Delta Blues Museum
Time Needed: 1-2 hours, half-day
Experience Type: cultural heritage, museum
Located in the heart of the Mississippi Delta, the Delta Blues Museum celebrates America’s most influential musical art form. Inside a former freight depot, visitors can explore instruments, recordings, photos, and artifacts that tell the story of the blues and the musicians who defined it.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Trace the Roots of the Blues – Discover the evolution of Delta blues through rare instruments, original recordings, and displays that connect local sounds to global music history.
- Explore the Muddy Waters Exhibit – Step inside the preserved remains of this blues musician’s cabin, view a life-size statue, and see the “Muddywood” guitar crafted from its wood.
- See “Blue Portraits in Steel” – Admire Scott Cawood’s striking metal sculptures honoring blues legends, a permanent exhibit celebrating the music’s enduring power and artistry.
- Follow the Juke Joint Trail – Visit authentic clubs across the Delta where live blues still thrives, from Red’s Lounge to Ground Zero Blues Club.
- Visit the B.B. King Museum – Make a side trip to Indianola to explore the life and legacy of the King of the Blues through interactive exhibits and performances.
Recommended Reading: King of the Delta Blues: The Life and Music of Charlie Patton traces the story of the musician who helped shape the Delta Blues. This updated edition highlights Patton’s lasting influence across generations of artists.
Photo Credit: Visit Mississippi