Graceland: Where Elvis Lives On
Graceland is the home of the one and only Elvis Presley, the undisputed King of Rock ‘n’ Roll and arguably the most famous entertainer of all time. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, it is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the United States, having welcomed more than 20 million visitors since opening to the public in 1982.
Graceland is a must-see destination for any fan of Elvis or pop culture enthusiast. Explore the legendary mansion, take a guided tour, discover the history of the King, and even visit his gravesite. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
History of Graceland
Graceland was built in 1939 by a Memphis real estate developer and was purchased by Elvis in 1957. At the time, it was a modest, two-story home with 6.5 acres of land. Over the years, Elvis expanded the house and grounds, adding a pool, racquetball court, and a trophy building.
The estate was named after the daughter of his neighbor, Grace Toof and the name stuck. It was Elvis’ home until his death in 1977 and is now owned by his daughter, Lisa Marie Presley.
What to See at Graceland
Guests can explore the Graceland mansion, where they’ll find Elvis’ living room, dining room, kitchen, music room, and more. There are also two museums dedicated to Elvis’ life and career, showcasing over 40,000 artifacts from his life.
The Graceland grounds include the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and his family are buried, and the Memorial Walk, which pays tribute to Elvis and his music. Other attractions include the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum, Elvis: The Entertainer Career Showcase, and Elvis’ personal airplanes.
Tours of Graceland
The best way to experience Graceland is to take a guided tour. This is the only way to go inside the mansion and you can choose from a variety of tours, including the VIP Tour, the Graceland Insiders Tour, and the Elvis Experience Tour.
On the Elvis Experience Tour, guests can explore the mansion and grounds, and get exclusive access to the Elvis Presley Car Museum, the Trophy Building, and Elvis’ two jets. The Graceland Insiders Tour includes a private tour of the mansion, a visit to Elvis’ private jet, and exclusive access to the Elvis After Dark exhibit.
Exploring Memphis
While in town, don’t miss the chance to explore the rest of Memphis. Be sure to visit the iconic Sun Studio, the birthplace of Rock ‘n’ Roll; Mud Island River Park, a 52-acre park on the banks of the Mississippi River; and the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
For shopping and dining, don’t miss Beale Street, the heart of the city’s music scene. Here, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops, as well as live music venues.
Visiting Graceland
Graceland is open year-round, with seasonal hours. General admission tickets range from $39 to $59 and can be purchased online.
So, if you’re a fan of Elvis or just want to experience a piece of music history, make sure to add Graceland to your travel list. With its iconic mansion, its impressive displays of Elvis’ memorabilia, and its rich history, it’s sure to be a memorable experience.