CLARKSVILLE, TN – Historic Collinsville Pioneer Settlement in rural Montgomery County will open its annual season on Saturday, April 1, featuring hands-on activities for all ages from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Visitors on April 1 can experience an array of interactive demonstrations – such as butter making and blacksmithing – led by docents dressed in 1800s garb, along with tours of the many buildings and homes that dot the historic site. April Fools will be the theme for kids’ educational activities, including “Pioneer Prankster’s Trail of Tricks and Journey of Jokes,” and all activities are included with special event admission.

Special activities on April 1 (subject to change):

  • Butter making and storytelling in the Visitor Center
  • Blacksmith demonstrations, forging metal to make items such as horseshoes, hinges, farm tools, etc.
  • Spinning and weaving expert demonstrating how homespun cloth was made on a loom.
  • Trail of Tricks photo scavenger hunt with prizes and Pioneer Prankster’s Journey of Jokes.
  • 19th century-themed children’s activities, such as the Game of Graces, sack races and crafts.
  • Late 19th century stationary internal combustion engine (hit-and-miss engine) demonstrations.
  • Civil War history, including live uniformed soldier with military items and physician showcasing medical equipment and practices from the period.
  • Tobacco Talks in the Chestnut Tobacco Barn with special guest Carolyn Ferrell (1-2 p.m.)
  • Live music: Cumberland Winds Brass Quintet, Good Medicine and The Travelling Caudells

Visiting Collinsville gives guests the opportunity for a self-paced, self-guided stroll through a re-creation of the past with an audio tour. The 40-acre, open-air property showcases pioneer life from 1840-1900 with 16 authentically furnished buildings. See the earliest “first home” to the expansive Dogtrot House, a tobacco-drying house, smokehouse, church/schoolhouse, wildlife center, loom house, cobbler’s shop, teacher’s home and more. Picnic tables are placed throughout the property and a covered pavilion with tables and restrooms is also on site. A visitor center greets guests and offers period souvenirs.

Historic Collinsville is located at 4711 Weakley Road, Southside. Admission is $8 for ages 13 and up, $4 for ages 6-12, and free to under age 6.

More information about Historic Collinsville is available at www.historiccollinsville.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/historiccollinsville.