Oaklands Historic House Museum

Oaklands Historic House Museum (known to ‘old timer’s’ and ‘Boro natives as Oaklands Mansion)  is located in Murfreesboro, TN.

Oaklands Historic House entrance sign

Construction on Oaklands Mansion began in 1813. The home started out as a two room cabin built by the Maney family.  The family added on to the home in several different phases.  As the family’s fortunes increased so did the size and opulence of the home.  The home, as it is preserved now, was completed in 1860.  Just one year before the start of the Civil War.  So while the Oaklands Mansion looks very similar to other antebellum homes, it’s story is a bit different.

When you visit Oaklands, your first stop will be the visitor center.  This is the smaller building to the left of the mansion.  The center is home to a gift shop, museum, multimedia rooms, and bathrooms.

The first stop on the tour is a short video in the history of Oaklands. Let me be honest here.  I loved the video.  My kids…not so much. If you have younger kids (under 10?) ask the tour guide if you can skip the video.

Oaklands Historic House exterior

After the video, your guide will lead you to the home. Our guide was fantastic. He told great stories and answered all our questions with ease.  He also kept my kids engaged.  He asked them questions and talked very specifically to them throughout the tour.  I wish I could show you some great pictures of all the awesomeness you will find inside Oaklands. Unfortunately, no photography is allowed inside the home. But look on the bright side. When you visit, you will be seeing everything inside for the very first time 🙂

The tour will take about 30 minutes. Once your tour of the inside of Oaklands is finished, you will be free to tour the grounds on your own for as long as you like.  There are a few out buildings and a large grassy yard.  This would be a great place to have a picnic lunch and lets the kids run around a bit.

There is a short path you can take to the natural spring on the property.  The spring was the source of water for the whole plantation and was the main reason the home was built in it’s current location.  It’s a beautiful stroll but like the rest of the tour, it’s not ‘stroller-friendly” so keep that in mind if you bring a baby or toddler.

Oaklands hosts lots of educational events throughout the year.  They also present unique exhibits in the museum several times each year. Make plans to visit Oaklands Historic House Museum. Mix a bit of history into some family fun!

Family Fun Facts

Oaklands Historic House Museum (Map)

Hours: Tuesday – Saturday  10AM – 4PM

Sunday  1PM – 4PM

Cost : Adults – $15  Students and children – $6  Children under 5 – Free

Rachel headshot

Rachel is a Middle Tennessee native, born and raised in the Nashville area and having lived in Hendersonville, Murfreesboro, and Mount Juliet. She is mom to 3, step mom to 4 and Grandma to one (so far!)

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