A Guide to Visiting The Wren’s Nest in Atlanta, Georgia
The Wren’s Nest is the Queen Anne Victorian home of Joel Chandler Harris, Atlanta journalist and author of the Uncle Remus stories. Learn more about visiting this famous historic home in Atlanta, Georgia.
Visiting The Wren’s Nest is an interesting experience that will take you through the history of author Joel Chandler Harris and the famous Uncle Remus stories. This guide will provide you with all the information needed to make your trip to the The Wren’s Nest an unforgettable experience.
Read on to find out what makes the The Wren’s Nest a must-visit Atlanta destination and to get an insider’s guide to making the most of your visit.
About The Wren’s Nest
Joel Chandler Harris lived at The Wren’s Nest from 1881 to his death in 1908. The house was so named after wrens nested in the mailbox 120 years ago; wrens still find it a preferable nesting place today.
The home serves as a museum and cultural center, promoting literacy and celebrating the heritage of African and Indigenous folklore through the art of storytelling. The Wren’s Nest hosts a variety of programs like student publishing, concerts, events, tours, and a free children’s book program.
The home is a designated National Historic Landmark and was opened as a museum in 1913, just 5 years after Harris’s death. It still contains furnishings owned by the family.
Explore The Wren’s Nest
Take a look inside the Wren’s Nest to see why you should visit this historic home!
Joel Chandler Harris History
Joel Chandler Harris was born in Eatonton, Georgia in 1848. When he was 14, he went to work as a printing apprentice for a local newspaper and lived with the owner on his plantation. It was in the salve quarters on the plantation that Harris heard the stories and language that would become the foundation for his Uncle Remus tales.
He lived for a period in Savannah, Macon, New Orleans, and Forsyth before being hired at The Atlanta Constitution and moving to Atlanta. Not long after, he began writing the Uncle Remus stories.
The majority of the stories that Harris wrote down originated in Africa and were brought over with the enslaved people. Harris heard them growing up on the plantation and recorded them, mimicking the oral tradition of the enslaved people by creating the character Uncle Remus to narrate the tales.
Song of the South
In 1946, Walt Disney created a film adaptation of these stories called Song of the South featuring live action and animation. You may recognize this better as the Splash Mountain ride; the ride is based off of the film and these stories.
The Wren’s Nest even has three of the puppets from the film.
Paranormal Investigations
The home is even said to be haunted by Joel Chandler Harris and other members of the Harris family. This is one of the most haunted spots in Atlanta!
Each fall, the home hosts paranormal tours led by real paranormal investigators, and you can even see some of the activity recorded on their website.
Visiting The Wren’s Nest
Location: 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Blvd SW, Atlanta, GA 30310
Admission: Admission to The Wren’s Nest costs $12 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and $8 for children aged 3-10.
Hours: The Wren’s Nest is open Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday through Friday by appointment.
Guided tours are offered on Saturdays every half hour from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
The home hosts Storytime every Saturday at 1 p.m. During this time, you can hear the tales in the spirit of their original form, performed by professional readers who will make the stories come to life.
Parking: There is free parking located at the home.
The Wren’s Nest FAQ
What is Wren’s Nest in Atlanta?
The Wren’s Nest is the historic home of Joel Chandler Harris, author of the Uncle Remus stories.
Where was Joel Chandler Harris from?
Joel Chandler Harris was born in Eatonton, Georgia. He spent most of his adult life in Atlanta, Georgia.
Was Uncle Remus real?
Uncle Remus is a fictionalized storyteller that Harris created after several Black storytellers he had met while working in Putnam County.
More Literary Travels
If you enjoyed learning about Joel Chandler Harris and the Uncle Remus stories at The Wren’s Nest, then check out these other literary destinations in Atlanta and beyond.
- Literary Places in Atlanta That Book-Lovers Will Love
- The Best Bookstores in Atlanta, Georgia
- Discover the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Museum in Piggott, Arkansas
- Zelda and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s Last Home in Montgomery, Alabama
- How to Get Your Fill of Shakespeare History in Stratford-upon-Avon
Where to Stay in Atlanta
Find the perfect place to rest your head on your Atlanta vacation!
- My Favorite Stay: Westin Peachtree Plaza
- Top Hotel: The Candler Hotel
- Great Value: Hampton Inn & Suites Perimeter Dunwoody
- Unique Stay: Stonehurst Place
Craving More Atlanta Activities?
If you need more things to do while visiting Atlanta, check out these top posts:
- 2 Days in Atlanta, Georgia: The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
- When Is the Best Time to Visit Atlanta?
- Top 10 Eco-Friendly Hotels in Atlanta, Georgia
Ready to visit Atlanta, Georgia? Plan your trip with these tips.
- Get Familiar With the City: Check out my Ultimate Guide to Atlanta to help plan your trip!
- Book Your Flight: Find the cheapest flights using Skyscanner, my favorite flight search engine.
- Find Accommodation: You can find top hotels in Atlanta using Booking.com.
- Save on Attractions: Save 46% on admission to Atlanta’s top attractions using the Atlanta CityPASS.
Cheers!
Paige
Have you been to The Wren’s Nest in Atlanta, Georgia? Let me know in the comments!