Things to do
Tour
Enjoy a guided tour of the interior of Sumner County’s most famous landmark and only State Historic Site! Guides will take you on an in-depth, historical perspective tour of the life and times of General Daniel Smith and Sarah Michie Smith and his significant contributions in laying the foundation of Tennessee as we know it today. Be inspired by their journey of 1784 to begin construction on a limestone, Federal-Style building that would house generations of the Smith family for almost 200 years!
Email Us Today to Schedule Your Tour or Call 615-824-0502
Visitor Center
Stop by the Visitor Center and meet our friendly staff! Purchase tour tickets, shop our gift shop, and learn all about upcoming events like Songwriters’ Night Concert Series, Sumner Harvest Days, and our popular Wonderland Egg Hunt just to name a few! You can also find out when the next Workshop, Club, or Lecture will be held.
While at the Visitor Center pick up a copy of the acclaimed Historic: Your Sumner coffee table book photographed by Pulitzer Prize Winner, Robin Hood and take the experience and charm of Historic Rock Castle home with you!
Lake
Old Hickory Lake was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under the leadership of the District Engineer of Nashville. The dam, lock and powerhouse were built in a two-year time frame, from January 1952 to June 1954.The dam was closed and the filling of the lake began June 11, 1954 creating the beautiful scenic landscape directly behind Historic Rock Castle where guests can host events like wedding ceremonies or company picnics, and where our camp goers enjoy canoeing and so much more!
www.old-hickory-lake.org
Gardens & Nature Trails
Stroll through the herb gardens, wander the nature trail of our woodlands, and enjoy the scenic beauty of Old Hickory Lake. With 18 acres of property, Rock Castle is a great place to plan a picnic or spend an afternoon exploring with the family, and it is always free to wander the grounds during operating hours.
Cemetery
Explore the Smith Family Cemetery and learn about the descendants of Daniel and Sarah Smith. There are over fifty family members buried within the small family cemetery on site. The two tabletop markers are for the founding members, Daniel and Sarah Michie Smith. The two obelisks are for their son, Colonel George Smith, and their grandson, Harry S. Smith. A stone fence with an iron gate surrounds the cemetery. The stones were quarried using the same stone as the mansion. Admission to the cemetery is free.