Grassmere Historic Farm and Croft House

10/09/2026

Due to the forecasted wind and rain on Saturday, the bird banding demonstration has been cancelled. Stay tuned for another date hopefully soon!
Stay safe and dry this weekend everyone!

10/09/2026

This is your last weekend to visit the zoo until 6pm! We will be shifting to our Winter Hours schedule, closing at 4pm, on Tuesday, October 13. Be sure to visit and get the most of your day while you can!

10/07/2026

Make plans to join us this Saturday, Oct 10, from 10am-2pm, to celebrate the fall songbird migration, watch bird banding demonstrations, and learn how you can support local birds in your own backyard!

10/05/2026

Happy 132nd birthday to Miss Elise Croft! Born this day in 1894, Elise was the youngest of the Croft sisters. She was a smart farm manager, spunky and energetic yet serious and determined. She rode horses and checked fenceline on the farm, kept track of how many eggs were laid by chickens and turkeys and then sold to friends and family, and kept a detailed journal of daily life on the farm, around Nashville, and around the world. An avid letter writer, she maintained many friendships across the US during her lifetime. And above all, she loved her sister, and her animals, fiercely!
Today, we remember and celebrate the life of Elise Croft!

10/02/2026

Like many Nashvillians, we are very saddened to hear of the passing of Nashville artist and former council member Phil Ponder. Mr. Ponder created lasting and beautiful artwork of Nashville, it's landscapes, skylines, and important historical buildings, including the Croft House. We are proud owners of his "Nashville Winter" print, which shows his amazing attention to detail. It's been noted that when he was researching his subjects, he would count each brick to make his paintings as accurate as possible!
Created while still Grassmere Wildlife Park (pre-1995), details include the cabin, smokehouse, gazebo, and Przewalski horses, one of the animals exhibited at Grassmere. He also always placed his signature dove somewhere in each picture. Can you find it in ours?

Thank you, Mr. Ponder, for sharing your talents with all of us. You will be deeply missed. https://www.newschannel5.com/news/beloved-nashville-artist-former-metro-council-member-phil-ponder-dies-at-93?fbclid=IwY2xjawUsjftleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBwZG9mBXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR6L7ssPatfZjOlJXtTFuPXTwDR6erpqPtTUWTywyoejdqjbX-qQtPcnfeKuHw_aem_RUvOlODz-UGMxCIb6tGFww

09/29/2026

Happy 137th birthday to Miss Margaret Croft! Born this day in 1889, Margaret was the oldest of the Croft sisters. She was a smart businesswoman, quiet and reserved yet adventurous and ahead of her time. She lived in New York City while serving with the American Red Cross in the 1920s, owned a business, The Lookout, in downtown Nashville in the 1930s and 40s, and spent time in a quite mountain retreat in northern Georgia in the 1950s where she learned to weave. A talented seamstress, she made many of the clothes she and Elise wore.
Today, we remember and celebrate the life of Margaret Croft!

09/21/2026

Join us this Friday as we honor the one and only Dolly! We'll be having butterfly and pollinator chats and interpretation at the Farm from "9 to 5" so be sure to stop by and see us! We can't wait to see you all decked out in your Dolly-loving best!

A little more pink, a little more Dolly! 🦋🩷

Join us Friday, September 25 for Dolly Day at the Zoo, as we honor the life and legacy of Nashville icon Dolly Parton with discounted admission, themed animal enrichment, a Dolly-inspired menu and more.

Zoo staff will be reading books from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library inside Expedition Peru from 10 am to 2 pm! 📚

Along with the discounted admission, the day is included with Zoo membership! Wear your pink and sparkles and help us honor a true Tennessee legend. 💗

See all the details ➡️www.nashvillezoo.org/upcoming-events/event/dolly-day

09/18/2026

Tonight's the night! Sunset Safari kicks off this evening, and the zoo will CLOSE today at 2pm to prepare for the festivities. We can't wait to see you!