Solve an 1890s murder as part of the show
Show, meal, mansion tour
Step into an original murder mystery set during an 1897 banquet at Falcon Rest. Actors lead the story while you assume the role of a real person from the 1890s, with no lines to memorize and no pressure to participate.
Cancel by 9 am the day before the event for a refund. No-shows are charged full price.
Product ID: 8TNWCG
A substitute can be planned when you share dietary restrictions in advance.
No. Photography and video are not permitted inside Falcon Rest Mansion. You may take outdoor photos in the gardens.
Falcon Rest Visitor Center, 85 Bluff Springs Rd., McMinnville, TN 37110
Step onto the grounds of Falcon Rest Mansion and Gardens and feel the pace of McMinnville slow around you. The 1896 estate rises behind a canopy of mature trees, its ornate Victorian facade a careful reminder of Tennessee's prosperous Gilded Age. Broad porches invite you to linger, while manicured gardens frame every view. Falcon Rest Mansion and Gardens rewards those who look closely, from the intricate woodwork to the original furnishings that still fill its rooms.
Falcon Rest Mansion in McMinnville is a beautifully restored Victorian property that consistently earns praise for its authentic period furnishings, stunning architecture, and immaculately kept gardens. Hosts Charlien and George are frequently highlighted by name, bringing warmth, humor, and deep knowledge of the property's fascinating history to every visit. The guided mansion tours are a particular highlight, with guides who make the experience both educational and genuinely entertaining. Accommodations range from a honeymoon suite to a carriage house and cottage, all decorated with period-appropriate antiques. The breakfast package comes highly recommended. One note worth flagging: tea party events have occasionally been held in the visitor center rather than inside the mansion itself, which disappointed some guests expecting the full historic atmosphere, so it may be worth confirming event locations when booking. For history lovers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a unique overnight experience, this place delivers something hard to find elsewhere. The owners' passion for preservation and authentic restoration is visible in every room, and the overall atmosphere feels genuinely special rather than staged.
I have been to Monticello, Mount Vernon and Belle Meade. Falcon Rest was better than them all. The tour was performed by the owner herself. I was never rushed and questions were encouraged. The mansion and grounds are absolutely lovely and meticulously restored. The gift shop is amazing. I am making plans to come again for a formal tea with my granddaughters and for a murder mystery date with my husband. Fantastic admission price on a one-of-a-kind gem right here in McMinnville!
Bonnie Causey
September 4, 2026
I have been to Monticello, Mount Vernon and Belle Meade. Falcon Rest was better than them all. The tour was performed by the owner herself. I was never rushed and questions were encouraged. The mansion and grounds are absolutely lovely and meticulously restored. The gift shop is amazing. I am making plans to come again for a formal tea with my granddaughters and for a murder mystery date with my husband. Fantastic admission price on a one-of-a-kind gem right here in McMinnville!
Bonnie Causey
September 4, 2026
Enjoy lunch or tea in a Victorian setting before or after your mansion tour
Tour a 1896 Victorian mansion filled with antiques and stories
Reserve a formal Victorian tea with scones, sandwiches, and sweets
Drift the Barren Fork River with shuttle service and a life vest included
Paddle a 6-mile river route with included gear and shuttle service
Paddle a full river route with gear and shuttle service included