Elvis Presley’s Graceland: How Many People Visit the Historic Home Each Year?
Elvis Presley‘s Graceland home is as iconic as the singer himself. Visitors worldwide descend on Memphis, Tennessee, to tour the residence and see how the King of Rock and Roll lived. Although Presley has millions of fans, how many visit the historic home each year?
Graceland draws hundreds of thousands of visitors per year
According to Graceland’s official website, the historic home draws more than half a million visitors annually. The 17,552-square-foot home is the second-most visited in the country, behind only the White House.
Summer is Graceland’s busiest season, as most visitors flock to the historic home between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Elvis’ home attracts between 2,000 and 3,500 tourists per day during this stretch. July is especially popular, with upwards of 4,000 fans visiting the home per day.
The website reveals that Graceland’s total economic impact on Memphis is estimated to be $150 million annually. Tourism includes Graceland and its surrounding hotels, shops, and businesses in and around Memphis.
Why is Graceland still so popular with tourists?
Graceland in Memphis, Tennessee, continues to remain a hotspot for tourism. The once-private domain of Elvis Presley opened to the public in 1982.
The residence remains popular due to its kitschy interior and time-capsule feel. The home remains relatively the same as it was when Elvis died in its upstairs bathroom in August 1977.
Graceland deeply delves into how Presley lived, loved, and played. The home boasts so many elements that many fans return again and again to see them, and it continues to draw fans for that reason.
During an interview with Architectural Digest, Elvis’ ex-wife, Priscilla Presley, shared her theory on why people are drawn to the home. She believes people flock to the house to feel connected to the King of Rock and Roll.
“Elvis didn’t fit the mold; he marched to his own drum,” she explained. But when people walk in that front door, there is reverence, respect, and quietness. It’s as if his spirit is there. They come back time after time to experience him.”
What other elements of Graceland are there to see other than the mansion?
Other than Elvis Presley’s home, Graceland’s property boasts many other elements for fans to admire. The property is filled with areas he enjoyed with family and friends.
The home tour includes the living room, his parents’ bedroom, the kitchen, the TV room, the pool room, the Jungle Room, Vernon’s office, and the newly enhanced Trophy Building. The racquetball court is also part of the experience.
Right outside of Vernon’s office is Lisa Marie Presley’s swing set. In the yard, there is Elvis’ pool, the Meditation Garden, and the stables. There is also a large area where the horses can roam free, and they still enjoy Graceland’s expansive property.
The Meditation Garden is the final resting place of Elvis, Vernon, Gladys, Minnie Mae, and Lisa Marie Presley. Her son, Benjamin Keough, is also buried there.
Across the street from the home is a large entertainment complex called Elvis Presley’s Memphis. There, fans can see more archival items from Presley’s life.
These include a museum, rotating exhibits that showcase different elements from Presley’s life, and Presley Motors, where all of his cars are on display. There’s also Elvis Dressed to Rock, an exhibit of the King of Rock and Roll’s many glitzy jumpsuits.
Currently, there is also an exhibit honoring Lisa Marie Presley. The plane that bears her name is also on display to tour, as well as Elvis’ smaller Lockheed Jet Star.
Graceland is open 363 days a year. However, the mansion is closed to tours on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.
