Protect Your Trip »

29 Top Things to Do in Kentucky

Kentucky is synonymous with bourbon, country music and horse racing, but visitors to the Bluegrass State might not expect its quirky museums or impressive natural wonders.

Top things to do in kentucky

Getty Images

From wandering museums in the city to exploring unique attractions in the countryside, Kentucky offers something for everyone.

Kentucky is generally associated with derbies, whiskey and fried chicken, but there is much more to the Bluegrass State. A sprawling underground cave system, a plunging river gorge, and a stunning waterfall all call the state home, as do Corvettes, an unlikely castle and a museum dedicated to creationism. And while there is certainly a quirky roadside attraction for every taste, many museums and attractions close down for the winter, so travelers should plan their itineraries accordingly.

There is plenty to occupy families and road trippers within Kentucky's state lines, but it's also helpful to know that Cincinnati is just a John A. Roebling suspension bridge away — 83 miles from Lexington, Kentucky, or 100 miles from Louisville, Kentucky .

Whether you're on the hunt for the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail or ready to forge your own path, read on for 29 of the best things to do in Kentucky.

(Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

The prolific Louisville slugger baseball bat began production in Louisville in 1884, and it's still being produced at the site's active factory today. Baseball fans from across the country pilgrimage to this factory tour and museum dedicated to the love of the game. Galleries of memorabilia — including a Babe Ruth bat — await, as well as rotating exhibits, like "The Best Black Baseball Team You've Never Heard Of," to keep things fresh.

General admission is less than $20 (and kids under 5 are free) and includes a factory tour and a mini bat keepsake. Meanwhile, $299 will buy you an exclusive All-Star Experience pass to restricted areas of the factory floor, the bat vault, the archive room with the museum's most prized artifacts and a personalized bat. Take a picture with it outside next to Louisville's iconic Big Bat — at 120 feet tall, it's the world's largest.

Address: 800 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Top things to do in kentucky

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, located in Corbin, Kentucky, is one of the state's most picturesque natural preserves. The park's highlight is Cumberland Falls. On clear nights around a full moon (about five days each month), Cumberland Falls creates a moonbow: a natural phenomenon that refracts light in its water droplets. Roughly 17 miles of hiking trails wind through the park, with many connecting to Daniel Boone National Forest. Both parks are of particular interest to birders, who come seeking species like the Carolina wren or tufted titmouse. Horseback riding is offered daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day and on select weekends in September and October. Families will also enjoy organized gem mining, located just past the gift shop. The park permits fishing with a license and welcomes campers from mid-March through October.

Address: 7351 Highway 90, Corbin, KY 40701

Channel history on an Old Louisville Ghost Tour

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of Louisville Historic Tours

Kentucky was established as the 15th U.S. state in 1792, and it has developed a lot of history during the last 230-plus years. Louisville was the center of Kentucky society during the 1800s, and sordid reminders of booze and tobacco industries pockmark the city and lend the Gothic architecture its spooky stories. Local author David Domine specializes in true crime and the paranormal, and he crafted a 100-minute ghost tour of "America's most haunted neighborhood " to share its fascinating narratives. Recommended by the New York Times, David's ghost stories inform and entertain with the added benefit of getting your steps in. Tours run from March through November.

Address: 1300 S. Fourth St., Louisville, KY 40208

Churchill Downs

Top things to do in kentucky

If you're in Kentucky on the first Saturday in May — even if you're nowhere near Louisville — there will be no avoiding the frenzy that surrounds the Kentucky Derby. Mint juleps, extravagant hats and seersucker suits characterize the iconic horse race, but Churchill Downs is also worth visiting year-round. Where the derby is held, Churchill Downs racetrack provides unparalleled insight into the world of horse racing. Kentucky Derby Museum offers two floors of related exhibits and various tours of the grounds, including experiences that range from meeting jockeys and working with the horses to tasting bourbon.

Tickets to the museum cost less than $20, and children younger than 5 are free; all tour rates include access to the museum. Race day tours make a full-day experience of the nation's most famous horse racetrack. Also, consider a visit to Keeneland, another of Kentucky's finest thoroughbred racecourses and one of the best attractions in Lexington .

Address: 704 Central Ave., Louisville, KY 40208

The Galt House Hotel

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of The Galt House Hotel

Even if you're not booking a stay, it's worth visiting Kentucky's largest hotel, which traces its roots back to the early 19th century. The Galt House , a Trademark Collection Hotel, located in downtown Louisville, was originally a private home owned by Dr. W.C. Galt. The Galt House Hotel opened in 1835, and the original home was absorbed as the hotel's East Tower in 1984. The Galt House Hotel's primary draw is its central location, near Museum Row, the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, the Muhammad Ali Center and more. There are two bourbon bars on-site, plus a spa with bourbon-infused treatments.

Anyone looking for an offbeat and free thing to do can find a hidden installation on the hotel's grounds; near the main entrance, Gallop to Glory is the "Walk of Fame" of jockeys, featuring the handprints and signatures of the winning riders of the Kentucky Derby.

Address: 140 N. Fourth St., Louisville, KY 40202

Tour a modern castle

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of The Kentucky Castle

Appropriately located in the town of Versailles (not to be confused with the French palace ), The Kentucky Castle is a stunning boutique hotel just 10 miles outside Lexington. As you might expect, the castle's origins are a bit strange. The castle began construction in 1969 by a wealthy couple but was not completed due to the couple's divorce six years into the castle's construction. The castle was eventually purchased, though a fire in 2004 delayed renovations. The Kentucky Castle finally opened to the public in 2008 as a bed-and-breakfast called the Castle Post, just shy of 40 years in the making.

Today, curious tourists not staying at the B&B can book a 45-minute tour of the grounds for $25. Events, like murder mystery dinners, are also occasionally held here.

Address: 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY 40383

National Corvette Museum

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of National Corvette Museum

Head to Bowling Green, Kentucky, the self-proclaimed " Home of America's Sports Car ," to drool over all things Corvette. There will be more cars than you can manage between the exhibits of 'Vettes old and new, which span Chevrolet's automotive achievement since they introduced the Corvette in 1953. A more unexpected installation features heavily damaged Corvettes; in 2014, a massive sinkhole took eight cars about 30 feet down. They say to make lemonade from lemons, and the museum made a permanent exhibit of the cave-in called the Skydome Sinkhole Experience to document the event. An interactive driving game and a massive gift shop are just some of the museum's other added features.

If you're looking to bring home a serious souvenir, you can custom-build your own Corvette — Bowling Green is the only plant in the world that builds them.

Address: 350 Corvette Drive, Bowling Green, KY 42101

Harriet Beecher Stowe, Slavery to Freedom Museum

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of Maysville-Mason County Tourism

In 1833, Harriet Beecher Stowe visited one of her students in Maysville, Kentucky. During the visit, she witnessed a slave auction at a local courthouse, and it was this distressing event that, in part, inspired her to write her classic novel "Uncle Tom's Cabin." Her former student's family home, the Marshall Key House, now also houses the Harriet Beecher Stowe, Slavery to Freedom Museum. The small house is more than 215 years old and decorated in the style it would have been when Stowe visited. Patrons can also observe artifacts related to the American Civil War and slavery.

Anyone interested in a tour can book one through the Old Washington Visitor Center on Main Street in Maysville. While in Maysville, visitors may want to explore the National Underground Railroad Museum and the Kentucky Gateway Museum for historical collections and temporary exhibits.

Harriet Beecher Stowe, Slavery to Freedom Museum was closed for renovations at the time of publication. It is scheduled to reopen in 2023.

Address: 1001 Forest Ave., Maysville, KY 41056

Mammoth Cave National Park

Top things to do in kentucky

Did you know the longest recorded cave system in the world is in Kentucky? Mammoth Cave National Park and its more than 400 miles of recorded caves, located about 40 miles northeast of Bowling Green, is free to visit (cave tours incur an additional fee). Aboveground, the park offers hiking, biking, camping, scenic drives, horseback riding and more.

Still, the park's cave tours showcase the area's interesting history and serve as its primary draw. Enslaved Black Americans mined the caves for saltpeter in the 18th century, and enslaved men and women also developed cave tour routes as Mammoth Cave transitioned into a tourist destination. Following the Civil War, generations of now-free Black guides continued to lead tours.

Today, tours are remarkably accessible, including versions for various levels of mobility and hearing. Routes range from a quarter-mile with a dozen stairs to more than 2 miles with 600 stairs.

Address: One Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

Vent Haven Museum                                                          

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of Vent Haven Museum

Don't be a dummy — if you're in Fort Mitchell, come check out the world's only museum dedicated to ventriloquism. Vent Haven is the result of a decades-long personal collection of ventriloquist dummies and paraphernalia by W.S. Berger. In operation since 1973, the museum now houses more than a thousand dummies spanning three centuries of use. Special exhibits have included the characters used by Darci Lynne, the 2017 winner of "America's Got Talent."

Tours are by appointment only, customized to visitors' interests and range from 45 minutes to an hour. The museum operates seven days a week, seasonally. Vent Haven Museum is in Kentucky but located just 7 miles from downtown Cincinnati .

Vent Haven Museum was closed for renovations at the time of publication. It is scheduled to reopen in August 2022.

Address: 33 W. Maple Ave., Fort Mitchell, KY 41011

Muhammad Ali Center

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of the Kentucky Department of Tourism

Born Cassius Clay in Louisville in 1942, Muhammad Ali went on to have an iconic career in boxing that eventually earned him the nickname "The Greatest." Most people know him as a charismatic athlete, but Ali donated his time and money to charitable causes throughout his life. In 2005, Ali cofounded Kentucky's Muhammad Ali Center, a multicultural gathering space and nonprofit museum dedicated to the "Six Core Principles" that he lived his life by: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality. The exhibits inspire greatness with artifacts, historical footage, multimedia presentations and more.

The Muhammad Ali Center is located along Louisville's renowned Museum Row. Admission ranges from $9 to $14; children under 5 are free.

Address: 144 N. Sixth St., Louisville, KY 40202

Take five at the Big Four Bridge

Top things to do in kentucky

Linking Kentucky and Indiana, the Big Four Bridge straddles the Ohio River with its Kentucky entrance located along the 85-acre Louisville Waterfront Park. The 53-foot-high bridge, originally built in 1895, allowed railroad cars to enter Louisville through 1968, when train traffic was diverted. In 2014, an access ramp was constructed to convert the previously decommissioned train bridge into a mile-long pedestrian space. The reimagined bridge provides walkers and bikers a panoramic view over the Ohio River, and recent travelers say it is especially stunning at sunset. From twilight to 1 a.m., a rainbow of LED lights illuminate the bridge. About 1.5 million visitors are estimated to cross the bridge every year.

Address: 1101 River Road, Louisville, KY 40202

U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum

Top things to do in kentucky

Part roadside attraction, part homage to country music royalty, this museum sits along a gas station exit ramp off U.S. Highway 23, also known as "the country music highway." Highlighting talent from the eastern part of Kentucky, the U.S. 23 Country Music Highway Museum features 14 exhibits spanning country artists who have called the Bluegrass State home, including artists like Loretta Lynn and Chris Stapleton. Keeping the tradition alive, a bluegrass musician takes to the porch steps to play every Thursday night.

The museum costs $4 to enter and is located in Paintsville, Kentucky, more than 100 miles east of Lexington and not very far from the border of West Virginia. If you're traveling toward Louisa, the Kentucky Country Music Museum is yet another collection of local legend paraphernalia — and this time, it's inside of an actual gas station.

Address: 120 Stave Branch, Staffordsville, KY 41256

Harland Sanders Café and Museum

Top things to do in kentucky

Sure, KFCs are found everywhere — even in Egypt with a view of the pyramids . However, the world-famous chain started in Corbin with Colonel Harland Sanders (an honorary title, not a military colonel). The Sanders Café opened in 1937, but the structure was rebuilt after a fire in 1939 and reopened on Independence Day in 1940. Colonel Sanders' "secret" fried chicken recipe was developed on-site, and in 1956 he began to franchise restaurants across the nation. The original cafe remains, now a museum listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can walk through a model of the motel room, view KFC memorabilia including a Green Lantern and Colonel Sanders crossover comic book and, of course, try some chicken and biscuits in a distinct dining room.

Parts of Harland Sanders Café and Museum were closed for renovations at the time of publication. It is scheduled to reopen in 2022.

Address: 688 U.S. Highway 25 W, Corbin, KY 40701

Creation Museum

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of the Creation Museum

From curators not sold on the Big Bang Theory — the astronomical event, not the comedy series — the Creation Museum is dedicated to "creation science," an explanation of human existence drawn straight from the pages of the Bible. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly half of Kentucky's adult population identifies as evangelical Protestant. In a survey by the same group, 67% of respondents believed humans have always existed in our present form or evolved due to God's design. Regardless of what you think, the Creation Museum offers a unique perspective on the origin of life with more than 140 exhibits.

Admission costs about $45 for adults and $25 for kids ages 11 to 17, while children under 10 are free. A companion exhibit features a life-sized replica of Noah's Ark about 40 miles south.

Address: 2800 Bullittsburg Church Road, Petersburg, KY 41080

Conrad-Caldwell House Museum

Top things to do in kentucky

Timothy Miller | Courtesy of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum

This house museum with an alliterative name and design — Richardsonian Romanesque — particularly delights fans of HBO's "Gilded Age." The Conrad-Caldwell house, originally constructed in 1895, is a prime example of Louisville's elaborate Victorian architecture. Louisville holds the distinction of having the highest concentration of Victorian homes in the country. Surround yourself with beautiful objects on a tour of the home, which was purchased by William Caldwell in 1908.

Caldwell's firm was responsible for the creation of the giant bat at the Louisville Slugger Museum and the Mickey Mouse ears at Walt Disney World . Self-guided and docent-led tours of the Conrad-Caldwell House Museum cost from $8 to $12 and can be reserved online.

Address: 1402 Saint James Court, Louisville, KY 40208

Dinosaur World

Top things to do in kentucky

With a name like Cave City, Kentucky, maybe it's not all that surprising that visitors will find hundreds of life-size dinosaur figures in the town. While it might seem a little cheesy initially, past travelers to Dinosaur World rave that the colorful statues and interactive "fossil digs" were a huge hit with their kids and more fun than they originally expected. Walking trails and an indoor museum encourage visitors to learn about their ancient ancestors.

Admission costs $15.75 for adults, with discounted rates for children and seniors. For about $6 more, visitors can purchase an Excavation Pass, which allows them to "excavate" shiny rocks, minerals and bones to take home. Unlike prehistoric times, Dinosaur World is a dog-friendly attraction for leash-trained pups. A 5,000-square-foot gift shop might add to the bill, but Dinosaur World encourages families to bring their own food and drink.

Address: 711 Mammoth Cave Road, Cave City, KY 42127

Newport Aquarium

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of Newport Aquarium

Do the words "shark rope bridge" instill fear or excitement? If it's the latter, you're in for a treat at Kentucky's Newport Aquarium. Considered one of the best aquariums in the country, Newport Aquarium is known for its sharks above all else. Walk through a glass tunnel while these sea predators swim above and around you. Or, if you're extra daring, attempt to cross the Shark Bridge, a suspended rope bridge where thrill-seekers can walk inches above the 385,000-gallon shark and fish tank (free with admission). Of course, there's more on display at this lively aquarium, including penguins, crocodiles, stingrays and an exhibit featuring eels that dwell in an old shipwreck.

The museum is located in Newport, Kentucky, and tickets start at $59.99, with discounts available for children and seniors.

Address: 1 Aquarium Way, Newport, KY 41071

Pleasant Hill Shaker Village

Top things to do in kentucky

Shaker is a sect of the Quaker religion, and Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, has the largest restored Shaker community in the United States. Most people might know of them from their sought-after furniture designs, but the Shakers have a fascinating history. The Pleasant Hill Shaker Village began in 1805 and lasted until 1910. Now, just 34 of the original 250 pre-Civil War buildings have been restored, but visitors can immerse themselves in 3,000 acres of craft demonstrations, history exhibits and 40 miles of hiking trails that cross organic gardens and cow pastures.

Pleasant Hill's Shaker Village, about 25 miles southwest of Lexington, Kentucky, is free to visit; however, a $10 donation is suggested for hikers, and admission for tours and exhibits starts at $14.

Address: 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Take a gander at the Mother Goose House

Top things to do in kentucky

Is there anything more amusing than a house with a goose on top? We're not talking about Canadian geese — the Mother Goose house in Hazard, Kentucky, features a 15-foot goose structure resting on a round stone home with egg-shaped windows. The avian idea was that of George Stacy, who built the home for him and his wife between 1935 and 1940. Its origins are slightly more grim than its whimsical appearance suggests, with Stacy killing an actual goose to use its bones as a blueprint. The fantastical structure continues to stand today, despite a temporary goose decapitation due to high winds in March 2021. Though its creator has passed on, the home is still occupied 80 years later. Driving along Interstate 476, it's hard to miss.

Address: 2906 N. Main St., Hazard, KY 41701

Cozy up at The National Quilt Museum

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of The National Quilt Museum

Past travelers, who visit from all 50 states and more than 40 countries, generally agree that this textile museum is one of the top attractions in Paducah, Kentucky. The National Quilt Museum describes itself as displaying "the finest quilting and fiber art in the world." With 600 quilts in its collection, the museum offers rotating displays, with thousands more submissions for consideration sent in each year. World-class quilters decide on new additions to the museum based on quality and diversity, and the museum prides itself on a well-rounded contemporary collection.

Visitors note that the museum is artistic and not kitschy, defying expectations of what a quilt museum can be. Tickets to the museum start at $12, with discounts available for seniors and students, while children under 12 are free.

Address: 215 Jefferson St., Paducah, KY 42001

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Top things to do in kentucky

Ponies and chicken aside, the most famous Kentucky offering is its American-style whiskey, known as bourbon. Dozens of working bourbon distilleries are operating in Kentucky today; the state produces 95 percent of the world's bourbon, with more than two aging barrels for every resident, at any given time. It's a $9 billion industry, and travelers can experience it firsthand with a distillery tour — or two, or three. Locations for favorites like Jim Beam and Maker's Mark are sprinkled between Louisville, Lexington and Frankfort, the Kentucky state capital, with one outlier — Green River Distilling — out west in Owensboro, Kentucky. Of course, you can pick and choose your favorite brands to visit, or you can go whole hog by following Kentucky's official Bourbon Trail, a liquid adventure across 18 distilleries lasting an estimated four days.

