Oaklands Mansion Self-Guided Tour

This historic Southern mansion serves as both a fascinating museum and cultural venue, drawing visitors for tours, outdoor theater performances, and special events like book festivals. The grounds are particularly noteworthy, featuring mature trees and beautiful landscaping, including what's said to be an almost complete collection of native Tennessee species. Tour guides like Connor and James earn consistent praise for being knowledgeable and entertaining, making the experience both educational and engaging. The tours dive into the property's complex antebellum history, though one visitor felt the presentation focused heavily on the enslaved family's story while requiring self-guided reading for the original owners' history. Most guests appreciate the well-preserved furnishings and architecture as an interesting time capsule of the period. Plan to spend about an hour exploring, and note that you'll need to purchase tickets and make reservations in advance. It's described as a hidden gem tucked away from downtown Murfreesboro, making it a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts visiting middle Tennessee.