Park at Harlinsdale Farm – Franklin, TN
Harlinsdale Farm has been called the most significant historic farm associated with the modern Tennessee walking horse industry. Today, the land serves as a City of Franklin Park and is an important gathering place for residents and visitors alike. The Land Trust for Tennessee partnered with the City of Franklin to ensure this important community gathering place will remain protected.
About The Park at Harlinsdale Farm
W.W. Harlin established the farm in 1933. As famous as the farm itself is its prize stallion, Midnight Sun, that was bred and raised on the farm. This famous horse became the first repeat World Grand Champion.
From the 1940’s until the early 2000s, the farm served mainly as a breeding operation, run by the Harlin Family. The park, sold by the family to the City of Franklin in 2007, is now open to the public and is the backdrop for Franklin’s highly-regarded Pilgrimage Music Festival. The park also hosts professional arena polo matches and instruction, horse shows of all kinds, and other community events. The Park is also supported by Friends of Franklin Parks.
From the Ground Level: Conserving Harlinsdale Farm
The Park at Harlinsdale Farm is one of multiple public parks The Land Trust for Tennessee protects with a conservation easement. In 2007, the Harlin Family sold the farm to the City of Franklin, understanding that the property would be developed as a park while maintaining and protecting its equestrian history.