Welcome, fellow travelers! If you’re looking for a unique and offbeat destination, then Cooters Museum is definitely worth a visit. This quirky museum is dedicated to one of America’s most beloved classic TV shows, The Dukes of Hazzard. The museum houses an impressive collection of memorabilia, including costumes, props, photos, and vehicles from the series. Located in the heart of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, Cooters Museum is a must-see attraction for pop culture fans, history buffs, and anyone looking for a fun and nostalgic experience. Let’s explore this hidden gem together!
Exploring the Cooters Museum
The Cooters Museum is a popular tourist attraction that is situated in the stunning Smoky Mountains of Tennessee in the United States. It offers a unique and interactive experience for visitors of all ages to explore the history of one of the most loved TV shows in American history.
The History of the Museum
The Cooters Museum was founded by Ben Jones, who played the beloved character Cooter Davenport in the hit TV show ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ in the late 70s and 80s. He opened the museum in 1998 as a tribute to the show that people still love today.
The museum has quickly become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Tennessee, attracting fans from all corners of the world to come and see memorabilia and artifacts from the show.
One unique aspect of the museum is that visitors can take a ride in the famous General Lee! This chance only comes around once in a lifetime, and it’s definitely something that visitors should take advantage of.
The Displays
The Cooters Museum boasts of one of the largest collections of ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ memorabilia in the world. Visitors can expect to see hundreds of artifacts related to the show, including costumes, scripts, photographs, and rare props, among others.
One item that is particularly famous among visitors is the General Lee, the show’s legendary car. Visitors can take an up-close look at the car and get a thrilling ride in it.
Other displays include Daisy Duke’s jeep, Cooter’s tow truck, and the statue of the show’s main stars, Bo and Luke Duke. The museum also has a merchandise store where fans can purchase DVDs, T-Shirts, hats, and other collectibles.
Interactive Experiences
The Cooters Museum offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience certain aspects of the show. For instance, visitors can try their luck at throwing the ‘Cooters’ mini-football through the car window-just like the event shown in the series.
The museum also offers an exciting hayride tour, which takes visitors through the countryside, providing a glimpse into the scenic beauty of Tennessee and the show’s filming locations. Visitors can also ride in Daisy Duke’s jeep and Cooter’s tow truck on special days.
For those interested in taking a piece of the show home, the museum offers a unique experience; fans can have their photo taken IN General Lee! The museum staff will take a photo with the visitor in the driver seat of General Lee making it a memorable souvenir.
In conclusion, the Cooters Museum is a must-visit spot for fans of ‘The Dukes of Hazzard’ wanting to experience the show’s history first-hand. The interactive displays, General Lee ride, and other unique attractions undoubtedly set this museum apart from other similar destinations. The museum is open seven days a week all year round and guarantees a fun and exciting experience for all the family.
Events and Activities at the Cooters Museum
The Cooters Museum is not just a place to view artifacts and memorabilia related to “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Visitors can also participate in a variety of special events and activities hosted at the museum throughout the year. These events allow visitors to engage with the history and culture of the show in a fun and interactive way.
Special Events
The museum offers many different special events throughout the year. One of the most popular is the Annual Hazzard Homecoming held in late April. This event brings together fans of the show from all over the country to celebrate “The Dukes of Hazzard” and its enduring legacy. Visitors can meet cast members and participate in a variety of fun activities, including a car show, a parade, and live music performances.
The museum also hosts other special events throughout the year, including Christmas celebrations, trivia nights, and charity fundraisers. These events offer visitors a unique opportunity to experience the museum in a different way and to connect with other fans of the show.
The Gift Shop
When you visit the Cooters Museum, you won’t want to miss the on-site gift shop. The shop is filled with a wide variety of unique souvenirs and memorabilia related to “The Dukes of Hazzard.” Whether you are shopping for yourself or looking for the perfect gift for a fellow fan, the gift shop has something for everyone.
The gift shop features a wide variety of items, including T-shirts, hats, DVDs, and collectible toys. You can even find items autographed by cast members and other memorabilia that you won’t find anywhere else. And if you can’t make it to the museum in person, you can also order items from the gift shop online.
