Lotz House Museum Reviews

4.9

1 of 104 Best Attractions in Franklin


Reviews

Entertaining and informative

By Bonnie M |

Wow! Just Wow! Chuck could not have offered any more information than he did! His knowledge of the house, the Lotz family, the Battle of Franklin, and , in fact, the history of the time of the Civil War in general was most impressive. He is clearly a scholar! The house is beautiful and well maintained. The woodworking and ornate furniture are beautiful examples of craftsmanship from a bygone era. Taking the tour is a great way to understand the unfolding of the Battle of Franklin. This is a must for anyone interested in Civil War history.

Worth Seeing!

By Cindy A |

Very interesting tour! Our guide, Thomas, was exceptional. He knew facts, dates, stories... and was never at a loss for words. I thought I knew a lot about the Civil War, but I learned a lot more. I also gleaned knowledge about many of the items in the house; a reflection of the times. It was beautiful for the era and the story behind the family one to remember. It was worth seeing and the price was a great deal.

Worth the stop

By Jennifer L |

Chuck our tour guide was a wealth of knowledge. The home is beautifully preserved with some incredible time appropriate pieces. This is a relatively quick tour but covers so much.

Cool house, but no tour!

By andy d |

Well, I would love to give this place a higher rating, but compared to my tour of the Carter House right across the street, I have to say I was disappointed. The good: they have a lot of artifacts in the house on the first floor to examine, and it's free. The bad: they asked me to wait "for 5 minutes" to start a tour of the house. 15 minutes later, still no tour, although by this time there were several other people waiting in the foyer of the house. I wound up just leaving, as did some other folks. Disappointing, as I would have loved to have seen more of the house. You do get a bit of the Lotz family history when you take the Carter House tour anyway.

Too long, odd tour.

By Cynthia R |

The tour was far longer than the size of the home required. The tour guide, Will?, offered a lot of political/ conspiracy theory commentary (Rothschild/World Bank) that had nothing to do with the home, followed by "I don't really know" and "do your own research." Just odd.

LOTZ House Tour - Franklin, TN

By Tami P |

Our tour guide Will was a history major who gave us great insight into the devastating civil war battle that took place in Franklin. He also told of the resilance of the family. We were intrigued by the vast information and left feeling we had learned a lot through this experience. We toured 3 sites in Franklin and all were very good but we felt this gave us a much deeper understanding of what took place and this families history

Love it! Very interesting! Especially if you have Chuck as your tour guide!!

By Shell B |

A lot of history. If you are a civil war history buff you need to visit! Ask for Chuck! He amazing! Full of Knowledge, kept our attention throughout the tour! Would definitely like to book the ghost tour!!!

We learned a great deal of interesting information about the house, the area and the civil war.

By Terri B |

I’m not even a fan of civil war history but really enjoyed this tour. The guide, Chuck, is personable and really knows his history.
Even the goodies from the gift store were great- highly recommend the Jack Daniels coffee.

A "Must See" in Franklin, TN

By Hal W |

We've gone on many tours of historical houses and the tour of the Lotz House ranks with the best! The story of the house, which is located on a Civil War battlefield, is fascinating as is the story of the master craftsman who built it and the family that lived there. The house is filled with thousands of artifacts retrieved from the battlefield, plus furniture and other articles from this house and others of the period. Our tour guide, Will, was friendly and knowledgeable and offered a short history lesson of the battle, the house and the people who lived there. While many house tours require visitors to stand behind ropes while viewing the rooms, this tour allow visitors to enter and browse every room. Tours begin on the hour and, in our opinion, are a "must see" in Franklin.

Lotz House Tour

By Graham T |

Thoroughly interesting account of the Lotz family history during the civil war. Seth was a knowledgeable guide and answered all questions. Would recommend the tour.

Exceeded our expectations!

By Anatoly S |

We recently took a tour of the Lotz House with our kids (ages 10 to 14) and some friends, and it was an absolutely fantastic experience! Will was our tour guide, and man, he really knew his stuff! He made the tour incredibly enjoyable and engaging for both the adults and the kids, completely exceeding our expectations. His deep knowledge and passion for American history, especially about one of the key battles, kept us hooked the entire time.

We highly recommend this tour to anyone interested in American history. It was so informative and interesting that we’re already thinking about doing it again! Will has such a vast amount of knowledge that he could easily fill any amount of time you give him. Thank you for an unforgettable experience!

Nope

By Anna_Oakley |

Confederate flag hanging and being sold in store. You lost. Get over it. Tour overpriced. Don’t go here. Also very ghosty.

Remebering what made this country great.

By spenbot |

I have driven by and through Franklin many times but never with time to stop and visit this historic city. This time, I was actually able to spend a day. I was directed to the Lotz house and museum as a point of interest. As I get older, I realize more and more, how important it is to preserve our history. The big museums are fine but, to truly appreciate real history, you need to visit smaller (but no less important) places like, the Lotz House.
When I arrived I was advised that a guided tour was available for a small donation ($17). Honestly, as it was early in the day and no other visitors had arrived yet, it turned out to be a private tour (What a deal!). My tour guide was Tony. Tony is extremely friendly and knowledgeable, you can see the passion he has for this history. You can tell he prides himself on this story telling ability and I found myself hanging on his every word as he described the history of the Lotz house.
This is a house that survived one of the biggest battles of the Civil War and is a testament to the grit and determination of those early Americans who we owe rememberance.
The tour is about an hour and is well worth it. I hope you will enjoy the history as much as I did.
Thank You Tony.

worth the visit

By dmbburke |

Great place to visit with lots of interesting information. Evan was a terrific guide. Well worth the visit to learn more about the area.

You must go!

By Safari36173137038 |

Who could guess that such a small house could hold so much history. History and Civil War buffs will love it. The tour guide was so passionate about the history that you felt like you were there!

Great for history lovers!

By amy m |

Did the tour today with Chuck. He was very knowledgeable about the property and civil war. He noted extremely interesting details on the lives of the family during and post war. You can ask him many questions about history and heritage; he is a seven generation Tennessean and has a wealth of knowledge. Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys history!

Must See

By IloveLL |

This was an absolutely fantastic tour. The house itself housed some of the most valuable pieces of the time period, yet it really was the tour guides that made the experience. We personally had Chuck and needless to say, he was not only knowledgeable but had an amazing personality! We have gone on many tours and this was won of the best. While waiting for our tour to start, we eavesdropped on a tour already going. That guide too was amazing. Apparently, you can't go wrong.

Excellent experience at the Lotz House tour and meseum!

By Adventurer |

Chuck was our tour guide at the Lotz House. We thoroughly enjoyed it! Chuck did a fantastic job painting a vivid picture of the Lotz family during the Battle of Franklin,Tn. He is very passionate and a great story teller and has a genuine interest in sharing his knowledge of the subject. His details about the family and the house made it very relatable on a personal level and gave us an appreciation of the devastation and horrific trauma of this battle.

Amazing home and story.

By nanette c |

The house was beautiful and our tour guide Will was amazing. He was very knowledgeable and funny. It was a great experience!

Historical tour of the Lotz House Museum

By Antoinette E |

So glad we made time for this historical tour while visiting Franklin. Our tour guide Evan was extremely knowledgeable and passionate about the Lotz family and the history of the battle fought there.He also was extremely funny and made the tour even more enjoyable.

Interesting, historical and fun.

By V2858FWlindaz |

What an interesting home! Tony, our docent, gave a great presentation on the history of the home, the man who built it, his family story and the Battle of Franklin during the Civil War. There is so much in the house to see. I highly recommend this tour.

Well preserved piece of Civil War history

By CAW |

The guide was knowledgeable and interesting. Great historical content. The guide was friendly and knowledgeable about the battle, the family and the house. This museum was worth a visit.

Lotz Museum Tour

By N K |

Would definitely recommend visiting the Lotz Museum if you are nearby Franklin. Chuck gave an amazing and informative tour.

Wonderful, Informative Tour

By Tyler S |

We have a wonderful tour with Seth today! He was very knowledgeable and accommodating to our group. We enjoyed learning about the history of Franklin and the battles fought here. Throughly enjoyed our tour and would recommend it to anyone who is in the area!

Calling all history buffs

By Theresa M |

If you like history and all its details, this is a perfect tour for you. The guide Chuck is a retired history teacher and extremely passionate about this topic. You will tour through all levels and rooms of the house and see markings from bullet holes, cannon balls, and blood. A portion of the tour is outside on the front lawn. Total time is an hour. Chuck was very knowledgeable and took the time to answer our kids’ questions. There are glass display cases on the inside with actual Civil War artifacts. There is a small gift shop as well. The discussion was exceptionally detailed so I think it would be hard to hold interest for kids under 8, but well worth it for above that age group. Everyone working was eager for questions. There are 2 bathrooms on site. Thanks, Chuck!

Lotz House - Interesting Family History

By Brad F |

As an American Civil War enthusiast, I visited this site while in the Franklin, TN area recently. Our guide, Evan, was very knowledgeable and fit a lot within the one hour guided tour. I found the family's history and contributions to society the most interesting.

A lot of history in one house!

By mnewson5 |

Our tour guide Chuck was excellent! He is a former teacher and really knew the history of the home and surrounding area. He also has a great sense of humor! My daughter and I really enjoyed our visit.

Great guide, great tour

By Eric P |

My wife and I took a tour of the house and really enjoyed it. Tony was our guide and did a fantastic job explaining how the house was built, who the Lotz family was and who they became, as well as showing what happened to the house during the battle. I believe we were fortunate that it was just the two of us because he could take the time to answer our questions and make suggestions on other sites to visit. I would strongly recommend including this tour in your visit to Franklin. Btw one of the answers to a question is “bats”.

KELLY AND THOMAS ARE GREAT!

By Robert Q |

This past November, I visited Franklin for the 158th Anniversary of the Civil War Battle of Franklin. I made reservations through the Lotz House Museum for the Women’s History tour Tuesday night at the house and the Walking tour Wednesday morning of the battlefield.
For the Women’s History tour, Kelly was the tour guide and gave an EXCELLENT talk on both the women of the Lotz House as well as other local women and civilians along with their experiences. It was very informative on an often overlooked segment of the Civil War. She is very knowledgeable and a great resource.
For the Walking tour, renowned historian Thomas Cartwright led us through the streets of Franklin recreating the solemn events of the battle by quoting diaries and stories of both generals and privates. It was very moving and he really brought it to life.
Later that day, I got an unexpected surprise as they had a memorial illumination ceremony with Kelly, Thomas, as well as Chuck, Seth and Jonathan (Lotz House staff) giving their personal stories on what that day and battle means to them. I can’t speak highly enough on the staff at Lotz House!

Lots to see at the Lotz House Museum

By DJ1955 |

Enjoyed the tour. We were very lucky to have arrived. at a time when we were the only tour guests. Our own private tour. Got a very good deal on Groupon for the Lotz House Museum.

A local treasure

By Donna W |

Evan was an amazing guide and helped us to visualize what this home must have been like pre and post Civil War. Very cool! Will appeal to locals as mu h as visitors interested in Franklin's history.

Exciting story

By Luca Bahra |

It was a great guided tour with interesting facts, conducted by Chuck! He even spoke some German.
Thank you so much!

Wonderful 2-hour tour of authentic Civil War house near Nashville

By Carolyn E |

Chuck Byrn was our tour guide and he knew soooo much!! He made the Battle of Franklin come alive! The Lotz house was part of the battle and there are still dents in the wood floor where cannonballs fell through the ceiling. Definitely worth the money!!

Awesome Lotz House tour!

By Karyn H |

Awesome tour of the Lotz House! We had Will as our tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable and was a great storyteller. We really enjoyed his tour and would highly recommend doing his tour during the week. We had such a good time we are probably going to do the ghost tour.

Loved it!

