Having a frugal vacation in Nashville is entirely possible. Last year, I mentioned a list of kid-friendly activities to do in Nashville. This year, I’m expanding the list to include historical sites. Here are my top picks for history-based staycation ideas in Nashville.
Best of the Best Historical Sites in Nashville:
Tennessee State Museum - Explore all facets of state history, from prehistoric creatures that have been discovered in Tennessee, to Native Americans, early frontiersmen to soldiers, even a local mummy! This museum has it all, and is one of our favorite treasures! Free.
Bicentennial Mall - walk through the history of Tenneessee, including a 200-ft granite map of the cities and waterways of the state, walkway of historical events that have shaped the state over time, and memorials to those Tennesseeans who have fought in wars. The state park headquarters is located inside the base of the train trusses. While you are there, check out the Farmer’s Market, which runs adjacent to the Park. Free.
Mansker Station - reconstructed fort and frontier home from the 18th century. Regular history and cultural programs for kids and adults. $8 for adults; $6 for kids; grounds surrounding the area are free.
Fort Nashborough - replica of the original stockade, the beginning settlement from the 1770′s. Free. Currently under renovations; call to determine if renovations are complete.
Parthenon - replica of original Parethenon in Athens, Greece. Inside contains a statue of Athena as well as an art gallery. Surrounding grounds include a duck pond, caboose playground, and outdoor amphitheater. Grounds are free. Admission to museum and art gallery are $6 for adults; $4 for kids.
The Hermitage - home of President Andrew Jackson. Beautiful grounds and home, built by the President. $19 for adults; $9 for kids 6-12.
Stones River National Battlefield – (Murfreesboro, TN — just a short drive outside of Nashville) if you are going to only ONE historic location, this would be the one I would visit. From exhibits, to walking trails that take you throughout the park, Stones River has a plethora of things to see and do. Kids can complete a Jr. Ranger program to earn badges, or simply ask questions to earn historical trading cards. Free.
Civil War Sites:
Nashville National Cemetery - burial site of 4100+ unidenfied Civil War soldiers. Various decorated soldiers are also buried here, ranging from the Spanish American War to recent wars. Free.
Old City Cemetery - Nashville’s oldest cemetery, and the location of soldiers as well as Nashvillian founders. Pick up a tour brochure from the office, before heading out to explore. Free.
Battle of Hartsville Driving Tour - 19 stops that take you through the main battle locations of the Battle of Hartsville. Free.
Fortress Rosecrans - remains of a earthen fortress, near Stones River. It was used as supply fort, leading up to the Battle at Chattanooga. Free.
Fort Negley - one of my favorite Civil War locations in Nashville! Be sure to check out the visitors center, where kids can earn a Jr. Historian Award, and check out the unique fort at the top of the hill. Free.
State Capital - Not only the Capital the head of the government in Tennessee, but it also was a historical site during the Civil War. Tours held daily. Free.
Historic Homes
Belmont Mansion - museum on Belmont University’s campus. The mansion is the home of Adelicia Acklen Cheatham, who created a free public zoo for the residents of Nashville, as well as opened a girl’s school and junior women’s college. The mansion was used by the Army after the Battle of Nashville. $12 adults; $3 kids 6-12.
Carnton Plantation - adjacent to the Battle of Franklin, and the mansion was used as a hospital for the wounded during the Civil War. A Confederate soldier cemetery is on the grounds. $15 adults; $8 kids 6-12; $5 grounds only.
Carter House - Battle of Franklin occurred on the grounds (while the Carter family hid in the basement). $15 adults for a guided tour; $8 kids 6-12; $5 grounds only.
Belle Meade Plantation - a thoroughbred racing farm, with connections to the Civil War. Notably, the Plantation offers tons of kids programs and book clubs throughout the summer, oftentimes as low as $5 per child.
Oaklands Mansion - historic mansion caught in the crossfire near Stones River. $10 adults; $5 children.
Travellers Rest - my son’s favorite historical home, especially during the 1800′s Trade Fair! Historical home owned by the Overton family. Included on the lot is a small schoolhouse, barn, and various other specialized buildings. Lots of kids and specialty program. $12 adults; $5 children.
Cragfont - home of General James Winchester, general during the War of 1812. $5 adults; $3 children.
Wynnewood - wooden travellers inn for the area. Isaac Bledsoe had a cabin built in back while he was as longhunter in the area. One exhibit includes an interesting array of antique surgical and medical equipment, belonging to Dr. Wynne. $5 adults; $3 children.
Sam Davis Home - home of Sam Davis, a Confederate courier who was caught with Union Army plans. $10 adults; $6 kids 6-12.
Croft House at Grassmere – farm that survived the Civil War, and has many historical relics spanning the 5 generations that lived at the house. Free with admission to the zoo.
Rock Castle - home of Daniel Smith, a Revolutionary War soldier. $7 adults; $5 children 6-12; or $20 family rate.
Other sites of Interest:
Natchez Trace - travel the Native American trade path, and discover great historic sites along the way, including Meriweather Lewis’s burial site, the War of 1812 Memorial, historic Gordon House, and the Loveless Cafe (one of the best eateries in Nashville). Free.
Clement Railroad Hotel Museum - one of the few remaining railroad hotels. Includes exhibits about the Civil War as well as railroads in Tennessee. $4 adults; kids under 14 are free.
Nashville Archives - search for genealogy records, archives of historical documents, and antique books. Extensive collection of Civil War images and documents. Free.
Seller’s Archaeological Site – the site of an former Native American settlement. Free.
Do you have a personal favorite history-based site that you like to visit while you are on staycation in Nashville? Please share! We love to visit other historical sites!
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