Sip sweet wine at Purple Toad Winery

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of Purple Toad Winery

If you don't drink the brown stuff, head to Purple Toad Winery, Kentucky's largest winery and a traveler-favorite attraction in Paducah. Visitors to the 25,000-square-foot facility will find a staggering more than 40 types of wine, including seasonal and test varietals in addition to best-selling bottles. Tastings are free and include up to eight wines for oenophiles to enjoy. Sweet wines are Purple Toad Winery's specialty, with inventive combinations like a mango chardonnay and a strawberry jalapeno wine. Wine-tasting is one of the best things to do in Kentucky in November, or throughout the fall, due to cool temperatures and ripe grapes.

Nonalcoholic fruit punch slushies are available for purchase, and pets on a leash are welcome on the grounds.

Address: 4275 Old U.S. Highway 45 S, Paducah, KY 42003

Mary Todd Lincoln House

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of Mary Todd Lincoln House

Head to Lexington to connect with the life of former First Lady Mary Todd Lincoln in her childhood home. The Federal-style house was built in 1806 and designated as a museum in 1977, making it the first historic site dedicated to a first lady. Mary's life was not without complexities, including the assassination of her husband, President Abraham Lincoln. The museum strives to shed light on her whole life, including her years outside the White House. On the museum's website, a 1-mile walking tour guide is available for download, which allows visitors to experience Lexington as the Lincolns might have.

Admission to the museum costs $15 for adults and $6 for children ages 6 through 17, and children 5 and younger are free. The Mary Todd Lincoln House is only open seasonally, mid-March through November, and closed on Sundays.

Address: 578 W. Main St., Lexington, KY 40507

Journey to Germany via MainStrasse Village

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of John Lair

The address might say Covington, Kentucky, but Deutschland inspired this tourist town. MainStrasse (Main Street) Village is a National Historic District and includes examples of 19 th -century homes, businesses and restaurants. The shopping and dining district blends wheat beer with bourbon and polka with Dixieland music for a unique convergence of the American South and Western Europe. MainStrasse is the place to be year-round for festivals and events like Mardi Gras, Oktoberfest (of course) and more offbeat gatherings, like the "World's Longest Yard Sale" in August.

Address: 406 W. 6th St., Convington, KY 41014

Red River Gorge: The Grand Canyon of Kentucky

Top things to do in kentucky

Explorer Daniel Boone first took in the scenery of the Red River Gorge in the 1700s, and tourists today can explore the aptly named Daniel Boone National Forest in several ways. The Red River Gorge is an acclaimed climbing and rappelling destination, but more risk-averse visitors can also hike, kayak or drive along the scenic byway. Hourlong kayak tours take travelers through the Gorge Underground, an unground portion of the canyon system that's easily navigated with a gentle paddle and a headlamp.

Red River Gorge is about 70 miles southeast of Lexington, and those looking to spend the night can reserve a campsite at the nearby Natural Bridge State Resort Park.

Address: 3451 Sky Bridge Road, Stanton, KY 40380

Stretch your legs at the Paducah Riverwalk

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of Paducah CVB

Architectural Digest recognizes historic downtown Paducah, Kentucky, as one of the most beautiful main streets in America. See what the fuss is about as you familiarize yourself with this town by foot; it boasts more historical markers per capita than anywhere else in the state. Paducah sits in the southwestern corner of Kentucky and is separated from Illinois by the Ohio River. Along the Paducah waterfront, pedestrians can enjoy views of the river and (occasionally) the paddle wheel boats that still navigate it.

Past travelers praise the lively floodwall murals and the peaceful waterfront views. If you do get tired of walking, a free trolley regularly runs through historic downtown.

Address: Riverfront at Broadway & Kentucky Ave., Paducah, KY 42001

Catch a Wildcats or Cardinals game

Top things to do in kentucky

Sports are always in season in Kentucky, with college baseball games held February through May and college basketball games October to March. The state's two most prominent sports programs are the University of Kentucky's Wildcats and the University of Louisville's Cardinals. The Wildcats play baseball games at the Joe Craft Center in Lexington, and the Cardinals shoot hoops at the KFC Yum! Center in Louisville.

College sports are a big deal in these parts, and both colleges are known to sell out games. Buy tickets early or opt for a less popular sport when you know you want to catch a game. If you're rooting for the Wildcats, go blue; otherwise, be sure to dress in your best reds for the Cardinals.

Address: 338 Lexington Ave., Lexington, KY 40506 (Joe Craft Center); 1 Arena Plaza, Louisville, KY 40202 (KFC Yum! Center)

Frazier History Museum

Top things to do in kentucky

Courtesy of Frazier History Museum

From the explorations of Lewis and Clark to the largest public collection of toys soldiers in the world, the Frazier History Museum in Louisville provides patrons with an eclectic mix of historical curiosities. Visitors have commented that they particularly enjoy being able to take in the unusual artifacts, like President Theodore Roosevelt's "big stick," while sipping bourbon — for educational purposes only, of course. Temporary exhibits buffer the museum's permanent collection, like "West of Ninth," a photography exhibition that comments on race, and "Border State," which delves into Kentucky's role in the American Civil War.

General admission is $14, with discounted rates available for students, seniors, children and military members.

Address: 829 W. Main St., Louisville, KY 40202

You may also be interested in:

  • The Best Hotels in Kentucky
  • The Best Weekend Getaways in the South
  • The Top Weekend Getaways From Chicago
  • The Top Restaurants in Louisville, Kentucky

Tags: Travel , US Vacations , Southeast Vacations

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best beach wagons.

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross March 13, 2024

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

Best New Orleans Cemetery Tours

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson March 13, 2024

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

The Best Whale Watching Tours in Maui

Lyn Mettler March 11, 2024

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

The Best Luggage Sets

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood and Amanda Norcross March 11, 2024

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

19 Best Ireland Tours

John Rodwan March 8, 2024

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

The Top Family Resorts in the Bahamas

Sharael Kolberg March 8, 2024

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

The Top Everglades Airboat & Swamp Tours

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson March 7, 2024

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

Top Luxury Alaska Cruises

Gwen Pratesi March 7, 2024

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

The Best Spas in Las Vegas

Reannon Muth March 7, 2024

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

The Best Beach Tents

Amanda Norcross March 6, 2024

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

45 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Kentucky

By: Author Jerric Chong

Posted on Published: November 2, 2019  - Last updated: October 15, 2023

Things To Do In Kentucky

Kentucky is a great state, filled with a wide range of different attractive locations, from fun and unique spots to serene and peaceful natural parks making it one of the best places to go on vacation .

Still not sure what to do while you’re in the state?

Here are 45 things to do and places to visit in Kentucky.

Table of Contents

1. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Alexey Stiop / Shutterstock

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is located inside one of the most stunning vacation spots in the state of Kentucky: the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Spanning 1,657 acres and boasting a campground with 50 sites, a restaurant looking out to the river, a lodge, and a visitor’s center it’s among the best the state has to offer.

While you’re in the park, you can visit Cumberland Falls, which arches 68 feet into the air, or even Eagle Falls, which falls second place at a still-impressive 44 feet tall.

You can take your time doing all sorts of things, like white water rafting, hiking, fishing, biking, horseback riding, catching a moonbow, and more.

On top of that, there are also a good number of events that occur throughout the year, so if you’re lucky, you’ll be in the park at the right time to enjoy them.

The Overnight Canoe Adventures, the Kentucky Hills Craft Festival, the Native American Weekend, and the Nature Photography Weekend are all great!

Address:  7351 Hwy 90, Corbin, KY 40701, United States

2. Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum

James R. Martin / Shutterstock

We all know about Kentucky Fried Chicken, the scrumptious fast food that’s become famous all around the world.

But what do you know about Colonel Harland Sanders, the man behind the KFC crave?

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum was the first restaurant that the Colonel ever opened.

It’s quite different from most other KFC outlets you’ll find today.

It contains a close replica of the kitchen that Sanders worked in back in the 1940s, and it’s full of historical information that will tell you all about the cafe’s rise to fame.

It’s safe to say that visiting the place where the first KFC chicken was served in the 11 herbs and spices of its glory is among the most fun things to do in Kentucky!

Address:  688 Hwy 25, Corbin, KY 40701, United States

3. Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs

Thomas Kelley / Shutterstock

Love races? Pop down to Churchill Downs , where you can watch the Kentucky Derby!

It is among the most famous and prestigious events in the state, and it’s extremely exciting to attend.

So if this weekend is the first Sunday in May and you’re in Louisville at the time, this is an event you just can’t miss out on!

You can place bets if you’re into gambling, or you can just enjoy the thoroughbred horses dashing by.

If you go off-season, don’t worry – you can tour the grounds.

There is also a Kentucky Derby Museum on-site that you can visit anytime.

It documents the history of this event since its beginnings in 1875 and holds plenty of fascinating artifacts, including items that once belonged to some of the most famous horse trainers.

It also educates visitors on how horses are bred and trained, and a cemetery outside pays tribute to past champions.

Address:  700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, United States

Planning a trip to Louisville soon? Be sure to check out our awesome list of things to do in Louisville, KY .

4. Louisville Mega Cavern

Louisville Mega Cavern

Selbe / flickr

The Louisville Mega Cavern is among the most stunning Kentucky attractions in the state.

It is comprised of man-made caverns and tunnels that span 17 miles beneath Louisville.

Originally, the caverns were used as a limestone quarry, but mining stopped in the 1970s and the place sat empty for a while before being turned into a storage facility.

Now, it is among the top spots for tourists to visit, especially traveling families.

Inside, you can learn about how the cavern works and find out about its rich history in a variety of ways.

You can go on a Mega Zips zipline tour, which is the world’s one and only zip line course that is fully underground, or opt for a Mega Tram adventure, or go on an electric bike tour.

During the holiday season, you can also enjoy a 30-minute light show in the cavern!

Address:  1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213, United States

5. Kentucky State Capitol

Kentucky State Capitol

The Kentucky State Capitol can be found in Frankfort, and many consider it among the top 10 most beautiful capitols in the nation.

With architecture designed by Frank Mills Andrews, it is a grand and opulent structure.

Its most loved luxurious feature is probably its huge marble staircase (and other staircases within).

It truly feels like a rich, lush experience, and it’ll be like you’ve left the state altogether!

If you like, you can take a guided tour around the capitol building and be blown away by the Opera Garnier-inspired designs within.

You can also see the First Lady Doll Collection while you’re there!

Address:  700 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

6. Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory

Joe Hendrickson / Shutterstock

If you’re looking for what to do in Kentucky, why not celebrate the state’s wealth of history in baseball?

The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is a location that showcases the long and rich history of Louisville Slugger bats, as well as their role in America’s sports over the decades.

One of the most photo-worthy items isn’t inside the factory or the museum, but instead at the entrance: a gigantic replica of the Louisville Slugger used by Babe Ruth, standing 120 feet tall.

Once you’re done marveling at that, you can step inside the factory and learn about how the bats are made, then go to the museum to learn even more!

The Louisville Slugger Museum has plenty of fascinating exhibits.

It holds iconic bats, such as the one used by Joe DiMaggio during his impressive hitting streak of 56 games, the one used by Hank Aaron when he scored his 700th home run, and one used by Babe Ruth to hit 21 home runs in 1927.

You can even hold Andre Dawson or Micky Mantle’s bat!

The museum has its fair share of unique items, too, like a baseball glove made from 17 tons of limestone, batting cages, and a pitching simulator!

Address:  800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States

7. Red River Gorge

Red River Gorge

Irina Mos / Shutterstock

The Red River Gorge is among the most gorgeous spots to go site seeing in the state of Kentucky.

It can be found in the Daniel Boone National Forest and it has some of the most renowned natural arches of stone in the world.

Its sandstone cliffs and formations of unique rock draw in tourists and rock climbers alike.

Apart from being great to look at, the Red River Gorge is an official national geological area.

You can trap or hunt animals in the area (following guidelines by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife), go on a hike, row a canoe, or enjoy a picnic!

Don’t forget to stop by the Sky Bridge for a truly breathtaking experience.

Address:  Robbie Ridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380, United States

8. Keeneland

Keeneland

Can’t go to Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby?

Then head to Keeneland , which has another important race track.

It’s not just one of the most fun of the tourist attractions in the state, but it’s also a National Historic Landmark!

Keeneland was originally founded in 1936, and since then, it has been a crucial player in the industry and sector of thoroughbred horse breeding and racing.

In 2015, it was home to the Breeders’ Cup, which saw triple crown winner American Pharoah take home the number one ranking.

The races in Keeneland run in April and in October, so if you’re in the state during this time, drop by to watch champion horses training hard from the moment the sun rises.

Horse auctions also take place during this time, and you can eat some of the offered bread pudding as you watch!

Address:  4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510, United States

9. Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate

Ashland Henry Clay Estate

The Ashland Henry Clay Estate is a plantation mansion that is yet another National Historic Landmark in Kentucky.

It was home to Henry Clay, a famous Kentucky statesman, and his family up until his passing in 1852.

The property is located in the middle of many other high-class homes, and it’s among the best ways to catch a glimpse into the lives of upper-class citizens in the 19th century.

Entering the mansion costs a small admission fee and takes you on a tour that lasts for an hour, allowing you to view the Federal architecture and the subtle Italianate details.

Visitors hear about Henry Clay’s life and his history, and during the holiday season, you can even go on a Candlelight Tour!

If you don’t want to pay admission, you can also walk around the ground for free.

Glance inside the carriage house, examine the privy, admire the wide-reaching and well-manicured land and hedges, and enjoy the view.

If you’re looking for what to see in Kentucky that’s free, this is a good option!

Address:  120 Sycamore Rd, Lexington, KY 40502, United States

10. Breaks Interstate Park

Breaks Interstate Park

Eli Christman / flickr

Breaks Interstate Park is basically referred to as the unofficial Grand Canyon of the south of America.

Covering area over the border between Virginia and Kentucky, it houses the deepest gorge that you can find in the east area of Mississippi.

Daniel Boone was the man behind its original discovery, and it now is a great place that tourists go sightseeing in!

You can choose to stay in one of the lodges, go rafting, or enjoy the novelty of being right on a state line.

It’s a great spot for nature lovers!

Address:  627 Commission Cir, Breaks, VA 24607, United States

11. Mary Todd Lincoln House

Mary Todd Lincoln House

The Mary Todd Lincoln House is among the points of interest that you simply must stop by while you’re visiting the best places that Kentucky has to offer.

It is here that Mary Todd Lincoln, who was the wife of 16th President Abraham Lincoln.

Originally built as a tavern and inn, it was purchased by the Todds in 1832.

Now, the home is open to visitors.

Tours run year-round from April to November, both for groups and for private sessions, and you can enter and survey the fascinating home – now a museum – and its fourteen beautiful rooms.

Personal belongings of the Lincoln and Todd families are exhibited, as well as plenty of furniture and decor that comes from that period.

Address:  578 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507, United States

12. Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge

Cara Siera / Shutterstock

The Natural Bridge is among the most beautiful places you can find in Kentucky.

Situated near to the famous (and previously discussed) Red River Gorge, it is located within the Natural Bridge Park, which is free of charge to enter, making it among the coolest free things to do in Kentucky.

The Natural Bridge itself is 65 feet high and 78 feet long.

The imposing sandstone arch is truly an incredible sight and isn’t too difficult to get to.

But it’s not just the bridge itself that you can have fun at; the whole park has plenty to enjoy!

There are hiking trails such as the Original Trail to the bridge and the Sand Gap Trail which stretches 7.5 miles through a logging road.

Want to stay in the park?

You can opt to stay at a seasonal campground or rent a room or cottage at the serene Hemlock Lodge.

You can also skip out on walking altogether and take a paid sky lift over the National Bridge to view it.

Address:  2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, United States

13. Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History

Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History

Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History

The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History is fittingly located in the town that is widely considered the world’s bourbon capital: Bardstown, Kentucky.

The museum is filled with items from the collection of Oscar Getz, an executive in the liquor business from Chicago .

He had originally purchased a distillery and filled it with collectibles, whiskey treasures, and memorabilia.

Eventually, his whiskey-themed collection grew so large that he wanted to make it a private museum – but his wife flat out refused!

So he decided to pay for a seminary to be restored in Bardstown, and the 200-year-old building became the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History.

The Getz family has kept admission open and without charge, making a trip here among the most fun free things to do in the area.

It holds artifacts, documents, photographs, and information surrounding American whiskey and its in-depth history through the country’s many eras.

While here, you’ll be able to view the still of George Washington, the liquor license of Abraham Lincoln, a huge number of priceless whiskey bottles, and some antique collectible bottles for sale.

No samples are provided, but if you’re in Bardstown this weekend, you simply can’t miss a trip here!

Address:  114 N 5th St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States

14. Fort Knox

Fort Knox 2

ChicagoPhotographer / Shutterstock

Fort Knox spans 109,000 acres and is one of the most renowned army posts in all of America – not just in Kentucky.

It is the location that houses and has housed the Army Human Resources Command, United States Bullion Depository, Accessions Command, and more.

You can’t go inside the fort’s gold depository, unfortunately, and you won’t get a glimpse of the whopping 5,000 tons of gold within.

But you can take a picture there and visit one of the most interesting Kentucky attractions: the General George Patton Museum

Within this museum, you’ll find a weapons collection all carefully designed by none other than Leonardo da Vinci, a display of the Remembrance Walls, education exhibits, and even events for Veteran Appreciation Day.

Address:  Fort Knox, KY 40121, United States

15. Cumberland Gap National Park

Cumberland Gap National Park

anthony heflin / Shutterstock

The Cumberland Gap National Park is one of the best Kentucky destinations for nature-lovers and their families to have fun.

There are hiking trails that stretch over 80 miles, with some as short as half a mile and some as long as 20 miles.