By Rosanna A |

I went with my husband as we were visiting Franklin for the day and I love history! I did some research online before going and was intrigued by the history of the Lotz house and all the family had to endure during the Civil War. The tour guide was great! He was knowledgeable with all the details of the house, its construction, the war’s toll on the house, the rebuilding of the house and of the Lotz Family in general. I definitely recommend this tour for all civil war history lovers!

So informative and interesting

By Escape05058295294 |

We recently visited Lotz House in Franklin, TN. We aren’t really Civil War buffs but find museums of local history fascinating wherever we travel. This one was worth every penny spent ( seniors $14). Our guide , Evan, was amazing. You could tell he REALLY knew his history. Born in the area, he knew everything about this place and the bloody war that surrounded it. Plus, the passion he had for the family that originally built the home made you live their experience. We HIGHLY recommend going on this tour and ask for Evan, he’s the young man that looks like Wyatt ERP!,

Lotz House Tour

By Mark H |

Wonderful tour of the Lotz House. The young man doing tour was very knowledgable and friendly. We learned a lot.

Civil War home

By Tom L |

Interesting description of civil war battle of Franklin. The home had a few original items, but mostly period items on loan from a donor.
Not for children.

Interesting history at Lotz House

By dcphotoboy |

While visiting Nashville, I decided to do a day trip out to Franklin and followed the brown historical signs to the Lotz house. Got a great tour from Chuck, and learned about the history of this area, and a bit more about the Civil War. Well worth a visit.

A bit disappointed

By Lesley |

We visited Lotz House to learn more about the history of Franklin. We were pleasantly greeted by Thomas & introduced to other people in our group - nice touch. It all started so well, up beat, loads of information then after a while it became information overload, so much additional detail that it became overwhelming. In fact some of the group left. Sadly this wasn’t one of the better battlefield/ Franklin historical tours.

Nashville Trip

By Burt S |

My wife and I visited the day before Thanksgiving with Evan. We had immediate rapport both being veterans. Evan was extremely knowledgeable and gave an in depth explanation of the Battle of Franklin. Well worth the time. Evan, thanks brother we proved USN & USMC can spend time in the same room without a brawl! OORAH !!

Highly recommend!

By Carrie F |

This house really tells a lot about the civil war. Our guide Kelly was amazing and really knows her history. I can't recommend this tour enough.

Worth it!!

By Jen H |

Fascinating tour with great storytelling about the Civil War Battle at Franklin. Chuck was a great guide. Knowledgeable not only about the battle but also about all the art and period pieces in the house.

Historical Masterpiece

By Brooke F |

This a must-do while visiting Franklin. The rich history it beholds will, undoubtedly, inspire and enthrall you. Our tour guide, Evan, did an incredible job telling this remarkable families story, and I highly recommend hearing it for yourself.

The people and place come alive

By David B |

JT was our docent. He literally made the experience of the Lotz family and the civil war battle that happened right here in Franklin come alive as though you could here the guns and feel the fear of the soldiers and the Lotz family.

He showed the amazing workmanship of Lotz and his care for quality work and for his own family.

Well done. One of the best we’ve experienced on this history trip through Tennessee.

History Buffs Galore

By Mitch1112 |

Very informative and interesting tour. The tour guides, Kelly and Chickamauga Chuck, are passionate about this house and its history. The battle of Franklin was one of the bloodiest and the Lotz house was smack dab in the middle of it. Civil war and history buffs can’t miss this. Others will enjoy as well. Franklin is a great little town.

Tour about the house builders.

By Isa b |

We went for a tour of the house. With all the raving reviews, I expected more. The house was almost fully destroyed during the war, and then rebuilt. The tour is more about the history of the family that built it and owned it during the war and afterwards.

It is an interesting house, full of artefacts from the family that saved it being transformed into a restaurant and wood creations by its builder.

Our guide was interesting, but I feel we missed something in this tour.

True stories from the Battle of Franklin Tn

By Gerry T |

The Lotz house is beautiful! Their tours with Chuck is the best . His” Sundays with Chuck” tour gives you a real sense of this terrible war. His knowledge of the Civil War is remarkable. I learned so much.
I recommend their tours. The stories take you back to the war! BTW it’s said to be haunted!!
Gerry A Tosone

Lotz House in Franklin

By Joanne D |

My husband and I recently visited Lotz House in Franklin Tennessee. This is a must stop on your exploration of Tennessee and learning about the Civil War battle that took place in Franklin. Our tour guide definitely made this battle come to life for us. We had no idea of the importance nor the magnitude of this battle. We also had no idea what an accomplished artist Matilda Lotz became. This family was resilient This was our second visit to Franklin and we will return. This stop I highly recommend. The amount of devastation and loss of life here was shocking. Seeing this house and hearing the explanation from our guide as to how this family escaped and survived left a definite impression on us. I am so thankful our guide was well informed. He really brought the battle in the front yard of this home to life for us. We definitely recommend this town and house as a stop for you as you travel in Kentucky.

Definitely Recommend Visiting

By Jason J |

I just visited the Lotz House a few days ago after visiting Shy’s Hill and it was an amazing experience. The gentleman that gave the tour is a retired teacher and definitely know his history. It is because of people like him we are able to continue to learn about the past of our nation. The Civil War was a daunting time, but it shall always be remembered so that we never repeat it. I can’t wait to come back to Nashville next year and tour the battlefield of Franklin as well. Definitely recommend, especially if you’re a military history enthusiast as myself.

Great information

By shawna a |

Tour was amazing. We loved our tour guide Chuck. It was very informative and interesting. Very neat details. Would highly recommend

Memorable/educational

By igorota m |

Jaycarnton house, Chuck,and Thomas / Lotz house, Carter house tour guide and jeff/driver full of knowledge, I learned a lot from them, makes the trip memorable.HIGHLY recommend.

A Gem!

By Ken N |

Fortunately, one of us insisted on visiting the Lotz House. Our docent was excellent, and we didn't think that because he like Ohio State! He brought the house and the Civil War battle in Franklin, TN, to life for all of us. We can't say enough good things about him. So when in the area, Nashville, Franklin, Hermitage, be sure to stop in.

Excellent!

By Laura Grace |

Wonderful tour of a lovely historic home! Chuck was our tour guide and he was very entertaining and knowledgeable. The woodworking is stunning. Don’t miss this!!!

Wonderful experience

By Laura C |

I WOULD RECOMEND GOING TO THE LOTZ HOME. THE HOME IS RICH IN HISTORY AND I FOUND IT VERY FACINATING. OUR TOUR GUIDE MADE US FEEL LIKE HE KNEW MR LOTZ, AND LIKE HE WAS SPEAKING ON HIS BEHALF. AS HE WAS TELLING ABOUT THE BATTLE, HE TOLD IT IN A WAY THAT YOU COULD ENVISION THE BATTLE AND HOW FEARFUL THE LOTZ FAMILY WAS AS THEY WERE TRYING TO SAFELY LEAVE THE HOUSE AND GET TO A SAFE PLACE. OUR GUIDE SAID IT WAS THE BLOODIEST WAR IN AMERICAN HISTORY.

Informative tour

By Laura P |

What I really liked best, besides Chuck the tour guide, was that you actually got to go in the rooms. Most places only let you look in. Chuck also told us what happened to the members of Lotz’s family in the aftermath of the war.

Great visit for Civil War buffs.

By Laundrygirl1861 |

If you're interested in the Battle of Franklin this is a great tour to go on. Seth was our guide - very personable and knowledgeable about the subject matter. He asked what states we came from and would make sure to let us know about how that state was involved in the battle, and if not, the war itself. The house itself was full of treasures, especially wood and art pieces. Well worth stopping by.

Lotz House Civil War Museum - Chuck is the best

By Bill A |

Chuck was a great tour guide with a wealth of information, more than we could have expected anywhere else.
He made the experience a great one!
Chuck is a great teacher and tries to connect the story that he's telling to where you are from or your background so he gets to know you and relates that to the civil war.

Lots to learn at the Lotz House

By Bernie Q |

This was a very interesting tour packed with great information, while also peppered with humor. Chuck was our tour guide and he did a fantastic job! I would definitely recommend a visit!

Interesting Civil War home

By Jan |

Interesting guided tour, with some info re Battle of Franklin and lots of info on the Lotz family. Will was our tour guide and was excellent!

Highly recommended!

By Jim M |

If you enjoy Civil War history like I do, I highly recommend this tour. It was the home of a master carpenter, and his wife and family.

Very educational and interesting!

By traveler |

Chuck,the tour guide,was informative and knowledgeable on the topic.A great way of “bringing the past to life.”beautiful house and a overall had a great time.

Great tour

By Wander320534 |

We toured the Lotz house since we have a family member who fought at Franklin. Our tour guide Chuck - with the fabulous mustache, was great. He was very informative and gave a lot of information about the house and the artifacts inside.

Good Tour

By ACWR |

Our tour guide was very good and detailed in his presentation. The jokes were a bit old but still good. The history of the Lotz House was worth learning.

Lotz Home - very unique and unexpected

By Lauren L |

Today I had the pleasure of touring the Lotz House with the wonderful tour guide Chuck. He knew everything about the property, battle, family, and although he is a buckeyes fan, he did an incredible job and was extremely knowledgeable. It was the best way I could have started my Saturday. Thank you, Chuck!

A must see!

By Sandy G |

The home was beautiful with lots of history. Chuck was very knowledgeable and friendly. The home is a must see In Franklin Tennessee

Love this tour a total must.

By Shaun M |

Chuck was great!!! He was so sweet and let me join his tour. I love that he's a retired history teacher and how knowledgeable he was about the Lotz family. He gave a great tour and he interacted with everyone on the tour. I totally recommend going to Lotz House. Ask him about the tour with the 3 exchange students. Yes, he will tell you about the ghost.

Lotz history and more!

By Maria M |

My boyfriend and I stopped in for a tour about the Lotz house it was fabulous. Chuck our tour guide was ver informative and really brought us through the tragedy at this sight. He is very knowledgeable and worldly. We would highly recommend a visit to a piece of the Civil War. He is a true historian and we appreciated his love for history! Sincerely, Charlie and little Italian Maria from Medina, Ohio!

Not bad house, horrible self-absorbed guide

By harold and patti |

The Battle of Franklin was of historic interest. The Lotz house is well placed to relate to the battle. The contents of the house were interesting. Our tour guide, Chuck, was so obnoxious as to make the tour difficult to stand. In fact one of us gave up with going upstairs to avoid more of his commentary. We had experienced a wonderful tour at Carnton House in Franklin but we chose wrong when we ended up with Chuck at Lotz for our second house in Franklin. We should have gone across the street to Carter House and avoided Chuck.

Great stop for history buffs!

By Verna H |

Chuck did a very informative tour. Our one hour tour was 90 minutes because Chuck has so many stories to tell. Great tour, great stories. Learned a lot about the civil war battle that took place at the Lotz house.

Very informative and memorable!

By sdm7201 |

What a great tour! Thank you JT! We thoroughly enjoyed the stories and history lessons about the civil war happenings in Franklin. Putting faces to the tragedies that occurred have certainly helped to keep the stories from being forgotten. Everyone there was extremely friendly and welcoming to us all. Thank you for a great tour!

5 Star Experience

By Gordon B |

Hearing the story of the Lotz family was amazing. We’ve lived in Franklin over 30 years and have never heard about the incredibly gifted Lotz family. Evan was our tour guide: engaging, friendly, witty, and above all has an extensive knowledge of the Lotz family and their beautiful home. Great job young man!! Have visited before but it’s been years ago. Definitely returning, and becoming a member to help preserve this Franklin treasure! Adding it as a destination for out of town guest. 5 stars!!

Great tour!

By Getaway2740525 |

Our tour guide was full of great stories and facts for us. He was passionate about the history of Franklin and the Lotz family. He had great personal stories and anecdotes.