Themed Tours
The Cooters Museum offers a variety of tours that allow visitors to explore the history and culture of “The Dukes of Hazzard” in more detail. Themed tours are available for groups with a specific interest in the show, including fans of a particular character or season.
One of the most popular themed tours is the General Lee tour, which focuses on the iconic car featured in the show. This tour takes visitors on a journey through the history of the car and its many iterations over the years.
The museum also offers tours that cover specific aspects of the show, such as the stunts or the music. These tours are led by expert guides who are passionate about “The Dukes of Hazzard” and can provide visitors with a unique perspective on the show’s history and legacy.
No matter what your interest is in the show, the Cooters Museum has something for everyone. Whether you are a dedicated fan or just curious about the show’s influence on American culture, a visit to the museum will provide you with an unforgettable experience.
Planning Your Visit
Hours and Admission
Visiting Cooters Museum is a fascinating experience, especially for fans of the iconic TV show, The Dukes of Hazzard. The museum is open every day of the week, from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and admission fees are budget-friendly, making it an affordable and entertaining destination for all!
The regular admission fee for adults is $12, while students, seniors, and military personnel can get tickets for $10. Children under the age of five receive free admission. If you want to take a guided tour of the museum, you’ll need to pay an additional $5 per person. Please note that all admission tickets are non-refundable.
Location and Parking
Cooters Museum is located in Nashville, Tennessee, at 2613 McGavock Pike, very close to the Grand Ole Opry. The museum may be a little difficult to find, so be sure to use a GPS device or map to locate it. Visitors can choose from different transportation modes, including bus, taxi, Uber/Lyft, or private car. Public parking can be challenging, so you want to arrive early, especially if you’re coming on weekends or holidays. Alternatively, you may prefer to use a paid parking option located near the museum.
Accessibility
Cooters Museum wants to make sure that everyone can enjoy the museum fully, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Therefore, the museum has various accommodations in place to ensure a comfortable and accessible environment for all visitors. There are wheelchair-accessible ramps and restrooms throughout the building, so visitors using wheelchairs or mobility aids can move around easily and safely. The museum employs friendly and qualified staff that can provide assistance and support to visitors with special needs. Additionally, visitors with sensory difficulties can take advantage of the quiet room available at the museum. If you have any special needs during your visit, don’t hesitate to let the staff know. They are always ready to help.
Conclusion
The Experience of Visiting the Cooters Museum
If you’re a fan of the long-running American TV show, “The Dukes of Hazzard,” then a visit to the Cooters Museum is a must. This museum will take you back to the time of the Duke boys, their car, and the hilarious shenanigans they got involved in every episode.
The museum is a trip down memory lane for the fans of the show. The collection of memorabilia is vast, and many of the items are unique to the museum. The iconic General Lee car, which was featured in the show, is also on display, and visitors can take pictures with the car as well.
The wallpapers in the museum have a total of 635 posters from the show, which is a rare collection. Moreover, many of the items in the museum are from the personal collection of Ben Jones, who played Cooter on the show. He is also behind this museum and is always present to share his experiences and stories with visitors.
The displays are creative and interactive, which make the visit even more memorable and exciting. Visitors can enjoy various attractions, interactive exhibits, and guided tours to learn more about the show, characters, and behind-the-scenes. Besides, the museum also has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs or take back some collectibles of their favorite show.
Plan Your Visit Today!
If you’re planning to visit Nashville or have a day off, it’s highly recommended to include Cooters Museum in your list of must-visit destinations. To plan your visit, start by heading to the museum’s website and booking your tickets in advance. The museum’s website has all the essential information about the opening hours, ticket prices, and other relevant details.
Booking tickets in advance is encouraged, as the museum can get crowded, and waiting in line may cause delays. Visitors can also choose the guided tour option while booking tickets, which will help them understand the stories and memories associated with the items displayed in the museum better.
In conclusion, the Cooters Museum is an excellent destination for fans of “The Dukes of Hazzard,” and also for those who appreciate nostalgia and want to relive their childhood memories. The museum is an exciting and interactive experience that you won’t regret visiting. So, plan your visit today and enjoy the ultimate tribute to this classic American TV show.