Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
A 1930s estate transformed into a stunning botanical garden, art museum, and seasonal wonderland.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tulips and blooming flowers
Cheekwood Estate & Gardens
Best Time
Tulips and blooming flowers
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 1930s estate transformed into a stunning botanical garden, art museum, and seasonal wonderland.
"A beautiful array of flowers each time I visit but with different themes depending on the time of year!"
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
This place is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the gardens and exhibits.
Fall is Peak Season 🎃
Cheekwood Harvest with its Pumpkin Village is a major draw. Expect crowds but amazing photo ops!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pumpkin Village
Gardens
Thousands of pumpkins create whimsical houses and displays during Cheekwood Harvest. A fall must-see!
Wisteria Arbor & Reflecting Pool
Gardens
A stunning, Instagrammable spot with cascading wisteria and a serene reflecting pool.
Troll Tribe Exhibit
Gardens
Discover giant, whimsical trolls made from recycled materials scattered throughout the grounds.
Mansion Museum
Mansion
Explore art galleries, historical photos, and festive decorations within the historic estate.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Beauty
Navigating the Estate
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
This place is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the gardens and exhibits.
Fall is Peak Season 🎃
Cheekwood Harvest with its Pumpkin Village is a major draw. Expect crowds but amazing photo ops! +1
Check Seasonal Exhibits 🌿
From tulips to pumpkins to holiday lights, Cheekwood changes beautifully. Plan around their special events.
Family-Friendly Fun 🤍
Kids love the train garden and the whimsical troll exhibits. Great for all ages! +1
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear Comfy Shoes! 👟
This place is huge! You'll be doing a lot of walking to explore all the gardens and exhibits.
Fall is Peak Season 🎃
Cheekwood Harvest with its Pumpkin Village is a major draw. Expect crowds but amazing photo ops! +1
Check Seasonal Exhibits 🌿
From tulips to pumpkins to holiday lights, Cheekwood changes beautifully. Plan around their special events.
Family-Friendly Fun 🤍
Kids love the train garden and the whimsical troll exhibits. Great for all ages! +1
Photography Paradise 📷
The gardens, mansion, and seasonal displays offer endless beautiful backdrops for photos.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Cheekwood for its stunning beauty, especially during seasonal events like Cheekwood Harvest and Holiday Lights. The diverse gardens, historic mansion, and engaging art installations are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some find the ticket prices a bit high for general admission, most agree the experience is well worth it, particularly for families and those seeking picturesque photo opportunities.
"December 2022 was my first & last visit to Cheekwood. I wanted to see the Holiday Lights-Garden and Mansion there; even though, it was no longer Christmas season & past Christmas. Despite the rainy weather and experiencing pain walking, it was wonderful to walk through the Christmas lights. It was $30 for an adult ticket. Was it worth it? Yes. Just make sure to still be prepared for crowds even after the holidays if you want to see the Christmas lights. We saw a wedding proposal on a bridge.
There was walking traffic on the grounds until it started raining. We went to the mansion during some of the time of heavy rain pour.
The mansion was showcasing a gallery of illustrations of The Adams Family, paintings, and vintage photos of famous Hollywood celebrities. It was festively decorated for Christmas and was a joy to wander through. It was very crowded in the area with The Adams Family illustrations gallery.
I took a lot of videos of the holiday light displays in the rain and tried seeing every part of Cheekwood that night. When we went back to our car, we were given a golf cart ride back to our car to avoid the long walk back to our car by Troy."
Ophelia Grace777
"What a beautiful place! It was very easy to spend a few hours here - it takes quite a while to see all the gardens. There are a lot of shady spots for when it's hot outside, and benches everywhere. The day we went, there were also a couple food trucks. I would definitely walk here a lot if I lived near here!"
Livy F
"This was a great place to visit especially on a Tuesday. It was not that busy so it was easy to navigate and enjoy the beautiful grounds and mansion. All of the staff, from the parking attendants, gift shop employees, those who were working on the grounds, the docents in the mansion museum, and everyone we encountered were very friendly, helpful, compassionate and lovely to interact with.