The Cumberland Gap is the subject of one of the most interesting myths of Kentucky: that Daniel Boone crossed over the gap and made a lovely statement: that, in the sun, the grass appeared blue over the border.

Regardless of the truth behind this story, it’s definitely a delightful tale – and now you can walk around that same gap yourself!

Address:  91 Bartlett Park Road, Middlesboro, KY 40965, United States

Learn how to plan a trip the right way to make incredible memories that will stay with you and your loved ones forever!

16. Vent Haven Museum

Vent Haven Museum

5chw4r7z / flickr

The Vent Haven Museum is one of the most fascinating and strange places to visit in Kentucky.

It is home to a wide range of ventriloquism artifacts, born from William Shakespeare Berger’s collection.

He was a businessman and an International Brotherhood of Ventriloquists president.

Berger’s collection grew and grew for over six decades, and the museum holds many, including some of the best and most rare!

Enjoy the sight of 700 dolls, all lined up with their big wooden heads.

You may recognize many from the fame of old TV programs!

For extra entertainment, stop by this Kentucky museum in July so you can attend a ventriloquist convention that has more than 400 of these performers flocking in and putting on a unique show!

Address:  33 W Maple Ave, Fort Mitchell, KY 41011, United States

17. Diamond Caverns

Diamond Caverns

James St. John / flickr

The Diamond Caverns are a truly must-see Kentucky location.

First found in 1859, the caverns have been open to the public for tours and exploration for over a century.

Lighting sources line the cave, right under ceilings full of gorgeous stalactites.

You’ll walk along a paved cement floor that leads you through the twisting caves.

If you’re looking for unique and beautiful sites to see, the Diamond Caverns are up there among the greatest in Kentucky.

Tours are available all year round!

Address:  1900 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Park City, KY 42160, United States

18. Newport Aquarium

Newport Aquarium

Rosamar / Shutterstock

Newport Aquarium is one of the most fun and exciting tourist attractions that you’ll see in Kentucky.

It holds more than 14 galleries and over 70 different exhibits, many of which are interactive.

The Newport Aquarium offers a fantastic way to learn more about marine and aquatic life.

Five tunnels lead the way through the aquarium, each one leading to different “habitats” that will make you feel like you’ve left Kentucky and are in a coastal island somewhere!

There is the Surrounded by Sharks area where you can be closer to these intimidating fish.

The Gator Alley that is full of alligators.

The Amazon Tunnel that shows off the Arapaima.

The Dangerous but Deadly attraction that will make you gasp, the Kroger Penguin Palooza, the jellyfish gallery, the stingray touch-tank, and more!

Address:  1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071, United States

19. Wooldridge Monuments

Wooldridge Monuments

Wooldridge Monuments

The Wooldridge Monuments are an eerie, creepy set of statues that are among the top scary spots in Kentucky.

They consist of 18 different monuments, all commissioned by a man named Colonel Henry G. Wooldridge to commemorate those he lost throughout his life.

This includes his family, two dogs, a horse, and other loved ones.

13 of these monuments depict people, while 5 depict animals.

All the monuments gaze in the same direction, looking over Mayfield, which is a quiet little cemetery.

It’s odd to think of a cemetery as one of the places to visit on a vacation, but The Strange Procession Which Never Moves is more than worth the trip!

Address: Lockridge Street, Intersection with North Sixth Street, Mayfield, KY 42066, United States

20. Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

rukawajung / Shutterstock

The Mammoth Cave National Park can be found in the Caveland Corridor of Kentucky, which is also known as the Land of 10,000 Sinks.

The karstic vibes of the location make it an amazing place to visit, and Mammoth Cave itself is actually among the oldest cave systems across the globe.

The park has plenty of options and activities for you to explore.

You can survey any of the 400 miles of Mammoth Cave passages, seek out the 200-foot-tall Mammoth Dome, visit the intimidating Frozen Niagra, view the Crystal Lake, and examine the huge limestone pillars of the Ruins of Karnak.

Mammoth Cave National Park is one of the cool places that’s educational, fun, and stunning all at once.

You can go horseback riding, canoeing, cycling, kayaking, hiking, and more!

And don’t forget the Mammoth Cave Adventures, which features a safe but exciting experience on a Tarzan Swing, a pair of zipline courses, and a tower drop.

Address: 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway, Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 42259, United States

21. Big Four Bridge

Big Four Bridge

Bridget Calip / Shutterstock

The Big Four Bridge was once a truss bridge for a rail system.

Now, it’s a bicycle bridge and a pedestrian walkway that leads from Kentucky to Indiana , letting you visit multiple vacation spots at once.

It spans 2,525 feet and arches over the gorgeous Ohio River, and it’s one of the best ways to get from one state to another in a relaxed manner.

If you like, you can exit the bridge to visit the Louisville Waterfront Park.

This park has 85 acres of land and is perfect for picnics, jogging, walking, and cycling.

You can even visit the amphitheater, let your kids play at a designated play area, explore tree groves and a riverside esplanade, or even visit at the right time to see events, fairs, or concerts.

Of course, you can also just enjoy the walk through the bridge.

Go at night to see a beautiful light show; its beauty and grace are sure to blow your mind.

It’s a great way to end a nice long day of walking, and the whole family can enjoy it!

Address:  1101 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, United States

22. Kentucky Artisan Center

Kentucky Artisan Center

James Kirkikis / Shutterstock

The Kentucky Artisan Center holds a wide range of artisan works, but not in an ordinary museum-style showcase.

Instead, it’s a mix of a shopping center, exhibition area, and gallery, all in one that covers 25,000 square feet.

Almost 700 different local artisans sell their creations here, ranging from steel and metal works, note cards, glass crafts, jewelry, pottery, furniture, woodcraft, specialty foods, paper, and fiber crafts, pastels, photographs, paintings, and more.

The center is generally meant to function as a rest stop and an information center all in one.

It’s one of the things to do in KY that is easy to stop by, even in the middle of your journey to another location this weekend!

Address:  200 Artisan Way, Berea, KY 40403, United States

23. Muhammad Ali Center

Muhammad Ali Center

Fans of boxing will love the Muhammad Ali Center , which showcases the life and time of the man, the myth, the legend, the Louisville Lip, The Greatest, and all the other names we’ve used to refer to one of the most incredible sportsmen of all time.

An orientation film is first shown to visitors who arrive to give a general overview of the legendary boxer, and then you’re led in to enjoy the exhibits.

You’ll be able to view interactive displays that teach you about Ali’s life, religion, philanthropy, and career, artifacts from his world, educational exhibits that discuss his symbolic power during the fight for Civil Rights.

If you want some extra fun, you can head back to an exhibit that showcases a close replica of Ali’s own practice room, which offers you a chance to learn some cool boxing moves and even try to punch a speed bag.

Exhibits in the Kentucky museum’s three galleries change regularly, and you have the chance to watch videos of Ali, shadowbox with him, and more!

Address:  144 N 6th St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States

24. Creation Museum

Creation Museum

The Creation Museum is one of the best of the Kentucky attractions you can find.

It measures 75,000 square feet and calls Petersburg, Kentucky its home.

It first opened up in 2006, and since then, it has served as a presentation of the history of the universe as told by the book of Genesis in the Bible – as literally as possible!

It focuses on the first six days of the world as said in the book through 160 unique exhibits.

Even if you’re not a Christian, you can still enjoy the historical significance and fascinating features of the Creation Museum.

Walk through the God’s Word exhibit and see the life-size dinosaurs, have a picnic in the botanical Garden of Eden, visit the Tower of Babel, interact with the petting zoo, explore the “construction site” of Noah’s Ark, or watch a theater presentation, among other things (like a zip line and planetarium)!

Address:  2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd, Petersburg, KY 41080, United States

25. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Piotr Kalinowski Photos / Shutterstock

The Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area is among the most beautiful places that you can find in Kentucky.

It is situated between Barkley Lake and Kentucky Lake and was made a national recreation area by President John Kennedy in 1963.

There’s plenty that you can see here, ranging from simple hiking trails to a breathtaking elk and bison prairie, including the biggest herd of bison that is publicly owned on this side of the Mississippi River.

The land itself is also an inland peninsula that is the second biggest in the country at 360 square miles.

While you’re here, you can enjoy water sports like swimming, fishing, boating, skiing, and more.

You can also take your chance at spotting wildlife, such as bobcats, deer, eagles, and osprey.

There are a good number of historic areas to see, too.

On top of that, you should also take a trip to Homeplace, which is also in the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

It is a recreated farm from the 1850s, and all staff in the area are dressed in costumes from the time and showcase period-typical crop-growing techniques.

Address:  238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, United States

26. Perryville Battlefield

Perryville Battlefield

Nicole Bergman / Shutterstock

For those who love war history, the Perryville Battlefield is among the most cool things to do in the state of Kentucky.

After all, the Battle of Perryville – often also called the Battle of Chaplin Hills – is certainly among the most bloody and deadly battles in the Civil War.

More than that, Perryville Battlefield is a National Register of Historic Places site and a National Historic Landmark.

Many of the original buildings on the field still remain, even though they’re mostly nearly two centuries old.

The Perryville Battlefield also offers one of the most fun activities you’ll find of this nature: a recreation of the infamous battle.

The re-enactment occurs at a certain time every year, so check in advance if you want to catch it!

Address:  1825 Battlefield Rd, Perryville, KY 40468, United States

27. Kentucky Kingdom

Kentucky Kingdom

VEX Robotics / flickr

The Kentucky Kingdom is a fun theme park full of awesome and exciting stuff to do.

It first opened its doors to the public in 1987, and since then, it has been further developed to add even more rides and roller coasters.

Ed Hart, who bought the park before, bought it again later in order to refurbish it and reopen it in 2014.

Now, it boasts five roller coasters, and plenty of new entertainment options have been added, including a 5D cinema, a river ride, a ferris wheel, a playground, water rides, and more!

Some of these rides are truly extreme, but there’s something for all ages and preferences.

Don’t forget to visit Hurricane Bay, too, which is another theme park right next door and specializes in water rides!

Address:  937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209, United States

28. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park

Nagel Photography / Shutterstock

The 16th American president was born in Kentucky, and the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site celebrates that as one of the best and most symbolic tourist attractions you’ll find in the state.

But the site isn’t just one specific area: it’s a collection of awesome things to see.

You can tour the John Russell Pope-designed First Lincoln Memorial of pink granite and marble, which has 56 steps that lead up to the peak.

These represent every year of Lincoln’s life.

The birth cabin of Lincoln is symbolically represented in one of the aforementioned locations.

There is also the Sinking Spring, which is where the president first drank water from after he was born.

Then, you can take a trip to Knob Creek, which is where Lincoln and his family moved later on.

Address:  2995 Lincoln Farm Rd, Hodgenville, KY 42748, United States

29. My Old Kentucky Home State Park

My Old Kentucky Home State Park

The My Old Kentucky Home State Park is among the places to see in the state that has plenty of things to do.

It houses a campground with 39 spots, the Kenny Rapier Golf Course with 18 holes, a conference space, a wedding space, and The Stephen Foster Story, a touching outdoor musical with 50 years under its belt.

Of course, the top famous spot in the state park is Federal Hill, which has the titular My Old Kentucky Home.

It was once the home of John Rowan, the US Senator, and is now open for tourist visits.

It is a very crucial political site in America, and its architecture is a sight for sore eyes.

The home has a garden house, a stable, windowsills, and mantels that are meticulously carved by hand, a brick exterior, and more.

In addition, the staff there dress in period outfits and spout interesting facts as they bring you around on tours.

Address:  501 E Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States

30. Shaker Village

Shaker Village

Shackleford Photography / Shutterstock

Shaker Village is located on Pleasant Hill in Kentucky, and it began as a Shaker community that was founded in 1805 and stayed active until 1910.

It now has 2,800 acres of stunning farmland for you to enjoy, as well as a whopping 34 buildings that are original from the 19th century, all built with Shaker-unique methods.

Farmers, historians, and more continue to maintain the village, and there are countless different fun activities, tours, and events that you can take part in.

You can learn about the techniques implemented by the community of Shakers way back when, so you’ll be taught how gardening and farming worked in those days.

You can also go sightseeing around some of the 30-mile land trails, stay in The Inn, explore the Shaker buildings complete with period furniture, genuine hardwood floors, and more.

Plus, check out the wildlife preserve to check out a bird blind, programs guided by naturalists, and more.

Address:  3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, United States

Check out some of these incredible travel hacks to make your trip fun and memorable!

31. Castle Post

Castle Post

Michelle Foley / Shutterstock

Castle Post is one of the points of interest in Kentucky that will truly take you back in time.

It looks like an establishment straight out of old, medieval times, and not much like a castle, but it’s a stunning site that now serves as a Bed and Breakfast.

Castle Post was originally called Martin Castle, named after the man who constructed it after visiting Europe and being inspired.

But the man and his wife divorced during construction, causing the castle to be stuck unfinished.

It wasn’t until Thomas R. Post purchased it that it began to grow again.

A fire then happened, causing the site to have to be rebuilt.

But the fire spurred Post to make the site the best it could be.

He added a garden, a library, a ballroom, and more.

Castle Post as it is known today was finally opened in 2008, but many still remember the countless rumors that surrounded it in its time abandoned.

Address: 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, United States

32. Dinosaur World

Dinosaur World, Kentucky

Dinosaur World, Kentucky

Dinosaur World is one of the fun things to do in Kentucky that you shouldn’t miss, especially if you have kids!

This Dinosaur World is just one of three in a franchise, all made by Christer Svensson, a Swedish businessman who turned a Florida alligator farm into the Dinosaur World in that state.

Located near to Cave City, the Kentucky branch of Dinosaur World is marked by a huge tyrannosaurus rex figure that sits on the I-65 highway.

While you’re here, you can walk through the park and see over 100 different life-sized dinosaur statues, which wind through a gorgeous green forest, filled with raptor claws and dinosaur “egg”s.

Kids can drop by the playground, or maybe to go to the fossil dig instead.

And of course, the whole family can enjoy eating in a picnic area nearby.

Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop to buy books, fossils, toys, eggs, and more.

Address:  711 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, United States

33. National Quilt Museum

National Quilt Museum

David Hedrich / Shutterstock

Visiting the National Quilt Museum is a little unusual on the list of fun and enjoyable Kentucky activities, but there’s a reason it attracts more than 100,000 visitors!

Within the museum, three galleries showcase unique exhibits that rotate throughout the year to provide something new with each visit.

This Kentucky museum focuses on providing advocating for quilting as an art form and educating visitors on its ins and outs.

Kids can even enjoy student programs that are totally free!

Exhibits in this museum look amazing, and you’d probably think that they were pictures, stained glass artwork, or oil paintings at first glance.

Bright, enticing colors make the quilts pop and catch your eye immediately.

If you’re really a die-hard fan of quilting, you can even pay for a guided tour this weekend!

Address:  215 Jefferson St, Paducah, KY 42001, United States

34. Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders

Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders

Vicki L. Miller / Shutterstock

We’ve already talked about Colonel Harland Sanders, the genius behind Kentucky Fried Chicken.

In Cave Hill Cemetery, the Grave of Colonel Harland Sanders rests, decorated by a bust of the man himself, which was sculpted by Sanders’ own daughter, Margaret.

Sure, it’s not the most common of tourist attractions, but it’s among the best to go if you want to pay your respects to this culinary legend.

He was buried in his famous string bow tie and white suit, appearing iconic throughout his life and to his passing.

Address: 701 Baxter Ave, Louisville, KY 40204, United States

35. Floodwall Murals

Floodwall Murals

Jimmy Emerson, DVM / flickr

The city of Paducah is one of the Kentucky destinations that many want to visit, and while you’re there, you might as well check out one of the best things that this Kentucky location has to offer: the Floodwall Murals.

The mural is rendered on a floodwall that was erected after a flood in 1937 devastated the area.

Since then, almost 50 murals have been added to the huge concrete structure, all designed by Robert Dafford and finished in the 1990s and 2000s.

Each painting shows the country’s post-colonial history, indicating the past of the beautiful city, and they all look fresh as ever thanks to annual touch-ups.

Address: S Water & Broadway, Paducah, KY 42001 , United States

36. Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland

Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland

Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland

The Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland in Kentucky is a garden of folk art full of a mystical and whimsical energy.

Full of intriguing and unique pieces, items, constructions, and treasures, visiting here is one of the top things to do if you love vintage toys.

The location was set up in the 1920s, when Grandpa Oral Wallace purchased the land, which was a six-acre orchard for apples, and lived in a home onsite while selling apple cider.

He slowly turned it into a much-loved Kentucky business, expanding to include a barbershop, a gas station, an auto camp, a convenience store, a diner, and even a small zoo.

Now, Keith Holt, the grandson of Wallace, transformed the area into an art oasis.

The “woods” in the area are full of folk art, all made from older items.

The Lawn Mower Ranch, the Thronehenge, and the Potty Mouth Tree are all popular pieces.

Don’t forget to visit the museum of toys, where you’ll be able to see 3,500 different toys that are sure to bring back feelings of nostalgia.

Address:  9351 US-68, Calvert City, KY 42029, United States

37. Great American Dollhouse Museum

The Great American Dollhouse Museum

The Great American Dollhouse Museum

The Great American Dollhouse Museum in Kentucky is a must-see location that’s a little abnormal but full of charm and mystery.

It houses more than 200 unique dollhouses, as well as tiny little dolls within them.

There are also room boxes and little miniature buildings.

Mostly, this Kentucky museum focuses on depicting the social history of the American world in a miniature form.

There are three different major areas within the exhibition hall.

One showcases the growth of the US from Native Americans to modern eras, including the Old West and Colonial ones in between.

Another has a 1910-replicated town that has businesses, mansions, a Shaker village, factories, and shops.

The third depicts a fantasy forest land with elves, dragons, trolls, witches, and faeries, as well as a cave you can walk into!

Address:  344 Swope Dr, Danville, KY 40422, United States

38. Kentucky Horse Park

Kentucky Horse Park

ehrlif / Shutterstock

Trying to figure out what to do that could be fun for the whole family?

The Kentucky Horse Park has all the activities you could hope for! Located just north of Lexington , it lets you find out about how horse farms work.

You can even go on pony rides or horse rides, attend shows, or go on a trolley tour.

