Grand Ole Opry House Guided Backstage Tour in Nashville

The Grand Ole Opry House Guided Backstage Tour in Nashville offers an intimate look behind one of country music’s most legendary stages. Priced at $39.75 per person, this approximately one-hour tour takes visitors on a journey into the heart of Nashville’s musical history. Guided by knowledgeable guides, visitors get exclusive access to dressing rooms, the green room, and the stage itself, with the chance to stand on the historic wooden circle where countless stars have performed. This tour is especially popular, often booked around 27 days in advance, and is perfect for country music fans eager to see the behind-the-scenes workings of the Opry.

While it doesn’t include a ticket to a live show, this tour offers a wealth of stories, photos, and video content narrated by famous musicians like Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Blake Shelton, and Darius Rucker. With an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 2,100 reviews, it’s clear that visitors find this experience both informative and entertaining. Its small group size—limited to 20 travelers—ensures a more personal and engaging visit, making it a must-do activity for country music enthusiasts.

Key Points

• Accessible price point of $39.75 for a 1-hour backstage tour
• Includes walking through dressing rooms, green room, and the stage
• Guided by expert guides who share stories behind country music legends
• Opportunity to stand on the historic wooden circle on the stage
• May include stops at Studio A, the old home of “Hee Haw”
• Tour departs every 15 minutes with limited daily availability, so booking in advance is recommended

Behind the Curtain at Nashville’s Iconic Venue

The Grand Ole Opry House Guided Backstage Tour offers a closer look at the venue that made country music famous. For $39.75, guests enjoy an approximate one-hour experience that takes them past the scenes of performances by artists from Minnie Pearl to Carrie Underwood. The tour begins with a modern Circle Room theater experience, narrated by Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, setting the stage for what’s to come.

The tour guide then leads visitors through the artists’ entrance, showing where performers arrive on show nights. Guests get to see dressing rooms decorated with themes honoring country legends, and may also visit Studio A, a historic television studio previously home to “Hee Haw”. The green room receives special attention, giving insight into what artists experience behind the scenes.

One of the most memorable moments is the chance to step onto the famous stage and stand in the wooden circle. This experience offers an authentic feel for the venue’s atmosphere, as countless performers have done before. The tour culminates with a video presentation featuring Blake Shelton and Darius Rucker sharing their personal perspectives on what it’s like backstage.

Exploring the Stage and Performance Spaces

The Opry stage itself is a highlight, especially for those eager to stand in the spotlight. Visitors are encouraged to step onto the stage, where they can imagine a performance in front of the seating areas that have hosted countless country stars. The wooden circle is a key feature, with many travelers appreciating the opportunity to capture photos in this iconic spot.

While the tour doesn’t include a live performance, the video content helps paint a picture of the venue’s rich entertainment history. The dressing rooms, each themed to honor different legends, add a personal touch to the backstage experience, showing the variety and character of the performers’ dressing spaces.

The Role of the Guides and Video Content

Tours are led by professional guides who bring the history and stories behind the Opry to life. Reviewers highlight the knowledgeable and witty guides, such as Robert, Hillary, Ted, David, and Michael, who make the experience engaging and fun. They share little-known facts about the venue and the stars, making the tour appealing to fans and newcomers alike.

A video presentation narrated by famous musicians offers a personal insight into the musical importance of the Opry. This feature helps visitors appreciate the cultural significance of the venue, adding context to the physical tour.

What’s Included and What to Expect

The guided backstage tour includes access to the Artist Entrance, dressing rooms, green room, stage, and potential stops at Studio A. Visitors also enjoy photos and video content that showcase historic moments at the Opry. The tour lasts about an hour, making it a compact but comprehensive experience.

It’s important to note that admission to a Grand Ole Opry show is not included in this ticket. The tour is timed and departs every 15 minutes, so arriving punctually is advised. The experience operates in all weather conditions, and service animals are allowed, ensuring accessibility.

Logistics and Meeting Points

The tour begins at the Grand Ole Opry, located at 600 Opry Mills Dr, Nashville. The ticket redemption takes place at 2804 Opryland Dr, also in Nashville. The small group size (max 20 travelers) ensures a personalized experience, and the activity is near public transportation for easy access.

Travelers should dress appropriately for the weather, as the tour goes outdoors and backstage, with no indoor-only restrictions. Booking well in advance is recommended, given the high popularity of the tour and the possibility of sold-out schedules.

Comparing to Similar Opry Experiences

This backstage tour offers a more intimate backstage view compared to general show tickets or larger guided experiences. Notably, some reviewers compare it to other Nashville attractions like the Ryman Auditorium, noting that photo opportunities and storytelling make this tour stand out.

Some consider the tour short, but many find it well worth the price for the exclusive access and stories. Visitors who enjoy learning about the history and the stars behind country music tend to rate it highly, especially when guided by enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides.

Practical Tips for Tour Participants

Arrive at least 15 minutes early to ensure timely boarding, as the tours depart every 15 minutes. Since the tour can be crowded at peak times, booking several days in advance is advised. Children must be accompanied by adults, and the tour operates rain or shine.

Some reviews mention a long walk to the drop-off area, which might be worth considering for travelers with mobility concerns. The photo opportunity on stage is a popular highlight, so bringing a camera or smartphone is recommended.

Why This Tour Fits Nashville’s Country Scene Perfectly

The Grand Ole Opry backstage tour encapsulates what makes Nashville the heart of country music. It combines history, performance spaces, and storytelling, giving visitors a hands-on look at the venue that has defined a musical genre. The small-group format and interactive elements make it a personalized experience that appeals to both hardcore fans and casual visitors.

Though it doesn’t include a live show, the behind-the-scenes access offers enough visual and narrative content to satisfy anyone interested in country music’s cultural fabric. The tour’s reasonable price point and strong reviews reflect its value and appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the backstage tour?
The tour lasts approximately one hour.

What is included in the tour?
Visitors see dressing rooms, the green room, stage, Artist Entrance, and may visit Studio A. There’s also video content narrated by famous country musicians.

Are photos allowed on the tour?
Yes, visitors can take photos on stage and in dressing rooms, with the opportunity to step onto the stage.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, the tour is highly popular and typically booked around 27 days ahead. It departs every 15 minutes, so early booking is recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children must be accompanied by adults; the tour operates in all weather conditions and is accessible.

Does the tour include a live show ticket?
No, the live performance ticket is not included. This is a backstage tour only.

Where does the tour start?
The tour begins at the Grand Ole Opry, located at 600 Opry Mills Dr.

What are the most praised aspects according to reviews?
Visitors appreciate knowledgeable guides, the chance to stand on stage, and the stories shared. The video presentations are also highly valued.

Is there a limit on group size?
Yes, the tour is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more personal experience.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour features free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, with a full refund.

This Grand Ole Opry backstage tour offers a rich, behind-the-scenes look at Nashville’s most iconic stage. Its mix of storytelling, exclusive access, and interactive moments makes it a compelling choice for country music fans and curious visitors alike.