Jerusalem Ridge
An Outdoor Musical Adventure
Free Dry Camping on the Grounds with ticket purchase
Motel and Campground Info at bottom of this page
Jerusalem Ridge..."Where the Spirit Touches the Soul!"
The Jerusalem Ridge festival is held on the very land where Bill Monroe was born and grew up. Drive through Rosine on Route 62, just outside of town and enter the gates of Jerusalem Ridge. As you make your way up the gravel and dirt road amidst all the tall trees, you pass Charlie Monroe's old home, which still needs to be restored, and immediately you begin to get a sense of the bluegrass history that this special place holds. Then the road takes many twists and turns and you can almost hear the strains of one of Bill's most memorable songs, "I'm on my way back to the old home, that road winds on up the hill..." The feeling is unmistakable, "You're in Monroe Country!"
The festival organizers have kept the charm and feel of the ridge intact while providing all the facilities needed to create an atmosphere that lets the fans enjoy the music in a setting that enhances and preserves its historical significance. It truly is a "magical" bluegrass experience!
When the BMF finished the restoration of the Monroe family cabin it turned it's efforts to designing a functional and fitting venue on which to hold future festivals and celebrations. Great care was taken to not only satisfy the needs and comfort of both fans and performers, but also to create such a space that would blend in as naturally as possible to the ridge and leave as much of the surrounding land as untouched and pristine as possible. And to their credit, they have done just that.
The main stage is located in the shaded valley about 400 feet from the back of the Monroe cabin. The seating area gently slopes from the main road down to the stage and affords a clear view for all and is sprinkled throughout with tall shade trees. This forms a natural, rustic 'amphitheater' like no other in the world. There is also an auxiliary stage up the hill, and across the road from the Monroe cabin where all the bands can jam which assures non-stop music throughout the day and night.
The festival grounds are wide open and provide abundant space for fans to stroll the main road and enjoy the many food and craft vendors and all they have to offer. There is also plenty of free parking and in-the rough camping available as well as sanitary facilities and even sanitary showers for a nominal charge.
Free guided tours of the Monroe cabin will also be available throughout the festival where you will be able to see the interior of the cabin along with many artifacts and heirlooms of Bill and the Monroe family.
For your comfort and enjoyment:
- Bring Lawn Chairs and Blankets
- Shuttles available to Antique District and Restaurants
- If you stay in Owensboro, Be Sure to Visit the
International Bluegrass Music Museum
117 Daviess Street
Owensboro, Kentucky 42303
Phone: 270-926-7891
Toll free: 888-MY BANJO
Nearby Lodging
For fans desiring more comfort, there are many motels and accommodations in Beaver Dam and surrounding areas. Below is a listing of local motels for your consideration:
Beaver Dam and Hartford (7-10 miles)Beaver Dam Inn • 270-274-0851
Central City (25-29 miles)Super 8 • 270-757-1700 Morgantown (25 miles)Motel 6 • 270-526-9481 Leitchfield (22-25 miles)Hatfield Inn • 270-259-0464
Bowling Green, Kentucky (50-60 miles)One hour north of Nashville
Baymont (270) 843-3200 |
Owensboro (30-36 miles)Courtyard by Mariott • 1-800-321-2211 Fall of Rough (25 miles Enjoy the beautiful drives between Rosine and these neighboring towns on our scenic, uncrowded parkways.
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