Lotz house Museum - AMAZING!

By Sheila C |

Chuck was our amazing local historian and tour guide. He was so engaging with our group, and extremely knowledgeable. He shared many personal stories of the family that kept all of us interested and wanting to hear more. There wasn't a moment wasted during the tour. Full of historic accuracy and again, engaging everyone in our group. I could have listened to him for hours! He is passionate about the historical aspect of this house and family and I am already planning to return when other family members are in town. Highly recommended!

The Lotz House, a great visit!

By Patrick C |

We Made a visit to the Lotz House, Franklin Tn and were enthralled with the history of this house. Chuck Bryan was our host and he presented a great historic tour of the house as well as a completes history of the Civil War battle in Franklin. Chuck was very patient and answered all of our questions as well as the questions of the other people on the tour. Chuck Bryn is a great historian and representative of the Lotz House. I highly recommend d touring the Lotz House with Chuck!

Interesting, but enforce respect of property

By Julie B |

We were on Chuck’s first tour on Saturday morning. He is very knowledgeable with a lot of detail that helps you imagine yourself at the scene.

We were in town for a wedding and didn’t know anything about the battle at Franklin. I wished I had read a brief summary beforehand. Chuck talked a little fast and had some unique humor, so I had to listen intently. I couldn’t read his lips which were hidden by his mustache.

We had the unfortunate distraction of adult tourists in the group who were disobeying the rules by taking numerous photos inside and touching things. One woman interjected her own psychic experiences as we toured. Perhaps Chuck needed to have us all repeat the rules after him!

We intended to go to the Carter House next, but decided to go to the Carnton House to avoid the chance of being with those tourists.

Amazing experience

By DuaneC |

Our last day holidaying in Nashville and we decided to visit the beautiful town of Franklin and stumbled across this gem of a museum. For 14 dollars you really get an amazing experience with Chuck who not only has the most fantastic moustache I have ever witnessed but is also an extremely friendly and knowledgeable museum tour guide. A highly recommended experience if you're in ever in TN.

Great!

By Bill D |

Fascinating history. Our guide Seth was very knowledgeable and entertaining. (It won’t let me post that because it has to be 100 characters). That did it

Great guide JT

By asheffrin |

We had a great guide at the Lotz house . He was so interesting and knowledgeable

JT was wonderful. He made it seem he was there during the civil war battle

Don't miss this on your next trip.

By devorah a |

The tour guide was excellent. He was informative, entertaining, and overall pleasant. I learned about this battle which of course was never taught in school. I am a huge fan of American history and there is so much more to learn.

Lotz house tour in Franklin,TN

By Janet R |

Our tour guideTony was very informative and we learned a lot from him. He answered questions very well. We were very satisfied with him. We also liked the gift shop and bought a couple of items.

Gorgeous historical home!

By Aidan R |

The home itself is just beautiful. The collection of period furniture throughout is amazing, and the artwork is stunning. Everything was very well kept and maintained. Great little battle / civil war museum as well. Our guided tour was very affordable and really informative, our guide Will was super friendly and knowledgeable, you could tell how passionate he and the volunteers were about the place! Bonus: there are bathrooms on both floors!

BNA visit

By Anna R |

The tour was very informative and the guide knew her history as well. I enjoyed hearing all about the history of the what happened back then.

Must See!

By DrEduardo |

You like Civil War history? This is a must-see place. Guide (Seth) was amazing in knowledge depth - and charm too. Great overview of the North/South conflict, pre and post historical affects of this decisive battle and how locals felt about it. Lotz family history is amazing all by itself. Lots of artifacts the locals have donated from around the area so besides the tour (1 hr) you need to give yourself time to look them over. Nice gift shop - very complete with books and other things you can buy - along with things for kids. Also have an antique store next door to the house that has a lot of interesting things to buy.

Must visit Lotz House!

By Danconway94 |

Well worth a visit!!

Chuck, our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative, really able to portray how the battle was.

Make sure to visit, you won't be disappointed!

Excellent Experience

By Alicia H |

The Lotz house is a must see on your visit to Franklin. JT was our guide...so knowledgeable and enthusiastic! He was passionate and engaging with us as guests. He paused to allow for questions but we didn't really have any due to his thoroughness. I highly recommend this tour if you'd like to learn more about the bloodiest battle in the Civil War...so heartbreaking, yet so fascinating!

A must-see if you visit Franklin!

By eecliff |

What a great experience! My husband and I loved our personal tour with Will. He is VERY knowledgeable about history, and a wonderful story teller. We learned so much about the Battle of Franklin, and the story of the Lotz Family. Ninety minutes felt like nine minutes and there was so much more. It was a very humbling experience about the past, something more people should feel. Highly recommend-ask for Will.

This is the tour you cannot miss!

By terrihill |

As someone who not only visits historical homes, but has also served as a docent, I can honestly say this was one of the absolute best presentations I’ve ever heard. Will was our host/guide and the way he wove a story and relayed the history of the home and its occupants is something I’ll carry with me forever. If you only have time to visit one historical home while in Nashville/Franklin - make it the Lotz House. You will not be disappointed.

Great History Lesson

By Elisabeth S |

Learned so much history about the house, the Civil War, and the strong people who survived it. Amazing how the house was repaired after the battle in the area and the renovations can still be seen today.

Captivating journey with the Lotz family!

By Sara M |

The Lotz House Museum offers a captivating journey through American history, particularly focusing on the Civil War era. As you step into the Lotz House, you're immediately transported back in time to the mid-19th century, experiencing firsthand the lives of the Lotz family and their experiences during one of the most tumultuous periods in American history.
It is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of the Civil War and its impact on American society. With its meticulously curated exhibits, immersive atmosphere, and insightful guided tours, it offers a truly unforgettable experience that will leave a lasting impression. Hope you are lucky enough to get Chuck as a guide; he is superb!! He is a retired history teacher and extremely knowledgeable!!

Amazing Tour

By LeslieFey |

This tour was amazing. It was so informative. I never knew about the Civil War Battle in Franklin. Evan was our tour guide and he had so much energy and knowledge. The Lotz family had such an interesting story.

Definitely recommend for a great piece of history

By Desk-Escape-com |

Really interesting visit. The tour really brought the human side of the civil war to life. Our guide (TJ I think was his name) was great. Everyone there was so friendly too.

Lotz House Museum Tour

By Tim S |

Our tour with Thomas was outstanding. The home and furnishings are beautiful, but the story of the Lotz family and the battle fought in Franklin is incredible. We highly recommend the tour.

Highly recommend for history nuts

By Devon T |

What an amazing experience. I’ve never done a guided house tour but this is definitely one of the best ones. The staff is very enthusiastic and keep you engaged the whole time.

Absolutely loved the tour!

By Bronwyn H |

My dad and I took a tour with Mr. Chuck Byrne who was amazingly knowledgeable & passionate. The house was beautifully maintained, the paintings by the Lots’ daughter were stunning, and hearing all the stories was very moving and had a great message at the end. I’d go back again any time. There’s no photography allowed inside the house, so leave your camera off or in the car.

PS. Mr. Byrne was my history teacher 20+ years ago and one of the sweetest gentlemen you’ll ever meet. it was a complete delight to see him again. I’m only a little bit biased. ;-) He’s in the middle of my photo.

A step back in time

By KMontag1 |

Chuck was wonderful! Very knowledgeable and engaging! Would highly recommend this to anyone visiting Franklin! If you go to the visitors center in Downtown Franklin beforehand, they’ll give you a coupon for discounted tickets to the Lotz House.

Exceptional museum and people

By Kamen M |

We went on the house tour with Thomas. He was amazing. So passionate and informative. Seth actually met us as we parked to make sure we didn't miss the tour. My husband mentioned that he had an ancestor that had fought in one of the battles and Seth took the time to show him on the map where his division was positioned and where at in town it was. At the end of our tour Seth then told Thomas and Thomas found us again and followed up with additional information. The gift shop is nice and William was very friendly and helpful as well. If we're back in the area we will definitely stop again. No photos are allowed in the museum in order preserve history but the house is gorgeous and there is a lot of history there.

Chuck is amazing!

By Becky O |

We had an amazing tour guide Chuck! He was so knowledgeable about the history of not only the Lotz House but of the battle and the area. He added so much information that you don’t find in history books!! They are so lucky to have him leading these tours!

Lotz House Experience

By Timothy B |

This tour was very informative. Chuck is a great tour guide. He is knowledgeable and brings the battle to life with his storytelling. I highly recommend visiting this historic home.

Fascinating tour!

By annhhowell |

Two couples set out to immerse ourselves in the Battle of Franklin, TN, on a cool, sunny October Saturday. JT, who clearly knows the history and loves what he's doing, was our guide at the Lotz House Museum. I was impressed how he personalized the civilian family who lived in this home and found themselves smack dab in the middle of a Civil War battle. How heart breaking to hear the Lotz story of a German immigrant woodworker and the curve ball life threw him (the house itself was his portfolio), the soldiers who bled out sitting on the parlor floor, the effects on the young children, especially the 9 year old daughter who grew up to be a renowned artist. The story is amazing and the battle portion continues 110 steps across the street at the Carter House. If you have Civil War/history interest, put this on your to visit list if you find yourself in the area.

Must See!

By Jensjewels17 |

Excellent tour, guide very knowledgeable and friendly! Highly recommend. Historic and interesting! Franklin was a side trip from Nashville. Beautiful town, lovely people!

Highly Recommend if visiting Franklin

By S A |

Excellent tour of the Lotz family home and insight into the Battle of Franklin. Our tour guide Kristen did a fantastic job of bringing the Civil War Battle of Franklin to life with her in depth description. The house contains many Battle of Franklin artifacts and original paintings from the Lotz daughter, a gifted artist. Gift shop on site. Highly recommend this tour if visiting Franklin.

Best history tour I've been on in my Life

By Timothy H |

Really a great tour and a Awesome place to learn the history behind the house as well as the Battle of Franklin.

A trip back in time…

By Jim |

A highlight of our visit to Franklin, TN was today’s tour of the Lotz House & Museum! Grateful for the chance to connect with our tour guide Thomas.

Over the course of 90 minutes, Thomas led our group ‘back in time’ to November 1864 and the Battle of Franklin! Thomas’ delivery was detailed, passionate and harrowing, the stories were compelling and tragic!

In the end, one couldn’t help but feel the tragic nature of events that unfolded during the waning days of the American Civil War!

My wife and I are grateful for the chance to connect with Thomas and Seth! As a military historian, Thomas is the Victor Davis Hanson of the South!

Great history and original wood pieces featured in home. Will, our guide was great, knowledgeable and engaging. Go!

By Stphallen |

Great tour of historic site snd house. Will, our tour guide was awesome. He knew the history and was very engaging. Must see

A trip through Civil War history

By bjminparis |

A skilled German woodworker lived in this house in the middle of the Civil War battle here. The story of his history and skill, of how he and his family survived the battle and he then restored the house only to later offend the emerging Ku Klux Klan who then threatened to kill him. His family then travelled to California. The house itself is a testament to his skill, how he ran his business and how his family lived there. Great tour and wonderful house.

Lotz family and civil war history.

By Sherry J |

The docent was so knowledgeable and entertaining. I think his name was Glenn but I forget. However he was a retired history teacher/ coach.

He was able to describe and point out all there is to know about the civil war battle on the land of the Lotz family. Very moving and informational.

The docent remembered either everyone's name &/or where you came from. He was utterly charming and caring. Very patient.

A Must See for Civil War Buffs

By Adrienne Q |

Wonderful tour guide, a retired history teacher with lots of deets to make the stories more poignant. The journey of the immigrant Lotz Family post Civil War was interesting, particularly the life of their 2nd daughter, Mathilde,a world- famous artist.

Unexpected surprise

By Aidanbarry01 |

Chuck was our tour guide. His passion for the history of the Franklin battle and his detailed explanation of how the Lotz House and family was dead center of the conflict was brought to life with great stories and full of character. I wish I had him as my high school history teacher, I might have paid attention. Thank you sir.

Well worth your time!

By Caroline P |

I actually went 2 days in a row. The first day I went I had Thomas as a guide and he did an amazing job of of bringing the soldiers to life and brought the gore and waste of war to life. The second day, I brought a friend, and Chuck did an amazing job of of giving an overview of the war and focused on the amazing artist Matilda Lotz! What an amazing house and history lesson!

Awesome, nice and definitely fun. Chuck was awesome and if you ever meet him, you know you’ll have a good time.

By Ryker P |

Awesome relics. Our tour guide was Chuck. He was an awesome, funny, knowledgeable guy. Sights were awesome and I definitely had a great time. I recommend it to anybody who is looking for a great historic spot to go.

Fascinating tour. Worth the drive from Nashville

By Jaycee |

A fascinating tour of the mansion and learning about the Battle of Franklin by tour guide Chuck. A former history teacher, he was quite informative and a great storyteller. I highly recommend the tour. The tour takes about an hour and was well worth the drive from Nashville!

Immersive tour of Lotz House and the battle of Franklin

By Gaia |

Great experience at Lotz house today. Kelly gave me an in-depth, immersive and personal experience of the battle of Franklin from the perspective of Lotz family. Would totally recommend! And try get tickets at the office instead to save the 2 bucks online processing fee.

Awesome tour

By Julie K |

This is the best tour I have ever been on! Will shared such interesting stories about the Lotz family and their struggles / great successes, the war and how it affected them and the aftermath. Truly a must see!

Enjoyable visit

By Rebecca K |

Chuck was a knowledgeable tour guide. He was friendly and gave a balanced view of the house’s Civil War story. I enjoyed learning not only about the battle story but also about the home’s furnishings.

Excellent Civil War history

By Lynne B |

We came to Franklin for its rich Civil War history. The Lotz House Museum was our first stop. We had a great visit! Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable. He gave us amazing insight into the Lotz family before, during, and after the war. I always appreciate learning what civilians went through. Our guide did a terrific job describing the battle and the house. The house is well maintained with many original, period pieces. This visit really complemented our visit to the Carter house as the Lotz family hid in the Carter’s basement during the Battle of Franklin with the Carter family. Well worth the visit!

House tour

By csco1994 |

We took this house tour in June 2025 after reading reviews. We were very disappointed in the tour as the guide was more interested in talking about pieces of furniture in the house, most of which did not even belong to the family that owned this home during the battle of Franklin. The guide also gave some very sketchy information regarding the battle. I would say skip this tour and go to the Carter House or Carnton House if you want to learn about the Franklin battle.

Insight into family on one fateful day in Franklin

By caz989 |

Chuck took us around the house was extremely knowledgeable about the Civil war and Lotz House had no idea how many casualties were in Franklin in just 5 hours on that fateful day he brought it alive for us

A bit of history with charm of the place

By Polina S |

Seith made it very easy and fun to go thru a bit of history of civil war and particularly this battle.
Lovely giftstore and the house built by the owners hand back then when the the war wasn't in the schedule of things.

Real life civil war lesson.

By Lorelei K |

Our tour guide (Seth) was very knowledgeable and informative as he relayed the details of the civil war battle in Franklin.
I never appreciated history in school but listening to Seth made it real and alive.

A Step Back in Time

By Deborah H |

The story of the Lotz family, their home and the events surrounding them, before and after the Battle of Franklin were fascinating as explained by our most interesting and knowledgeable guide, Chuck. The house itself and furnishings have been lovingly preserved giving a glimpse into the past. The tour is a MUST DO, bringing history alive. (Thank you, Chuck!)

Fun tour for history lovers

By Sarah R |

My husband and I went on this tour a few days ago and really enjoyed ourselves. Chuck was an amazing storyteller, enthusiastic and described in such great detail what life was like during the Battle of Franklin. Highly recommend and so glad we decided to take this tour.

Great history of the Lotz family and the Franklin Civil War battle

By LookSouth |

I went on a tour led by Chuck, a retired teacher and coach, and he put you back in time with an interesting history of the Lotz family and their harrowing experience during the Franklin civil war battle. He points out the battle scars still visible on the house. Beautiful furnishings inside and a nice variety of items in the gift shop. I would also recommend touring the Carter house across the street as the Lotz and Carter families' histories intertwined on that fateful day.

History brought to life!

By Sheri H |

We learned so much from this tour and our awesome guide, J.T. The history of the Battle of Franklin is brought to life through the eyes and experiences of the family who built Lotz house. All the extra details about the woodwork, antiques, and later lives of family members were much appreciated. J.T. Is obviously very passionate about this piece of history! We highly recommend this tour and a visit to Franklin in general!

Learning about our Country’s History- don’t miss out on this tour!! You will not regret it.

By Leigh V |

This was a wonderful tour.learning about the Battle of Franklin. Chuck was a Fantastic tour guide. When you’re in Franklin go do the tour of the Lotz House.

Amazing Civil War History

By Robert F |

This 1 + hour tour was amazing. Our tour guide Evan was knowledgeable and treated the historical Battle of Franklin with respect. His in depth account of the Lotz family history was remarkable.

A must visit in Franklin!

By Feride Buyuran |

Lotz House was our first stop in Franklin, which we chose to visit as a part of our mother-and-son TN discovery trip. We were greeted by Mr Thomas Y. Cartwright, a noted historian of American Civil War, who welcomed us with an open heart, told us a little about the house, and passed it over to Kristen, our guide, who did an incredible job giving us the details of the Battle of Franklin and of the Lotz family who lived though its horrors. What a story! If you ever visit Franklin, this is a must see! Across the street is the Carter House - another must see, and some distance away is Carnton. If you plan on visiting all three (I'm glad we did!), I suggest this order: Lotz, Carter, Carnton. Thank you, Lotz House staff!

Evan was very knowledgeable about the family almost on a personal level. The battle as if he was there. 10 stars!

By Bennett O |

The way the battle took place in their front yard. The family tragedy and triumph. You could feel the love Mr. Lotz had for the place and his family. This is true American history. The good and bad. For all ages. The fee was well worth it. The tour took about an hour. Evan went into complete detail about the house, the design, and the effort he took for it. The battle that took place in his yard, the destruction of the house, and the mental anguish he and his family had after the battle. Evan made you feel as if you were there. He was very prepared and knew the area around the house and small details in Mr. Lotz every everyday life.

Lotz house

By marilynd265 |

Chuck was our guide and he was extremely knowledgeable, funny and interesting. He made history come alive. House tour was fantastic for

Informative and interesting.

By Stephen C |

Our guide, Brother Chuck, was very knowledgeable and has a casual way of telling the history of the Lotz House. He involved us in his stories which heightened our interest and made the tour all the more enjoyable.

Amazing experience

By Pam L |

What an incredible tour. Our guide, Thomas, was literally a “walking, talking encyclopedia” as he detailed the history of the Lotz House. Each room we walked into was brought to life with personal stories of the family as they endured the battle being fought in their backyard. Excellent experience and worth every minute.

Can't miss for history buffs!

By ShortcutShari |

What a lovely tribute to the history of Franklin and the Civil War. Our guide, Chuck, was charming, witty and so incredibly knowledgeable. My husband soaked it up like a sponge! Thank you for a great kick off to our trip through Tennessee history!

Great historical stop and tour!

By Greg G |

Had a great time. Very nice Civil War museum and historic house of the Battle of Franklin. Chuck was a great tour guide of the house and the battle. Worth the stop and taking the tour.

Lotz Museum Tour Visit

By richardcassell320 |

If you love Civil War history, this is a must-see attraction in Franklin TN. Evan, our guide, did an incredible job and made the history of Lotz House come life in a way you thought that you were in the middle of the battle and could hear the voices of the family and artillery fire from both sides all around you. This is one of the museum tours I have had the pleasure of attending. THIS IS A MUST SEE ATTRACTION!

Lotz house tour

By Jake S. |

Amazing experience of the house of a family stuck in the middle of a terrible battle. Thanks Chuck for the tour! Can’t wait to come back again!

Interesting and educational experience

By Hilma B |

Need 2 hours for the visit and the tour. 100% worth the ticket price. Will, the tour guide was very knowledgable about the battle of Franklin and cared about providing a good service. Very personable. Made us feel special. Also learned a lot, not just about the battle, but life at that time. We recommend this experience.

Visit

By Sloan S |

Wonderful tour. Guides are very knowledgeable. If you are a history buff you will not be disappointed by visiting this great place od history!

So glad we went!

By Stephanie O |

Evan gave us a great tour at Lotz House. He was very knowledgeable and interesting… Would recommend to anyone. The carnage of the battle of Franklin is startling!

Lotz House Tour

By Mary Jo B |

Will was our guide. Our tour was amazing, so much history and what the soldiers and family went through. House was amazing and glad we got to go upstairs to see rooms as well. Tour was about 1 1/2 hours but went fast. Had a great gift shop with many books about the war. Also toured the Carter House across the street where they fled during the battle. That tour was also amazing.

Great tour!

By Kim B |

It was a great tour and the tour guide, think his name was JT, was the best! Would recommend for any history lovers or anyone interested in the Civil War battle at Franklin!

Must see in Franklin

By Marie G |

All of the friends we were with, agreed this was our favorite tour. The mix of hearing about the civil war and the Lotz family was the best. The guide was fantastic and so entertaining. Mr. Lotz was such a talented wood worker. Go on the tour and you will find out artistic talent ran in the family

Excellent Guide; Compelling History

By Co |

JT is a compelling historical storyteller. He brings to life the people and the times of the Lotz family during the time of the Battle of Franklin, before and after. We very much enjoyed our visit and highly recommend spending an hour for the tour.

Great Rainy Day Activity!

By Stot4 |

Our tour guide, Chuck, was a wealth of information as he relayed historical info to us. He was very personable and went out of his way to relate to land marks we were familiar with. I highly recommend this tour!

Great First Impression

By Kirk M |

I visited the Lotz House today. I was greatly impressed by Chuck and his understanding of the house the Lotz House during the Battle of Franklin and the battle itself. Chuck was also entertaining by nature and interacted well with the eight (8) people in our group. Chuck is a natural at giving such tours and very professional when it comes to history. His love for the subject was very evident and so was his passion. The Lotz House and staff have done a great job at keeping history alive. Thanks to you all for your dedication and service to educating the public!

Must see!

By J L |

We visited the Lotz House Museum at the end of August. It was such an unexpected treat. Our guide, Evan, was amazing! He brought the story of the Lotz family and Civil War to life. We were completely captivated. This is a must see if you are in Franklin.

Travel Back in time Franklin, TN at Lotz House

By Bonnie C |

Chuck, our tour guide, did a fantastic job taking us back in time to feel like one of the Lotz family during the Civil War. Original home with several artifacts found in local area. This house museum is beautifully decorated with several lovely period pieces as well as antiques belonging to the Lotz family. Very worthwhile to visit whether coming from out of town or checking it out as a local Franklinite. Highly recommend.

Chuck was fabulous in bringing history to life.

By Delilah C |

On their recent visit to Nashville, I took my sister and brother-in-law to the Lotz house, since we had been to Nashville’s historical houses and plantations, but none in Franklin. Chuck was our tour guide, and from his opening remarks, we knew we were in for a treat.

He brought us into the lives of the people who lived in the house, which itself, became a character in the story through the beautiful woodwork of Johan Lotz. Chuck wove historical facts into the story of this particular family, juxtaposing hope in starting a new life in America with the traumatic effects of being in the middle of a battle of the Civil War to rebuilding their lives.

Chuck’s passion, knowledge and ability to bring history to life was fabulous. We were enthralled and highly recommend a tour of the Lotz house by Chuck.

Must do!

By dahunsaker |

Katelyn was an excellent tour guide. She knew the history of the house well, but also shared details from the history of the Battle of Franklin. If you love history, this is a great stop. It will take you back in time.

Lotz house tour

By Travel732347 |

Seth was excellent explaining history. He made it interesting and humorous. So knowledgeable!! Would be a great history teacher!

Great tour with entertaining history

By Ginny |

Our tour guide, Thomas, was quite a character, making our tour entertaining and informative. He gave great information in every room and even outside. We really enjoyed our visit to Lotz House

A Journey through the Lotz House with Thomas Cartwright

By Cari G |

The tour of the Lotz House in Franklin is an unforgettable experience, largely thanks to the guide’s extraordinary expertise. His blend of humor and detailed storytelling transforms the visit into a captivating journey. He’s like a human archive, generously sharing his immense knowledge of the house's history, making every room and artifact come alive with stories. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in a deep, engaging dive into this dark piece of history.

An unforgettable tour experience!

By Cruiser782817 |

Our tour guide was Chuck Byrn, a former history teacher. His knowledge of the civil war, the battle that took place in Franklin, the impact it had on the people, property, economy, etc. was amazing. His knowledge of history goes far beyond those events in Franklin and his ability to articulate it clearly and succinctly was impressive indeed. We are thankful for the opportunity to visit this site.

Go when Chuck is there! Impressive collection of the Lotz family antiques and other items of Battle of Franklin

By maryrW7131XI |

Chuck the historian was an amazing tour guide! I wish I had had him as a history teacher in high school (he was a former high school teacher) as he made the history come alive with detailed accounts and intriguing stories. The tour would not be the same without him!

History brought to live by Chuck.

By hayesy77 |

There are lots of historic houses to visit in Franklin and the surrounding area. But if you only get time for one, make it Lodz House. A brilliant tour in a house full of stories. History, Civil War, family drama, ghosts, Lodz House has it all and was brilliantly brought to life by our guide Chuck. Of all the houses I visited in Tennessee this was my stand out favourite, and that was mostly down to Chuck, thank you, you were amazing. If I'm ever lucky enough to visit again from the UK I'll come do the Ghost Tour.

Outstanding experience

By Donna H |

Our hiking club visited the Lotz House in Franklin today. We had an amazing tour with our guide, Kelly Kautzman. She is very knowledgeable and kept us quite entertained with her stories about the battle of Franklin, the Lotz family, and the house itself. I had no idea of the history of this place! I would strongly recommend it for anyone interested in the Civil War and Tennessee’s role in it.

I liked it a lot

By nelson5208 |

Chuck was our guide and did an outstanding job. Went thru the whole house and some outside. A lot happened here during the Battle of Franklin and Chuck explained it all. He was a former history teacher; wish I was in one of his classes.
Great stop on the Civil War tour while you’re in the area.

Do the Carter House tour first across the street

By Kate Illinois1 |

The Carter House sets the stage for the battle with exceptional guide named Randy. Lotz House tour also gives you a clear understanding of the Lotz family and their life after leaving Tennessee. Parking is limited. Interior photos not allowed.

Great place to stop for some history!

By Lori D |

This tour was well worth the small price. Seth was very knowledgeable both about the battle as well as the family that built this house. The house is beautifully restored with period furnishings! Take your time to enjoy the craftsmanship of pieces in this house. They have many nice Civil War souvenirs to purchase here as well. We enjoyed our time here.

Extremely Disappointed

By teresa g |

Extremely disappointed. Because I had read books on the house I was aware that she left out very valuable & interesting facts that would have made the tour more exciting. She also gave some incorrect information, or at least information that contradicted the books & other historians. Not to mention she was rude at times, and when asked questions didn’t really provide suitable answers, but answered based on her own opinion and thoughts of what happened instead of relying on historical sources. The guide was a terrible storyteller and was very disjointed in her presentation. I was so excited to finally tour this house after reading & learning so much about it only to be disappointed in the tour itself because of the guide I got.

Awesome tour.

By Rick P |

The house and nearby grounds were very interesting. Being able to walk in the rooms and see the furnishings was a plus. Our tour guide was awesome.

Great Part of American History and Heritage!

By Gene G |

The house is well maintained and you can get really close to the art pieces!
the tour is a good length of time and our tour guide (his name is Will) really did a great job of keeping our attention and with his passion about history. Thanks Will!
Would highly recommend!
Thanks

Very interesting

By phillip p |

Very interesting place and loved the tour given by Chuck, a retired history teacher and really good at what he does. We learned a lot and would recommend it to friends who would be in the area.

Interesting tour!

By Kim S |

Very interesting tour. Will was super knowledgeable. We learned a lot about the battle that took place here, and about the members of the Lotz family. Will's a story teller with great detail.

WONDERFUL TOUR AND HISTORY

By H James S |

A beautiful house with a wonderful history. Chris was our guide and he was entertaining and quite informative during our tour.
The experience gave us a look into southern history.

Great Tour!

By J&M |

Thomas was our guide through the Lotz House. He was fabulous! After only a short time on the tour, it was easy to see that Thomas loves what he does! His knowledge of the Civil War is amazing! Thank you for a great tour!

Lotz house - wonderful experience!

By Ashlee S |

Evan did a wonderful job leading the tour! His energy and passion for the Lotz story to be told was evident! If you go, request to do a tour with him. You won’t regret it!

It was like stepping back in time.

By Amanda P |

Took a tour here today & loved it! To see the beauty of the house, furniture & paintings was amazing. Like stepping back in time. And our tour guide, Chuck, really brought it to life! My husband, his best friend and I all loved it! Highly recommend it!

Got see the Lotz House

By RichardCO |

Great place to learn more about the battle of Franklin and the Lotz family. The tour guide gives you some great details about Mr Lotz and his talented carpentry skills while living in Franklin during the battle. Thankful that a couple from Nashville purchased the house and has donated it as a museum. If you like local history, this is the place to go.

Lotz House is a must see!!!

By Todd N |

Great experience. The tour guide was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic. There are quite a few original pieces in the home. The history of the home is very interesting as well. A must see if you go to Franklin, TN.

JT - Very Passionate tour guide - great historical area

By Michael H |

We went here as part of our honeymoon and JT was amazing! Knowledgeable and caring. Highly recommend

Lotz House Tour

By TrailBlazer428761 |

Great tour with Chuck who had great knowledge of the history of the Lotz family as well the the battle of Franklin. Chuck told the story with great charisma particularly when he spoke about the Lotz family and the life of Matilda Lotz. If you ever visit Franklin I would recommend you visit the Lotz House.

Don’t miss The Lotz House tour!! Well worth the time!

By Jennifer D |

Most interesting and enjoyable historic tour of The Lotz House by Will Redford! He was so knowledgeable and communicated in a way that made history come to life. We have been driving past the Lotz House for years and are so glad we finally took the time to take a tour. It truly was well worth the time! This would be great for families or anyone who wants to learn more about the Battle of Franklin, and about the lives of the amazing Lotz family.

Great experience!

By jacquelinem350 |

Best experience....the guide, JT, is highly knowledgeable on everything regarding the original owners, the house, the battle and everything else. He is animated which made for the best experience ever like you were right there during the battle. His explanations are clear and concise and very enjoyable.

Living history with Chuck at the Lotz House

By Honolulu1965 |

Well with a visit to Lotz House as it was at the epicenter in the battle of Franklin. November 1864, 25,000 northern soldiers arrived and in the morning, the Lotz family awoke to Federal lines in their front yard. All of this exciting history is brought alive by guide Chuck… he is amazing!!

Fascinating, amazing historical presentation, fulfilling gift shop, many historical artifacts to view, simply a must see

By Keith O |

Surprisingly far more fascinating than anticipated! Vey articulated tour, a must for anyone remotely interested in civil war history!

A day to remember those who fight in the war at the Lotz House

By Victoria Austin |

My husband and I were in Franklin TN, during November 8-15, 2023. We decided to check out the Lotz House and we were so impressed with the site and tour. Thomas was our tour guide and he was informative, humorous, and very emotionally connected to the memories and lives of those who served and died. He was the best part of the day! We highly recommend this tour with Thomas to all who happen to be in the Franklin area. Thanks Thomas!! Bob and Vicki Cuthbert, Vista, CA.

A must see historical tour.

By Passenger13773570255 |

The story of the Lotz house is amazing to hear. The tour guide was filled with so many details of this historical story. He was able to transport you to the time of the Battle of Franklin which I had never heard of. To see the home that Albert Lotz built himself that still stands today and see where the cannon balls landed inside is one any history buff would enjoy. I wish we had known of this earlier as we would have also toured the Carter House and Civil War cemetery. Personally it's a must see.

Amazing in every way!

By Travis R |

I cannot say enough good things about the people who operate this museum. You can tell that they are so passionate about the history and love to tell the story. Our tour was led by JT, but every single person there was extraordinarily caring, sweet, and educated on all the history. As a local from just down the road in Spring Hill, I’m actually sad that I never experienced the tour sooner. This is absolutely a must do!

Great expereince

By David Y |

The guide was excellent, knew all the history of the house, the family and surrounding Civil War Battle of Franklin. Answered questions and explained lots. Lotz house was very well furnished in period furnishings, some original portraits and items.

Plenty of parking around the house and the tour only cost of $14 for adults.

Please visit all the other Civil War and southern plantation homes as well as US Presidents homesin the area.

Extremely worthwhile

By Caroline F |

The history of Franklin is fascinating. Our tour guide was Chuck, a retired school teacher. His passion to share the history was very evident. Take the time to learn this information. War Eagle.

Best tour we have ever done.

By Laura L |

We did the battlefield tour and it was amazing. Our tour guide was Thomas. I can tell you we have traveled alot and have done many tours but none of them compared to this tour with Thomas. He is so informative and is a great story teller.

Second time there, brought friends who had never been on this tour and they loved it also.

By Karen H |

J.T. Is a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide. He was so interesting, really keeps your attention the whole time.

Best tour ever!

By Suzanne C |

I would give this tour ten stars if I could!!! It was by far the best tour I have been to in Tennessee. Not only was the tour guide extremely informative and funny but he presented in such a way that he made history come alive! I especially liked his colloquialisms and personal tales he told! I highly recommend this tour!

wonderful house museum

By tracyhenry1224@yahoo.ca |

The Lotz house museum was absolutely wonderful. When I entered the house a nice (very handsome young man greeted me) and asked if I wanted the tour. He told me the prices and said that the senior rate would not apply to me. Wasn't that sweet of him to think I wasn't a senior when in fact I am 73 and later this year will be having my 74th birthday. Then the other older gentleman also piped up and said I didn't look my age. How could I not go on this tour. I also had a coupon for $1.00 off. For us Canadians anything that can help our weak dollar is a bonus. Back to the review. EVAN was our guide on our tour. There was just 5 of us. He did an excellent job telling us the history of the owners and the battle that finally sent them to California. But the story didn't end there. He also told us what happened to each of the children later in their lives. Such wonderful history. He allowed us to ask questions and look around each room before we moved on. Evan did a fantastic job. I would highly recommend visiting this house while in Franklin. And I hope you get Evan as your guide. Sorry it took me so long to write this review. We just got home from our holiday. Thanks again Evan.

We came, we saw and we learned so much!

By betsie g |

My husband and I enjoyed touring the Lotz house during our recent trip to Franklin. Chuck is an extremely knowledgeable tour guide, and he entertained us with stories about the Lotz family and the battle of Franklin. The house is furnished with many beautiful and significant antiques from the house and the period. I especially enjoying learning about Johann Lotz daughter Matilda Lotz who became a world renowned artist in later life. You will see several of her works in the Lotz house. Chuck was enthusiastic, humorous and so well versed in the history of the Lotz family. We highly recommend touring this home!

