Things to do in Kentucky
If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting baseball stadiums, Kentucky has plenty of attractions to offer you and your family. From the Louisville Waterfront Park to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, there’s something to keep the entire family entertained. Plus, there are several museums you can visit to learn more about the state’s most famous sports. This list of things to do in Kentucky should keep you busy for days.
Louisville Waterfront Park
For a scenic and relaxing experience, head to Louisville Waterfront Park. This 85-acre park sits alongside the Ohio River and downtown Louisville. It is situated next to the Riverfront Plaza, a downtown shopping complex. Visitors to Louisville can also enjoy a visit to the Louisville Zoo. In addition, the park is home to the Louisville Cardinals. After visiting Louisville Waterfront Park, visitors can continue their journey by exploring Riverfront Plaza.
When complete, the Louisville Waterfront Park will cover thirty acres and provide a picturesque setting for a day out. This urban park is free to enter and boasts several fountains and play areas for children. It is also one of the largest public parks in the country, featuring free WiFi, so visitors can stay connected while they’re at the park. The park’s design and amenities have earned it the Rudy Bruner Award for Urban Excellence, which recognizes outstanding urban projects that address social inequalities and promote a sense of place in the community.
If you’re hungry, a meal at The Mayan Café at Louisville Waterfront Park might be just what you need to make your day memorable. Chef Bruce Ucan, a native of Mexico, has incorporated Mexican flavors seamlessly into Kentucky cuisine. The Mayan Burger and Tikin-xic are some of the specialties at The Mayan Café, and they’re both inexpensive and delicious. The Mayan Cafe shows that Louisville is constantly taking risks, and this place is no exception.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
When it comes to exploring the outdoors, nothing is more unique than exploring the reclaimed prairie at the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. Geocaching enthusiasts use a GPS device, smartphone, or an app to find a “treasure” hidden in a specific location. Visitors to the area can hunt for and find hundreds of these hidden treasures, including journals, keepsakes, and other souvenirs.
If you’re looking for a unique and memorable vacation in Kentucky, look no further than the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This area covers over 170,000 acres and is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a little adventure. This beautiful, diverse landscape is accessible by car, bike, or foot. The seasons change the landscape here and it’s impossible to find the same experience anywhere else. The landscape is a living, breathing natural wonderland, bursting with wildlife and scenery.
This area also offers camping, including a variety of campsites, from rustic cabins to campgrounds with bathhouses. The area is also a top sport fishing destination, with large populations of bass and crappie. You can even try your luck fishing in a lake. Kentucky Lake is located in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, and the nearby lake Barkley is the perfect place for fishing.
National Corvette Museum
If you have a passion for classic cars, you might be interested in the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Located off Interstate 65’s Exit 28, this museum celebrates all things Corvette. It was founded in 1994 and opened to the public in September of 1994. Its unique architecture reflects the love and passion for the Corvette that has defined its culture. It is well worth the visit. There are many things to do in Bowling Green, including shopping, dining, and sightseeing.
The National Corvette Museum in Kentucky has a unique history. The museum is the home of the Corvette and is located near the GM Corvette Assembly Plant, the only place in the world where the cars are actually built. The museum also has a Corvette Cafe where visitors can enjoy a coffee and snack while learning more about the history of the famous automobile. And if you’re looking for a way to spend an afternoon, don’t miss the Corvette Sinkhole exhibit. It will take two hours to explore, so make sure you save some time for this exhibit.
During the annual National Corvette Festival, the Museum has a special exhibit dedicated to the first Corvette, which was owned by George Jones. The Corvette Cave-In exhibit tells the story of the sinkhole that swallowed eight Corvettes in 2014, and the Museum has Next Generation C8 Corvettes lining the Boulevard. And if you’re in the market for a new Corvette, you can download an audio tour to your device to learn more about it.
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
Visitors can explore multiple gardens at the nonprofit facility, which also offers educational events. There are guided tours available, as well as classes and gift shops. Visitors can learn about the various species of plants at the site. The nonprofit facility also offers a gift shop and is open for visitors throughout the year. There are educational events at the gardens, including an annual plant sale and a tour of the gardens by a botanist.
There are daily activities and classes for kids, including the popular Bag, Book, Blanket program, and nature walks. Children can also participate in outdoor activities like cooking and picnicking on the grass. Visitors can also enjoy a refreshing glass of bottled water during the hot summer months. This is the perfect place for families to spend some quality time together. Yew Dell is an excellent choice for a family outing.