All the animal residents of the farm live in a variety of attractively themed barn houses.

The Breeds Barn houses rare breeds, the Kids Barn is packed with little critters, the Hall of Champions holds racehorses, the Mounted Police Barn has plenty to offer, and the Big Barn has draft horses that are the most incredible of the bunch!

There are also four museums on the property: the Al-Marah Arabian Horse Galleries, the Wheeler Museum, the International Museum of the Horse, and the American Saddlebred Museum.

And if you want to, you can actually stay on the campgrounds, which have lots of modern facilities, like stores, sports courts, a pool, and bathhouses.

Address:  4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, United States

39. Louisville Zoo

Louisville Zoo

The Louisville Zoo is a fun spot in Kentucky that is perfect for the whole family.

It is home to exhibits that have won awards as well as a Backyard Action Hero program that will teach kids all about nature and animals.

While you’re here, you can visit the famed Glacier Run that has grizzly bears and polar bears, the Gorilla Forest that has a rotational exhibit that will bring you into the habitat that gorillas thrive in.

There are also plenty of events throughout the year that you may just be lucky enough to catch!

Halloween, Christmas, and more are all great times to visit.

Just check the zoo’s event calendar in advance!

Address:  1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213, United States

40. USS Sachem Ruins

USS Sachem Ruins

BrittanyMosley / Shutterstock

Looking for unusual vacation ideas to enjoy in Kentucky?

Head to the USS Sachem Ruins – known also as the Ghost Ship.

In the past, it had names like the Circle Line V, the USS Phenakite, the Celt, and the Sightseer.

But today it’s a mere shell of its former self.

The ship was abandoned in 1987, near the Lawrenceburg Ferry Road.

In its glory days, it was a navy ship that won awards and served the public in World Wars I and II.

It even appeared in a music video for Madonna, was present during the Statue of Liberty torch lighting by Ronald Reagan, and helped bring Thomas Edison around as he worked on experiments.

The vessel was finally retired at the end of the 20th century, and it is now anchored on the Ohio River by Robert Miller, who purchased and refurbished it in 1986.

It will never sail again, but it’s an incredible spot for kayakers, and for tourists!

Countless people are attracted to its mystery and eerieness.

Address:  2478 Lawrenceburg Ferry Rd, Petersburg, KY 41080, United States

41. National Corvette Museum

National Corvette Museum

Rosemarie Mosteller / Shutterstock

The National Corvette Museum is one of the most fun and fascinating places of interest located in Bowling Green , especially if you’re a fan of cars.

The Corvette has a rich history as America’s favorite sports car, and this museum showcases more than 80 specially designed Corvettes from a wide range of different periods in America.

This includes prototypes that are entirely one of a kind, and there are even mint classics to enjoy.

Next door, an NCM Motorsports Park hosts plenty of activities; you can drive a lap of the race, attend a racing event, and more!

Don’t forget the sinkhole, which suddenly struck in 2014 and practically ate up 8 Corvettes, now safe but available to view while you’re there!

Address:  350 Corvette Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42101, United States

42. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area

Zack Frank / Shutterstock

The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area spans 125,000 acres and is among the best and most scenic places to vacation in Kentucky.

It’s perfect for camping, hiking, rafting, rock climbing, horseback riding, kayaking, picnicking, sports activities, and more.

While you’re here, bask in the stunning scenery and enjoy looking over deep ravines, beautiful sandstone bluffs, miles of natural bridges, and river gorge views.

It’s some of the best hoodoos that you’ll see in all of Kentucky!

Address:  4564 Leatherwood Rd, Oneida, TN 37841, United States

43. Grave of Daniel Boone

Grave of Daniel Boone

We’ve mentioned Daniel Boone countless times over the course of this list, and for good reason.

He’s one of the most iconic figures of Kentucky history and is featured in countless different historical places throughout the state.

So why not pay your respects while you’re looking for the best, most interesting places to go?

The Grave of Daniel Boone rests in Frankfort Cemetery.

He is buried next to Rebecca, his wife.

He originally wasn’t buried here, but in Missouri , which is where he spent his last two decades alive.

He and his wife were moved to Frankfort in 1845, and now they rest there together.

Even just the view from his grave is amazing.

Address:  215 E Main St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

44. Joe Ley Antiques

Joe Ley Antiques

Louisville Images / flickr

Love antiques?

Then you’ll love Joe Ley Antiques , one of the fun and unusual Kentucky attractions that boasts countless unique toys, trunks, signs, and more.

For over 50 years, this store has been a staple of Louisville, Kentucky, and it moved to its current schoolhouse after its original location collapsed in the 1980s.

This three-story, two-acre building is the biggest antique shop that is individually owned in all of America.

It holds 1950’s products, glass and dining ware, product labels, musical instruments, artwork, furniture, memorabilia, and more.

It also has chunky jewelry, dolls, and more – and it’s also award-winning and has been featured in tons of publications!

Address:  615 E Market St #1116, Louisville, KY 40202, United States

45. Waverly Hills Sanatorium

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium

The Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a facility that was once dedicated to healing tuberculosis, which was incurable at the time.

As the outbreak of the disease got worse, the sanatorium had to be expanded, leading to a big building in 1912 being added to the open-air pavilions that could hold 40 patients, leading to 450 new beds.

A children’s pavilion also had its doors open for young patients and for the kids of patients.

A tunnel connecting the hill base to the facility was built, too.

Years later, in 1962, the hospital was bought by the state and converted into a nursing home.

It went through many different changes before eventually being abandoned.

Now, it’s advertised as a haunted building to attract tourists.

Horror houses are held seasonally, and there are ghosts tours year-round!

Address:  4400 Paralee Dr, Louisville, KY 40272, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Kentucky

There are plenty of fun and exciting things to see and do in Kentucky, one of the most beautiful states in the United States.

Whatever your preferred form of entertainment or area of interest, you’re sure to find some enchanting, intriguing, calming, and rich places to see.

Hopefully, this list of the best things to do in Kentucky will help you to find your perfect destination!

Top 13 Kentucky Attractions to Visit

When heading out on a Kentucky family vacation, there is so much to see and do that even if you have visited before, chances are you will be able to hunt down entertaining attractions and stunning sights new to your family.

Kentucky is a beautiful state filled with many natural wonders and man-made attractions. Caves are a perfect example. The natural cave formations of Kentucky have been explored for centuries, and there is even a manmade cavern open for tours in Louisville.

This guide provides ideas and places to get your vacation planning started. Once you start making a list of all the spots you want to visit on your trip, you will surely find more reasons to come back to Kentucky again and again. 

Mammoth Cave National Park

NPS / Public Domain 

Kentucky is home to the world's longest known cave system. You can visit this natural wonder and enjoy the park that surrounds it. There is canoeing, horseback riding, and hiking through the parklands.

Then, when you go into the cave, enjoy a guided tour full of regional history. There are plenty of other caves in Kentucky to explore, too. If you are in Cave City checking out the natural formations, it is also worth the trip to see Wigwam Village Motel No. 2 . It is not a fancy motel by any means, but it is a roadside attraction on Historic Route 66. Fun fact for the kids: the Wigwam Village motel chain was the inspiration for the Cozy Cone Motel in the Pixar movie Cars .

Louisville Mega Cavern

Closer to Louisville, you can explore underground at the immense manmade cavern under the Louisville Zoo. The former Louisville Crushed Stone Mine is now called the Louisville Mega Cavern and it's located right in the city.

There are historic tours available and visitors ride through the cavern on a tram as a tour guide explains the history and current uses of the mega cavern. It's an intriguing tour filled with Louisville fun facts .

For the adventurous, there are zip lines. In the vaulted areas, participants will find ceilings 90 feet high. Zip lines are installed and the course is lit for added dramatic effect.

Cumberland Falls

DWalker44 / Getty Images

Campers will appreciate that this state park is full of stunning natural beauty and there are 50 campsites available. Go gem mining , birding, fishing, horseback riding, rafting, and hiking, all in one spot. Plus, if you time your visit right, you can see the Niagara of the South, a 125-foot wide curtain of water, with a "moonbow." At night, during a full moon, visitors can see a moonbow, a night rainbow.

Churchill Downs

Mali Anderson

The Kentucky Derby is a big deal, in Louisville, in Kentucky, and around the world. Visit the track where it all happens. There are plenty of races to bet on if you are the gambling type.

Churchill Downs is also home to the Kentucky Derby Museum, a Derby Store, and more. If you are traveling with young kids, look into the family fun days filled with age-appropriate activities for young kids.​

Red River Gorge

alexeys / Getty Images

This natural treasure is located in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Stone arches, sandstone cliffs, and stunning rock formations attract visitors from around the world. A popular spot for vacationers and rock climbers alike. It’s so popular, it is on our list of Top 10 Louisville Weekend Getaways . Hunting and trapping are permitted in the gorge, provided all participants follow the rules of the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife. There are also plenty of hiking trails, places to picnic, and a couple of spots to launch a canoe.

Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay

Buccaneer Beach

When it is hot outside, few things are better than a trip to a water park. And, if you are a family who loves to visit theme parks, Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay are not to be missed. With extreme rides like FearFall, which drops thrill seekers from nearly 130’ in the air, a 5D cinema, and a water park featuring Plummet Summit, aTornado Ride, and a lazy river, there is something for everyone at Kentucky Kingdom.

Louisville Zoo

Thomas Kelley / Getty Images

Many families head to a local zoo when they are on vacation and the Louisville Zoo is a popular destination. Glacier Run, home to polar and grizzly bears is fun as well as the Gorilla Forest. There are opportunities to learn about nature conservation and plenty of seasonal events take place, too. For example, the Louisville Zoo Halloween Party, also known as the World's Largest Halloween Party, is an annual event for children who want a not-too-scary Halloween experience. Kids trick-or-treat and meet characters from their favorite books and movies.

Kentucky Horse Park

Kentucky Horse Park 

Horse lovers don’t have to go to the track, there are plenty of places to see these majestic creatures in Kentucky. The best of these is the Kentucky Horse Park. There are horseback riding opportunities and a Horses of the World display, an informative show filled with light and sound.

Added bonus: if you are a camping family, you can stay in the park. The KHP campground has access to electricity if you want it, and many modern conveniences including a store, two bathhouses, tennis, basketball, and volleyball courts. Also, there is a junior Olympic-size swimming pool.

Enjoy the grounds with a family walk on the Legacy Trail, a 12-mile-long paved walking and biking trail. The path takes visitors from the Kentucky Horse Park Campground to downtown Lexington. 

Keeneland National Historic Landmark

TripSavvy / Taylor McIntyre

As horse racing fans know, Churchill Downs isn’t the only important track in Kentucky. In the heart of Kentucky’s famed Bluegrass region is Keeneland. Keeneland is a National Historic Landmark and it continues to play an important role in Thoroughbred racing and breeding. Founded in 1936, Keeneland was designated a National Historic Landmark fifty years later, in1986.

The track hosted the Breeders' Cup in 2015, that was the race won by American Pharoah, a Triple Crown winner! A Triple Crown means a horse has won the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes. For American Pharoah to win all three of these and the Breeders' Cup is what horse racers call the Grand Slam of horse racing. 

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum

Joel Kramer / Flickr

If you are a fan of Kentucky Fried Chicken, it will be worth the drive to Corbin, Kentucky, to see where the chicken mecca began. This is the site of Colonel Harland Sanders' first restaurant. It is a KFC, so you can order lunch, but the location looks different than other Kentucky Fried Chicken dining establishments. There is a replica of Sanders’ 40s kitchen and cafe as well as information on how this cafe in Corbin became a household name. The Sanders Court and Cafe was the first restaurant to serve what we all now know as Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill 

History buffs will enjoy Shaker Village, home to the third largest Shaker community in the USA from 1805 to 1910. Learn about farming and gardening techniques of the Shaker community and hike through some, or all, of the 30-mile trails on the land.

Make a weekend of it and stay at The Inn where guest rooms, suites, and private cottages are housed in 13 restored Shaker buildings. Enjoy Shaker reproduction furniture, original hardwood floors, and countryside views. If you love old-fashioned fresh air adventures, with some historical information, be sure to visit Historic Locust Grove , too.

Newport Aquarium

Getty Images / Getty Images

Just across the river from Cincinnati , the Newport Aquarium is your go-to destination for interacting with and learning about sea creatures. There are exhibits to admire and opportunities to have personal encounters with sharks, stingrays, and penguins. Walk through five seamless tunnels and feel like you are swimming with the fishes and marine life.

The attraction is open to the public every day. Visit the website for information on special exhibits and to see which days strollers are allowed (the aquarium, at times, restricts stroller usage due to crowd issues).

Gallatin County

 Tim Rodenberg / Flickr

A small county, Gallatin is located on the Ohio River. Although it is a rural beauty with lovely, waterways, country roads, and close-knit communities, Gallatin County is also known as the Motorsports Capital of Kentucky as the Kentucky Speedway is there.

It’s a quiet, charming spot, rich in history, auto racing, and water sports. Campers might enjoy one of the scenic campgrounds and there are fishing opportunities, too.

The Best Day Trips From Lexington, Kentucky

48 Hours in Lexington, Kentucky: The Ultimate Itinerary

The 12 Best State Parks in Kentucky

16 Best Things to Do in Colorado in Summer

Kentucky Bourbon Trail: The Complete Guide

14 Things to Do With Kids in Louisville, Kentucky

11 Best Things to Do for the Kentucky Derby in Louisville, Kentucky

The Best Christmas and Holiday Events in the Southeast U.S. for 2022

Great Summer Family Trips in the USA

Top 10 Day Trips from Louisville

The Top 13 Things to Do in Lexington, Kentucky

Top 10 National Parks to Visit During Spring

Guide to Halloween in Texas: Festivals, Events, Things to Do

Kids Activities in Cleveland, Ohio

Things to Do for the Best Southwest Experience

Science Says This Is the Perfect U.S. Road Trip

Touropia Logo

Touropia Travel Experts

Discover the World

25 Best Things to do in Kentucky

' src=

Known as the ‘Bluegrass State,’ the Commonwealth of Kentucky (as it is officially known) is set in the Southern region of the United States. While it’s home to the large and lively cities of Louisville and Lexington , most of the state is made up of small towns, with bourbon distilleries dotting its rolling hills and rural areas.

The scenic countryside is home to some beautiful parks and forests, while its Caves and Lakes region boasts the largest known cave system in the world. With horse racing among the most popular things to do in Kentucky, this state certainly has plenty of different and equally delightful tourist attractions for visitors to explore.

25. Mary Todd Lincoln House

Mary Todd Lincoln House

Set right in the center of Lexington is the lovely little Mary Todd Lincoln House which offers an unparalleled look into the life and times of the famous First Lady. At her girlhood home, guests can amble around rooms full of old photographs, artifacts and exhibits and learn all about her marriage to President Abraham Lincoln.

Built back in the early 1800s to be an inn and tavern, it was later purchased by the Todd family with Mary herself having lived in the simple brick building between 1832 and 1839. Now preserved as a historic house museum, it is packed with period pieces and portraits while interesting displays shine a light on subjects such as Mary’s childhood, her life in the White House and Abe’s assassination.

24. Dinosaur World (Cave City)

Dinosaur World

A fun day out for all the family, the delightful Dinosaur World can be found on the outskirts of Cave City, not too far from both the popular Crystal Onyx Cave and Mammoth Cave National Park. As it is home to hundreds of life-sized dinos with slides, swings and snack stands dotted about; the large outdoor theme park is definitely well worth visiting when in the area.

While wandering about its gorgeous grounds, you’ll come across life-like statues of towering T-rexes and humongous brontosauruses hidden away amidst all of the lush vegetation. Aside from informative plaques, there is also an excellent prehistoric museum on-site, full of fascinating fossils and educational exhibits. For young ones, the main appeal is the park’s fun fossil dig and bone yard where you can unearth everything from dinosaur skeletons and gems to arrowheads and shark teeth.

23. Ark Encounter (Williamstown)

Ark Encounter

Another utterly unique and unforgettable attraction in Kentucky is the incredible Ark Encounter in Williamstown. The centerpiece of the Christian creationist theme park is a massive model of Noah’s Ark which contains a huge collection of fun and informative exhibits with a zoo, zip line and theater also set on-site.

Although it has courted controversy and come in for some criticism at times, the park has proven to be a massively popular draw since opening in 2016. As well as ogling at the amazing architecture of the ark, visitors can pass bays full of model animals and displays describing the Earth’s creation and the biblical flood that struck it. After having explored its three decks, you can shoot down exciting zip lines, see kangaroos and camels at the zoo or enjoy a delicious meal at its restaurant.

22. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

Land Between the Lakes

Sure to delight both nature lovers and outdoor aficionados alike, the lovely Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area has a staggering array of scenic landscapes for people to explore. Located in the southwest corner of the state between the long and narrow Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, the enormous inland peninsula now has all kinds of awesome outdoor activities to enjoy.

Protected as part of a nature reserve since 1963, its sprawling confines encompass everything from rugged hills and vast forests to picturesque prairies and sweeping limestone valleys. Besides boating and kayaking about its reflective lakes, visitors can hike, bike and horseback ride along its 200 or so miles of trails with fantastic fishing and camping also on offer. On top of all of this, you can also visit its various nature stations and see elk and bison roaming about their large enclosure.

21. Floodwall Murals (Paducah)

Floodwall Murals

Just a short drive from the national recreation area is another superb site that is well worth checking out when in the Western Waterlands. Set in the center of the small city, the colorful and creative Floodwall Murals depict and document the rich history of Paducah and its people in beautiful detail.

Overlooking the confluence of the Ohio and Tennessee rivers, the marvelous mural now has dozens of evocative images for you to explore that cover thousands of years of the city’s history. While some scenes focus on Native Americans and early settlers, others look at influential figures, impressive landmarks and important historical events. Since the visionary project started in 1996, countless artists have contributed their considerable talents to the phenomenal Floodwall Murals.

20. Kentucky Horse Park

Kentucky Horse Park

On the northern outskirts of Lexington you can find one of the city and state’s top tourist attractions: the educational and entertaining Kentucky Horse Park. Dotted about the sprawling sports center and theme park are lots of pristine paddocks and important equestrian institutions with interesting live demonstrations, thrilling horse shows and special sporting events all regularly taking place.

