Earl Scruggs Center
Earl Scruggs Center
5
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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  • MandR65
    Raleigh, North Carolina115 contributions
    We seniors enjoyed it and learned a lot
    It is a unique and excellent museum to the legendary Earl Scruggs and includes many photos, recordings, interactive opportunities. An introductory video is wonderful. Admission price includes a set of earbuds for listening to the many audio opportunities. It is housed in the historic old courthouse which stands in the middle of a lovely parklike area and is in the center of the town. It was a spur of the moment decision to leave the Interstate and follow the signs to the museum, and we were definitely glad we did. Price is reasonable and they discount for AARP.
    Visited June 2022
    Written 11 June 2022
  • Robin M
    Hendersonville, North Carolina169 contributions
    Loved It
    The Center museum is chockfull of not only historical information of it's name sake, but also of the area. It has interactive stations, and displays. Upstairs was a limited time exhibit that was also very interesting. You start in the "pump house" then into the old courthouse ( on the square) the shops around the square are wonderful too. The staff was so warm and enhanced the visit with information
    Visited March 2021
    Travelled solo
    Written 16 March 2021
  • StigJim
    Alliance, Ohio519 contributions
    Not the Slickest, but...
    The Earl Scruggs Center is not the slickest museum around; however, it is a superb example of historic preservation and devotion to its main emphasis (Scruggs) and the area. The exhibits might underplay the musical significance of Earl Scruggs, but that’s in character with a man who by all accounts was very humble. We’re really, really glad we visited!
    Visited April 2021
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 16 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions

5.0
74 reviews
Excellent
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10
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Joseph W
Louisville, KY97 contributions
Sep 2022
Excellent museum if you are a fan of Earl Scruggs and Bluegrass music. In a beautiful old courthouse in the town square of Shelby, North Carolina. Lovely town with a good amount of restaurants and bars in the area. Also features a good look at the history of this part of the state.
Written 12 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jamiewhitaker7
3 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
It was a great place to see. I am a Bluegrass Music fan and play some myself. Earl Scruggs was the greatest banjo picker in the history of Bluegrass Music.
Written 23 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Emile G
47 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
Center is located in old Shelby Courthouse turned museum. It details Earl Scruggs history.

The building was acquired by Towery Maurice Burris-Hunt about July of 2013 when he purchased Historical First National Bank across the street. At the time he was a unsigned musician, producer, writer known as Trin2Hype. Interested in various types of music
His inheritance included heirlooms from the Scruggs family and music catalogs.
Written 4 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

MandR65
Raleigh, NC115 contributions
Jun 2022
It is a unique and excellent museum to the legendary Earl Scruggs and includes many photos, recordings, interactive opportunities. An introductory video is wonderful. Admission price includes a set of earbuds for listening to the many audio opportunities. It is housed in the historic old courthouse which stands in the middle of a lovely parklike area and is in the center of the town. It was a spur of the moment decision to leave the Interstate and follow the signs to the museum, and we were definitely glad we did. Price is reasonable and they discount for AARP.
Written 11 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

George K
30 contributions
May 2022
We could have spent a couple of hours visiting this museum. There are lots of exhibits and videos with several "hands on" activities.
Written 3 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ScoochG
dubuque18 contributions
Apr 2022
First of all, we can't say enough about our delightful docent, Clyde, who is a native to the area and shared interesting facts and stories, answered our questions, stayed nearby without hovering, filled us in on using various displays, and made our all around experience great. Thank you also to Rachel, who was the docent we met when we returned from lunch who continued our "education"! The museum ties together the history of Cleveland County and the southern culture with the bluegrass/ country music that it gave birth to. It's definitely a comprehensive experience with hands on displays and a room upstairs filled with instruments to try out yourself. Everything was neat and clean and in working order. We highly recommend a visit!
Written 15 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Nancy G
6 contributions
Feb 2022
Excellent concert with dulcimer, guitar and cello. Joe Collins is excellent entertainer. Nice, cozy venue for concert. Video of upcoming concerts ran on a loop next to performers during the concert, which was very distracting. Acoustics could be better if Soundman could be in back of room to better balance the sound.
Written 22 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mariahbay
Heath, TX237 contributions
Sep 2021
Not the slickest museum, but a good venue to learn about bluegrass, Earl and the economy/politics of Shelby/Cleveland County. The docents were extremely friendly and helped guide our visit. Great location in the center of Shelby; easy street parking. Spotless bathroom!
Written 29 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Al S
1 contribution
Jul 2021
As a banjo enthusiast and fan of Earl, I was disappointed in the Center. For the cost of entry, despite being able to keep the complimentary ear buds, the information and displays came far short of meeting my expectations. We also were unable to see the upstairs due to a private party event during the middle of the day. I expected to see a lot more original collectible instruments, stage clothing, etc.
Written 2 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

StigJim
Alliance, OH519 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
The Earl Scruggs Center is not the slickest museum around; however, it is a superb example of historic preservation and devotion to its main emphasis (Scruggs) and the area. The exhibits might underplay the musical significance of Earl Scruggs, but that’s in character with a man who by all accounts was very humble. We’re really, really glad we visited!
Written 16 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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EARL SCRUGGS CENTER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Earl Scruggs Center

Earl Scruggs Center is open:
  • Tue - Tue 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Wed - Wed 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
  • Thu - Sat 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM