Get to Know Franklin, Tennessee’s Harlinsdale Farm
Franklin, Tennessee is a patchwork of natural beauty and rich history, and Harlinsdale Farm is no exception to that rule. One of the most beautiful public spaces in the area, Harlinsdale Farm boasts 200 acres of farmland, showcasing the rolling, rural beauty of Middle Tennessee. Once a historically renowned horse farm, the land was purchased by the City of Franklin in 2004 and opened to the public. It has since remained a well cared for and beloved centerpiece of the city’s landscape.
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm includes walking and hiking trails, a 4 acre dog park called K-9 Korral, and a pond that spans 3 acres where properly licensed guests can enjoy catch and release fishing. The hiking trails also have Harpeth River access, as it runs along the edge of the park. If you’re looking for a smoother place to get some exercise, walkers and runners can also enjoy the 5 kilometers of soft turf track that circles part of the park.
History
Harlinsdale farm was bought and established in the 1930s by a man named W. Wirt Harlin after he moved with his family to Franklin from Kentucky. He recruited his nephew, Harlin Hayes, to manage the farm, and under his guidance Harlinsdale soon became successful in horse breeding and training. The farm would go on to become one of the most significant historical farms in the Tennessee Walking Horse Industry.
A Tennessee Walking Horse is a breed characterized by their smooth, swift gait, a run-walk with a distinct cadence. This gait is inherited, and cannot be taught to other breeds of horses. They are known to be gentle and affectionate, and are popular breeds for shows and light utility work.
Harlinsdale Farm gained a particular kind of notoriety and prestige in the mid-1940s, thanks to a beautiful, black-coated colt named “Midnight Sun.” Though deemed unremarkable as a youngster, the Tennessee Walking Horse Stallion became the first of his kind to win back-to-back World Grand Championships in the years 1945 and 1946. Following his success, Midnight Sun was breeded at Harlinsdale Farm. Because of this, many Walking Horse World Champions, even in more recent years, have lineage tracing back to Franklin’s very own. Midnight Sun was a beloved marvel in the equestrian world and has remained a shining jewel in Franklin’s star-studded history, truly putting Harlinsdale on the map.
Hayes House
The Victorian Farmhouse known as the Hayes House was notably occupied by Harlin Hayes and his family while he served at manager of the farm, though the house itself dates all the way back to 1899. The charming, historical home has been restored to its 1930s-1940s glory by the non-profit organization Friends of Franklin Parks. Once signage is complete, the house will be open for tours and as a history and community center.
City of Franklin’s Family Day
Friends of Franklin Parks also hosts a popular, annual Family Day event at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm. The free festival, which takes place in early November, features live music, equestrian events, food trucks, hayrides, a petting zoo, a miniature train ride, and other fun happenings. Families are encouraged to come out to the farm and enjoy the day!
Other beloved events at The Park at Harlinsdale include the annual Raise the Roof fundraiser, featuring a twilight polo match and a party, and the annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration, complete with food trucks and a magnificent firework display. Find our more about upcoming events hosted at The Park at Harlinsdale Farm on the events page.
Equestrian Information
For horseback riders, the Harlinsdale Farm Equestrian Trail is an unsupervised recreation area, open on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 30-minutes-prior to sunrise and 30-minutes-prior to sunset. Riders are encouraged to keep a careful eye on their horses and to remain mindful of the trail’s rules and regulations.
The Tractor Supply Arena at Harlinsdale Farm, built in 2015, hosts horse shows of all kinds, including run shows, 4-H showcases, and professional arena polo matches. In fact, Harlinsdale is said to be the premiere polo facility in the state of Tennessee.
Polo, known as “the sport of kings” is one of the oldest sports in the world and can be experienced right here, in Franklin, Tennessee. If you’re a polo novice, here’s the gist: two teams compete on horseback to score the most goals, hitting a ball across the field with a wooden mallet in pursuit of the opposing team’s goal post.
Franklin Polo Academy hosts top players, both local and international, for fun, family-friendly matches at the Tractor Supply Arena. Tickets are sold for $15 on match days and are not available for pre-purchase. Children under 10 are granted free admission.
The Academy also offers lessons May through October to those wishing to learn more about the sport. You do not have to have your own horse or equipment to participate. Lessons range from beginner to advanced, with some players going on to compete at interscholastic and intercollegiate levels. Even if that’s not the dream, the program offers a club team and general lessons for those who simply enjoy playing polo.
Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival
As if the public amenities and equestrian shows weren’t enough to impress, Harlinsdale Farm is also the site of the wildly popular Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival, an annual 2 day event that has taken place on the grounds every September since 2015. The festival hosts musicians from nearly every genre, from rock-and-roll, alternative country, and blugrass to jazz, gospel, and indie. Catch performances from all sorts of artists, from local up-and-comers to household names. In 2024, headliners included Dave Matthews Band, Hozier, Noah Kahan, and NeedToBreathe. Other very notable performances from past festivals include Chris Stapleton, the Black Keys, and Steven Tyler, to name a few.
In homage to the history of Harlinsdale Farm, the main stage at the event is called “Midnight Sun,” one of three venues where you can catch amazing shows. The other stages on the property are the Gold Record Road amphitheater and the Americana Music Triangle, with performances in a revival-style tent. The event usually takes place in late September, though the 2025 dates and lineup have not yet been announced. To stay up to date with Pilgrimage Music and Cultural Festival 2025, check out their website and social media for announcements.
Alongside musical guests, the festival also hosts a variety of wonderful vendors, from artisans to food and drink. Pilgrimage is also a family-friendly event, hosting several activities for kids including, but not limited to, a life-size maze, face-painting, and exciting games.
From amazing musicians and American heroes to champion horses, Franklin’s history is chock full of incredible stories. Whether you’re seeing your favorite band perform, attending a lively game of polo, or simply taking a brisk jog around the park, don’t miss out on the magic of Harlinsdale Farm, a storied gem of Franklin, Tennessee!