The only park of its kind in the world, it was founded in 1978 and is dedicated to ‘man’s relationship with the horse’. As well as a working horse farm and a couple of large arenas, its campus includes numerous statues and the super International Museum of the Horse. After having seen a live harness maker and blacksmith demonstration, you can always go for a peaceful carriage ride about the park or watch its incredible Horses of the World show.

19. National Quilt Museum (Paducah)

National Quilt Museum

Full of colorful textiles, imaginative designs and intricate embroidery, the National Quilt Museum is definitely not to be missed when visiting the southwest of the state. Located just a block from the Floodwall Murals, its captivating collection of quilts is one of the city of Paducah’s standout attractions.

Established in 1991, it is one of the biggest and best museums of its kind with over 600 quilts from all around the US and even further afield now on display. Aside from perusing its extensive exhibits and enjoying its fantastic fiber art installations, guests can also take part in workshops and classes or shop for gifts in its store. The exquisite museum also regularly hosts themed traveling exhibits on everything from abstract art and wildlife to contemporary creations and historic heirlooms.

18. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Another interesting historic site to visit in Kentucky is the centuries-old Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Also located just outside of Lexington, the humongous living history museum shines a light on the religious community’s lifestyle with traditional architecture, crafts and clothing all on show and fun activities and live demonstrations taking place daily.

One of the largest communities of its kind, Pleasant Hill was occupied by the Shakers between 1805 and 1910 with its numerous farms, buildings and artifacts now being preserved as part of a National Historic Landmark. While ambling about the expansive site, visitors can learn about rural life in the Bluegrass region, see old tools and farming techniques and explore well-preserved houses full of handmade furniture and period pieces. Afterwards, you can always hike around its nature reserve or take buggy rides about its gorgeous grounds with riverboat rides and overnight stays also on offer.

17. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap

Spanning the border between Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia, the Cumberland Gap is known just as much for its sublime scenery as its age-old historic sites. A major natural break amidst the rugged Appalachians, the important passage has been used by everyone from Native Americans and early pioneers to modern-day tourists with buffalo also having once roamed about the range.

Now protected as a national historical park, it covers a huge area with its pristine forests only being punctuated here and there by steep cliffs, bubbling streams and the winding Wilderness Road that passes through the gap. Besides hiking and biking about its wonderful woods or enjoying its lovely nature and views, you can also stop by its informative visitors centre to learn more about the region and the atmospheric Hensley Settlement that was once an old mining village.

16. Kentucky Derby Museum

Kentucky Derby Museum

As the state is almost synonymous with horse racing, the excellent Kentucky Derby Museum is not to be missed when passing through Louisville. Located at the hallowed Churchill Downs race track, it offers an in-depth look at the history of the famous sporting spectacle with innumerable artifacts, exhibits and artworks coating its walls.

At the museum, visitors embark on an exciting journey as they learn about the years-long process of breeding and training thoroughbreds to win the coveted Kentucky Derby. As well as seeing glinting trophies, old harnesses and colorful jockey outfits, there are plenty of photos and short film clips that show last-gasp triumphs by legendary champions. After having explored its collection, you can also take a tour around the complex or even catch an exhilarating race if it is the right time of year,

15. Daniel Boone National Forest

Daniel Boone National Forest

Home to some of the wildest and most rugged terrain in the state, the Daniel Boone National Forest sprawls across a massive part of eastern Kentucky. As well as steep forested slopes and stupendous sandstone cliffs, it encompasses narrow ravines, lakes and streams with all kinds of exciting outdoor activities on offer.

Dotted about the almost endless forest are about a hundred developed recreation areas for people to make use of with 600 miles of trails meandering their way here and there. Besides hiking and biking amidst all its stunning scenery, visitors can camp overnight at cozy campsites, climb up sheer rocky cliffs and boat on its reflective rivers and lakes. Particularly popular and picturesque spots to stop by are Red River Gorge for its epic rock formations and Cumberland Falls for its twinkling waterfall while the large Laurel River Lake also attracts a lot of people thanks to its scenic shoreline.

14. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Louisville Slugger Museum

As it is towered over by a giant replica of Babe Ruth’s baseball bat, the Louisville Slugger Museum couldn’t be easier to find. Set right in the center of the city of the same name, it is filled with prized memorabilia and interesting exhibitions that tell the story of the famous baseball bat brand and its impact on the hugely popular sport.

While wandering about the beautiful brick building, visitors can see autographs of all the contracted players scrawled across its Signature Wall and explore the vast Bat Vault which remarkably contains over 3,000 models of the Louisville Slugger. After having learnt about its origins in the 1880s and all the legendary players that have wielded them since, you can then take a tour around its factory to see how the iconic bats are produced before facing some fast balls yourself in its batting cages.

13. Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Aside from horse racing, bluegrass music and KFC, Kentucky is also known for all the delightful distilleries that are dotted about the state. As such, no trip can ever be complete without hitting up at least one of two of the award-winning whiskey producers that make up the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

In total, there are now eighteen distilleries to visit with most of them lying between both Louisville and Lexington. At each of them, you can take tours around their state-of-the-art production facilities to see how the stiff drinks are made before sampling some brilliant bourbons in atmospheric tasting rooms. Among the most popular are those of Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark and Wild Turkey with there being plenty of charming little towns and gorgeous countryside scenes for you to enjoy as you make your way from one to the other.

12. Conrad-Caldwell House Museum

Conrad-Caldwell House Museum

Located in the heart of Old Louisville, in Kentucky’s largest city, is the captivating Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. An important and impressive landmark, it displays exquisite architecture and antiques, which visitors can check out on any one of the fascinating tours.

Built in 1895 for a local tanning magnate, ‘Conrad’s Castle’ (as it was once known) boasts an exquisite Richardsonian-Romanesque style. Alongside its towers and turrets, you can spy finely carved animals and gargoyles etched into the imposing limestone walls.

The interior is equally attractive: incredible woodwork and stained glass windows are on show, while age-old antiques and period pieces dot its halls, apartments, and parlors. After having visited the marvelous museum, it is well worth wandering around the nearby neighborhood that is full of beautiful old buildings.

11. Crystal Onyx Cave

Crystal Onyx Cave

Set on the outskirts of Cave City is Crystal Onyx Cave – one of the most magical of the many caverns dotting the state. Full of fascinating formations and spectacular stalactites and stalagmites, it is a very popular and photogenic tourist attraction.

Discovered by Cleon Turner in 1960, the cave is now owned by Scott and Sara Sendtko who restored it and turned into the awe-inspiring attraction it is today. Visitors can take tours along its scenic subterranean trails, all of which are superbly lit up and take you past lots of fabulous features.

Home to charming chambers and caverns – such as the delightfully named Enchanted Forest, Imagination Room, and Crystal Falls – the Crystal Onyx Cave really is a treat to explore.

10. Louisville Mega Cavern

Louisville Mega Cavern

Another of Kentucky’s alluring underground attractions is the lovely Louisville Mega Cavern, which runs beneath parts of the city of the same name. Once a limestone quarry, the human-made tunnels and caves stretch for more than 25 kilometers and include business, storage, and tourism facilities.

Besides boasting the world’s only underground mountain bike park and ropes course, it also has the only fully underground zipline course for visitors to try out. In addition to these exciting adventure activities, there are also terrific tram and hiking tours to take of the captivating cavern.

While the Louisville Mega Cavern is great to visit thanks to its wealth of family-friendly activities, Christmas is a particularly memorable time of year to stop by and see the special holiday show lighting up the enormous cave.

9. Maker’s Mark Distillery

Maker's Mark Distillery

Lying not far from Loretto is the magnificent Maker’s Mark Distillery, which opened all the way back in 1953. Since then, it has been producing brilliant bourbons. Visitors can learn all about it at one of its outstanding whiskey workshops or delightful distillery tours.

Set in some gorgeous grounds and gardens, it was the first distillery in the states to be designated a National Historic Landmark in 1980 due to its historic nature and well-preserved buildings. On a tour of the premises, visitors learn about its fabled past while stopping off to see its stillhouse, warehouse, and dipping and production lines.

Besides seeing how whiskey is produced, there is an excellent restaurant to check out and a gift shop and classy cellar where you can try some delicious drinks and buy souvenirs.

8. Lost River Cave

Lost River Cave

Home to the only underground boat tour in Kentucky, Lost River Cave can be found in the city of Bowling Green . Taking a tour of the cave system is an amazing experience: you’ll learn fascinating facts and folklore about what Ripley’s Believe It or Not once billed as the ‘shortest, deepest river in the world.’

Besides having been an ancient Native American hunting ground, the cave was also a campground in the Civil War for both sides – as well as a hideout for the outlaw Jesse James and a nightclub in the 1930s. In addition to all the stories swirling around the cave, guests can enjoy the stunning scenery and formations as they float along the river.

Surrounding the cave are some picturesque nature trails for visitors to explore, as well as a couple of exhilarating ziplines to try out.

7. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Centered around the beautiful waterfall of the same name, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is a lovely place to visit that will delight nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Located in the south of the state, it is set within the sprawling Daniel Boone National Forest.

The park boasts beautiful landscapes and scenery, with verdant forests, dramatic gorges, and sparkling waterfalls all on show; however, the undoubted highlight is Cumberland Falls. Often called the ‘Niagara of the South,’ it reaches an impressive 21 meters in height and spans almost 40 meters. Around the time of the full moon, visitors can often spy a magical moonbow formed out of the mist of the waterfall.

Besides its outstanding beauty and nature, the park has a plethora of excellent outdoor activities on offer, with hiking, rafting and horseback riding particularly popular. In addition, there are cosy lodges and campsites for guests to stay at.

6. Muhammad Ali Center

Muhammad Ali Center

Lying right in the heart of the city on the banks of the Ohio River are a marvelous museum and cultural center dedicated to the Louisville legend Muhammad Ali. Opened in 2005, the six-story site has lots of interesting exhibits and displays on the famous fighter for visitors to peruse.

Many of these interactive installations are on the brilliant boxer’s six core principles of confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect and spirituality. Other exhibits look at the life and times of Muhammad Ali, with memorabilia, interviews and videos on display.

As well as being home to an amphitheater and plaza, the cultural center has two art galleries to check out that feature rotating exhibits. For anyone even slightly interested in The Greatest, visiting the Muhammad Ali Center is simply a must.

5. National Corvette Museum

National Corvette Museum

Full of shiny, sleek sports cars, the National Corvette Museum lies on the outskirts of Bowling Green – the city in which the classic car has been produced since 1981. Home to over 80 models and countless more convertibles, it is very easy to spot due to the huge, bright-yellow, cone-shaped Skydome that looms over its surroundings.

Both inside and outside the museum you’ll find magnificent models and one-of-a-kind cars, while exhibits and videos highlight their exquisite engineering and delightful design. Synonymous with freedom and adventure, the Corvette is widely known as ‘America’s Sports Car.’

As well as preserving the past, present, and future of the classy car, the museum has an adjoining racetrack where you can get behind the wheel and drive a classic Corvette.

4. Keeneland

Keeneland

Second only in the state to Churchill Downs, Keeneland is one of Kentucky’s most important and impressive race tracks. Founded way back in 1936, it lies on the outskirts of the city of Lexington, which is known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World.’

A National Historic Landmark, it exhibits lovely old architecture, with a gorgeous grandstand looking out over its race track. It is here where champion horses and thoroughbreds compete neck and neck against each other, with races taking place in April and October.

Besides placing bets on who will win and taking in the exhilarating ambience, visitors can attend some of Keeneland’s frequent horse auctions. These see everyone from local farmers to wealthy bidders from around the world buy horses and yearlings from the famed breeding facility.

3. Jim Beam’s American Outpost

Jim Beam's American Outpost

Set some 40 kilometers to the south of Louisville in Clermont is Jim Beam’s American Outpost, where visitors can learn everything there is to know about the nation’s best-selling bourbon. Located in a pretty and picturesque rural setting, the delightful distillery is a treat to explore, with a terrific tour for visitors to take of its fantastic facilities.

Besides boasting a factory, warehouses, and production line, the American Outpost also offers a film on the Beam family and their brilliant bourbon. Remarkably, seven generations of the family produced and sold the superb whiskey from 1795 until the company was sold off in 2014.

As well as taking a tour of Jim Beam’s American Outpost, visitors can stop by the historic family home and sample some delicious drinks in its onsite bourbon bar.

2. Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

An absolutely incredible place to visit, Mammoth Cave National Park boasts the longest known cave system in the world. Appropriately set in Kentucky’s Caves and Lakes region, it is home to loads of spectacular scenery and nature, with countless caves, chasms, and caverns on show.

Stretching for a staggering 640 kilometers, the mesmerizing Mammoth Cave is a delight to explore, with tours taking you on subterranean strolls past fabulous formations, dramatic domes, and stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Protected as a national park since 1941, the cave has long been a very popular place to visit due to its size, scale and splendor.

Above ground, the park has lovely trails and paths for visitors to hike along, while some great canoeing and kayaking can be enjoyed along the Green River. In addition to this, many people camp overnight and go fishing or wildlife watching in its incredible wilderness.

1. Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs

One of the most famous, fun, and festive horse-racing tracks in the world, the Kentucky Derby, takes place at Churchill Downs. Held every May in Louisville, the popular and prestigious race is an exciting event to attend, with thousands of people packing into its stands to watch the spectacle.

While cheering on champions and betting on thoroughbreds at the renowned race is the pinnacle of the racing year, many other warm-ups and competitions take place at the landmark venue. From April to June and again in September and November, visitors can watch horses and jockeys compete beneath the hallowed twin spires of its gorgeous grandstands.

In addition, you can also take tours of the grounds and visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, which will tell you all about the epic event and the charming Churchill Downs itself. Not to be missed for their awe-inspiring atmosphere, the race and racetrack are certainly one of the best things to do in the whole of Kentucky.

Map of Things to do in Kentucky

Share this post:

Best Cities in Kentucky to Live and Visit

12 Best Cities to Visit in Kentucky

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

10 Best Places to Visit in Kentucky

Things to Do in Bowling Green, KY

12 Best Things to Do in Bowling Green, KY

Best Things to do in Lexington, KY

12 Best Things to do in Lexington, KY

Things to do in Frankfort, KY

13 Best Things to do in Frankfort, KY

Best Things to Do in Louisville, KY

12 Best Things to Do in Louisville, KY

Most Beautiful Places in America

25 Most Beautiful Places in America

Southwest States

5 Beautiful Southwest States

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

25 Top Tourist Attractions in Washington D.C.

New England States

6 Beautiful New England States

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

PlanetWare.com

14 Best Places to Visit in Kentucky

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Sep 26, 2022

There are many great places to visit in Kentucky, from the quiet communities tucked within the rolling pastures, to the excitement of cities like Louisville that come alive on the world-wide stage during the Kentucky Derby. There are caves to explore near Bowling Green , and Thoroughbred retirement farms in Georgetown .

You can plan a trip to one of the national parks in the state for some tranquility, or you can plan some family activities on the riverfront in Newport. While the state is known for its horse racing and bluegrass, there are many places to visit in Kentucky that will let you experience its culture and so much more.

Determine your best options with our list of the best places to visit in Kentucky.

1. Louisville

2. lexington, 4. cumberland gap, 5. bowling green, 6. mammoth cave national park, 9. frankfort, 10. red river gorge, 11. owensboro, 12. land between the lakes national recreation area, 13. the berea pinnacles, 14. fort knox, map of places to visit in kentucky.

Downtown Louisville and the Ohio River at night

If you only have time to visit one city in Kentucky, it should be Louisville.

It is home to Churchill Downs horse racetrack, and most known for its annual Kentucky Derby, which attracts horse lovers from around the world. The city is one of the oldest in the state, founded in 1778, so you will find a lot of history here.

Start your Louisville visit on West Main Street in downtown, one of the most historic sections of the city. The downtown area's Museum Row has 10 attractions to visit, including the Muhammad Ali Center , the Louisville Slugger Museum , the Kentucky Science Center , and the Frazier History Museum .

For interactive experiences, you can spend an afternoon at the Speed Art Museum or plan a river cruise on board the Belle of Louisville , the city's historic paddle wheel boat.

Much of the social action in Louisville happens on Fourth Street in downtown, where you will find local theaters and entertainment; a variety of restaurants serving up authentic homemade Southern cuisine; and seven blocks of shops, historic hotels, and the riverfront activities on the Ohio River .

For outdoor recreation, you can take a walk or bike ride along part of the 100-mile loop around the city or sit and relax after a day of sightseeing in the 85-acre green space at the waterfront park.

Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Louisville

Horse farm in Lexington, Kentucky

The city of Lexington is considered the horse capital of the world. It is the place to visit to experience the history of Thoroughbred racing that goes back for several centuries in the city.

You can start your trip to Lexington at its famous horse racetracks. The Kentucky Horse Park has a number of museums to visit and regular horse demonstrations. You can watch Thoroughbreds go through their morning exercises at the Keenland Race Course and walk through the grounds, then plan breakfast at the Track Kitchen.

If you enjoy learning about the horses, you should definitely plan a Horse Farm Tour , which is a unique experience in Lexington. There are nearly 450 horse farms where you can book an appointment and see where some of the famous Kentucky Derby winners now reside.

You can also just drive along the Lexington countryside on the Bluegrass Country Driving Tour and see the farms and horses grazing in the pastures.

Besides its horse fame, Lexington has some nice historical sites and a vibrant arts scene. While in town, you can tour some historic homes previously owned by famous Lexington residents, like Mary Todd Lincoln, and visit the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a restored Shaker village with original buildings and land.

You can take a guided or self-guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour or just stroll on your own along the streets to enjoy local dining, art galleries, and shops at Victorian Square.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Lexington

Aerial view of Newport, Kentucky

Newport in northern Kentucky is a small and fun waterfront city located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati . Newport on the Levee is where you can spend much of your time.

One of the top attractions is the Newport Aquarium , which has world-class exhibits and interactive demonstrations, from the Shark Bridge and fish feedings to interacting with penguins.

