Franklin: Civil War Day Tour with Lotz, Carter & Carnton Houses

Summary

Stories of the Battle of Franklin echo through Lotz, Carter & Carnton

You’ll walk through bullet-scarred rooms at Carter House, hear local stories at Lotz House, and stand beneath old trees at Carnton where soldiers once lay wounded—all with a knowledgeable guide and time to explore Franklin on your own. Expect more than facts: you’ll feel echoes of history under your feet.

4.77

(515 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

“If these walls could talk, you’d never sleep again,” our guide Tom said as we stepped into the Carter House. He had this way of pausing at just the right moment—letting us actually listen to the quiet creak of old floorboards and, I swear, something heavier hanging in the air. The house still has bullet holes in the brickwork. I ran my hand along one—felt cold, rough stone—and tried to imagine what it sounded like here during those five hours in 1864. Didn’t expect to feel so much standing in someone’s hallway.

The drive out from Nashville was easy enough (air-conditioned shuttle, thank goodness), but Franklin itself felt like a different world—slower, almost gentle if you didn’t know its past. We wandered downtown for lunch on our own; I ended up at a little spot where an older couple chatted about “the old days” like they were yesterday. After that, Carnton Plantation was next. Our guide pointed out where wounded soldiers had been laid out across the floors—there are still bloodstains by the windows. The sun came through the trees outside and made everything too bright for such heavy stories.

Lotz House was last. There’s a cannonball hole right above the stairs, and you can see scratches on the wood where furniture was dragged to make room for makeshift beds. Our group got quiet there. Someone asked about the cemetery behind Carnton—biggest private Confederate cemetery in America—and Tom just nodded like he’d heard that question a hundred times but still cared enough to answer it gently.

I keep thinking about that moment in Carter House when Tom told us how families hid in basements while chaos raged outside. You don’t really get that from books or movies—you have to stand there and smell old wood and dust and hear someone local tell it straight. So yeah, if you’re curious about Civil War history or just want to feel connected to something real (and not too polished), this day trip from Nashville is probably worth your time.

7h

Step-by-step itinerary

Top questions

How long is the Civil War tour from Nashville?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours including round-trip transportation from Nashville.

Are entry fees included for Lotz House, Carter House & Carnton?

Yes, admission to all three historic homes is included in your booking.

Is lunch provided on this day trip?

No, lunch is not included but you’ll have free time to eat in downtown Franklin at your own expense.

Is hotel pickup available for this tour?

Yes, round-trip transportation from your Nashville hotel is included.

Are ADA-compliant vehicles available?

Yes, ADA-compliant vehicles are available if requested at least 48 hours before your tour date.

Can infants or small children join the tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed.

Will we visit all three houses on this Civil War day trip?

Yes, your itinerary includes guided visits to Lotz House Museum, Carter House, and Carnton Plantation.

Is there free time during the tour?

You’ll have free time in downtown Franklin to shop or eat before continuing with the group.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Nashville by air-conditioned shuttle, entry fees for Lotz House Museum, Carter House, and Carnton Plantation—with guided tours at each site—and free time for lunch or exploring historic downtown Franklin before returning in the evening.

Do you have any questions before booking? Reach us anytime — we’re available 24/7.

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