7 Things You Can Only Do at Gaylord Opryland Resort | Opry (2024)

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July 15, 2019

Gaylord Opryland isn’t just a place to stay when you come to the Grand Ole Opry. The resort is a destination all its own.

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Night at the Opry Package
Combining two outstanding experiences for an exceptional visit to Nashville — enjoy your stay at Gaylord Opryland while taking in the sights and sounds of the Grand Ole Opry. Our convenient package includes room accommodations, show tickets, and more.

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1. Wander the jaw-dropping gardens

You can’t miss Gaylord Opryland’s lush gardens — literally. Tropical vegetation covers more than nine indoor acres. The resort’s cascading waterfalls, the tallest of which is 44-feet high, make you feel as if you’re on a faraway island. Lose yourself in wonder as you discover giant palms, stunning orchids, and even banana trees. You won’t find those growing natively in Tennessee, but thanks to the atrium’s glass ceiling and horticulturists’ meticulous control of the building’s humidity, these plants thrive as if they were in the jungle.

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2. Hop aboard the Delta Riverboat ...

Sailing all the world’s rivers would take years, but you can conquer many in a single ride aboard the Delta Riverboat. The resort’s quarter-mile-long indoor Delta River contains the water of more than 1,700 rivers from around the globe. Hop aboard a fun-filled cruise and learn about the interesting origins of the hotel, one of the largest in the world. Be on the lookout for resort’s finned guests. Catfish, carp, and koi can all be found in the Delta River.

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3. ... or take a cruise on the General Jackson Showboat

If you want an even grander adventure on the water, look no further than to theGeneral Jackson Showboat, which is docked just a short distance away from the resort. This stately steamboat harks to its 19th-century predecessors that sailed along the Cumberland River, putting Nashville on the map as a trading center.

On the popular midday Taste of Tennessee cruise, get a sampling of the many styles of music that made this state famous — from bluegrass to country to rhythm and blues — all while enjoying a three-course meal and views of iconic Nashville landmarks along the way.

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4. Splash around at SoundWaves

In true Nashville fashion, music and water blend harmoniously atSoundWaves,the city’s only resort water experience. If you’re a thrill-seeker, jump in a mega raft and enjoy the ride on Rapid Remix, a waterslide that pumps out the jams as you take on vortex loops. Looking for a mellower experience? The Down Tempo Lazy River has got you covered with relaxing music that you can float along to. When you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Decibels where you can enjoy live music every weekend through September on the restaurant’s patio.

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5. Come see us at the Grand Ole Opry

When you stay at the resort, you’re also staying next door to where country music lives. The Grand Ole Opry is “the show that made country music famous,” featuring your favorite legends, today’s superstars, and tomorrow’s hit-makers. Eight to 12 artists take the stage at each show, and luckily for resort guests, Nashville’s best entertainment is just a short complimentary shuttle ride or leisurely stroll away.

But don’t wait until showtime to experience the Opry magic. The brand-new immersive theater experience, now part of thedaytime tour,is a moving tribute to the country music artists who’ve walked acrossOpry’s iconic 6-foot circle of wood,which sits centerstage. “I’ve always said that the circle still contains the dust from Hank Williams’ cowboy boots,” Opry member Brad Paisley has said. Now your boots can walk across it, too.

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6. See WSM broadcast live at its fish-bowl studio

Have you ever wondered to yourself if your favorite radio personalities look the way they sound? You won’t have to anymore when you swing by the WSM fishbowl-style studio just off the Magnolia lobby. The radio station that gave birth to the Grand Ole Opry in 1925, 650 AM WSM, still broadcasts live from Nashville inside the Gaylord Opryland.

You’ll get an intimate peek of the radio show’s operations. Start your day with some early-morning banter courtesy ofcountry radio sentinel Bill Codyand Charlie Mattos’ onCoffee, Country, and Cody— you never know when one of your favorite artists might be in studio — and close out your evening with some classic country tunes that Eddie Stubbs is spinning onThe Eddie Stubbs Show.

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7. Pose next to your idols at Madame Tussauds

Madame Tussaudshas a number of locations around the world, but its Nashville wax attraction located inside Opry Mills Mall is the only one that’s completely themed around music, featuring more than 50 wax figures, 30 of which are unique to Music City. In the Opry Finale exhibit, you’ll get to make your debut alongside Opry members Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Alan Jackson, Keith Urban and more. Don’t forget to take a selfie!

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7 Things You Can Only Do at Gaylord Opryland Resort | Opry (2024)

FAQs

7 Things You Can Only Do at Gaylord Opryland Resort | Opry? ›

The largest non-gaming, in-hotel exhibition space in the world with over 700,000+ square feet of flexible meeting space. The largest non-gaming, in-hotel exhibition space in the world with more than 700,000 square feet of flexible meeting space!

