historic mansker's station frontier life center

My family enjoyed the Ghost & Lantern tour on 10/24/14. Before the tour, we were offered hot apple cider, water, popcorn and cookies. There was a couple singing songs and playing a "zither". We made 3 stops on the tour and listened to locally inspired ghost stories. The stories were interesting and well told. The only disappointment was all of the stories were told outside on the grounds. It would have been great to go inside the historic home to hear a story.

We had our own personal tour guide (who was amazing!) and she had my two daughters engaged and enthralled! They got to touch and try things out. We learned a lot! They especially liked hearing what the kids their ages (9 & 12) would have for chores back in 1779. Also, the day we were there, there was a blacksmith demonstration. Very interesting!

We acted as chaperones for my son's field trip and had a wonderful experience. While it was a bit busy because of all of the children in attendance, we were still able to thoroughly enjoy the tour. Dressed in period costume, the staff did a realistic reenactment as to what that era was like. Not only did the adults love it but the children as well. Very clean and well maintained! Definitely would like to come back when it's a little less busy.

As a resident of nearby Wilson County, I was aware of Mansker's Station, but really had no concept of its importance until I began to read Paul Clement's excellent book "Chronicles Of The Cumberland Settlements". Kasper Mankser is a fascinating character whose importance to the settlement of this region has been largely overlooked. As others have noted, this site offers individual tours by guides in period clothing who are exceptionally knowledgeable. I spent longer than planned because of their enthusiasm and willingness to answer questions. Tourists passing through will find it of interest, but I also recommend it to local residents who want to know more about the early settlement of the Nashville area.

This is a great place to visit, especially during re-enactments. The actors wear authentic clothing and use authentic tools, etc. Be warned though that through the week there may be school groups. Moss Wright Park is next to Manskers Station and is a great place to bring the family. Both areas have festivals, classes, camping, movies, music at various times of the year. Check the Goodlettsville website for more info.

Mansker's Station is a must see. The guided tours are conducted by very knowledgeable guides dressed in period clothing. This adds to the history of the House, the Fort, and the Station. The guides bring the tour to life. The tour guides definitely enjoy their "work'. There were children on our tour and the guides involve them. This definitely kept the young ones interested. A must see to understand life on the frontier.

This living museum is a tribute to the employees and volunteers that bring it to life. Located in the town of Goodlettsville, North of Nashville, it's a bit out of the way, but well worth the drive. Beginning at the reception desk/museum, you pay a nominal entrance fee and, when you're ready, are directed out of the building, over a bridge, and to the warm welcome of your first guide, normally working in the garden where they explain the growing crops and how they would have been cultivated in frontier days. Then we were passed off to the guide inside the fortified station who explained the construction and uses of all the buildings and facilities. Finally, we were escorted to a two story brick house constructed in 1787 which had been restored and furnished with period pieces. The tour was extremely interesting and informative. Having the guides in period dress added to the enjoyment.

This site provides individual tours for the visitors.I arrived and was asked if I want a tour first or the museum, I said when are the tours planned. No plan each visitor gets the tour, I was sent to meet my guide and had a very detailed tour with explanations of the site.The museum, very small is closed between 12:30-13:00 and I fell on this after the tour. I went to eat and came back, I was sorry that I did as the museum was small and not worth the hanging about.It is a pity that this was not explained at the start but I quite often do not understand what I am being told

Small, but very well done reconstruction, and certainly worth the time for a short detour from I-65, but perhaps Mansker Station's greatest asset is its staff. They are capable, and obviously enjoy what they do. They were even patient with (and made the time enjoyable for) our four children - ages 12 and younger.

There are some old buildings here, and some history to be learned. It's a pretty place, but it's located pretty much in town, so you don't really get the feel for the historical significance. It's average...maybe a good day outing for younger children.

Having just moved here, we wanted to get to know a little bit about Nashville's history. This tour helps you see trace Nashville's roots all the way back to the 1700's with such humble beginnings. We saw the rugged station where the early settlers forged their lives in these Tennessee hills.Bill was an exceptional tour guide who we found very knowledgeable. Be sure you also go down the road to the Bowen Plantation House. This showed us how plantation owners lived. Of note: It had the best medical artifacts collection we've ever seen.

Mansker's Station is like a window into the 1700's. The well kept grounds, the period structures and the people bring this place to life. While you are there ask alot of questions the folks there don't just go through the motions they know what, how and why they are doing it, including the kids that were working there! Me, the wife, 2 tweens, and grandparents spent the better part of a day taking it all in. We packed a picknic lunch, found a tall tree, and enjoyed the weather. Set aside at least 2 hours of your day to get the highlights, we took about 4 hours + lunch and enjoyed every minute of it ! Make shure you donate to keep the station going !

These authentic log structures show you first hand what pioneer life must have been like.

Look at their schedule for special events. Or stop by anytime to get a feel for the past.

Just north of Nashville, TN, this small living history museum is worth a stop. It has only a few employees to help you understand what life was like in the early days of the settlement of middle tennessee. Don't let that discourage you from making the short drive to this very enjoyable exhibit operated by the city of Goodlettesville. There are six log structures and a fortress built by the staff to replicate what the original mansker station would have looked. Families will enjoy it because kids can touch all of the artifacts can be touched and you can climb the stairs to the upper rooms. At various times that have blacksmith live exhibits and other activites that would have been done by those living at the station. The ticket price includes a small but informative museum on Tennessee's role in the civil war and a tour of the Bowen house. Built in the late 1700's long before the civil war period, this house is well appointed with artifacts that depict how the house probably appeared during the time it was occupied. If your are lucky enough to be toured by Mack as we were, you will enjoy a very informative and delightful visit. He was a true joy. To enjoy your visit to the max, ask lots of questions, exam the artifacts and just have a great time. If you enjoy wine tasting, ask directions to the nearby Long Hollow winery.The fortress is wheelchair accessible but you will be crossing over a grassy area.