When you think of country music, you likely envision the streets of Nashville. Perhaps you’ve been to the Grand Ole Opry and heard legends in concert. But before Nashville became “Nashville,” Renfro Valley was broadcasting traditional country music to the nation. Let’s learn more about this small town in Kentucky and what has made it so famous!
Nestled in the foothills of the Cumberland Mountains, Renfro Valley is off I-75 in central Kentucky. It’s about 45 minutes south of Lexington and an hour north of the Tennessee border. Louisville is about two hours northwest of it.
Pro Tip: Before heading out to the Bluegrass State, check out whether The National Parks in Kentucky are worth visiting!
Renfro Valley is known for its rich musical heritage. In 2002, the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum was built here. Bluegrass, gospel, and country artists have headlined numerous concerts and shows at the entertainment center. Music is the biggest draw in this small community, but other attractions featuring Appalachian life and outdoor recreation also lure tourists.
The beginnings of Renfro Valley’s musical heritage go back to the late 1930s when native John Lair started the Barn Dance. A few years later, the Renfro Valley Gathering, the second oldest continuing radio show in the U.S., began. It’s second only to the Grand Ole Opry. Renfro Valley became home to rising artists who wanted a place to play music. Some of these musicians turned into stars like Hank Williams and George Jones.
This historical location continues to be a place where locals and tourists can enjoy traditional country music without the showbiz. Artists enjoy playing in the new barn, which seats only 1,600 people, because of the personal nature. It’s an intimate show with music-loving fans. Because of its rich history, Renfro Valley was chosen as the site for the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum.
This country music stage and radio show began in Cincinnati, Ohio, and aired on Saturday nights in 1937. But in 1939, it moved to Renfro Valley. Stations in Louisville and Cincinnati broadcasted the show. Performers such as Red Foley, Whitey Ford, along with Homer & Jethro participated in the show.
Although the Barn Dance isn’t broadcast anymore, the venue still hosts a live show every Saturday night. It’s a throwback to traditional country music but also includes some of the new country music. You’ll find comedy, mountain music, and square dancing at the Old Barn.
In 1943, Renfro Valley Barn Dance sponsors wanted to add a Sunday program to their lineup. The Renfro Valley Gatherin’ was born. Although not religious in nature, it starts with a hymn and follows with short story readings, music played by the house band, and advertisements for upcoming shows at the city’s Entertainment Center.
The Renfro Family Gatherin’ was first broadcast via the CBS Radio Network until it dropped the show in the late 1950s. Now, it’s a syndicated broadcast heard on numerous radio stations across the U.S. and available worldwide on satellite radio and the Internet. Its focus remains on recreating the atmosphere of the pioneer gatherings from long ago.
In 2002, the town debuted the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum. One tribute to this small-town community is the entrance, which is the original riding stables of John Lair, who founded the Renfro Valley Barn Dance and Renfro Valley Gatherin’. His original house is also next door.
Inside the museum, visitors peruse exhibits showcasing the careers of Kentucky musicians. There are memorabilia and artifacts as well as an interactive instrument exhibit where you can create your own music. It’s open year-round.
Behind the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum is an outdoor amphitheater. It hosts concerts like the Kentucky Blues Music Festival and other live events.
If you’re planning a trip, there are three ideal options for RV camping. The Renfro Valley KOA is the closest to the entertainment center, but the Oh Kentucky RV Park is only 10-15 minutes north. Cumberland Falls State Park is less than an hour south of Renfro Valley if you prefer a state park atmosphere.
The Renfro Valley KOA is a mile from the Renfro Valley Entertainment Center and half a mile from the Kentucky Hall of Fame and Museum. It’s open year-round, although some amenities, like the swimming pool, operate seasonally. There’s a dog park, snack bar, laundry facility, jumping pillow, volleyball, basketball, and more. Rigs of any size are welcome, and most sites are full hookups.
Oh Kentucky RV Park is up I-75 about 14 miles in Berea, Kentucky. It features a more rustic charm than the KOA campground. All sites are pull-through, and amenities include a laundry room, swimming pool, dump station, propane refill station, small store, and bathhouses. For guests without an RV, covered wagon accommodations are available for a unique stay.
Finally, if you prefer a more natural, scenic location, Cumberland Falls State Park is about an hour south of Renfro Valley. There are 50 campsites with water and electric hookups. Guests have access to restrooms, showers, and a dump station. The state park is ideal for birding, hiking, fishing, gem mining, and horseback riding. You can also visit the “Niagara of the South,” the 68-foot tall, 125-foot wide Cumberland Falls.
Activities continue throughout the year, but December-February can see lows in the 20s and 30s. If you want to enjoy outdoor activities, visiting Renfro Valley and the surrounding area in late spring or summer is best. Tourism is highest in the summer, so May and September are ideal for visiting to avoid crowds.
John Lair loved the land where he grew up. His dream of bringing the Barn Dance to Renfro Valley came true and brought an explosion of traditional county music lovers. Although most people didn’t think the Barn Dance would make it in such a remote Kentucky community, Lair stuck to his vision and saw it through.
Today, Renfro Valley is “Kentucky’s Country Music Capital” and continues to entertain generations. So, the next time you drive through the Bluegrass State, consider stopping for a few days near Mount Vernon to explore this iconic musical heritage in Renfro Valley.
Perhaps you’ll run into a country music legend or rising star!