The Newport on the Levee complex has a wide range of dining and entertainment options, from stand-up comedy to movies. Another fun must-do in Newport is to walk across the half-mile Purple People Bridge, officially called the Newport Southbank Bridge . This pedestrian bridge connects both sides of the river and provides one of the best views of the Ohio River.

Newport also has a nice historic district in the East Row neighborhood. The district is the second largest historic area in Kentucky , established in the 1700s, where you can walk around and see some of the homes. While you are exploring the area be sure to see the World Peace Bell , which is the world's largest swinging bell.

Foggy morning at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

The majestic Cumberland Gap near Middlesboro , Kentucky is one of the best places to visit for outdoor beauty in the state.

The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is not only a beautiful area but it's also historic: early settlers used it to move buffalo to the west. There are more than 85 miles of trails. Most are easily accessible, but some backcountry trails spread across the 24,000 acres of wilderness.

Besides the many outdoor experiences at the Cumberland Gap, you can visit the Hensley Settlement in the park, which is a living history village representative of early Appalachian settlement. The Cumberland Gap Visitor Center, the Artists Co-op, and Mitty's Metal Art workshop are also fun stops in the park if you are looking to fill out a day in the area.

Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, Kentucky

The town of Bowling Green is one of the best places to visit in Kentucky, especially if you are an automotive or aviation enthusiast. It is home to the National Corvette Museum , where you can see a large collection of restored vintage Corvettes and exhibits related to the iconic American car.

Bowling Green's contributions to transportation are also on display at the Historic Railpark and Train Museum and the Aviation Heritage Park , which are both open to visitors.

The more natural side of Bowling Green is best seen at Lost River Cave , where you can spend a day. There are underground cave boat tours that are great for families and a fun way to explore the cave system. The complex above ground has ziplining, several miles of hiking trails, and a butterfly habitat.

  • Read More: Top-Rated Things to Do in Bowling Green, Kentucky

Mammoth Cave National Park

The massive cave system at Mammoth Cave National Park, near Brownsville in central Kentucky, is the longest known cave system in existence in the world.

There are more than 400 miles of pathways and cave chambers, and many are open to visitors for tours. Several types of tours are available that showcase dripstone formations and other natural elements inside the cave system.

In addition to exploring the caves, this is one of the best places to visit in Kentucky because there are so many other things to do in the park, like kayaking or fishing on the Nolin River and Green River.

Hiking is another popular activity. There are several miles of trails that start from the visitor center and can accommodate every skill level. You can also book a horseback riding tour through the national park.

McHargue's Mill at Levi Jackson State Park

There is one reason that London makes the list of one of the best places to go in Kentucky: it is the birthplace of the world-famous Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants.

This is a quirky town that is probably best known for hosting an annual World Chicken Festival , although the town has plenty of things to do during other times of the year.

If you visit during the festival, which is usually held in the fall, you can bite into a fresh piece of Kentucky fried chicken from the world's largest skillet .

Outside the festival timeframe, London is a great place to visit, especially if you enjoy Civil War history. The Camp Wildcat Battlefield is nice to visit, especially during one of the Civil War reenactments that occasionally take place here. It was one of the sites of the first engagement in the Civil War for Kentucky troops.

The Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park is another place to visit to see how early settlers navigated the wilderness to eventually call Kentucky home. There is a living history pioneer settlement at the Mountain Life Museum inside the park.

Discovery Sculpture at the National Quilt Museum in Paducah

Paducah is a small town in Kentucky, situated along the banks of the Ohio River, but it has a surprisingly impressive number of museums and attractions that are easy to see in a short visit.

In downtown Paducah there is an impressive and artful display along the city's floodwall. The Paducah Floodwall Murals feature 50 painted murals that tell the story of the city's history.

You will also want to visit Main Street in Paducah, which is filled with historical architecture and a charming collection of shops and small dining establishments. There is an arts district located in the historic LowerTown neighborhood, which has art galleries and local artisans selling their work.

There are a number of museums to visit in Paducah, from the Lloyd Tilghman House and Civil War Museum to the National Quilt Museum of the United States .

Paducah has about 12 city parks, including Bob Noble Park , which has baseball fields, walking trails, and a nice lake.

Capitol building in Frankfort, Kentucky

The capital city of Frankfort, which sits on the banks of the Kentucky River, is rich with American history.

Most people who visit Frankfort make a stop at the burial site of American frontiersman Daniel Boone at Frankfort Cemetery . You can book a tour at the cemetery to uncover the final resting places of some of Kentucky's most notable figures.

Another great stop in Frankfort is the Salato Wildlife Education Center , where you can learn about wildlife like bison, bald eagles, bobcats, and snakes at indoor and outdoor exhibits. There are also hiking trails and lakes for fishing.

One of the tastiest stops in Frankfort is at the Rebecca Ruth Candy Museum . It opened in 1919 and still produces some of the best confectioneries in the state. Take a tour and taste some samples from this piece of Kentucky history.

Red River Gorge

Red River Gorge is an unforgettable wilderness area in Stanton , Kentucky.

While it is popular with those who enjoy hardcore adventure, like rock climbers, it is a great place to visit for anyone who appreciates the outdoors. The Red River Gorge is a designated geological area that has a unique canyon system, with much of it surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest .

One of the most impressive sites to see is the Natural Bridge in the gorge area. This is just one of the many natural elements. You will see sandstone cliffs and unique rock formations. It is easy to spend a day just wandering on the many trails through the gorge, but if you are looking for something a bit more adventurous, this is the place to find it.

In addition to hiking, you can take a zipline tour, learn how to rock climb, try bird-watching, or step into the Gorge Underground. This is an immersive way to explore the Red River Gorge by taking a guided kayaking tour along the underground rivers for a different perspective on the geological elements of the Red River Gorge.

International Bluegrass Music Museum in Owensboro

The city of Owensboro has a mix of natural beauty with its parks but also a nice waterfront scene along the Ohio River . Smothers Park is an active waterfront complex where locals and visitors congregate, especially in the evenings to watch the sunsets on the river. There are playgrounds, swings, river overlooks, many restaurants, and regular entertainment.

Owensboro is a scenic town that has the Western Kentucky Botanical Garden , the International Bluegrass Music Museum , and the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art .

It is easy to wander around on foot in Owensboro and enjoy some of the delicious Southern cooking at the local restaurants. You cannot leave Owensboro without seeing the World's Largest Sassafras Tree near the public library.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area

The most spectacular place to exhale in Kentucky is the natural and breathtaking Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area.

This natural area sits between Kentucky and Tennessee and has more than 170,000 acres of outdoor wilderness. There are so many things to see and do in the area that you might want to book a cabin and spend several days.

The outdoor recreation has multi-use trails for hikers and bikers. There are more than five designated water trails that range from one to three hours, where you can kayak along the quiet lake systems. Horseback riding is another popular activity in the area because there is so much outdoor space.

Other things to see include The Homeplace 1850s , which is a living history experience on a Civil War-era farm. The Woodlands Nature Station has interactive demonstrations about the wildlife in the National Recreation Area, and one of the best things to see there is the Elk and Bison Prairie. The 700-acre drive-through preserve gets you up close to these beautiful animals in their natural environment.

East Pinnacle lookout, Berea College Forest

Spend a fantastic day outside with some of the best hiking in Kentucky at the Pinnacles in the Berea College Forest .

Surround yourself with some of the most natural elements in Kentucky all in one place, including stunning cliff faces and unique rock shelters. The highlights of the area are the Pinnacles, which hikers can reach to take in the best views of the landscape.

There are 9,000 acres of forest, with trails that range from one to two miles long, but they interconnect so you can make your hike as long as you want by researching the trail map ahead of time. You should plan on several hours no matter which hike you take, as each varies in difficulty. There are parking lots that lead to the various trailheads.

For novice hikers, the East Pinnacle Trail is slightly more accommodating. Intermediate and advanced hikers will enjoy the elevation gains and challenges of the West Pinnacle Trail and the trails to Indian Fort and Eagle's Nest.

A nice trail option that hits several popular spots is the Upper West Pinnacle Trail, which you can take to the West Pinnacle, the Indian Fort Lookout, and Devil's Kitchen. For a longer hike, you can also take a route that connects the West Pinnacle Trail to the East Pinnacle Trail.

The Pinnacles are not far from the Daniel Boone National Forest if you want to make a longer outdoor getaway in the region. You can base in Berea where there are plenty of restaurants and lodging available.

General George Patton Museum at Fort Knox

Fort Knox is located south of Louisville and is one of the most well-known Army posts in the United States. This 109,000-acre base houses some of the top command centers for the U.S. Army.

Located within Fort Knox is the United States Bullion Depository , which houses much of the nation's gold reserves and other classified contents. While visitors are not allowed inside the fortified building, it is fun to see from the outside and learn about its use.

What you can go into at Fort Knox is the General George Patton Museum , which has the largest collection of artifacts related to the general in the world. You do not need to go onto the Fort Knox base to access it. The exhibits throughout the museum showcase military vehicles, history into Patton's leadership as an Army General, military uniforms, and weaponry.

The history of General Patton is presented through stories and personal artifacts from his childhood through his service in the military. There is also a WWII Barracks Exhibit that lets you get an intimate look at a piece of military history that most people do not get to see.

instagram logo

More on Kentucky

Kentucky Travel Guide

  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary navigation
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Southern Trippers Logo

Discover the best that Southern USA has to offer! Hidden gems, vibrant cities and more!

Entrance to the Louiseville Slugger Factory, one of the best things to do in Kentucky.

20 Best Things To Do In Kentucky: The Ultimate KY Bucket List

August 14, 2022 //  by  Southern Trippers

Are you looking for the ultimate list of the best things to do in Kentucky? Look no further! Our bucket list spans the state with so many exciting excursions to try that you’ll want to extend your stay to get to them all!

From family-friendly outings to grown-up adventures, there is something for everyone in each corner of Kentucky. Our list will take you to the most outstanding museums, highlighting Kentucky’s abundant history, to the most breathtaking landscapes, showcasing Kentucky’s natural beauty.

And we didn’t forget the food! Many of the stops on this list include a taste test to satisfy any appetite. Here we’ve got you covered with Kentucky’s most famous landmarks and little-known hidden gems.

Read on to find out what to do in Kentucky!

View of Kentucky farmland at dawn.

20 Best Things To Do In Kentucky: The Ultimate Bucket List

Head underground at mammoth cave national park.

One of the ultimate bucket list fun things to do in Kentucky is Mammoth Cave National Park. This makes our list of the abundant activities and awe-inspiring natural wonder that exists deep in the heart of Kentucky.

Known as the world’s longest cave system, there is so much to explore when you visit Mammoth Cave. Check out diverse ecosystems surrounding the area, and see a variety of animal and plant life above and below ground. Cave tours are the best way to go underground. Tickets are required in advance to reserve your tour, and dates and times are subject to change throughout the seasons, so make sure you plan in advance.

If you’d rather stay above ground, ranger-led tours take you through the forest habitats on the surface. Guests are also invited to take advantage of the 80 miles of hiking trails for solo exploration. Looking to extend your stay? Book a room or a cottage at the Lodge to stay near the entrance to the caves. You can also bring your camping gear to one of the campsites inside the park.

Canoeing, horseback riding, and bicycling are also popular pastimes at Mammoth Cave National Park. With so much to do, you’ll agree a visit to this Southern national park is one of the most amazing attractions in Kentucky.

Stalagmites in Mammoth Cave, one of the best things to do in Kentucky.

Visit Churchill Downs & the Kentucky Derby Museum

No trip to Kentucky would be complete without a stop at Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum. This is one of the most exciting things to do in Louisville . The Kentucky Derby is one of the most celebrated events in the state, and guests are invited to learn about the Derby’s origins and its storied history of horse racing.

The Kentucky Derby proudly holds the distinction of being the longest continuously-running sporting event in America. The first Kentucky Derby was held in 1875 and has been going strong ever since.

The museum boasts a wide range of exhibits showcasing the life stages of racing horses, the beginnings of the first Kentucky Derby, and the traditions that have evolved over time to make the race what it is today. Guests can view stories from the jockeys, test Derby knowledge, and observe icons of Derby fashion.

When you’ve made your way through the museum exhibit, stop at Churchill Downs and take in their Historic Walking Tour, which is complimentary with your museum ticket. This 30-minute guided tour will take you behind the scenes of America’s most famous racetrack, and you’ll learn plenty of fun facts along the way!

Racing statue at the entrance of Churchill Downs.

Hike at the Red River Gorge

If you’re looking to make the great outdoors the focus of your trip to Kentucky, a stop at Red River Gorge is a must-do. Located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is known for its outstanding natural beauty and its many best activities in Kentucky sure to satisfy every traveler in your group.

Red River Gorge is most famous for its many rock climbing sites, some of the best in the country! There are so many places to climb in the area. A guidebook has been published detailing over 1600 climbs. This is a true climbing paradise.

Other adventures include various hiking trails over different kinds of terrain, ranging from easy to difficult. To view the gorge from a different angle, try zip lining across it! Take to the skies, zipping at 55 miles per hour around 300 feet above the gorge. You’ll never look at this area the same way again!

Speaking of seeing things in a new way, take advantage of Red River Gorge’s Underground Adventure. This kayak trip explores the gorge’s caverns in the water. It is a truly unique experience, and one of the best things to do in KY!

Make sure to check out our list of the best resorts in Kentucky for more inspiration for your Kentucky vacation!

Afternoon view of cliffs at Red River Gorge, one of the best things to do in Kentucky.

Step Back in Time at the Mary Todd Lincoln House

To step into the early life of one of the nation’s most famous first ladies, explore the Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington. Mrs. Lincoln grew up in Lexington before she became the wife of our 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.

The Mary Todd Lincoln House has been lovingly preserved and restored to its original splendor and is the first house opened to honor the early life of an American first lady. The home was built in 1803. It was intended to serve the Lexington community as an inn but became the Todd family home in 1832. The family lived here until patriarch Robert Todd’s death in 1849, and family disputes lead to the property and its contents being auctioned off in the aftermath. Over the years, the property saw many uses including a grocery store, brothel, and storage facility, before it was reclaimed and opened to the public as the Mary Todd Lincoln House in 1977.

The home is open seasonally, from March 15-November 30, and hosts a self-guided tour to explore the home’s 14 rooms dedicated to the life of Mrs. Lincoln. To take in more of Mrs. Lincoln’s experience in the city, move from the house onto the walking tour of Lincoln’s Lexington, a one-mile journey taking visitors past other locations from Mrs. Lincoln’s childhood and highlighting places she brought her husband when they would visit.

The museum also hosts many spectacular special programs throughout the year, so make sure to check the website to make the most of your visit!

Exterior view of the front of the Mary Todd Lincoln House.

Learn About Baseball at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

If you love baseball, then a trip to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a true bucket list experience! Because baseball is a favorite American pastime, this museum experiences high traffic year-round. Make sure to book your tickets in advance to ensure your spot to check out the history of the nation’s most famous baseball bat.

The Louisville Slugger Factory has been operating and making the best bats in the business for the past 137 years – producing over 1.8 million bats per year. In addition to an exciting bat factory tour, guests are treated to a variety of rotating exhibits featuring many of the epic stories surrounding America’s history with baseball.

A trip to the factory is not complete without a stop to see the world’s largest baseball bat. Weighing in at 68,000 pounds, and towering over guests at 124 tall, the bat is a replica of the Louisville Slugger used by famous player Babe Ruth.

Finish your trip with a try at the batting cages to test the latest line of Louisville Sluggers, used by today’s top players. Called one of the best sports museums in the nation, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory definitely makes our list of best things to do in Kentucky.

Entrance to the Louisville Slugger Factory, with giant baseball bat sculpture, one of the best things to do in Kentucky.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth at Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum

Enjoying an afternoon in Frankfort? Make sure to satisfy your sweet tooth at the Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum. This is definitely the tastiest thing to do in Frankfort! With a 100-year history of producing the yummiest chocolate in Kentucky, Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours is a truly delicious way to discover Frankfort’s history.

It was opened in 1919 by two former substitute teachers, Ruth Hanley Booe and Rebecca Gooch. The women stepped outside of social convention at the time to go into business for themselves without the assistance of a husband. The women experienced much success and hardship throughout their time in business but proved to be resilient and inventive business owners, which is why their enterprise continues to thrive today.

Visitors to the factory are treated to a tour into the candy-making world, with a special focus on Rebecca Ruth’s 100-year history. Visitors are invited to join tours on a walk-in basis but can make reservations on their website up to two days in advance.

If you’re hoping to witness their candy-making process, you’ll want to visit on Mondays-Thursdays. Tours operate on Fridays and Saturdays, but candy is not made on these days. Bring a curious mind and an empty stomach to make the most of your visit to Rebecca Ruth, one of the best places to go in Kentucky!

Visit the Aviation Museum of Kentucky

Take to the skies of Kentucky at the state’s outstanding Aviation Museum, located at the Blue Grass Airport near Lexington. In fact, the Aviation Museum is so exciting, it makes our list of best things to do in Lexington!

The museum offers aviation enthusiasts a chance to get up close and personal with many different aircraft like a McDonnell RF-101 Voodoo, a U.S. Navy Blue Angels A-4 Skyhawk, and an AH-1 Cobra Helicopter among others. The museum hosts these crafts in a permanent exhibit, in addition to a library and an aircraft restoration and repair shop.

The museum celebrates the histories of both civilian and military aviation and treats viewers to pictures and histories of some of the greatest aircraft and aviation stories of all time. The Aviation Museum is open year-round but closed on Mondays and holidays. Take your camera, and enjoy the most beautiful historic aircraft in Kentucky.

A plane on a sunny afternoon at the Aviation Museum.

Photograph Creation Falls

Located near Campton, Creation Falls is one of the most peaceful spots to visit and one of the most picturesque things to do in Kentucky. The falls are located off the Rock Bridge Trail, a 1.4-mile hike in Red River Gorge. The hike is easy and dog-friendly including views of the arch (or the “Rock Bridge”) so there are many scenic takeaways on a visit to this site.

