From Eastern Kentucky coal country to the Western Waterlands, the Bluegrass State has left its mark on countless Kentucky musicians, past and present. Their music plays on at these iconic museums and venues, where you can learn the stories, see the sights and hear the songs that make up the soundtrack of Kentucky:

1. Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum  

Follow the stories of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs and many more pioneers of bluegrass music as they formed the bedrock of this great American art form. Read More: Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum 

2. Jerusalem Ridge (Bill Monroe Homeplace)

Father of Bluegrass Bill Monroe’s restored boyhood home (circa 1917) welcomes guests from all over the world. Each fall, the homeplace hosts the Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Festival.

3. Bill Monroe Museum and Rosine Barn Jamboree  

Housed in a barn that’s on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rosine Barn Jamboree, offers live bluegrass music every Friday night, March through early December. The museum houses the complete legacy of the “Father of Bluegrass Music,” and pays homage to his life and career. 

4. U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum

This U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum tells the story of the many country music stars who have called Eastern Kentucky home, including Loretta Lynn, Chris Stapleton, Keith Whitley, Billy Ray Cyrus, Dwight Yoakam and Patty Loveless. Stick around for Front Porch Pickin’, an evening of live mountain music held every Thursday.

5. Butcher Hollow, Loretta Lynn’s Homeplace 

Butcher Hollow, childhood home of Loretta Lynn (and her sister Crystal Gayle) is open to the public. Step inside and see her humble beginnings in the place where she grew up as a coal miner’s daughter – an upbringing that inspired her hit song (and 1980 movie of the same name).

6. Renfro Valley Entertainment Center

Renfro Valley is called “Kentucky’s Country Music Capital,” and for good reason. Founded in 1939, Renfro Valley Entertainment Center is a must-visit for music lovers. Set against the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, this unique venue hosts the gamut of entertainers, from country and bluegrass musicians to comedy acts.

7. Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Just down the street from Renfro Valley Entertainment Center, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum puts the spotlight on the lives and music careers of more than 50 Kentuckians. Built around the original riding stables of Renfro Valley founder John Lair, the center displays artifacts and memorabilia, and hosts live music performances throughout the year.