Guided House Tour

Guided tours begin on the top of each hour in the Gift Shop located in the Visitor Center. The last tour begins at 3:00pm. Please check our events calendar for specific day/time openings and closings. NOTE THAT THIS IS A RESERVATION SYSTEM ONLY. PAYMENT FOR GUIDED TOURS WILL BE TAKEN UPON ARRIVAL. One (1) ticket represents a reservation for your entire household up to 9 participants.

Admission Prices

Adults – $7.00

Seniors (55+) – $6.00

Children (6-12 years) – $5.00

Children (under 6 years) – Free

COVID-19 Policies

Historic Ramsey House is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for visitors, staff, and volunteers. We are continually monitoring local and national government agencies and health authorities, such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for updates on the most effective ways to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Social Distancing: Signs throughout the Gift Shop and Visitor Center are placed to remind visitors to maintain a distance of at least 6 ft. from other groups, staff, and volunteers.

Physical Barriers: A plexiglass barrier is installed at the primary check-in area in the Gift Shop to provide extra protection for both staff and visitors.

Ionopure Air Purifier: An Ionopure Purity humidifier runs throughout the day in our Gift Shop and Visitor Center. The Ionopure Purity humidifier delivers a steady mist of Ionopure Air into every corner of the room, sanitizing both the air and surfaces.

Sanitation: The staff and volunteers of Historic Ramsey House will be regularly sanitizing restrooms, door knobs, and other commonly touched surfaces.

Capacity: We are currently only allowing one (1) household, with up to 9 participants, to tour the historic home at this time. Reservations are HIGHLY recommended in order to guarantee a time for your family. Click here to reserve your tour for you and your family. Please note that this is just to reserve your time. Payment will be taken upon arrival.

Face Coverings: All staff, volunteers, and visitors over the age of 12 years are required to wear a mask or face covering while indoors (this includes in the Gift Shop, in the restrooms, and while on a tour of the historic home). Masks or face coverings worn outdoors is optional, but recommended. Face shields are not an accepted substitute for masks. Please note that some images on our website may have been taken prior to COVID-19.

We appreciate your support and cooperation during this time, and look forward to welcoming you and your family to Historic Ramsey House!

About Historic Ramsey House

Ramsey House was built in 1797 by Knoxville’s first builder, Thomas Hope, for Francis Alexander Ramsey. The home is constructed of Tennessee pink marble and blue limestone. It was known at that time as the finest home in Tennessee. The structure is significant for its original interior and exterior architectural features and its period decorative art collection.

The Ramsey Family was one of the first families to settle the Knoxville area. They played vital roles in developing civic, educational and cultural institutions. Colonel Francis A. Ramsey was one of the founding trustees of Blount College, now the University of Tennessee. One of his sons, Dr. J.G.M. Ramsey authored an early history of the state, The Annals of Tennessee. Another son, William B.A. Ramsey, was the first elected mayor of Knoxville and the Secretary of State for Tennessee.