The Gateway to the Blues Museum opened in February 2015 in Tunica, Mississippi along the Mississippi Blues Trail. It serves as a true gateway to the blues trail, which starts in Memphis and runs through Clarksdale and onward to Vicksburg. Located next to the Tunica visitor’s center, the museum was years in the making, made possible with the support of local casinos.
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The museum is located in a former 1895 train depot that was relocated to Tunica from Dundee, Mississippi. The $2.8 million dollar project includes artifacts from blues musicians donated from the private collections of Caesars Entertainment like guitars from B.B. King and Robert Johnson.
You’ll see interactive exhibits on the history of the blues that play videos and music. It starts with the roots of slave music, discusses the influence of church hymns and juke joints as the home for blues legends. The museum also talks about the blues trail markers you’ll see throughout the state.
The Gateway to the Blues Museum also gives you the chance to record your own blues song, providing you with background music. In the gift shop, you’ll find information on other regional attractions related to the blues as well as unique souvenirs.
Tips for Visiting the Gateway to the Blues Museum
The Gateway to the Blues Museum is located at 13625 Highway 61 North, Robinsonville (Tunica Resorts), Mississippi 38664. It’s open Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm, Saturdays from 10 am to 5 pm, and Sundays from 1 to 5 pm.
Hours vary slightly by season. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Parking is available onsite and it’s only accessible by car. The museum is located around 45 minutes south of Memphis.
Where to Eat Near the Gateway to the Blues Museum
If you’re hungry after your visit to the museum, head to The Hollywood Cafe, a restaurant five minutes away that is a part of the blues trail. It’s known as the home of the fried dill pickle but also has favorites like po boys and
Blue and White Restaurant in North Tunica is 15 minutes away. The former gas station is a classic greasy spoon with breakfast fare including biscuits and gravy and massive doughnuts. Binion’s at the Horseshoe Casino has classic steakhouse fare with seafood and all the sides.
Where to Stay Near the Gateway to the Blues Museum
Casinos line the Mississippi River and many have hotel rooms for guests. Prices vary greatly, but the Gold Strike Casino Resort is our favorite, an MGM property with luxurious rooms. Best Western Tunica Resorts is another option if you don’t want to stay in a casino with daily breakfast and WiFi.
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My visit to the Gateway to the Blues Museum was arranged by the Mississippi Delta Tourism Association, Tunica Tourism and Visit Mississippi.
We stopped at the museum on our way home from Sams Town 9/12/19 and what a great experience! We loved going through and learning more about the history of the blues. The lady there(April) was beyond helpful and made my day giving me some cotton. We will definitely be stopping in again on our next trip down. John and Karen LaVullis