Poll Ranks the Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum as Maryland’s Favorite Celebrity Pilgrimage Site
Elvis Presley’s Graceland, the iconic Dakota where John Lennon spent his final days, or even the Henry Ford Museum with its vast collection celebrating American innovation, are just a few of the many landmarks that Americans visit to pay homage to their favorite deceased celebrities. Each year, countless fans embark on trips to these hallowed sites, driven by a desire to connect with the legacies of those who have left an indelible mark on our culture. Tarotoo quizzed 3,000 Americans to determine the ultimate (deceased) celebrity landmarks to visit. They were therefore able to establish a definitive ranking of these revered landmarks, highlighting the places that resonate most deeply with the public and capturing the spirit of these timeless icons.
The top 10 were as follows:
#1 Elvis Presley’s Graceland; Memphis, Tennessee
Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, is the iconic home of Elvis Presley, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll, and it’s no surprise it made top spot in the rankings. This sprawling estate offers fans an intimate look at Presley’s life and career. Visitors can tour the mansion’s opulent rooms, view his extensive collection of costumes and awards, and explore exhibits detailing his musical legacy. Graceland is a landmark for music lovers and a testament to Elvis’s enduring influence on popular culture.
#2 Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum; Springfield, Illinois
In second place, the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, Illinois, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts and admirers of one of America’s most iconic presidents. This state-of-the-art facility offers an immersive experience into the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln through its engaging exhibits, interactive displays, and vast collections of artifacts. Visitors can explore detailed recreations of Lincoln’s childhood home, the White House during his presidency, and pivotal moments like the Civil War and the Emancipation Proclamation.
#3 Kurt Cobain Memorial; Aberdeen, Washington
The Kurt Cobain Memorial in Aberdeen, Washington, honors the influential Nirvana frontman who helped shape the grunge music scene. The memorial park features a granite guitar sculpture, plaques with Cobain’s lyrics, and tributes from fans around the world. Visitors can reflect on Cobain’s impact on music and his legacy as a voice of a generation.
#4 Judy Garland Museum; Grand Rapids, Minnesota
The Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, celebrates the life and career of the legendary actress and singer. Located in her birthplace, the museum features a collection of memorabilia, including costumes, photographs, and personal items. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing Garland’s early years, her rise to stardom, and her enduring legacy, particularly her iconic role in “The Wizard of Oz.”
#5 Patsy Cline Museum; Nashville, Tennessee
The Patsy Cline Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, celebrates the life and career of the iconic country music singer. The museum features a collection of Cline’s personal artifacts, costumes, photographs, and memorabilia. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing her rise to fame, her impact on country music, and her enduring legacy.
#6 Henry Ford Museum; Dearborn, Michigan
The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan, is part of The Henry Ford complex, offering a vast collection of artifacts that celebrate American innovation and ingenuity. The museum showcases historic cars, including the Model T, artifacts from American history, and exhibits on technological advancements. Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive collections, interactive displays, and special exhibitions. The site also includes Greenfield Village, an open-air museum with historic buildings and reenactments.
#7 Prince’s Paisley Park; Chanhassen, Minnesota
Paisley Park in Chanhassen, Minnesota, is the legendary estate and recording studio of the musician Prince. The complex has been transformed into a museum that offers tours of Prince’s living quarters, studios, and performance spaces. Visitors can view personal artifacts, costumes, awards, and instruments, gaining insight into Prince’s creative process and his contributions to music.
#8 Elvis Presley Birthplace; Tupelo, Mississippi
The second feature for the king of Rock ’n’ Roll, and in 8th place overall is the Elvis Presley Birthplace in Tupelo, Mississippi. A humble two-room house where Elvis was born. The site includes the house, a museum, and a chapel, offering visitors a glimpse into Elvis’s early life. Exhibits detail his childhood, family, and the beginnings of his musical career. The surrounding park features statues and memorials celebrating his legacy.
#9 Andy Warhol Museum; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
The Andy Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the largest museum in North America dedicated to a single artist. It offers an extensive collection of Warhol’s works, including paintings, drawings, prints, sculptures, and film. The museum provides a comprehensive look at Warhol’s artistic evolution and his influence on contemporary art and popular culture.
#10 Emily Dickinson Museum; Amherst, Massachusetts
And in tenth place, the Emily Dickinson Museum in Amherst, Massachusetts, preserves the home and legacy of one of America’s greatest poets. The site includes the Homestead, where Dickinson was born and wrote most of her poetry, and the Evergreens, her brother’s home. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored rooms, view Dickinson’s personal belongings, and learn about her life and work through interactive exhibits.
The state of Maryland had 2 entries in the top 100:
#16 Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum; Baltimore.
The Babe Ruth Birthplace and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, is a tribute to one of baseball’s greatest legends. Located in the house where Ruth was born, the museum chronicles his life from his humble beginnings to his rise as a sports icon. Exhibits include rare photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts that highlight Ruth’s extraordinary career and impact on the game of baseball. Visitors can explore his early years, his record-breaking achievements, and his enduring legacy. The museum offers an intimate and personal look at the man behind the myth, making it a must-visit for baseball fans and those interested in American sports history.
#99 Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum; Baltimore.
The Edgar Allan Poe House and Museum in Baltimore, Maryland, is a must-visit for literary enthusiasts and fans of the master of macabre. This historic site, where Poe lived from 1833 to 1835, offers a fascinating glimpse into the life and works of one of America’s most iconic writers. Visitors can explore the modest brick home, which features exhibits detailing Poe’s tumultuous life, his literary achievements, and his mysterious death. The museum houses a collection of personal artifacts, manuscripts, and letters, providing an intimate look at Poe’s creative process and his enduring influence on literature.
Content is provided by Tarotoo.
Methodology: Online panel survey of 3,000 people aged 18+. Internal data sources are used to obtain population data sets. We used a two-step process to ensure representativeness through stratified sampling and post-stratification weighting. June 2024.