Hikers have noted that the trail is pretty accessible and safe in all types of weather. Since the trail is near a creek for much of the hike, it can become slippery and muddy in wet weather, so make sure you are prepared. Creation Falls happens to be Red River Gorge’s only example of a “waterfall natural bridge.”

Many picnic areas exist along the trail, so pack your favorite lunch for a meal surrounded by the scenic beauty of Creation Falls, one of the loveliest waterfalls in Kentucky .

Creation Falls, one of the best things to do in Kentucky.

Learn About Boxing at the Muhammed Ali Center

Situated right in his hometown of Louisville, the Muhammed Ali Center is a museum dedicated to the famed boxer’s life and legacy. Stroll the museum’s many interactive galleries to gain insight into Ali’s early life and his impressive career. This attraction is one of the best things to do in Louisville. It is truly one of the best small towns in Kentucky!

The museum employs photos, videos, artifacts, and interactive exhibits to bring Muhammed Ali’s story to life for each and every guest. Throughout the museum, visitors will learn about Ali’s goals and training sessions, view his work as an artist and poet, and learn about his dedication to the civil rights movement.

The many galleries on display are dedicated to Ali’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality. The museum is open to visitors on Wednesdays thru Sundays. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online.

While you’re there, make sure to view the museum’s rotating exhibitions that connect to Ali’s core principles, but highlight other prolific Americans or groups. No matter when you visit, it will be the greatest!

Kayak at Green River Lake State Park

For a family-friendly beach outing, a trip to Green River Lake State Park tops our list for one of the best things to do in Kentucky. This is one of the best beaches in Kentucky ! It provides visitors a place to lounge on a sunny afternoon, with an ample swimming area and picnic tables to make a day of it!

While the beautiful beach is the highlight of the trip, Green River Lake State Park also offers a variety of activities for guests to enjoy. With 28 miles of all-purpose trails in the park, you can hike, bike, or horseback ride along all of them. You can also treat your group to 18 holes of mini-golf after your day at the beach.

Guests are invited to fish, kayak, or go boating, with water skiing and tubing all allowed on the lake. You can really make the most of these activities during a beach trip at Green River Lake. If it all seems like too much to pack into one day, RV and primitive camping sites are available within the park to extend the outdoor fun!

A woman kayoing on a lake with green trees in the background.

Check Out the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum

For one of the most iconic things to do in Owensboro, you must visit the Bluegrass Hall of Fame and Museum. This attraction celebrates the best bluegrass musicians in the business and preserves the history of the genre.

The Hall of Fame hosts live music performances year-round, so no matter when you visit, you are guaranteed to catch an amazing act performing here. Start your tour among the many exhibits detailing the origin of the genre, and learn about the people, instruments, and culture that turned bluegrass into the musical phenomenon it is today.

After checking out the museum, make your way over to one of the many stages to hear bluegrass come to life in a live concert from some musical legends and some bluegrass newcomers. Inductees into their Hall of Fame include Earl Scruggs, the Carter Family, Ricky Skaggs, and New Grass Revival.

The museum is open to visitors from Wednesdays thru Saturdays, though performances are scheduled throughout the week. Make sure to check the calendar prior to your visit so you can make sure to catch your favorite musical act!

Exterior of the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum with cool wood details.

Hike the Chain Rock Trail at Pine Mountain

If you’re looking for the best hiking in Kentucky , look no further than the Chain Rock Trail at Pine Mountain. It’s an outstanding spot for a nature walk with some stunning views to reward hikers for their efforts!

The “chained rock,” from which the trail gets its name, was secured to the side of the mountain in 1933 to protect the city of Pineville down below from disaster should the boulder come tumbling down. A hike up to the summit affords guests panoramic views of Pineville and neighboring mountains as far as the eye can see.

The trail is not terribly long to suit a variety of different hikers, though it’s not the easiest trail in the state. Guests should expect it to be around a moderate difficulty level. Chain Rock Trail is open year-round, and is dog friendly, though dogs must be kept on a leash. Grab your folks and enjoy a day on top of Kentucky!

Mountain view from Chain Rock Trail on Pine Mountain.

Bring the Kids to Dinosaur World

If you’re traveling through Kentucky with little ones, or with dinosaur enthusiasts, then a trip to Dinosaur World is an absolute must. It’s one of the most enjoyable things to do in Cave City!

As you step back to a time before people walked the planet, visitors are treated to life-sized dinosaurs on view in a setting that represents what their habitats would have looked like when they were the kings of the earth! Check out the Prehistoric Museum on-site to view real-life fossils, including dinosaur skulls and claws!

After viewing all of the dinosaur displays, make your way over the interactive activities like the Fossil Dig (yes, you can really dig for fossils!), the Dino Gem Excavation, and the Bone Yard, to learn the proper way paleontologists uncover long dinosaur bones from under the sand.

Dinosaur World is open seven days a week, and tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance online. There is no food service inside the park, so guests are encouraged to bring coolers with their own snacks to enjoy during their visit. Dogs are also welcome on a visit to Dinosaur World, as long as they are friendly and leashed.

This attraction is great fun for the whole family and is one of the fun things to do in Kentucky with kids!

A dinosaur statue stands next to a path in a forest.

Visit Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Enjoying a trip through Kentucky in the autumn ? There is no better place to view Kentucky’s stunning fall foliage than Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. With leaves of every beautiful autumn hue, you can truly appreciate the season, while immersing yourself in Kentucky’s rich history.

Cumberland Gap is known as “the first great gateway to the west.” Visitors can learn about the many people who walked these trails in search of great adventures and opportunities so many years ago.

The park offers many guided tours for an expert’s view of the history of the area. Choose from the Gap Cave Tours, to explore the outstanding underground cathedral, or the Hensley Settlement Tours, to learn about the small town that was inhabited on-site from 1903 to 1951.

Visitors are also free to hike on their own through the many miles of trails throughout the park. The trails range from quick sightseeing tours to multi-day excursions in the Cumberland Gap backcountry.

If you’d like to see the stunning fall foliage at different times of day, consider taking advantage of the park’s many campsites, with both drive-in and backcountry hike-in access. Stargazing here is one of the best things to do in Kentucky at night!

View of autumn leaves in red, gold, and purple, overlooking a rustic cabin in Cumberland Gap National Park, one of the best things to do in Kentucky.

Visit the World of Golf

No matter your golfing experience, World of Golf makes for a wonderful visit. It provides fun activities for golf aficionados to golfing newbies. Its 48-year history serving the community makes it one of the most fun things to do in Florence.

World of Golf features a full 18-hole executive course for avid golfers and an 18-hole mini-golf course for casual golfers and families. It is also one of the only places in the area to host FootGolf. What is FootGolf, you ask? It’s basically a combination of soccer and golf – think rules of golf played with a soccer ball. This unique opportunity is open to all ages and is played at World of Golf on Sundays.

If you’re looking to learn how to play or practice your swing, guests can book an instruction time with a coach. Visitors can also reserve time to practice on both their indoor and outdoor driving ranges. There is also an indoor simulator, which replicates courses on the PGA Tour.

Close up of a golf ball on a tee.

Try Whiskey at Buffalo Trace Distillery

A trip to Buffalo Trace Distillery is an opportunity to witness the timeless craft of producing delicious Kentucky whiskey. For over 200 years, this distillery has been leading the way for true Kentucky bourbon, making a visit here one of the most fun things to do in Frankfort .

With a variety of tours and tastings on-site, there is something here for every palette. The Trace Tour introduces visitors to the history and production of bourbon. The Botanical Gardens Tour offers guests a chance to walk through the distillery’s repurposed gardens and enjoy a tasting outdoors. In the mood for something spooky? Try their Ghost Tour, to get to know all the “spirits” aging in Buffalo Trace’s warehouses.

For history buffs, Buffalo Trace offers a National Historic Landmark Tour, detailing the company’s 200-year history and the success and challenges that come with running a distillery over that time span. The tour dives into topics like Prohibition, and the architecture and technology used by the company over those many years.

And those are just a few of the tour options hosted by Buffalo Trace! A stop at a distillery is one of the best things to do in Kentucky for adults!

Don’t forget to check out our post about Visting The Kentucky Bourbon Trail as well as the Best Bourbon Distilleries in Kentucky!

Barrels aging in a basement at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Admire Cars at the National Corvette Museum

Visiting the National Corvette Museum is one of the top things to do in Bowling Green, KY ! Vintage car lovers will want to visit the “Home of America’s Sports Car.”

The first Corvette was introduced in 1953 and it has since become a coveted car type. Tour the museum to see over 80 models from throughout the years including mint classics and one-of-a-kind prototypes.

One of the coolest aspects of the museum is the chance to test drive a Corvette yourself! Get behind the wheel and race around the NCM Motorsports Park track for multiple laps! This is one of the most heart-pumping Kentucky attractions!

The museum also has many events and races throughout the year, so check the calendar before you visit!

An old Corvette painted blue and purple in a museum.

Explore My Old Kentucky Home State Park

The last two best things to do in Kentucky on our list are for the history buffs out there!

Step back in time at My Old Kentucky Home State Park near Bardstown. In the park, you will find Federal Hill, also known as My Old Kentucky Home. This three-story, brick building was built between 1812 and 1818. It was once the home of US Senator John Rowan.

The building was also the inspiration for the song “My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!” by Stephen Foster. Written in 1852, this ballad is known for its anti-slavery sentiments.

After touring the historic home, there are many other Kentucky activities in the park to enjoy. There is an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, and an outdoor theater.

This is also one of the best places to visit in Kentucky for a camping trip! There is a 39-site campground for RVs and tents.

The brick My Old Kentucky Home as seen through green trees.

Visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Site

Abraham Lincoln was born in 1809 in Hodgenville, Kentucky, and spent the first few years of his life on a rural farm.

Anyone interested in American history will want to stop by the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Site which honors the early life of the sixteenth president of the US. This attraction is split into two locations, the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Unit and the Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home Unit.

The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace Unit is on the site of the Sinking Spring Farm where Lincoln was born. You will find a visitor’s center and the First Lincoln Memorial. Similar to the larger one in Washington D.C., this memorial was built in the early 1900s. Inside, you will find the recreation of Lincoln’s log birth cabin. On this property, you can also see the Sinking Spring which the family used as a water source.

The Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home Unit is found along Knob Creek and features historic buildings. Both sites have hiking trails as well.

This is also one of the best free things to do in Kentucky since there is no admission fee for either site!

The First Lincoln Memorial sitting at the top of many stairs surrounded by greenery.

With so many twists and turns around every corner, Kentucky is a great place for any traveler to visit. By starting at Kentucky’s most famous landmarks, visitors can often find themselves discovering little-known treasures that are unique to each city in the state.

With so much to suit a variety of preferences, you’ll treasure the memories of your visit here for a lifetime. Whether you’re looking to explore natural wonders, connect with history, or expand your sports knowledge, there are cool things to do in Kentucky for you.

So, what are you waiting for? Hop in your car, book your ticket, and begin your Kentucky adventure!

Pretty sunset with a women relaxing in a hot tub in Charleston SC

RoadsideAmerica.com Your Online Guide to Offbeat Tourist Attractions

Attraction:

  • Kentucky Map
  • Featured Attractions
  • Kentucky: Everything
  • Kentucky Blog and News

Find Kentucky travel tips, stories, maps, videos and news for unusual tourist attractions and sights.

Top Rated Attractions

Vent Haven: Ventriloquist Museum

Vent Haven: Ventriloquist Museum

Fort Mitchell, Kentucky

Do ventriloquist dummies scare you? See hundreds of them at this museum devoted to the art and history of ventriloquism.

Noah's Ark

Williamstown, Kentucky

Enormous wooden boat of biblical proportions. Three decks and dozens of dummy animals (including small dinosaurs). Signs and exhibits explain it all.

Hillbilly Garden

Hillbilly Garden

Calvert City, Kentucky

Keith Holt's folk art and gags, and a mini-world with 3,000 toys and six running trains.

Wigwam Village Motel No. 2

Wigwam Village Motel No. 2

Cave City, Kentucky

"Sleep in a Wigwam" at a classic tee-pee-themed motel near Mammoth Cave, built in 1937.

Big Mike's: Mystery House, Rocks, and Big Mo

Big Mike's: Mystery House, Rocks, and Big Mo

Combo rock and souvenir shop, vortex, mosasaur exhibit.

Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken

Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken

Corbin, Kentucky

A working KFC inside Col. Sanders' first restaurant has a mini-museum and the kitchen where KFC was first cooked.

Cocaine Bear

Cocaine Bear

Lexington, Kentucky

Famous bear that died after eating $15 million in cocaine dropped from a plane by a drug smuggler, who also died.

Transylvania's Moosnick Museum

Transylvania's Moosnick Museum

Collection of weird 19th century medical curiosities, including a two-headed baby, a giant hairball, and meat that fell from the sky in 1876.

Louisville Mega Cavern

Louisville Mega Cavern

Louisville, Kentucky

Take a jeep tram tour of a former mine and secret nuclear survival bunker.

Cave Hill Cemetery

Cave Hill Cemetery

A concourse of afterlife expression, Louisville's Cave Hill Cemetery invites appreciative strolls among offbeat monuments to the dead.

Portal 31: Dark Ride Mine Tour

Portal 31: Dark Ride Mine Tour

Lynch, Kentucky

A train ride through a real coal mine, with sound and light effects, animatronic miners, and a robot mule. Tourists ride rail cars, often in pitch blackness.

Creation Museum

Creation Museum

Petersburg, Kentucky

Man's Reason vs. God's Word -- explained with dinosaurs and immersive multimedia.

Kentucky Reptile Zoo: Snake Milking

Kentucky Reptile Zoo: Snake Milking

Slade, Kentucky

The art of bare-handed snake milking is still practiced. Claims to have "One of the Largest Collections of Venomous Snakes in the World."

International Paranormal Museum

International Paranormal Museum

Somerset, Kentucky

Small-but-packed museum devoted to all thing paranormal: monsters, space aliens, a showroom dummy that moves on its own...

Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History

Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History

Bardstown, Kentucky

Trace the storied past of whiskey making, see George Washington's still and Abe Lincoln's liquor license.

Two-Headed Calf, Shrunken Head

Two-Headed Calf, Shrunken Head

Covington, Kentucky

Freak oddities collected by the founders of a local history museum are among its most popular relics.

Jefferson Davis Monument

Jefferson Davis Monument

Fairview, Kentucky

A surprising 351-foot-tall obelisk, the tallest unreinforced concrete structure in the world, honors the only President of the Confederate States of America.

Wildwood Inn Tropical Dome and Theme Suites

Wildwood Inn Tropical Dome and Theme Suites

Florence, Kentucky

Sleep like a hillbilly, an African villager, or the Abominable Snowman, depending on your mood.

Pratt Museum: Atomic Mortar, Hitler's Stick

Pratt Museum: Atomic Mortar, Hitler's Stick

Fort Campbell, Kentucky

Many worthy items in this military museum, including Hitler's walking stick and an atomic mortar -- one of the dumbest weapons ever invented.

Patton Museum: Death Car

Patton Museum: Death Car

Fort Knox, Kentucky

The museum will satisfy Patton fans, with a collection of his personal items, including his death car and the collar worn by his dog.

Trunkations

Roadside America's blog, offering news, rants and ruminations on the state of Kentucky

Previous: Kansas | Next: Louisiana

Offbeat Landmarks and Oddities

Choice field reports and tips. Or check out: Complete list of Kentucky attractions .

  • Bardstown : Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
  • Benham : Kentucky Coal Museum
  • Bowling Green : Lost River Cave Boat Tours [ tips ]
  • Bowling Green : National Corvette Museum [ tips ]
  • Bowling Green : Big Red - Bronze Monster Mascot [ tips ]
  • Calvert City : Hillbilly Garden
  • Cave City : Wigwam Village Motel No. 2
  • Cave City : Dinosaur World [ tips ]
  • Cave City : Big Mike's: Mystery House, Rocks, and Big Mo
  • Cave City : Crystal Onyx Cave [ tips ]
  • Clermont : Jim Beam American Stillhouse
  • Corbin : Birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken
  • Corbin : Colonel Sanders Statue
  • Covington : Two-Headed Calf, Shrunken Head
  • Crestview Hills : Tiny Church - Monte Casino Chapel
  • Cynthiana : Walking Dead Mural [ tips ]
  • Elkton : Muffler Man - Bunyan [ tips ]
  • Fairview : Jefferson Davis Monument
  • Falmouth : Punkyville [ tips ]
  • Florence : Wildwood Inn Tropical Dome and Theme Suites
  • Fort Campbell : Pratt Museum: Atomic Mortar, Hitler's Stick
  • Fort Knox : Patton Museum: Death Car
  • Fort Mitchell : Vent Haven: Ventriloquist Museum
  • Frankfort : Daniel Boone's Grave
  • Frankfort : Kentucky Military History Museum: Hitler's Plaque
  • Frankfort : Center for Kentucky History: Boone's Skull
  • Frankfort : Capital City Museum
  • Franklin : Fork in the Road [ tips ]
  • Harrodsburg : Lincoln Marriage Temple
  • Hazel : KY-TN State Line Sculpture [ tips ]
  • Highland Heights : Stegowagen-volkssaurus
  • Hodgenville : The Lincoln Museum [ tips ]
  • Hopkinsville : King Arthur's Round Table - Literary Park
  • Hopkinsville : Edgar Cayce and the Hopkinsville Goblins
  • Horse Cave : Hidden River Cave and American Cave Museum
  • Horse Cave : Kangaroo Zoo and Cave [ tips ]
  • Lexington : Huge Cocktail (Former Mortar and Pestle) [ tips ]
  • Lexington : Bible Mini-Golf
  • Lexington : Cocaine Bear
  • Lexington : Transylvania's Moosnick Museum
  • Louisville : World's Largest Bat
  • Louisville : World's Largest Bat - The Vampire Kind
  • Louisville : Colonel Sanders Grave
  • Louisville : Louisville Mega Cavern
  • Louisville : Waverly Hills Sanatorium - Ghost Tours [ tips ]
  • Louisville : Pose With Wax Colonel Sanders
  • Louisville : 30-Foot-Tall Gold Statue of David [ tips ]
  • Louisville : Jesus is My Swingset
  • Louisville : Heigold Facade [ tips ]
  • Louisville : Angel Warriors
  • Louisville : Cave Hill Cemetery
  • Lynch : Portal 31: Dark Ride Mine Tour
  • Mammoth Cave : Mammoth Cave
  • Manchester : Stone of Witness - Red Bird Petroglyph
  • Mayfield : The Wooldridge Monuments
  • Munfordville : The Mayor's Stonehenge
  • Newport : World Peace Bell [ tips ]
  • Nicholasville : Museum of Physical Security
  • Owensboro : Statue of Gabe [ tips ]
  • Petersburg : Creation Museum
  • Pikeville : Octavia Hatcher: Buried Alive?
  • Pikeville : Big Sandy Heritage Museum: Hatfield-McCoy
  • Pineville : Chained Rock
  • Prestonsburg : World's 2nd Largest Seated Lincoln
  • Slade : Natural Bridge: Skylift
  • Slade : Kentucky Reptile Zoo: Snake Milking
  • Somerset : International Paranormal Museum
  • Stanton : Nada Tunnel
  • Williamstown : Noah's Ark

My Sights on Roadside America

Map and Plan Your Own Roadside Adventure ... Try My Sights

Mobile Apps

Roadside America app: iPhone, iPad

Kentucky Latest Tips and Stories

  • Clive the Alien , Covington, Kentucky
  • World's Tallest Crucifix , Bardstown, Kentucky
  • Giant Needle and Thread , Paducah, Kentucky
  • Mushroom Man with Pizza and Beer , Paducah, Kentucky
  • Horse and Dog Water Fountain , Paducah, Kentucky

Latest Visitor Tips

Sight of the Week

Sight of the Week

Gemini Giant: Space Age Muffler Man , Wilmington, Illinois (Mar 11-17, 2024)

SotW Archive

USA and Canada Tips and Stories

  • Illinois Route 66 Mining Museum , Godley, Illinois
  • Muffler Man , Macon, Georgia
  • Muffler Man , Dublin, Georgia
  • Allman Brothers Jail , Jackson, Alabama
  • War Babies Grave , Bastrop, Texas

More Sightings

Favorite Quirky City Sights

  • Cave City Attractions
  • Lexington Attractions
  • Louisville Attractions

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

Miscellaneous

  • Submit a Tip
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms and Conditions

Trip Planning Caution : RoadsideAmerica.com offers maps, directions and attraction details as a convenience, providing all information as is. Attraction status, hours and prices change without notice; call ahead!

