When the US Travel Dad family embarks on a road trip, I always try to bake in iconic places related to America's musical history. On our trip from Chicago to the Great Smokey Mountains, making a stop at the country's music capital Nashville was of course a no brainer.
Known as the Music City, Nashville is home to the revered Johnny Cash Museum which was named the #1 Music Museum of the US by the USA Today, and is a tribute to the legendary "Man in Black."
The Johnny Cash Museum:
Situated in the heart of Nashville, the Johnny Cash Museum is a great homage to the life and career of one of the most influential musicians in American history. The museum takes you through time to see, read about, and listen to this music icon. The museum features a vast collection of artifacts, personal items, and interactive exhibits that chronicle Johnny Cash's life, spanning from his humble beginnings in the poverty of Arkansas, his meteoric rise to stardom after his recordings in Memphis' Sun Studio, and his comeback as an older man, with his cover of the Nine Inch Nails song 'Hurt'.
Tips on Entrance Times and Ticket Prices:
1. Plan Ahead:
Nashville is a popular tourist destination, so it's wise to plan your visit in advance. Check the museum's official website for the latest operating hours and any special events or exhibitions. Don't forget to reserve a Spot Hero parking spot. The museum is in the city center!
2. Arrive Early or Late:
To avoid long queues and crowds, aim to arrive either early in the morning or closer to the museum's closing time. Plan 60 to 90 minutes for exploring the museum. The kids loved it as well by the way.
3. Ticket Prices:
Ticket prices are around $20 for adults, $15 for seniors and military personnel, and $13 for youths aged 6-15. However, these prices may have changed, so be sure to verify current ticket rates before your visit.
4. Guided Tours:
If you want to delve deeper into Johnny Cash's life, consider joining a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides can offer intriguing insights and stories that will enhance your museum experience.
Fitting the Museum Visit into your Roadtrip:
How Nashville fits into your roadtripping plans depends of course on your starting location. For those in the MidWest, we fitted Nashville into our roadtrip from Chicago to the Smoky Mountains. It offers an incredible blend of urban experiences and natural wonders. Nashville, nestled along the route, makes for a perfect pit stop to explore the Johnny Cash Museum, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and a show at the Grand Ole Opry, to immerse yourself in America's musical heritage.
After enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Chicago and its iconic landmarks, hit the road and journey south towards Nashville. The drive is approximately 5-6 hours, depending on the route and traffic. Once you reach Music City, allocate at least a day for downtown.
Continue your road trip towards the breathtaking Smoky Mountains. This national park is a nature lover's paradise, boasting verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, and wonderful mountain vistas. Take advantage of the numerous hiking trails and enjoy the great outdoors. Traveling with kids? You could consider a stop at Dollywood Theme Park 😀
Conclusion:
A visit to the Johnny Cash Museum in Nashville is a must for music enthusiasts, and to be fair, to anybody respecting America's musical heritage. Discover the life and legacy of the "Man in Black" while immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Nashville.