Amazing Tour of History

By Kaleigh G |

Wonderful experience and a plethora of knowledge/artifacts here. If you are visiting Nashville or Franklin, make time to visit this house. You will be greeted by two wonderful staff members. Chuck, a former history teacher, did our tour and we can't praise him enough. He was very engaging and full of information to share. You can tell that he really cares about the history and property of this house. Be sure to check out the restaurant across the street. It is connected to the history of the home

Lotz House Museum

By Sondra L |

Had a great tour of the Lotz house led by Chuck. He was very friendly and informative. It was interesting to hear about the family that lived there and about the house and its history.

Excellent Tour & Engaging Tour Guide

By KmbrlyKathleen |

I just had to share my incredible experience at the Lotz House, a captivating Civil War house museum located in historic downtown Franklin! From the moment we arrived, I knew this was going to be special. Our tour guide, Chuck, was absolutely fantastic—his depth of knowledge and passion for history made every moment of the tour memorable.

Chuck’s storytelling was engaging and brought to life the rich history of the house and its significance during the Civil War. He shared fascinating details about the architecture and the lives of the families who once called this beautiful home their own. It felt like we were stepping back in time, fully immersed in the stories of those who lived through such a pivotal era.

The Lotz House itself is a beautifully preserved gem, and you can truly feel the history surrounding you as you explore its rooms. I wholeheartedly recommend paying a visit—whether you’re a history lover or just looking for a meaningful outing, this is a must-see!

Thank you, Chuck, for leading such an enlightening tour. I can’t wait to return and dive deeper into the stories this incredible place has to offer!

Great history tour

By Jenn W |

Our tour guide Chuck was very enthusiastic and knowledgable about the Battle of Franklin and the Civil War in general. The house is wonderfully furnished and decorated. Definitely worth the trip.

Very accommodating

By Ali_B |

Seth, our guide, was incredibly hospitable and informative. He was also very accommodating, ensuring my mother was able to sit in a chair from room to room as she is not able to stand for long periods of time - this really made the experience top notch for her. The house and items inside are worth seeing for sure.

Great Chiice!

By Robert B |

Evan was awesome. Great tour and very informative. Highly recommend!
The amount of detail was amazing. He brought both obvious and subtle facts about the house and the battle. Make sure to listen because there will be questions.

House Tour was great the Cellar Tour was a joke.

By jennifer j |

We booked the Cellar Tour. When we arrived they didn’t have the reservation. No big deal. We took the house tour while we waited. The house tour was fun and educational. When they were finally ready for the cellar tour we were taken to the “cellar” which consisted of a dirt room under the house. We stood in a cramped room (understandably) and shown a few “excavated items” kept in a Tupperware container and asked if we wanted to dig in a pile of dirt. The entire took lasted 10 minutes max. Complete waste of time and money and nothing like described on the website.

Lotz house tour

By John S |

Great views, confederate memorial park nearby. Guide was well informed and very personable. Will definitely recommend to others.

Women’s History Tour

By Cassie S |

My daughter and I love touring old houses. We took the Women’s History Tour with Kelly and had a great time! Kelly is super passionate about sharing, and we had a great time! She made it really special for us. ❤️

Must see!

By theposher |

The Lotz House is a must see in Franklin! Our tour guide Chuck was highly knowledgeable and engaging. He brought the fascinating stories of the Battle of Franklin and the Lotz family to life. Highly recommend this tour!

A fantastic find

By Kathy S |

This was a real pearl! One of the best home/history tours we have been to. Loved the excitement that JT gave in describing the house, the woodwork and especially the people Highly recommend this museum.

"A step back in time"

By Anette T |

I loved the home the minute I walked in."Will" was our tour guide and did an excellent job.He is very knowledgeable and passionate about what he does.It was a step back in time, tragic and wonderful.I so enjoyed the tour!Thank you very much again!

A day in Franklin, TN

By Ken H |

Very nice say trip to Franklin. We did the triumvirate house experience of Carnton House, Carter House, Lotz house and certainly recommend. Highly recommend combining all 3. Lotz house was amazing, with a great tour guide and a unique format as we were exposed to great historical perspective, a great story about the Lotz family experience with the battle of Franklin, and significant access to some great furniture and architecture in the house.

A must do in the beautiful town of Franklin.

By pvmanjerry123 |

Fantastic museum. Evan was an excellent tour guide. we left feeling we knew the Lotz family and
a good understanding of the battle of franklin.

The Civil War Comes Alive

By colette f |

The Lotz house was in the midst of the awful Battle of Franklin in November of 1864. In that five hour span, 3,000+ soldiers were killed. The Lotz family all survived and stayed to repair the damage to their home.Their story is remarkable, especially when told by our guide, Chuck, a retired teacher. There is a wonderful collection of Civil War artifacts, things I have not seen in other period museums. The house is only a twenty minute drive from Nashville, and Franklin itself is a charming town.

Great Tour Full of Knowledge and History

By mmcewen29 |

Chuck is an amazing tour guide and so knowledgeable. We toured the whole house, stopping in every room while Chuck described the history and details from the furniture to the floors. He helps you relive the battles as if you were there. When you visit, ask for Chuck to be your guide as you will not be disappointed and gain knowledge!!

Little disappointed

By Dr. Linda D |

We (3) agree with the other reviewers who gave it an “average” rating. The history was nice- the house held mainly artifacts not from the Lotz family

Lotz House

By dlake1 |

Chuck was our tour guide and was very friendly, knowledgeable, and engaging throughout our visit. I would definitely recommend checking out the Lotz House if you’re planning a trip to Franklin, TN:)

Fun, Informative Experience!

By Cindy |

We went on a Lotz House tour that focused on womens' history - both locally and nationally during the Civil War era. It was incredible, and we all loved our tour guide, Kelly Kautzman. She was full of knowledge and enthusiasm. She immediately got a feel for our interests, and aligned her information and presentation based on that. The house is beautifully restored and preserved, and the story behind it is fascinating, as is much of Franklin's rich Civil War era history.

Relive this time period with these wonderful tours!

By B McC |

We took both the Battlefield Tour as well as the House Tour on 9/27/22. Thomas’ Battlefield Tour was incredibly detailed and informative. His passion for the subject was exciting to see and hear. Seth’s tour of the House was also informative and he answered all our questions with knowledgable answers. CAN recommend these and their other tours with a certainty that you will enjoy them.

Worth visiting

By Donna C |

Loved everything about the tour. Chuck was our tour guide and was excellent. Has quite a lot of story's to tell about the Family, house, and the Civil War that happened outside (and inside) the door of the house. He even recommended other places to visit.

Worth the Time

By RJS |

We really enjoyed our tour. Our guide J.T. was very knowledgeable and entertaining. It was well worth the time. We recommend a stop at the Lotz house.

Passionate & informative

By Lynette Sanchez |

Evan led a passionate, informative tour of the Lotz home. The attention to history that led up to November 30, 1864 battle of Franklin was impressive. He was very respectful of the lives lost in this tragic, unnecessary bloody battle. I’m grateful for people who commit themselves to retelling important historical stories, such as this.

Great tour

By Tracy M |

Wonderful history lesson, such a great tour! Worth every minute.
Thank you for preserving our history.

A must see stop

By Paul B |

Chuck, the docent, gave an interesting tour. A lot of history was connected with this house and Chuck knew it all and conveyed the information in an easy to understand way. Well with the time and money spent.

The tour guide is wonderful

By Jason H |

Good experience, thanks for preserving the special time of history. It's so different to see what had happened then, and hopefully people will never allow this happen again.

Excellent tour!

By Patty D |

Very educational and personal tour. Our tour guide was knowledgeable and made the experience first rate. I learned a lot and would highly recommend this tour.

Excellent tour; great tour guide!

By Lida B |

Our vacations often include historical tours and our visit to the Lotz House was one of the best! Our tour guide, Chuck, was incredibly knowledgeable about the Battle of Franklin, the people who lived in and around the Lotz House, and the culture of the times. He communicated in a way that brought the events of the Civil War to life so that you could almost imagine what the soldiers and the citizens experienced and how it impacted them. Because of Chuck's talent as a storyteller, his warm humor, and his ability to relate to people of all ages on the tour, this was the highlight of our vacation in Franklin.

Chuck was amazing new so much about everything made everyone feel so welcome. Worth every penny. Fantastic

By Niki C |

Chuck was amazing knew so much about everything the house was incredible. Really if in Franklin you must go here was worth every penny

More than just a gift shop experience

By 153alanc |

Being a relative newcomer to Tennessee, I wasn't sure what a "Lotz House" was, but I'm very glad that I gave it a look-see. In a very informative 45+ minute tour of the house, I learned about the Battle of Franklin, the German immigrant master craftsman who built the house, and his extraordinary family - including his daughter Matilda - a world-renowned painter of animal life. Thanks to Will and Thomas!

Great tour

By Diane L |

The human side of the Civil War. Neighbors helping neighbors. If you are interested in visiting Civil War battlegrounds this is a good one. The size of the area of the battle is not huge.
Our guide was wonderful, he participates in re-enactments , and has a passion for his position. His knowledge is tip too! With a touch of education and humor !
Great tour, great history.

Exceeded Expectations

By Lynn P |

This was way better than we expected. Seth was our "way more than guide". He was so knowledgeable about the civil war that he helped us understand Franklin clearly but also, Nashville, Murphreesboro and many other battles. He also tailored comments to the home states of people on the tour to understand how the regiments and specific people from our states participated.

Great presentation and valuable history at the Lotz home!

By L W A |

Guide / presenter was excellent! Interesting history of the property and its family who first built the home. Their struggles thru the civil war and the battle of Franklin water amazing! The family history of the children’s lives adds to the story as well!

Impressive tour

By Doug M |

Wonderful tour with J.T. ! Lived in Nashville over 25 years and popped in on a spur of the moment while in Franklin. Very enthusiastic, knowledgeable tour guide. Great to have an understanding of what this home was during the Battle of Franklin and to see it still standing today! Thanks J.T. !

A piece of civil war history

By Winnie E |

Lots house provides excellent insight into one of the bloodiest battles of the American Civil War. Located in Franklin Tennessee, only a half mile from the city centre, it has amazing history and an authentic representation of the times. Chuck gave an excellent tour of the house with incredible insight to the period. Would definitely recommend to anyone travelling to Franklin.

Lotz House-great Civil War History

By Alisa K |

Enjoyed a day trip to Franklin Tennessee. If you like quaint old towns and civil war history, this is the place for you. Lotz House was great. Seth, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and had a great sense of humor. Would definitely recommend a stop by. Plan on about an hour.

Excellent tour, very informative and moving

By Patti_V2 |

This tour was a highlight of our trip to Tennessee. Will was our tour guide and did an excellent job. He's a great storyteller, and we learned so much about the Battle of Franklin, the Lotz House, and the Lotz family. Their story is very moving, and Will really put a human face on the Civil War and its challenges. Our family highly recommends this tour.

Highly recommended

By John W |

Excellent tour of the house given by Chuck Byrne, My daughter and I found it very informative and interesting.
John, Nottingham UK

An Unforgettable Tour and Guide

By Jenny M |

Our visit to the historical Civil War-era house was truly one of the highlights of our trip, thanks to our wonderful guide - Evan. He was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories and little known details that brought the history of the house and the people who lived there - to life. He spoke eloquently and with such a natural flow
and genuine passion for the subject that it felt like we were stepping back in time.

Beyond his deep understanding of the period, his kind and gracious demeanor made the experience even more enjoyable. It is rare to meet someone who can both
educate and inspire the way Evan did.

If you have a chance to take the tour with Evan, don't miss it!
You will come away with a richer appreciation of Tennessee history!