You can also take the family to the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens for their annual community Halloween festival. This is a great event for families, and the gardens’ Trail-o-Treats feature creative businesses. In addition, there are hayrides and a straw maze, so there’s sure to be a fun time for everyone. In addition to the gardens, the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens also offers programs and activities for kids of all ages.
Ashland Henry Clay Estate
If you’re looking for an impressive tour, Ashland Henry Clay Estate is one of the best places to visit in the state. This historic mansion was built by Kentucky statesman Henry Clay on 650 acres in Lexington. He served as a U.S. senator, Speaker of the House, Secretary of State, and even led three unsuccessful presidential campaigns. Touring the mansion, which has an elegant Georgian-style entrance, is one of the best ways to learn about the life of a wealthy family during the nineteenth century. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, with Italianate details and extensive work by local master gardeners.
Another historical site worth a visit is the Castle Post. These ruins have a 30-mile land trail and authentic hardwood floors. It also has a wildlife preserve with a bird blind and programs led by naturalists. An estate is a must-see place for history buffs, academics, and architecture lovers. Afterward, visitors can head to the nearby Kentucky Craft Center for a shopping spree.
Buffalo Trace Distillery
If you are a whiskey connoisseur, a trip to Buffalo Trace Distillery is definitely on your list of things to do in Kentucky. You will learn the history of the distillery, including the time it was closed during Prohibition. You will also get to taste several different whiskeys while learning about the distillery’s history. Once you’re done touring the distillery, you can purchase some bourbon and enjoy a tasting before returning to your hotel.
The distillery is home to three generations of family members. You can learn more about the history of the company from Freddie Johnson, a third-generation employee of the distillery. He’s even been inducted into the Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame. When you visit the distillery, you’ll feel his warmth and love for his job. Freddie will be happy to teach you about the company’s history, and you’ll walk away from the tour having a better understanding of why the spirits are made the way they do.
In addition to tasting bourbon, you can take a tour of the distillery and learn about its process of barrel aging. While the distillery is not on the official Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you can tour the distillery yourself. Tours are free, and tastings are offered at the end. The distillery is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States, and is one of only three permitted during the Prohibition period. Buffalo Trace Distillery is known for producing “medicinal” bourbon, and it’s the oldest continuously running distillery in the country. The distillery is located in the city of Frankfort, which was once an ancient buffalo crossing. The distillery was named after the American bison.
Mammoth Cave National Park
The history of Mammoth Cave began in 1797, when two German miners, Francis and John Houchin, discovered the cave by following a wounded bear. They subsequently began exploiting the cave’s saltpeter reserves. One of those who discovered the cave was John Houchin, a boy from the Houchin family. In 1797, he was only ten years old, and his father had sent him on this trip as a graduation present. He stayed in the cave for several months and produced an accurate instrumental survey of many kilometers of the cave and the corresponding land surface over the cave. Ultimately, the discovery of Mammoth Cave paved the way for other entrances to the cave.
The historic section of Mammoth Cave was a habitat for an estimated nine million eastern small-footed bats. The species has since declined to a mere few thousand. However, an ongoing effort is underway to restore the habitat of these bats, which were once thought to number in the tens of millions. The red bat, another species, lives only rarely underground, but still exists in Mammoth Cave, but its numbers are estimated at just a few thousand.
Best Sightseeing in Kentucky
If you are looking for the best sightseeing in Kentucky, you have come to the right place. The southeastern state is bordered by the Ohio River to the north and the Appalachian Mountains to the east. The state’s capital is Frankfort, and Louisville is its largest city. The state’s Kentucky Derby takes place on the first Saturday in May, and the state is home to several horse racing events. The Kentucky Derby Museum is open year-round.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
My Old, Kentucky Home State Park is a historic park located in Bardstown, Kentucky, United States. This historic site features the former plantation home of United States Senator John Rowan, built in 1795. Visitors can take a guided tour of the home or simply tour the grounds. Both sites are worth seeing. In addition, Federal Hill is a quaint historic village where many locals live.
The state park offers numerous activities during the day. There are also many things to do and see at night. There is an amphitheater where you can watch a show or enjoy a concert. If you’re traveling with kids, you can take a tour that is tailored to children. You’ll also be able to learn about the history of architecture and gardening while taking the tour. Tours at My Old Kentucky Home last 40 to 45 minutes, so make sure to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment.
If you’re traveling with a family, My Old, Kentucky Home State Park may be the perfect place for you to take the kids. This park offers 39 RV sites, five of which have full hookups. The remaining sites have water and electricity. If you plan to camp at My Old Kentucky Home State Park, you may want to consider an RV rental in the area. This campground is only 15 miles from Bardstown.
