Travel to roots of bluegrass at Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Editor’s Note: During this period of social distancing, Group Tour magazine will continue to provide group travel inspiration. Many attractions and destinations are closed at this time; please contact them directly for updated information.

Start a tour with a performance by a live band at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, Kentucky — home to the “Father of Bluegrass” Bill Monroe and founding home of the International Bluegrass Association.

“Bluegrass music is an experience, an art form with cultural ties to our region,” said Carly Smith, marketing director at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum. “A visit to the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum is a way to connect with a uniquely American music and explore the connections between the genre and the fabric of Kentucky.”

On the first floor, groups experience five separate sections that sweep them through the history of bluegrass. Learn about bluegrass’ earliest roots up to modern day branches of the genre, with one-of-a-kind memorabilia scattered throughout. The second floor of the museum is dedicated to special rotating exhibits.

Founded in 1991, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee room is the crown jewel of the museum and honors numerous bluegrass legends. Video interviews and artifacts complement the space and provide a more personal look at these artists’ lives.

When hosting larger groups, the museum treats visitors to a more interactive experience with a live performance by the museum’s house band.

“They like to engage groups in the history of the music through performance and sing-along,” Smith said.

After, groups are invited into the Pickin’ Parlor — a space with a large wall full of bluegrass instruments. Because they are encouraged to pick up an instrument and try it out, the Pickin’ Parlor is where groups spend the majority of their time.  

The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum is home to the Woodward Theatre, a 450-seat, world-class performance hall with state-of-the-art audio and video features. The museum also includes an outdoor venue overlooking the Ohio River.

Special pricing and event packages are available for groups. The Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum can accommodate groups of any size.

For more information, call 270-926-7891 or visit bluegrasshall.org.