MAURY COUNTY

Maury County was formed in 1807 and Columbia is the county seat. The area is known for its towering antebellum homes including the ancestral home of James K. Polk, the 11th U.S. president. His home is located in Columbia and offers daily tours. Maury County is known as a leading agrarian community and today is best known for beef cattle production.

Parks, Trails, & Activities

The parks and recreation department manages several hundreds of acres of parks including Chickasaw Trace Park with nine miles of mountain bike trails, radio control flight field, radio control car track, and playgrounds.

Located in Columbia, Maury County Park is where the county fair is held in early September and the annual Mule Day festival in early April. The 242-acre park also has a onemile Storybook Trail, a two-mile paved trail, playgrounds, a dog park, athletic fields, and the Maury County Senior Center is located here as well. During the summer months, locals enjoy Movies in the Park. This park is also home to one of the largest miniature train tracks. For more information go to: midsouthlivesteamers.com.

Yanahli Park is the county’s largest and newest park totaling 474 acres with numerous ecosystems, diverse flora and fauna, along with historic settlements, rock walls, and burial sites. There is a 1.66 mile paved trail and restrooms. The park is bordered by the Duck River and is connected to the 12,000 acre Yanahli Wildlife Management Area which is also a hunting preserve. For more information about all countymanaged parks, activities, and educational programs, go to: maurycounty-tn.gov/570/Parks-Recreation.

Maury County School District

More than 13,000 students are enrolled in pre-K through 12th grade at 22 elementary, middle, and high schools, including three (kindergarten through 12th grade) unit schools. The district will be opening a new high school in the 2024-2025 school year in Spring Hill, followed by a new elementary school. Maury County Public Schools have a Virtual Academy for grades 7-12, Northfield Academy for grades 9-12, and an alternative learning program.

The school system works to prepare students for college as well as local industry employment. Career exploration classes start in elementary school followed by STEM classes in middle school. The school district dedicates staff to work with local industries to fill jobs and place students with local companies following graduation. The goal is for all students to have a career path once they graduate.

A step-by-step guide explaining how to register your child can be found at The New Residents’ Guide website: thenewresidentsguide.com/school-registration.

Maury County Public Schools

501 West 8th Street • Columbia 931-388-8403 • mauryk12.org