One of the oldest buildings in the state, the Federal Hill mansion, was built by Judge John Rowan on a beautiful 1,200-acre estate. Built using slave labor, the mansion was finished in 1818. Rowan was a local power center and had many notable guests. Andrew Jackson, Henry Clay, and the Marquis de Lafayette were all prominent visitors. You may even be able to spot some local birds.
Louisville Mega Cavern
Louisville’s Mega Cavern is a former limestone mine that stretches under the Louisville Zoo and Watterson Expressway. Because of its support structures, the Mega Cavern is officially classified as a building. In fact, it’s the largest building in the state. The Mega Cavern is one of the best things to do in Louisville. After a long day at the zoo, you’ll have the chance to explore the insides of one of Kentucky’s most unique attractions.
The Louisville Mega Cavern is a man-made cavern with 17 miles of corridors. Visitors can enjoy the Light’s under Louisville, an underground holiday light show rated one of the best light shows in the United States. Visitors can also take a zipline tour, which is the only one of its kind. The Mega Cavern also hosts live concerts and art exhibits throughout the year.
The Mega Zip Lines and Adventure Tour offer a thrilling way to explore the caves, which are over 17 miles long. It’s also possible to zip through the caves and take a mega zip line underground. This Louisville attraction is fun for families, couples, and friends looking for an activity to do on a day trip or staycation. It’s also an ideal destination for birthday celebrations and random afternoons.
If you’re a fan of ziplines, you’ll love this activity. This bungee-style zip line is located inside a limestone cavern in the center of Louisville. This tour can take as long as 2 hours, depending on the group size, but participants must weigh between 55 and 285 pounds. A reservation is necessary. Make sure you book your tour ahead of time to avoid disappointment.
Cumberland Gap National Park
This historic park is in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia. You can take the Ridge Trail to the top of Brush Mountain for breathtaking views of the Gap. You can also see the historic Hensley Settlement on Brush Mountain. The park was a favored spot for travelers heading west during the early days of the American Revolution. The Pinnacle Overlook is an incredible sight, and you can explore the Gap Cave, complete with stalagmites and bats.
Another highlight of the park is the limestone caves that riddle the mountain. Gap Cave is the largest and most accessible, and visitors can take 1.5-mile-long ranger-led tours through this limestone cave. The stalactites are spectacular and the cave is home to several species of bats. A trip to this park is an excellent way to experience the rich history of the region.
This historical park offers hikers and nature lovers an opportunity to experience the rugged mountain landscapes and waterfalls. Hiking trails in Cumberland Gap vary in length, from half a mile to twenty miles. The park is also the site of a fascinating Kentucky legend: Daniel Boone blazed a path across the Cumberland Gap in 1775, claiming the grass over the border was blue. Whether you want to hike, explore the caves, or simply take a walk, you will never be disappointed.
You can explore this park on foot or on a bicycle, and you can even go on a sunrise hike. The park is also a great place to go on a photography tour if you’d rather see the mountains in the morning or the sunrise. The park offers a lot for every traveler and should be on your bucket list. cunoaște More About This Unique Park
Daniel Boone National Forest
When planning your trip to Kentucky, a must-see destination is the Daniel Boone National Forest. Established in 1937, the forest covers seventy-eight thousand acres of federal land within a two million acre proclamation boundary. Its name is a nod to the famous explorer Daniel Boone. Visitors will find a number of hiking trails, picturesque overlooks, and wildlife spotting opportunities here.
There are many ways to explore the forests and caves of Kentucky. Hiking trails, natural arches, waterfalls, and historic mining all can be found in the park. You can even hike, rock climb, and picnic in the park’s trails. And don’t forget to take a break from your sightseeing and enjoy a good cup of coffee in a cozy cabin. There are plenty of activities in the forest that will make any trip to the park a memorable one.
The forest offers miles of hiking trails that range from half a mile to 20 miles. There’s also a myth that Daniel Boone crossed the Cumberland Gap while on his way to Kentucky. Legend has it that the grass in this area was blue when he crossed the border. During this time, the area became a hub of migration for over 200,000 white settlers. Visitors can explore this legend by taking a walking tour and learning about the area’s history.
The trails in the Daniel Boone National Forest are considered the backbone of the forest’s trail system. Other trails connect to the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. The trails provide access to a variety of hiking destinations, ranging from short day hikes to backpacking expeditions. The trails begin on KY377 in northern Kentucky. You’ll have an opportunity to view beautiful waterfalls along the way. Some of the most popular waterfalls are Vanhook Falls, Dog Slaughter Falls, and Princess/Lick Creek Falls.
