Bluegrass & Culture
The high lonesome sound from the bright, twangy tones on a banjo and lively vocals can be heard throughout Ohio County, KY on any given evening. To say that Ohio County is steeped in culture and history would be an understatement. Ohio County is not only the Home of Bluegrass, making way for musicians new and old, but it also shines with rich history that’s waiting to be discovered within its museums and buildings.
Whether you spend time familiarizing yourself with Bill Monroe and his role in the history of Bluegrass Music, or visiting one of the many historic sites in Ohio County, KY, you are sure to leave with a richer appreciation for the area. Ohio County Museum has mini experiences within, including a one-room schoolhouse and country store. Live music is a hidden gem in many of the local eateries. Ohio County supports its local musicians by providing opportunities to share their passion with the community.
The premier outdoor concert venue, Beaver Dam Amphitheater, attracts large crowds with both local and top-selling talent. Filling the amphitheater with artists including Tanya Tucker, Shooter Jennings, Casting Crowns, and Sheryl Crow, crowds have access to memorable performances, exceptional concessions and unique types of seating. Guests can bring their own chairs, blankets, or for those with VIP tickets, seating is provided.
The Rosine Barn Jamboree
8205 US-62
Rosine, KY 42370
(270) 363-9425
http://www.visitmblayst.com/attractions/historic-sites/jamboree/
Bring your favorite lawn chair to enjoy an attraction on the National Register of Historic Places. The Rosine Barn attracts Bluegrass music enthusiasts for dancing every Friday night from March to the second weekend in December.
The Bill Monroe Museum
55 Amelia St.
Rosine, KY 42370
(270) 298-0036
http://www.billmonroemuseum.com/
Bill Monroe Museum honors the legacy of Bill Monroe, known throughout the world as the “Father of Bluegrass Music.” and his life and career.
Historic Sites in Ohio County, KY
Bill Monroe Homeplace
6210 U.S. Highway 62 E.
Beaver Dam, KY 42320
(270) 363-9501
http://www.ohiocounty.com/billmonroe
A must-see in Ohio County and called “the homeplace of bluegrass music,” the Monroe Homeplace was the childhood home of Bill Monroe, country music legend known throughout the world as the “Father of Bluegrass Music.”
Ohio County Museum
415 Mulberry Street
(270) 298-3749
Open May–October, Thurs–Fri, 1pm – 4pm
Includes a historic log cabin, one-room schoolhouse, historic home, Elfie Autry’s Little Country Store, and more.
Parks Log Cabin
http://www.ochistoricalsociety.org/?page_id=69
The Parks Log Cabin was constructed in 1838 by David Park and is open to the public.
Goshen School
http://www.ochistoricalsociety.org/?page_id=69
From the Goshen area, this one room school was disassembled and reassembled in 1996. Come ring the bell and get a firsthand look at what education was like in the 1800s.
L&N Caboose
http://www.ochistoricalsociety.org/?page_id=69
Donated in 1995, a conductor and brakeman used to ride in these special cars. Experience what riding the rails would have been like.
Elfie Autry’s Country Store
http://www.ochistoricalsociety.org/?page_id=69
Check out the products that would have been sold in this boxy one room store located on Clay Street in Hartford.
Fordsville L&N Depot Museum
32 Ridge Road,
Fordsville, KY
(270) 929-5792
http://www.fordsvilledepot.com/
The Fordsville L&N Depot Museum is filled with treasures from the Louisville, Nashville, and Illinois Central Railways.
Motorcycle Museum
5608 US-231
Hartford, KY 42347
(270) 298-7764
http://www.visitmblayst.com/attractions/museums/motorcycle-museum/
The museum displays five different motorcycles, each over 100 years old.
Beaver Dam Amphitheater
217 South Main Street
Beaver Dam, KY 42320
http://beaverdamtourism.com/home
The convenient location of Beaver Dam attracts talent from a larger regional area. The dual-tier design of the Beaver Dam Amphitheater seating accommodates concerts up to 1,200 with lawn chairs for most community events, with the ability to expand to 5,000 with the bowled grass second tier berm. Concerts performed here have included Lonestar, Joe Diffie, Tanya Tucker, Shooter Jennings, among many others.
3rd Annual '80s ROCK THE DAM FEST
217 South Main Street
Beaver Dam, KY 42320
http://beaverdamtourism.com/concerts-events
The 3rd Annual ‘80s Rock The Dam Fest will kick off on July 25, 2020 with ‘80s Rockers RATT, Lita Ford, and BulletBoys. Opportunities include meet and greets and photo opportunities with band members.
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum
311 W 2nd St.
Owensboro, KY 42301
(270) 926-7891
Experience Bluegrass Music through interactive exhibits, posters, costumes, live instrument demonstrations, and the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Fame.
The Pendleton House
403 E. Union St.
Hartford, Kentucky 42347
The Pendleton House was built by Dr. John E. Pendleton, a prominent Hartford doctor, during 1861-66. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. For years the house has been the most impressive feature of Hartford's residential landscape.