Thumbs up from the New Zealand Silver Fox

By Silver Fox NZ |

Chuck, our well-informed guide, provided just the right balance - perhaps what you'd expect from a retired history teacher. Kind regards, the New Zealand Silver Fox

If you miss this opportunity you’re cheating yourself of learning about a significant part of Civil War history.

By Tyra |

I love history & so appreciate when I’m able to experience it first hand, it truly becomes so much more real! If you’re interested in the Civil War, this house & the town of Franklin plays a significant role that the history books failed miserably to explain! Chuck was our tour guide, a retired history teacher & fabulous storyteller. He’s incredibly knowledgeable of the bloodiest battle of the Civil War that literally took place on their front lawn but he also knows every inch of the houses interior battle scars & decor. Truly an amazing tour for anyone wanting to know more about the Civil War. I’d suggest reading a few books on the history of the war, the underground rail & of Franklin.

The Lotz house tour

By Stuart K |

The story of the Lotz family is riveting expertly told with sincere passion for the family and battle of Franklin by our tour guide Will. Definitely a go to stop when in the greater Nashville area.

Chuck is a great guide.

By Thomas W |

Fantastic! Chick was amazing and did a great job making the history feel personal. I loved hearing not only about the house, but also the family and what happened to them.

Don't miss this place.

By Linda P |

We almost missed out on the Lotz house tour. After visiting Franklin for a couple days, we had some time to fit one more tour before heading back to New York. We made a good choice! Chuck, our guide, brought the house and family to life for us. His love of the house and his knowledge of the Lotz family was immense! He was able to answer every question we asked of him. By the time we left, we felt we knew the family and what they had gone through during the battle of Franklin, and how they spent the rest of their lives. If you're in the area , don't miss this one!

Lotz House tour

By Tina G |

Chuck our tour guide was exceptional. His knowledge and stories took us right to the era in which things happened. I admit I am not a history buff. But Chuck had my attention throughout the tour. It’s one thing to walk through and try to imagine what the events were. But Chuck took us year to year telling the story of the Lotz family and other events in area.

A House Tour You Will Learn From and Enjoy

By Vincent C |

We toured several historic houses in Franklin. The Lotz House was one of our favorites. Seth, our tour guide, was very knowledgeable and entertaining. Our group had people of various ages from different parts of the country (including one man from Italy) and Seth was able to relate to all of us. The tour was not only interesting, it was fun!

Thanks Chuck and the Lotz House

By Elizabeth G |

We were blown away by the intentionality and knowledge of our tour guide Chuck. His knowledge of the house, Lotz family history and the Battle of Franklin was very impressive and we were to blessed to learn from him. Thank you Chuck for making this historical stop one to remember and learn so much from. We highly recommend this!

Must do

By Eric R |

My wife and I plan on doing tours of all the houses around Franklin but Lotz House was the first one. Very interesting history of the house given the Civil War battle that occurred all around the house and the family history of the Lotz themselves.

Excellent

By Telisha C |

A must do while in the Franklin, Tn area and when you go ask for Chuck as your guide! The Lotz House played a very important part in the history of the Civil War!

Amazing!

By Nattycraw1113 |

1000% recommend doing this tour! Chuck is so knowledgeable about all history but really goes in great depth of the history of Franklin, TN and the Lotz family. Definitely worth checking out!

The Lotz Tour a Moment in Time

By janh4lse |

A small, home filled with antiques and history, Chuck our guide was great and brought the history back to life.

If you let yourself absorb be prepared to be moved by the history of the area, the Lotz House and the Cater Farm to name a few places amongst others at such a pivotal time. Take a moment and do the tour, i found it engaging and informative, remember those who have gone before.

Learn how the Lotz lived through the war and post journey through time. Thank you Chuck, from the Londoner.

History lessons from a former history teacher

By Sheila |

We visited Lotz House on 9/29/24 with Chuck as our guide. We got a fantastic history lesson not only about the battle that took place outside but of the occupants of the home and of their neighbors. The house had obvious scars from the battle and it was wild to see them up close and personal. I highly recommend this tour. During the tour I wondered if Chuck may have been a former history teacher and I was right. It was obvious to me he loved giving this tour.

Southern road trip

By katherinesG7964FT |

Will was our tour guide and did an excellent job! He has a boatload of information and knew all the details of the Lotz House, and the Lotz family. Well worth our time visiting on our trip back from Savannah to Indiana

Must see in Franklin

By Karl L |

The history the house has experienced is amazing. The period furniture etc... is interesting but hearing the stories of the family during and after the Battle of Franklin were amazing. Quite moving to see the blood stains in the parlor as well as the bullets with teeth marks from patients having limbs amputated.

Would recommend this experience!

By Emily K |

This was amazing! My sister and I went to visit to learn some history and it was an eye opening experience. Definitely recommend to people who wish to learn intricate details of the war!

Must do!

By lorettak21 |

Wonderful tour. The kind gentleman who was our guide was very informative. A wealth of knowledge on both the house and the battle that occurred right outside the front door. A must do if you value our history as a nation.

Excellent tour

By 702jilly |

Chuck the tour guide was excellent at not only relating the part the house played in the Civil War battle but also the story of the family and the furnishings. Rarely do you get such a full commentary on a historical site.

Fantastic experience with a lot of great information

By Sarah P |

My husband and I just finished the tour at Lotz House. Chuck did a phenomenal job! He was full of information. And humor, which I find an important part of tours. There is nothing worse then a dry, boring guide. Chuck is the opposite of that. We absolutely recommend the tour.

Not worth the time or money

By DPC |

We were so excited for this visit but left severely disappointed. The group tour sizes were way too large as not everyone could even fit in the rooms to hear the guide speak. The guide was dismissive and rude to the children in the group and loved to talk about herself, how much the ghosts care for her, how she was part of the ghosts’ family in another life, how a psychic told her things, etc. The tour was repetitive and very minimal information was given or known about the house and the items inside. Tour was estimated to last 90 minutes but went well over 2 hours. Definitely not worth the time. She could have gotten all the information she shared across in 30 minutes.

Well worth the drive from Nashville

By 2trvel |

This one hour tour is well worth the drive from Nashville, even if you aren't a Civil War history bluff. Evan, our guide, was enthusiastic, charming and knowledgeable (and at great pains to avoid controversy, which is itself a statement). The focus of the tour is equally on the remarkable Lotz family (a non-slave owning family recently immigrated from Germany) and the Battle of Franklin which took place on top of them (complete with maps showing the battle positions, bloodstained floors, etc...). This tour is best for teenagers with an interest in history and adults - not children.

Debrief afterwards next door at the Fainting Goat which has excellent coffee.

(By the way, if Civil War battlefield history is of interest to you, be sure to visit to the Civil War Medicine Museum in Frederick, MD when you go to Gettysburg.)

Unbel

By Michael G |

Unbelievable tour with Chuck. Extremely knowledgeable and enthusiastic!!! Knows his history . His knowledge of the family 7is incredible.

Pleasant surprise

By michelle |

Walked in thinking we would just look around. What we got was a very interesting and educational tour of the house and civil war history. Chuck was great

Five Stars with Evan

By Harry |

Our tour with Evan at the Lotz House Museum was absolutely excellent. He is extremely knowledgeable about the Battle of Franklin and the history of the Lotz family, and his enthusiasm is contagious. Evan brings every room to life with detailed stories behind each artifact, making the experience immersive and memorable rather than just informational. His energy, depth of knowledge, and passion for the history truly set this tour apart. I highly recommend Evan as a tour guide and the Lotz House Museum to anyone visiting Franklin. This is a must-see experience.

Amazing little piece of history

By EBY |

We just heard about the Lotz house shortly before our recent trip to Nashville and Memphis and decided to make a stop to check it out. We were so glad we stopped. JT was our guide and was so amazing! The passion and knowledge of JT didn’t go unnoticed- you can see how passionate he is doing the tours. We learned so much about the history of the USA that day. Such a worthwhile stop. Make sure you do the tour with JT if you can.

Very Informative

By Tanya C |

Tour was very informative and enjoyable. Our 8 year old son loved it. Hearing of the history and the family that lived in Lotz House was amazing.

Great Tour

By Susan D |

Our tour guide, Chuck, was so knowledgeable. He really zeroed on our interests and tailored the tour to us. We would highly recommend the Lotz House Museum!

Excellent tour--Very interesting--Highly recommend

By Tourist109617 |

I took my mom and four kids (aged 4 through 13) to tour the home and we all loved it! Our tour guide was wonderfully educated and we learned so much and could envision all that she described as if we were in the moment. Highly recommend this tour for all!

Great times and value

By Josh R |

Went to the Lotz house with my parents and partner and enjoyed a wonderful tour led by Evan. Evan was friendly, informative, charismatic and brought the stories of the Lotz family and the Battle of Franklin to life.
A true gem in Franklin and well worth a visit for tourists and local history buffs alike.

If You Like History, This Is A Must

By NVanSambeek |

Visiting Franklin and the Lotz house was the highlight of my trip to TN. The tour guide was very knowledgeable, entertaining, and answered questions during the tour and afterwards. The tour was very emotional. I would encourage everyone to visit.

Super knowledgeable guide!

By Annjo2015 |

We found ourselves passing through Franklin with some extra time in the afternoon and decided to tour the Lotz House. I’m so glad we did! Although we knew a Civil war battle was fought there we had no idea about the fascinating details surrounding the battle and the family who lived there. Our guide, Will, shared his expertise and answered every question we had. So glad that we chose to stop there - an hour well spent!

Lotz House - go for it.

By Amy L |

Chuck gave us such fascinating tour full of history. Glad we made this stop. Tour took a little over an hour. The ghost tour would be fun to do some time in the future.

Lotz House Tour

By Stephen Morgan |

Excellent and detailed tour provided by the tour guide, Jonathon. Lots of beautiful and well-preserved artifacts and furnishings from the mid 1800's. A great value and a memorable experience. Dont miss it!!

Lotz house

By Karin M |

Our guide was thoughtful and informative. Always paused to leave time for questions, which he was gracious in answering. A must see in Franklin.

Great tour!

By socTN |

Chuck was our guide, and he did a fantastic job! He engaged all those on our tour and gave us lots of interesting information about the house, the Lotz family, and the Battle of Franklin. Well worth the time and cost!!

It was awesome!

By michelle s |

I thought it was absolutely amazing and informational. Very interesting. Will was our tour guide. He was so very passionate about the history and people.

Great visit

By Karen C |

We had a great tour today with Chuck. He was very informative and held our attention. I would recommend going to this and then see the Carter House across the street.

Great tour guide!

By Relax721094 |

Will was a GREAT tour guide!! Great source of information and great sense of humor!!
He provided such an enjoyable experience.

Women in History Tour - Excellent, Passionate tour guide Kelly Kaufman

By Jan S |

This was an evening tour. Guided by Kelly, she has selected women in history that have amazing back stories. Kelly is so enthusiastic about her research, that she keeps the tour interesting and interactive. Every woman, young girl should know how impactful these women were in history. Check the dates when this tour is offered. The tour was roughly 2 hours.

Lotz House takes you back in history.

By Patti H |

The Lotz house takes you back in history. Kelly was an excellent guide explaining the home, the Lotz family, and the Battle of Franklin connection. Lots of period furniture. Original floors and woodwork. Each room was full of interesting artifacts and historical facts. Civil War actual artifacts are on display as well. I have visited many historical homes and Lotz house is by far my favorite.

Very interesting, especially if you just love learning new things.

By Susan and John T |

Wow! We were in for a surprise! Evan gave us a fabulous tour of this Lotz House, with much passion and knowledge, and we enjoyed every minute. Definitely for history lovers and even if you’re not. A must see.