The gardens that we were able to explore were absolutely beautiful. I'm in a wheelchair so not every path or garden is accessible, but a great deal of the grounds and property are including the mansion. We enjoyed exploring and touring.
What an interesting place with a fascinating history. Just beautiful!"
Steph G
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Cheekwood is located at 1200 Forrest Park Drive, Nashville, TN 37205, about 20 minutes from downtown Nashville. Many visitors drive, and while parking is available, it can sometimes be a challenge during peak events.
Yes, Cheekwood offers parking. However, during popular events like Cheekwood Harvest, parking can fill up quickly. Arriving early is recommended.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are a convenient option for reaching Cheekwood, especially if you're concerned about parking.
Public transportation options to Cheekwood are limited. Driving or using ride-sharing services are generally the most practical ways to get there.
The quickest way from downtown Nashville is typically by car or ride-sharing service, taking approximately 20 minutes depending on traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the season and any special events. General admission for adults can range from $20-$30, with higher prices for special events like Holiday Lights. It's best to check their official website for current pricing.
It is highly recommended to purchase tickets in advance, especially for popular seasonal events like Cheekwood Harvest or Holiday Lights, as they can sell out.
Cheekwood's hours can vary by season and day of the week. Typically, they are open Tuesday through Sunday. Always check their official website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, except for water bottles. There is a cafe on-site, and food trucks are sometimes available during events.
Cheekwood sometimes offers discounts for seniors, students, and children. Check their website or inquire at the ticket counter for any available promotions. Membership also offers free admission.
📸 📸 Photography
The Wisteria Arbor, Reflecting Pool, Pumpkin Village during fall, and the mansion grounds are incredibly photogenic. The Troll Tribe exhibit also offers unique photo opportunities.
Yes, personal photography is generally allowed and encouraged. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check Cheekwood's policies.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. Golden hour can be particularly magical in the gardens.
Cheekwood is a popular spot for engagement and wedding photos, but it often requires booking a photography permit in advance.
Avoid blocking pathways or disturbing other visitors. Tripods are usually allowed, but check specific event rules as they can change.
🎫 🌳 Onsite Experience
Explore diverse botanical gardens, visit the art museum in the mansion, discover seasonal exhibits like the Pumpkin Village or Holiday Lights, and enjoy the Troll Tribe installation. 
Absolutely! Kids love the train garden, the interactive Troll Tribe, and the open spaces to explore. It's a fantastic family-friendly outing. +1
You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the gardens and mansion. If you want to fully immerse yourself and enjoy the cafe, allow for half a day.
Yes, Cheekwood has a cafe on-site. During special events, food trucks may also be present.
A significant portion of Cheekwood's grounds and the mansion are accessible for wheelchairs, though not all garden paths may be.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Visit during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon for the best light. Consider booking a photography permit if you plan a professional shoot, such as an engagement session. The changing seasons ensure a constant stream of new visual inspiration.History & Art Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cheekwood Harvest: A Fall Spectacle
+1 This event is incredibly popular and offers numerous photo opportunities, making it a must-visit for those seeking quintessential fall vibes in Nashville. Beyond the pumpkins, Cheekwood Harvest often includes seasonal decorations like mums, corn stalks, and festive scarecrows. The event is designed to be family-friendly, with activities that appeal to all ages. Visitors often rave about the sheer scale and creativity of the displays, making it a highlight of the fall season in Tennessee.
Remember to check the Cheekwood website for specific dates and any special programming associated with the Harvest event.The Historic Mansion and Art Collections
+1 During the holiday season, the mansion is often festively decorated, adding to its charm. Past exhibitions have included illustrations from 'The Addams Family' and vintage Hollywood photographs, providing a unique cultural experience alongside the natural beauty of the gardens.
Exploring the Diverse Gardens
Beyond the formal gardens, Cheekwood features natural areas, woodland trails, and unique installations like the Troll Tribe exhibit by artist Thomas Dambo.
These larger-than-life trolls, crafted from recycled materials, add an element of whimsical adventure for visitors of all ages. The variety ensures that no two visits are exactly alike, as the gardens evolve beautifully throughout the year, offering something new to admire with each season. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit