Glenmore Mansion
A stunning Victorian mansion in East Tennessee, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life with knowledgeable guides and original furnishings.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, more relaxed tours
Glenmore Mansion
Best Time
Less crowded, more relaxed tours

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A stunning Victorian mansion in East Tennessee, offering a glimpse into 19th-century life with knowledgeable guides and original furnishings.
"An unexpected treasure with amazing architecture and incredibly informed guides, highly recommended!"
🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance
Tours are popular and can fill up, especially on weekends. Booking ahead ensures your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing during the tour.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Victorian Architecture
Exterior and Interior
A stunning example of mid-Victorian style, showcasing ornate details and timeless charm.

Original Furnishings
Throughout the mansion
Experience history firsthand with many original furnishings and artifacts from the families who lived here.

Haunting Legends
Various rooms
Explore the mansion's rumored haunted past, adding a layer of mystery to your visit.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Embrace the History
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance
Tours are popular and can fill up, especially on weekends. Booking ahead ensures your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing during the tour.
📸 Capture the Charm
The mansion is incredibly photogenic, both inside and out. Don't forget your camera!
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Tours can sometimes run longer than scheduled due to enthusiastic guides and questions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Tour in Advance
Tours are popular and can fill up, especially on weekends. Booking ahead ensures your spot!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a fair amount of walking and standing during the tour.
📸 Capture the Charm
The mansion is incredibly photogenic, both inside and out. Don't forget your camera!
⏳ Allow Extra Time
Tours can sometimes run longer than scheduled due to enthusiastic guides and questions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Glenmore Mansion as an unexpected treasure, highlighting its amazing architecture and the exceptional knowledge of the tour guides. Many appreciate the nominal admission price for the rich historical experience and the opportunity to see original furnishings. Some note it's a seasonal attraction, requiring planning for weekend visits.
"This was an unexpected treasure. We stopped after seeing a small sign on 11E. The house is just amazing. Our guide, Rob, was so informed of the history of the house, the area and the family that built the house. Our one hour tour lasted an hour and 40 minutes due to no tour being booked the following hour. We had a blast exploring and learning about the history of this place. We HIGHLY recommend the tour that is priced very nominally for the experience."
Mike Stewart
"Gorgeous on the outside. Never made it inside for tour. Will come back if I’m ever in area at correct date and time. $10 would be worth it"
Jennifer
"This place has a lot of meaning for my family. My wife and I got married here 10 years ago. We also came back and did our anniversary pictures 10 years later. We love this place and are grateful to the staff. Thank you all so much. Highly recommend to all."
Brian Mooneyham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Glenmore Mansion is located in Jefferson City, Tennessee. It's easily accessible via US-11E. Many visitors find it a convenient stop when traveling through East Tennessee.
Yes, there is typically ample parking available for visitors at the mansion.
Public transportation options to Glenmore Mansion are limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the site.
Taking US-11E is a straightforward route. Some locals suggest taking the old highway for scenic views of East Knoxville.
The mansion is often described as a 'hidden gem' but is usually well-marked with signs, especially when approaching Jefferson City.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Glenmore Mansion is open for tours on weekends from the first Saturday in May through the end of October. It's best to check their official website or social media for exact daily hours.
Admission is very reasonably priced, often described as nominal for the experience. One reviewer mentioned $10 being worth it.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for weekend tours, to secure your spot.
The primary offering is a guided tour that delves into the history of the house, its families, and the area. Tours can sometimes extend beyond the hour.
Generally, visits are limited to scheduled tour times. It's a museum experience, so access is controlled by tour availability.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A standard tour is about an hour, but guides are very knowledgeable and may extend it if there's no immediate follow-up tour booked, allowing for more exploration.
The mansion has been used for special occasions like weddings and anniversary photoshoots, indicating it can be a venue for events.
Yes, local legends suggest Glenmore Mansion is haunted, with stories of a railroad baron and discrepancies in window counts.
Built in 1868, it's a significant Victorian home owned by one of Jefferson City's founders, who was involved in railroads and mills. It offers a glimpse into mid-Victorian life.
You'll see many original furnishings, Victorian-era artifacts, and learn about the Branner and Jarnigan families who resided there.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's best to ask your tour guide upon arrival, but generally, interior photography might be restricted to preserve the artifacts.
The exterior of the mansion, with its grand Victorian architecture, is a prime photo opportunity. The surrounding grounds also offer beautiful shots.
While exterior photos are usually fine, interior photography might be limited. Always respect the rules set by the mansion staff.
It's ideal for architectural photography, historical reenactments, engagement shoots, and capturing the charm of East Tennessee.
Drone usage is subject to local regulations and property owner permission. It's advisable to inquire with the mansion management beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider preparing children beforehand with simple stories about life in the 1800s to enhance their engagement. The mansion's rumored haunted past might also add an element of spooky fun for older children. Remember to check the tour duration to ensure it aligns with your children's attention spans.
💰 Budget Travelers
This makes it an affordable way to immerse yourself in local history and appreciate stunning architecture without a significant financial outlay. Pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds before or after your tour to save on dining costs.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While interior photography might have restrictions, the opportunity to photograph the grand facade and potentially some well-preserved interiors (if permitted) makes it a worthwhile visit. Consider visiting during the 'golden hour' for softer, more dramatic lighting on the mansion.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Glenmore Mansion
Today, Glenmore Mansion operates as a museum, meticulously preserving the era it represents. It is furnished in the mid-Victorian style, featuring a remarkable collection of original furnishings and artifacts. This allows visitors to step back in time and experience the ambiance of the 19th century. The mansion's story is not just about architecture; it's about the lives, dreams, and challenges of the families who shaped its past.
Beyond its historical significance, Glenmore Mansion is also steeped in local lore, with tales of it being haunted. These stories, often involving discrepancies like the number of interior versus exterior windows, add an intriguing layer to the visitor experience. The mansion's enduring charm and historical depth make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and those interested in local legends.
Experiencing a Glenmore Mansion Tour
Visitors often highlight how the tours can extend beyond the typical hour, especially when the schedule allows. This flexibility means you can delve deeper into the stories and details of the mansion's past. The experience is described as tangible, allowing you to 'see, touch, and smell' history, rather than just reading about it. The personal touch and hospitality of the guides are frequently cited as a major asset, making the visit memorable and highly recommended.
While the mansion is a museum, it has also served as a venue for personal milestones, such as weddings and anniversary photoshoots, underscoring its sentimental value to some visitors. The nominal price for such an extensive and informative experience makes it an exceptional value.
The Musical Heritage of Glenmore Mansion
In addition to the Steinway, the mansion also features a pump organ. A heartwarming video captures a father testing out this pump organ, highlighting its functional, albeit leaky, bellows and great tone. The effort involved in pumping the pedals for the organ is even humorously noted, showcasing the hands-on nature of maintaining these historical instruments.
The dedication to preserving these musical artifacts is evident, with plans for future restoration projects. This commitment ensures that the sounds and stories associated with these instruments can continue to be appreciated by future generations visiting Glenmore Mansion.
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