Vent Haven Museum
If you’re looking for an unusual piece of sightseeing in Kentucky, the Vent Haven Museum may be the place for you. This museum is actually a retirement home for ventriloquists, and it houses the largest collection of such material in the world. Inside, you’ll find hundreds of dummies and dozens of ventriloquists, including Charlie McCarthy, Edger Bergan, Sherri Lewis, and Lambchop.
The museum’s history can be traced back to William Shakespeare Berger, a Cincinnati-area businessman who developed a passion for the lighthearted side of ventriloquism. He spent the early twentieth century immersing himself in ventriloquism culture, collecting dummies, letters, and playbills. Today, the museum houses a huge library of vent-related materials, some of which date as far back as the 1700s. The museum is open May 1 through September 31 and offers guided tours by appointment. A small fee is required.
For fans of the world’s greatest ventriloquists, Vent Haven Museum is a must-see attraction. The museum is housed in three garage-like buildings and has more than 1,000 dummies, all of which are remarkably life-like. Visitors can see Darci Lynne figures, stuffed animals, and other iconic figures of the ventriloquists. Tours at the museum are about 45 minutes to an hour-long, and it’s only seven miles outside the city of Cincinnati.
One of the most popular attractions in Louisville is the National Quilt Museum. Located in an old gas station, the museum contains paraphernalia from famous local artists. Kids under ten can visit for free. You can even take your dog with you! So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, and plan a unique trip to Louisville. The city is full of surprises! You won’t regret it!
Places to Visit in Kentucky
There are many places to visit in Kentucky, but if you’re looking for a unique vacation, you’ll want to start your search with the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This area, between Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake, was officially declared a national recreation area in 1963. The area offers many different kinds of hiking, fishing, and boating opportunities, so no matter what you’re into, there is something for you.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
If you are planning a trip to Kentucky, you should consider going to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area. This park is home to many outdoor activities and natural wonders, including hiking and boating. For an unforgettable experience, plan a vacation to this park. You can find lodging at Lighthouse Landing, which offers top-rated campgrounds and lodges with spacious rooms. The accommodations at Lighthouse Landing include whirlpool tubs, gas log stoves, and private outdoor porches. You can also choose between one, two, and three-bedroom cottages.
The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is famous for camping, and it has over 1,400 campsites that range from backcountry campsites to modern cabins with bathhouses. Amenities for campers include restrooms, laundry facilities, and laundry facilities.
This park is situated on a peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Barkley Lake in Western Kentucky. This park offers outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and camping. The region has over 170,000 acres and five major attractions. Homeplace 1850s is a living history farm with interpreters in period clothing. In addition to historic homes, there are also numerous native wildflower gardens and bird feeding stations for wildlife.
Natural Bridge State Park
If you’re looking for an excellent vacation destination, you might consider visiting Natural Bridge State Resort Park. Located in Powell and Wolfe Counties along the Middle Fork of the Red River, it is adjacent to the Red River Gorge Geologic Area and is surrounded by Daniel Boone National Forest. The park is named for a naturally-occurring bridge. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, fishing, and horseback riding on trails through the woods.
While you’re at the park, check out the cave. This 7-foot sinkhole is the entrance to the Natural Bridge State Park cave. Inside, you’ll find an iron gate protecting the cave’s sanctuaries for Virginia big-eared bats, a federally-endangered species. You can also explore the nearby Battleship Rock trail. Natural Bridge State Park has a hiking trail that takes you through the cave.
If you’re looking for a fun adventure, consider heading to Natural Bridge State Park in the Red River Gorge Geological Area. This 78-foot-wide arch is accessible by either hiking or taking a ski lift. There are hiking trails around the arch, but the sky lift offers a scenic view of the park. You can stay overnight in the park, or camp on the grounds if you prefer.
Broke Leg Falls
A roadside waterfall, Broke Leg Falls, is one of the most beautiful and harrowing destinations in the state. Once a trickling waterfall, it is now a tumbling, ten-foot waterfall. A tornado struck the area in March 2012, destroying much of the infrastructure. Even though the area suffered severe damage, it has been rebuilt and is now a day-use park.
You can find this waterfall in Menifee County, Kentucky, a short distance north of London. It is fed by Broke Leg Creek and plunges 60 feet into a heavily wooded gorge. The waterfall is so beautiful that the area was once home to a failed state park, a stripper-filled dance hall, and a weekend cabin retreat. The area is a popular tourist destination, and many people come to experience the majesty of this scenic waterfall.
