulaydelott.us/chamber-members#visitor&Itemid=170)[Businesses For Residents](https://paulaydelott.us/chamber-members#residents&Itemid=171) ![Clifton Chamber of Commerce](https://paulaydelott.us/files/jpagebuilder/2026/07/28/mainstreet-chamberlogo-1920x735.jpg) ## Visit Clifton, Tennessee: History, Golf, and River Life Established in 2017, the Greater Clifton Chamber of Commerce is the heart of Tennessee’s "diamond in the rough." Located in Clifton, TN (38425), we are your premier resource for tourism, economic growth, and community vitality along the Tennessee River. Clifton is more than a stopover; it’s a serene riverside paradise. Whether you are looking for a weekend boating getaway, a retirement community with charm, or a family-friendly destination, Discover top things to do in Clifton, Tennessee. From a round of golf at the Jack Nicklaus-designed Ross Creek Golf Course to exploring the Water Street Historic District, Clifton offers authentic Tennessee River tourism. - **74 Boat Slips:** Access to one of Tennessee’s most scenic waterways. - **Proximity to Major Cities:** Just 111 minutes from Nashville and 2.5 hours from Memphis. - **Family Fun:** Enjoy the new Splash Park and outdoor amphitheater concerts. - **Environmental Stewardship:** Explore the Tennessee RiverLine 652 for hiking and nature walks. ### Local Businesses. Grow your business with the Chamber. - **Workshops:** Build your business skills - **Networking:** Create opportunities with the local community ### Plan Your Visit. The Chamber helps you navigate the best of Clifton: - **Top Attractions:** From the amphitheater to local galleries, discover the unique culture of Clifton. - **Dining & Shopping:** Find the best local restaurants and boutique shops. - **Accommodations:** Discover lodging options near Kentucky Lake. [Download Membership Application](https://paulaydelott.us/) ## Images From Around Clifton [![Concerts and Special Events Held at the Ampitheater](https://paulaydelott.us/files/gallery/amphitheater-616x530.jpg)### Clifton Ampitheater The stage at the amphitheater is a prime site for outdoor concerts, festivals, and special events.](https://paulaydelott.us/files/gallery/amphitheater-616x530.jpg) [![Vist the Clifton Chamber office to Learn What to See and Do](https://paulaydelott.us/files/gallery/chamber-of-commerce-616x530.jpg)### Clifton Chamber Office Visit the Chamber office to learn what events, places to see and eat, or things to do. If you're a business, make your networking connections here to coordinate with other businesses to drive more businesses and customers to the area.](https://paulaydelott.us/files/gallery/chamber-of-commerce-616x530.jpg) [![Play Golf at a Jack Nickolas-Designed Course](https://paulaydelott.us/files/gallery/rosscreek-entrance-616x530.jpg)### Ross Creek Golf Course Spend a relaxing day at the beautifully designed Jack Nickolas Golf course at Ross Creek.](https://paulaydelott.us/files/gallery/rosscreek-entrance-616x530.jpg) [![Visit the Stribling Museum to See Clifton's Past](https://paulaydelott.us/files/gallery/stribling-museum-616x530.jpg)### Stribling Museum Learn about the culture and history of this beautiful little river town and see what gives this area its remarkable character.](https://paulaydelott.us/files/gallery/stribling-museum-616x530.jpg) [![Book your stay at a classy B&B](https://paulaydelott.us/files/gallery/grandentrance.jpg)### Grand Staircase at One of our B&Bs Enjoy the charm and old-fashioned luxury at our classic B&Bs, ready to provide you with a relaxing place to rest after a busy, entertaining day in Clifton on the water or on land.](https://paulaydelott.us/files/gallery/grandentrance.jpg) ### Chamber Calendar No events found ### Contact the Chamber of Commerce ### Discover Clifton: Where History Meets the River Clifton, Tennessee, isn't just a quiet riverside town; it's a living museum with a dramatic past that shaped the region. Founded in 1840 as a bustling river port originally called Ninevah, it was renamed Clifton to honor the dramatic cliffs overlooking the Tennessee River. Today, tourists can walk the same paths used by Cherokee travelers during the Trail of Tears, where the Clifton landing served as a critical rendezvous point. **Civil War Drama:** The town played a pivotal role in the Civil War due to its strategic location at the Tennessee River's Horseshoe Bend. **Union Occupation:** After Fort Donelson fell in 1862, Union forces turned Clifton into a major supply base and embarkation point for General Ulysses S. Grant’s army. **Forrest's Raid:** On December 15, 1862, Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest crossed the river here with 1,800 cavalrymen to launch his famous West Tennessee Raid. You can still see reproduction cannons in Clifton City Park marking this historic crossing. **Destruction & Rebirth:** The town was partially burned by Union forces in 1863 during skirmishes, but it rose from the ashes, eventually transitioning from a steamboat hub to a railroad stop before finding its modern rhythm. **Architectural Treasures:** For history buffs, Clifton’s Water Street Historic District is a must-visit. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1992, it features 14 beautifully preserved buildings from 1870 to 1940. **The Commodore Inn:** Built in 1892, this Queen Anne-Stick style building incorporates the area's oldest house and a one-room schoolhouse, offering a glimpse into late-19th-century luxury. **Downtown Charm:** Stroll through the downtown area to admire Late Victorian, Bungalow, and Minimal Traditional architecture that evokes a bygone era. **Cultural Legacy:** Clifton is the hometown of T.S. Stribling, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of The Store (1933). The T.S. Stribling Museum, located in his childhood home, preserves the legacy of this literary giant and his depiction of Southern life. **Why Visit?** Clifton offers a unique blend of authentic history and scenic beauty. Whether you are watching the sunset over the river where steamboats once docked, exploring the Ross Creek Golf Course designed by Jack Nicklaus, or simply enjoying the "old-fashioned luxury" of a local B&B, the town invites you to experience a serene slice of American history.