What are some fun facts about the Gaylord? ›

Articles
  • Gaylord has its own elk herd near Aspen Park to help increase the region's elk population and manage the enclosure's grass. ...
  • Ever wonder why Gaylord is known as the “Alpine Village”? ...
  • Gaylord's elevation of 1,348 feet makes it the highest city in the Lower Peninsula.

What is Gaylord Opryland known for? ›

The largest non-gaming, in-hotel exhibition space in the world with over 700,000+ square feet of flexible meeting space. The largest non-gaming, in-hotel exhibition space in the world with more than 700,000 square feet of flexible meeting space!

How much does it cost to stay at the Gaylord Opryland hotel? ›

Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center from $337.

Can you walk around Opryland without staying there? ›

Yes, you can!! Come inside Opryland Resort Gardens in Nashville for a fun-filled afternoon of FREE touring activities . You don't need a room and you don't need to spend the night, you can wander around the beautiful 9 acres of gardens, waterfalls, gazebos, and little waterways for hours without spending a cent.

What is Gaylord famous for? ›

Gaylord was launched in 1956 by Delhi-based Pishori Lal Lamba and Iqbal Ghai, who had also established the Kwality restaurant chain in Delhi in 1947. It quickly became the go-to place for Bollywood legends like Raj Kapoor, Dilip Kumar, BR Chopra, Lata Mangeshkar, Rajesh Khanna and Asha Bhosle.

Why is a city called Gaylord? ›

First, a farming community and later a lumber town, the Village of Otsego Lake was founded in 1872 and Otsego County followed in 1875. Eventually, the Village of Barnes became the county seat, which was later renamed Gaylord to honor A.S. Gaylord, an attorney for the Jackson, Lansing & Saginaw Railroad.

Why did they shut down Opryland? ›

Though an incredibly popular seasonal attraction, the attraction was hampered from the beginning. Its location made it prone to occasional flooding, and its size did not allow for much expansion as consumer preferences changed.

Why is it called Opryland? ›

The theme park opened to the public on May 27, 1972, well ahead of the Grand Ole Opry House, which debuted on March 16, 1974, with a visit by President Richard Nixon. The park was named for WSM disc jockey Grant Turner's early morning show, "Opryland USA", itself a nod to the stars of the Grand Ole Opry.

How many pools does Gaylord Opryland have? ›

Three Sparkling Pools

Relaxing, socializing and taking laps are among the Nashville resort activities guests can participate in while taking advantage of our three heated pools. The Magnolia outdoor pool area is surrounded by a gorgeous garden, with a brook flowing toward the pool and wading pool.

How many stars is the Gaylord hotel? ›

Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center 4.0 out of 5 stars, average rating value.

Does Gaylord Opryland have senior discount? ›

Senior Discounts

If you're 62 years or older, you can save up to 15% off room rates at Gaylord Opryland. The Reservation must be booked in the name of the Senior Guest using the Senior Rate .

What are the best months to visit Nashville? ›

The best time to visit Nashville is from April through October, when the warm weather brings this music city to life. Although December is quite charming with Christmas decorations at the Opryland Hotel and the Belle Meade Historic Site, winter is low season.

What time is the Opryland fountain show? ›

Delta Fountain Show -- Free nightly shows at 6, 7, 8 and 9pm - Picture of Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, Nashville - Tripadvisor.

Is Opryland parking free? ›

There is free parking for the grand ole Opry very near to the mall. Short walk.

How many people can stay at the Opryland hotel? ›

After all of its additions, the complex now has over 3.3 million square feet of total space; 2,888 guest rooms; six ballrooms ranging in size from 3,364 square feet to 55,314 square feet with the largest event space having a capacity for 10,000; 106 conference and break-out rooms; and a 260,000 square foot exhibit hall ...

What is special about Gaylord, Michigan? ›

Gaylord is known for “All Outdoors ” activities found in the breathtaking beauty of Northern Lower Michigan. With lakes and rivers perfect for fishing , paddling and relaxing, we have a special place for you to make a splash!

How long has the Gaylord been around? ›

Opening and expansion

Opryland Hotel opened on November 24, 1977, on land adjacent to the Opryland USA amusem*nt park. The hotel was originally built to support the Grand Ole Opry, a Nashville country-music institution that had moved to the area three years before.

How old is the Gaylord National? ›

What did Gaylord invent? ›

In 1969, as a U.S. Senator from Wisconsin, Gaylord Nelson came up with one of the most powerful ideas of his time: Earth Day. Inspired by the teach-ins dealing with the Vietnam War, Earth Day was an instant success, drawing 20 million participants the first year (1970).

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