For those who want a closer look at a waterfall, there is no better place than the Bluegrass State. The Bluegrass State is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to Broke Leg Falls, you can also visit Flat Lick Falls, which is a 60-foot waterfall. The falls are particularly beautiful in spring and fall when water levels are at their highest.
Hermitage Farm
For music lovers, Hermitage Farm offers a unique and intimate concert experience. Featuring a chamber orchestra and small ensembles, Teddy Abrams’s concert features a series of Kentucky classics. The concert lasts about an hour and includes passed hors-d’oeuvres, salad course, entree, and dessert. The menu features seasonal, locally sourced foods.
Hermitage Farm celebrates the history of agriculture in Kentucky by highlighting its agricultural and thoroughbred horse breeding heritage. Guests enjoy exquisite dining and tours of the farm. The grounds of the farm are preserved through an Agriculture Conservation Easement (ACE), a conservation plan to protect the surrounding land and prevent suburban development. As a result, visitors to Hermitage will experience a truly authentic taste of Kentucky.
The estate is also well known for its extensive art collection. The owners of Hermitage Farm have curated an impressive collection of art, including works that were featured in the 21c Museum Hotel in Louisville. They have also installed art throughout the Main House and created an outdoor installation called ArtWalk that features synchronized videos and sounds. It is well worth a visit. And if you have the chance, you’ll be rewarded with a tasteful souvenir.
Claiborne Farm
A trip to the thoroughbred horse breeding operation at Claiborne Farm near Paris, Kentucky, is sure to delight horse enthusiasts. Established by Arthur B. Hancock, who also owned Ellerslie Stud in Albemarle County, Virginia, the farm has been in the family’s hands ever since. Since its establishment, the farm has bred over 700 champion thoroughbred horses.
The stallions at Claiborne Farm have been responsible for breeding some of the best racehorses in history. Six of the 13 Triple Crown winners came from this farm. You can experience the old-fashioned way of breeding horses – no artificial insemination, no clomid, no artificial insemination. In one test, four people were in the breeding shed at the same time. The stallions are also incredibly fast, meaning that the breeding process can take as little as 22 minutes.
Located 30 minutes from Lexington, Claiborne Farm is an authentic working farm. Tours are available daily at 10 and 11 am, but reservations are necessary. The property’s old stone fences cost an exorbitant sum, so be sure to reserve a tour well in advance. The farm is surrounded by the quintessential bluegrass. If you’re in Kentucky, don’t miss this place!
Newport Aquarium
If you want to see some amazing fish, then you should visit the Newport Aquarium in Newport, Kentucky. Located across the river from Cincinnati, it features over 70 exhibits in 14 galleries. The aquarium also includes five 200-foot-long, seamless acrylic tunnels. Whether you want to learn about the history of the aquarium or just see the colorful creatures that live there, this place is sure to please. Whether you love aquariums or just love the view of them, the Newport Aquarium is sure to delight you.
You may also want to check out the Newport Aquarium, which is located on the Levee across from Downtown Cincinnati. Known for its amazing marine life, this aquarium has been awarded multiple times. While you are there, be sure to check out the Shark Bridge, which allows visitors to cross inches above a shark tank. Another exhibit at the aquarium is the Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels, which takes you through a long-sunk ship that became an accidental reef.
If you’re looking for some great family fun, the Newport Aquarium is a wonderful destination. Whether you’re planning a trip with your kids or visiting with a spouse, there’s something for every age and interest. The aquarium has interactive exhibits, including a Penguin Palooza theater with playful penguins. Another fun option for families is the Shark Bridge, which features the world’s first rope bridge over a shark tank.
Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave is a place for contemplation rather than spectacle. There are several tours available, including a lantern tour that lets visitors walk through the veins of the cave and a wild cave tour that requires visitors to squeeze through tiny openings. The cave temperature is constant at 54 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. However, if you’re a little bit nervous, you can take one of the guided tours and get an adrenaline rush.
The weather outside Mammoth Cave is typically warm and sunny. Daytime temperatures often exceed 90degF (32degC) in July and August. Mid-June through mid-September is usually muggy, and high humidity can be uncomfortable. The lower temperature inside the cave can help you get through the muggy weeks. In addition, the bats that inhabit the cave have been known to help keep mosquitoes at bay, so you won’t have to worry about the weather outside.
Another must-do while visiting Mammoth Cave is a zip-line canopy tour. This is the only zip-line canopy tour in central Kentucky. Guests can zoom downhill from two courses at up to 40 miles per hour. The park also features Kentucky’s only vertical free-fall tower and 40-foot giant pendulum swing. The trails at Mammoth Cave are open year-round, except in the event of inclement weather.
