Opryland was once a bustling theme park attraction on the north side of Nashville, Tennessee. From 1972 until 1997 the theme park, officially called Opryland USA, operated to the delight of nearly three million annual visitors at the height of its popularity. Parent company Gaylord Entertainment eventually closed the park but developed the neighboring Opryland Hotel and Convention Center and its surroundings into a completely different set of attractions that are still popular with tourists, although locals still wish to see the theme park re-built.
The centerpiece of Opryland today is the Gaylord Opryland Hotel. This hotel is an attraction all its own because of the ambitious design and amenities within. Guests and the general public enjoy a wide range of attractions within the hotel, including a delta river boat ride that goes through the indoor waterway passing through the sections of the hotel atrium known as the Delta and Cascades.
The hotel is full of shopping and dining options and is also the home of the legendary country music radio station WSM. The hotel has a day spa, a golf course and three pools.
During the holidays the hotel decorates the grounds with Christmas decorations both indoor and outside. People come from all around to see the largest Christmas display in the state. The hotel was temporarily closed in 2010 following flooding that left the property partially underwater.
Gaylord Opryland Hotel
2800 Opryland Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
615-889-1000
gaylordhotels.com
The Opry House is the home of the classic country music variety show The Grand Ole Opry. Located just across the parking lot from the Opryland Hotel, this key part of the Opryland experience is housed in its permanent home following its move from the downtown Ryman Auditorium in 1974.
In addition to a full slate of other shows at the Opry House, the Grand Ole Opry entertains the masses each weekend, featuring the biggest names in country music since 1925. Being a "member" of the Opry is almost a certain ticket to the Hall of Fame one day. Regulars on the Grand Ole Opry stage include artists such as Brad Paisley, Allison Krause, Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire and Carrie Underwood.
Grand Ole Opry
2804 Opryland Drive
Nashville, Tennessee 37214
615-871-6779
opry.com
The General Jackson Showboat is a 300-foot paddle wheeler with four decks and a Victorian theater. This boat is part of the Opryland family of attractions and has been in service since the days of the theme park. The boat takes passengers from the dock on a river cruise where they can dine, drink and catch an ever-changing list of entertainment options. Live country music is typically the main course of these showboat cruises. On Sundays during football season, the General Jackson also provides a unique park and ride to the banks of the Cumberland just outside the Tennessee Titans stadium.
The boat originally departed from the Opryland USA dock near the main entrance and remained in the spot near the hotel until the 2010 floods. The General Jackson now departs and returns to the downtown Nashville area at Riverfront Park.
General Jackson Showboat
2812 Opryland Drive
Nashville, TN 37214
615-458-3900
generaljackson.com