Close to Nashville, must visit

By Sherri L |

Great tour, Chuck was very informative, knowledgeable & engaging! If you’re in Nashville it’s a short drive & well worth it!

I Never Tire of Visiting the Lotz House

By Leslie |

This was my fourth visit to the Lotz House. Each time I've gone through the tour I learn something new. This time, Kelly, our tour guide, took us across the street to another building that housed some antiques and a room that had a map and diorama of the battle to help us visualize and give us a better idea of what it was like at the time the battle took place. I questioned her about many of the items displayed in the dining room and the parlor and she had an interesting explanation for each. She was extremely knowledgeable and fun. I understand Kelly also does tours specializing in women of the era, which I hope to catch on another trip.

Lotz House

By Laura B |

The Lotz House was an interesting educational experience on the Battle of Franklin. Thank you to Will our tour guide who was knowledgeable and knew the history of the family beyond the Battle.

Worth the stop!

By Lynn M |

Stopped here as part of our day trip to Franklin expecting the usual scripted tour. What we experienced was anything but that. Our very knowledgeable, passionate historian was JT. He carefully wove a path for us back through time that transported us to the day of the battle as the troops were coming over the horizon and made us feel a part of the horror that began for the Lotz family that awful day in history.

Informative tour that brings to light the tragedy of the Civil War and its impact on families.

By Heidi S |

We had a wonderful tour with Sean and then Chuck stayed with us and shared even more detail and stories. They were both very knowledgeable and made the experience memorable.

It’s hard to wrap your head around the tragedy this family experienced during the battle. The home is beautifully restored and the tour is worth your time.

Our family really enjoyed it and appreciated Sean and Chuck making it happen even though we arrived a few minutes after the last official tour started.

If you are in the area, it is worth a visit.

Wonderful Tour. Well worth experiencing.

By Linda P |

This was an amazing tour. The Tour Guide was passionate and very knowledgeable. We enjoyed the tour very much. The home is beautifully kept and the history of the home is one that is well worth hearing about. Highly recommended.

Fun Tour

By Ashley G |

Chuck was a fantastic tour guide his sparkly blue eyes were very warm and kind He is so knowledgeable and we could tell he enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.

Too many items that have no provenance with the Lotz family

By DaisysMum_11 |

Our guide spent too much time talking about stories and opinions that had nothing to do with the house and the Civil War. The private owner has filled the house with items that have no provenance with the house - just are of the time. I do not think the Lotz family would have had so many items in their possession at the time of the Battle of Franklin.

The house doesn't work with the Battle of Franklin Trust and since the Carter House is just across the road, it should. A more seamless story could then be told.

Highly recommend for unexpected and deeply moving history!

By Mary K |

Went with my parents. Tour started at 11am and lasted for an hour and a half. Our tour guide, Evan, did a remarkable job of guiding the group through the Lotz family history. Highly recommend if you’re interested in history, art and architecture, and engaging story telling. Totally worth the $20 ticket! Left with new knowledge and a deeper appreciation for the history of Franklin, TN.

Don’t miss this!

By Explore01960622335 |

Excellent tour and guide. Tony was engaging and so informative! We never realized the battle of Franklin was as intense as it was. So much history learned by all. Highly recommend!

Thomas was the best tour guide and so knowledgeable!

By Debbie A |

Wow! I love when guides are passionate about their history! Thomas was one of the best tour guides if not the best we have ever had on a tour! He knew all his information plus extra! We learned so much! Make sure to take a tour of the Lotz house if you are ever in Franklin!

I love the Lotz house.

By Bonnie H |

I've been to the Lotz house 4 or 5 times and I love taking friends and family there. A beautiful home with an interesting perspective on the battle of Franklin and the Lotz family. However, our guide, Seth, must have been in a bad mood because he went through the rooms quickly with very little detail. I remembered a lot of information from previous trips so I kept asking questions about things that I thought were important that he left out. So if you get Seth, be sure to ask LOTZ of questions.

Educational and interesting

By Vicki W |

Loved the tour. Our guide Will was knowledgeable and passionate about the Bsttle of Franklin the the Lotz family. Totally worth the time.

Amazing tour and amazing guides!

By Ally B |

Came to get a tour from my boyfriend Evan, he is extremely knowledgeable and passionate about history and especially the Lotz house history. I’ve lived in Tennessee for most of my life and I’ve never known the story of the Lotz house especially all of the details about the family members that Evan talks about in his tour. I had a wonderful time. Definitely recommend taking a tour with Evan or any of the other wonderful tour guides. Great people doing a great thing.

AWESOME GUIDE - Chuck Byrn

By Passenger782827 |

I toured the Lotz House with Chuck Byrn, a retired history teacher in November 2023. I live in Nashville and have taken the tour at least five times with out of town visitors. Chuck was the absolute best guide I have experienced. I learned things about the family that other guides had not shared and really had a clear understanding of what had occurred on the battlefield that day. When I go again, I will make a point of trying to take tours that Chuck is leading. AWESOME JOB!

Must-Do Tour

By Matt M |

We were incredibly pleased with this tour. Our entertaining retired history teacher tour guide, Chuck, brought the drama of what unfolded in the Lotz Family’s front yard on that cataclysmic day to life. Chuck reminded me of the experts in Ken Burn’s Civil War in the way that he used stories/anecdotes to take us right back to 1864. Besides the insightful experience of being the epicenter of battle, the house is full of a wonderful collection of 19th century antiques rivaling the collections of some major museums. This place is a gem and well worth a dedicated visit.

The Lotz tour

By Virginian1961 |

This was an amazing tour rich with history of the Lotz family. Our tour guide was so descriptive of Mr. Lotz and his struggles of making sure his family stayed safe from the Battle of Franklin that was unfolding in their front yard, along to their escape to the Carter House. Great insight on the aftermath of the war and the impact on him and his family.

Amazing tour!

By Jonah M |

Highly recommend! Our tour guide, Will, was incredibly insightful about the history of the house, the Battle of Franklin, and the story of the Lotz family. His passion for the subject and knowledge of the time period made this one of the best historical sites we’ve visited.

Lotz House Museum

By Angie B |

JT was our tour guide, though it was just my husband and I. He gave an excellent tour, very knowledgeable and he took his time in giving us a tour of each of the rooms as well as a tour of the outside. I highly recommend taking this tour.

Excellent Civil War House Tour

By Eric G |

Lotz was an architect who built his dream home prior to the Civil War. The house sustained extensive damage during the Battle of Franklin. The guided tour was very interesting and well worth an hour. The guide was animated and extremely knowledgable.

Very interesting piece of history.

By Kimberly A |

We found the Lotz house very interesting. Our guide, Chuck, was very knowledgeable about all the events, almost like he experienced it himself. We’re happy we went! Our group of 6 ages ranged from 55 to the 2 younger ones 13 & 11. They was curious about the events that took place such as the holes in the floors from the cannon balls and the stories that the Lotz family endured during this time.I enjoyed the beautiful wood work of Mr. Lotz. We appreciate this piece in history being preserved and highly recommend taking the time to visit.
Thanks Chuck!!

Lotz House Museum in Franklin, TN

By Bruce W |

Our guide Chuck was very knowledgeable about the museum and the civil war battle that took place in that area. Made it very interesting and you could almost picture the battle arranging and then going on as he told the story. Really enjoyed chuck and later the info all around the area across the street where much of the actual battle was fought.

Don’t miss this incredible house and family!

By Lori R |

JT was so passionate and informative about the home and had such a depth of knowledge of the family! He shared the information with such enthusiasm that we left feeling like we knew the family. The stories he shared were just incredible! We would highly recommend visiting the house.

Well informed visit to Lotz House and the battle here.

By Getaway486712 |

The Lotz House in Franklin, TN, was well worth the 1.5 visit. Will was our guide. He is very well informed of the house and area history of the Civil War battle that was waged here. He discussed the war events, as well as the personal stories of the family who once built and lived in this historical house. There is some very interesting history here, as well as many antiques and historical artifacts here. A must see if you are in the area, and are interested in US history.

The Lotz House Museum… Don’t Miss It

By Mary L |

The Lotz House is a beautiful home that miraculously survived the Battle of Franklin TN.
Our guide, Chuck, guided us through the Lutz family experience being in the middle of a battle, and their life thereafter.
The horror of the battle came to life seeing where bullet holes and blood were in the home.
The furniture was of the period as was the art.
Even for non history lovers this is a great, interesting spot and Chuck was informed, funny and relatable.

Must see! Beautiful house!

By Gblacks |

Chuck is amazing tour guide. There is so much information and details. I have no clue how he could remember it all! The house is still stunning after so many years. You can see the amazing craftsmanship . We learned so much about the family and battle. it’s absolutely a must see if you’re in the area!

Great tour while in Franklin for a day

By Erik S |

Really great tour with a wealth of US historical backdrop. Tour guide was amazing and the house was an experience pulling you back to the 19th century as you connect with this family and their story.

Great tour!

By TH |

My family and I were in town for the long holiday weekend. My husband and 2 boys love history and wanted to visit. We weren’t sure if it was open or not but it was!! JT was our tour guide and he was great!!! Very informative, attentive, passionate and hands on!!

Tour guide made an interesting visit amazing.

By Jodi V |

The Lotz House tour was full of surprises. We learned about carpentry, a renowned artist for her time, and most fascinating of all was how the battle of Franklin affected the 700 residents of the community. Tour guide Kelli showed her expertise in the subject matter. She kept three children involved in a tour that could have been boring. Thanks Kelli for providing a great experience.

Hope of the American Dream Realized: From the ashes of the Battle of Franklin a young girl became a world famous artist!

By James B |

Chuck was our tour guide and I was amazed at his historical Civil War knowledge. By the end of the tour I was more informed about the magnitude of the Battle of Franklin and had a deeper appreciation and respect for those that fell that day and those that survived.

Marguarite’s journey from war torn America to storied artist on multiple continents only to have her life culminate with the start of the Great War that engulfed the world, WWI. A prolific family of true artisans whether with wood or oil paintings. The Lotz family was the epitome of the American Dream building a life from nothing, then to lose it all and then regroup and rise from the ashes to be successful again.

I was humbled by Chuck’s oration and the passion he brought to our tour. He made me want to learn more about that time in our history. There was great tragedy but also great accomplishments. We all should learn from Chuck’s message, learn more not just about the past but those fateful souls who overcame such tremendous adversity.

Chuck, thank you for an amazing adventure!!!

Excellent knowledge!

By Jeffrey L |

Tour conducted by Mr Cartwright, extremely knowledgeable about the history of the house, impact of the Civil War for the Lotz family and the Battle of Franklin. Very interesting tour filled with history, house design and everything inside the house. Would highly recommend, very enjoyable!

Okay tour

By Kelly |

We did the tour with Seth. He was very informative & answered any questions we had. The tour did not go very in-depth. Seth gave a quick talk about each room & only pointed out furniture pieces the Lotz family made. All the period pieces were beautiful to look at, but we didn’t feel like it was a $14 tour.

Fun and Informative Tour

By Susan D |

Our tour guide, Chuck, made the tour informative, interesting, and fun. We learned so much about the battle of Franklin and enjoyed the beauty of the house.

If you are a big fan of woodworking, this is your place.

By John |

Let me start by saying the tour guide, Seth, was great. Very knowledgeable, extremely personable, and entertaining. We came here because of the battle of Franklin was fought in their yard. After a brief lecture of the war while pointing to a map on the floor, the battle was an afterthought. Most of the time was spent on woodworking discussions (Mr. Lotz's occupation) and paintings by Mr. Lotz's daughter. Also, no pictures allowed inside.

Very disappointing for a civil war buff.

Amazing History lesson

By Matt |

We are from the UK so we don't get taught much about the civil war. this was a facisinating place to visit, thanks to Chuck who brought the history to life. the house is so well preserved and they have some incredible artifacts to look at.