Credits, Media/Business Inquiries © Copyright 1996-2024 Doug Kirby, Ken Smith, Mike Wilkins. All rights reserved. No portion of this document may be reproduced, copied or revised without written permission of the authors.

Will 2024 give us a superbloom — and where to see wildflowers now

The Carrizo Plain superbloom in 2017.

  • Show more sharing options
  • Copy Link URL Copied!

Come spring in California, after even a little bit of rain, people start asking the big questions: When does the Wild Flower Hotline start up and will this year be a superbloom?

The first question is easy: Theodore Payne Foundation’s Wild Flower Hotline resumes on March 8, and updates every Friday into June. You can access the info three ways: as a phone message by dialing (818) 768-1802 ext. 7, by subscribing to the podcast or by reading the online blog.

The information is collected by botanist Lorrae Fuentes, who has assembled a network of botanist colleagues to report their wildflower sightings in Southern and Central California every week, said Theodore Payne Foundation Executive Director Evan Meyer.

Fuentes writes the scripts, which then are narrated by Emmy Award-winning actor Joe Spano (of “Apollo 13,” “NCIS” and “Hill Street Blues” fame, to name a few), “a sweet, charming guy who does this pro bono as a way of giving back to the community,” Meyer said.

But will Fuentes and Spano be reporting another superbloom year?

LA Times Plants logo

Sign up for our L.A. Times Plants newsletter

Our L.A. Plants newsletter

April 19, 2023

That remains to be seen, Meyer said, but he’s optimistic.

Fragrant big pod ceanothus ( Ceanothus megacarpus ) are already blooming in the Santa Monica Mountains, he said, and other flowers are preparing to bloom as the weather turns warmer, but popular viewing areas like the Carrizo Plain National Monument in Central California are probably a good month away from revealing their show.

A slope in Walker Canyon blanketed with deep orange California poppies.

The Carrizo Plain is a particularly good place to view wildflowers, Meyer said, because it doesn’t have the invasive black mustard plants ( Brassica nigra ) and non-native grasses that can overrun native blooms closer to Los Angeles. “It’s a place to get a glimpse of what California’s wildflowers were like 200 years ago,” he added.

Fast-growing mustard plants have bright yellow flowers that can look pretty from a distance, Meyer said, “but they’re very destructive to the native ecology ” and when they dry out later in the year, they become a dangerous fuel for wildfire, so much so that property managers are hiring goats to mow them down on steep slopes.

a raided gardening bed where half is full of weeds and the other with seedlings and vegetables.

Before fantasizing over a spring garden, prep your raised beds. Here’s how to do it right

It’s time to plan your spring veggie garden, but before you start planting, get your raised beds and containers ready for a new season — and check out plant events for March.

March 1, 2024

Visitors are urged never to pick native wildflowers, so we can continue recharging the seed beds, but invasive, non-native flowers like mustard are fair game. The leaves of young plants are tasty in stir fries and salads ( outdoors educator Jason Wise offers many classes for foraging invasive weeds, complete with recipes), and the flowers can make a lovely fabric dye .

The bright yellow blooms of the black mustard plant.

Native wildflower blooms vary depending on the weather and elevation, Meyer said, with the flowers lasting well into August in the high mountains.

“We’ve had above-average rainfall this year, so the soil has stayed consistently moist, which is important,” he said. “And we had a huge seed production from last year, so it’s going to be interesting to see what happens. I think we’ll definitely see a lot of flowers this year.”

Lake Elsinore, CA - February 07: A close-up view of the spring California Poppies and wild flowers blooming early this year in the wake of major winter rainfall, which are covering patches of the upper slopes of Walker Canyon in Lake Elsinore Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2023. Poppies didn't blanket Walker Canyon hillsides in the past three years due to the drought. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

Has wildflower shaming gone too far? How to find the best blooms without the drama

The Theodore Payne Foundation’s annual Wild Flower Hotline returns March 3. Be respectful when you visit, but don’t be ashamed you want to see the bloom.

Feb. 28, 2023

Which does not necessarily mean a superbloom. Scientists tend to be careful about making predictions, but botanist Naomi Fraga, director of conservation programs for the California Botanic Garden, can’t talk about one of her favorite subjects without betraying a little excitement for what might be coming.

The seed bank has been recharged, she said, but that doesn’t mean those seeds will bloom in 2024; wildflower seeds can lie dormant for years before they germinate.

An ant's eye view of California poppies.

However, Fraga said, some stunning displays already are beginning in desert areas, boosted by heavy rains last August from Tropical Storm Hilary . The Anza Borrego Foundation , for instance, is posting breathtaking photos of vast wildflower blooms on its Instagram page.

That heavy rain in August “primed the ground to receive and hold on to new rain, so everything got absorbed really well when the winter rains came,” Fraga said. “As long as the conditions stay cool and don’t rise very rapidly in March, to where it’s suddenly 90 degrees, I think we have a strong chance of a very extraordinary bloom in the Death Valley region.”

The hills around Los Angeles County are already greening up, she added, so they could have strong displays of lupines , sages ( salvias ), phacelias and, of course, the state flower, the vibrantly orange California poppy ( Eschscholzia californica ), if the native flowers aren’t overtaken by invasive mustard and non-native grasses.

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA - Nov. 19, 2024: John Ellis' lawn of native fescue grasses, right, by the lawn of his neighbor's. (Michael Owen Baker / For The Times)

Turf is out. Native grasses are in. Here are 4 lush low-water options

Tearing out your lawn but still want a swath of green? Try planting water-saving (and labor-reducing!) California native grasses instead.

Jan. 30, 2024

Whether it will be a superbloom, however, “I’ll leave to the visitors to judge,” Fraga said, “because, of course, all blooms are super.”

There’s no precise definition for a superbloom, she said, “because it’s kind of in the eye of the beholder. To me, a superbloom is a very prolific bloom that covers a fairly large geography, where areas are blooming in mass and not just pockets here and there.”

A meadow carpeted with gold wildflowers along a stretch of Highway 58 near Santa Margarita in April 2023

Those “pocket” blooms are still beautiful, Fraga said, but for her, superblooms are events where even the experts are in awe.

“It’s when botanists leave the field covered in pollen,” Fraga said. “Everywhere you go you see profusions, blankets of flowers for miles and miles. You see waves of pollinators like painted lady [butterfly] migrations and sphinx moths. It’s overwhelming because everything is so ... alive .”

So is it the pollen that makes us all go gaga about extraordinary wildflower displays? Or the thrill of seeing our normally staid hills streaked with bright color, as jumbled and vivid as a toddler’s smock after an afternoon of fingerpainting?

LAKE ELSINORE, CALIF. -- WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019: California Poppies are abundant at the Super Bloom, Lake Elsinore Poppy Fields in Walker Canyon after the city closed the area in Lake Elsinore, Calif., on March 13, 2019. Calling the stampede a ?poppy nightmare,? Lake Elsinore officials announced they had shut access to the popular poppy fields in Walker Canyon, where crowds had descended in recent weeks to see the super bloom of wildflowers. ?The situation has escalated beyond [our] available resources,? Lake Elsinore said on its City Hall Facebook page. ?No additional shuttles or visitors will be allowed into Walker Canyon. This weekend has been unbearable [for] Lake Elsinore.? The area was reopened Monday. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

2024 Wildflower Details

Where to find wildflower information (and gorgeous photos)

Anza Borrego Foundation , the nonprofit partner of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park

Antelope Valley California Poppy Preserve , and the park’s live PoppyCam

California Department of Parks and Recreation

Botanist Naomi Fraga’s Instagram account

Calfora , a database that pinpoints wildflowers in specific locations

California Native Plant Society’s California wildflowers guide

California Native Plant Society’s public Facebook group for wildflower sighting and identification

Coachella Valley photographer Scott Collins’ Instagram account

Desert Wildflowers & Wildlife , a public Facebook group

Theodore Payne Foundation’s Wild Flower Hotline

“Flowers are definitely something easy to love ... and people are attracted to the colors because we just love a show,” Fraga said. “But for botanists, I think it’s the fleeting nature of wildflowers. It’s like you’re in a race to see everything you can see, because you never know when you’ll see it again. It’s the same phenomenon as a big flash sale — it’s not available all year round.”

The treasure-hunt aspect is enticing, Meyer said, but he sees other factors too, starting with humans just being wired to seek out large-scale biological events, like the fall colors in New England or bison roaming the Great Plains.

“California’s wildflower blooms are one of the most impressive botanical events on the planet,” he said. “They’re so vast and dense and abundant they can be viewed from space, so it’s natural people are drawn to that because it’s so awe-inspiring.”

That appreciation is also in our DNA, Meyer said. “We evolved with plants, and many California wildflower seeds are edible, like chia ( Salvia columbariae ) , so Indigenous Americans would look on those fields and say, ‘There’s our food for the next many months.’”

But mostly, Meyer sees the annual displays “as a salve to our urban world of computers and freeways and cubicles.”

A California poppy stands out amid purple salvia wildflowers in Walker Canyon, Lake Elsinore

“They allow us to connect with our optimism,” he said.

“It’s like a metaphor for life; a reminder that good things lie in wait. We might not see them, but the seeds are there, under the ground, ready to bloom in great abundance ... so don’t give up hope.”

More to Read

Wildflowers can be seen right off of Henderson Canyon Road.

This popular SoCal hiking spot is bursting with wildflowers — and bighorn sheep

March 15, 2024

Top row: Astragalus bicristatus, Grindelia camporum, Atragalus brauntonii, Quercus engelmannii. Bottom row: Keckiella ternata var ternata, Linanthus concinnus, Polystichum imbricans ssp curtum, Calochortus weedii var intermedius.

He’s out to photograph every native plant in L.A. County — 750 down, 1,840 to go

Dec. 27, 2023

SOUTH PASADENA, CA - MAY 19: Pedistrians pass by purple blossoms as southern California's Jacaranda trees go into full bloom May 19, 2004 in South Pasadena, California. The subtropical Jacarandas are common throughout much of southern California, growing as tall as 30- to 90-feet. (Photo by David McNew/Getty Images)

Opinion: Here’s what’s wrong with your perfectly drought-tolerant Southern California landscaping

Dec. 24, 2023

At the start of each month, get a roundup of upcoming plant-related activities and events in Southern California, along with links to tips and articles you may have missed.

You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

Jeanette Marantos started writing for the Los Angeles Times in 1999, doing Money Makeovers until 2002. She returned to write for The Times’ Homicide Report in 2015 and the Saturday garden section in 2016, a yin and yang that kept her perspective in balance. In early 2020, she moved full time into Features, with a focus on all things flora. She is a SoCal native who spent more than 20 years in Central Washington as a daily reporter, columnist, freelancer and mom before returning to the land of eucalyptus and sage. Her present goal is to transform her yard into an oasis of native plants, fruit trees and veggies.

More From the Los Angeles Times

LAKE TAHOE CA AUGUST 9, 2023 - Jim and Leigh Gaston hike near Eagle Falls on Lake Tahoe near South Laket Tahoe, California on August 9, 2023. (Max Whittaker / For The Times)

The challenge: Trek from Carson City to Canada. You could make $5,000

Various attractions and points of interest from Los Angeles museums and gardens

Travel & Experiences

You’ll want to plan your whole month around these 11 free museum days in L.A.

A vegetable garden growing out of a shopping cart in a grocery story.

How to turn grocery store staples into plants that will thrive in an L.A. garden

March 14, 2024

Barbara Lawson, 51, is the owner of the whimsical plant shop, Meet Me in the Dirt.

The lush plant shop where people play in the dirt — and leave feeling renewed

You can see the total solar eclipse from national parks, but their skies offer much more

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

A large swath of the country will have a chance to witness a rare total solar eclipse next month. 

For a few minutes on April 8, the moon will perfectly align with the sun, darkening skies along a path of totality from Texas to Maine. 

“It's an odd experience to watch that shadow move across the sun,” said Geoff Goins, Interpretation and Fees manager at Capulin Volcano National Monument in New Mexico. “You can see planets near the sun. You can see stars and everything.”

The unusual phenomenon , which he likened to twilight, can confuse animals and cause traffic to back up, but it’s definitely expected to wow spectators. 

“Everyone's seen pictures, but when you're seeing it in person with your own eyes, it's that personal experience with something that's happening out there in the cosmos that hits you right here,” he said, patting his chest. 

Goins remembers everyone around him whooping and hollering during the last solar eclipse in 2017. He traveled to Grand Teton National Park for that one and plans to travel again for this next viewing.

“Our park is having a program that day. It will be a partial eclipse here,” Goins said of Capulin Volcano. “But I'm the astronomy nerd here, so I am going to centerline.” 

Travelers will be able to see the total solar eclipse at 27 units within the National Park System next month, but there are many more parks with stunning skies all year.

Where can I see the eclipse in 2024?

An interactive map posted by the National Park Service, using NASA data, shows the following park units within the path of the total lunar eclipse.

◾ Amistad National Recreation Area in Texas.

◾ Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Texas.

◾ Waco Mammoth National Monument in Texas.

◾ El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Texas portion.

◾ President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site in Arkansas.

◾ Hot Springs National Park in Arkansas.

◾ Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site in Arkansas.

◾ Buffalo National River in Arkansas.

◾ Trail of Tears National Historic Trail Arkansas, Missouri, Kentucky, and Illinois portions.

◾ Ozark National Scenic Riverways in Missouri.

◾ Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park in Missouri.

◾ Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio portions.

◾ Lincoln Boyhood National Memorial in Indiana.

◾ George Rogers Clark National Historical Park in Indiana.

◾ Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument in Ohio.

◾ Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park in Ohio.

◾ Perry’s Victory & International Peace Memorial in Ohio.

◾ Cuyahoga Valley National Park in Ohio.

◾ James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Ohio.

◾ David Berger National Memorial in Ohio.

◾ Fallen Timbers Battlefield and Fort Miamis National Historic Site in Ohio.

◾ North Country National Scenic Trail Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont portions.

◾ Harriet Tubman National Historical Park in New York.

◾ Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site in New York.

◾ Women’s Rights National Historical Park in New York.

◾ Appalachian National Scenic Trail Maine portion.

◾ Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument in Maine.

Other sites like San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas, William Howard Taft National Historic Site in Ohio, and Fort Stanwix National Monument in New York lie just outside the eclipse’s path of totality. 

Eclipse Island, Moon Beach: These places on the solar eclipse path have the perfect names

What national park has the best stargazing?

In most places, the total solar eclipse will only last 3 ½ to 4 minutes, according to NASA, but nearly every night, the sky puts on a spectacular show at national park units across the country.

There is no one best park for stargazing; there are many. Here are some of the parks with night sky programs. Those with an asterisk, like Capulin Volcano, also have International Dark Sky Association certification.

◾ Acadia National Park in Maine.

◾ Arches National Park * in Utah.

◾ Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

◾ Big Bend National Park * in Texas.

◾ Big Cypress National Preserve *  in Florida.

◾ Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park * in Colorado.

◾ Bryce Canyon National Park * in Utah.

◾ Buffalo National River * in Arkansas.

◾ Canyonlands National Park * in Utah.

◾ Capitol Reef National Park * in Utah.

◾ Capulin Volcano National Monument * in New Mexico.

◾ Carlsbad Caverns National Park in New Mexico.

◾ Cedar Breaks National Monument * in Utah.

◾ Chaco Culture National Historical Park * in New Mexico.

◾ Chiricahua National Monument * in Arizona.

◾ City of Rocks National Reserve * in Idaho.

◾ Craters of the Moon National Monument and Preserve * in Idaho.

◾ Death Valley National Park * in California, Nevada.

◾ Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

◾ Dinosaur National Monument * in Colorado, Utah.

◾ El Morro National Monument * in New Mexico.

◾ Flagstaff Area National Monuments * in Arizona.

◾ Florissant Fossil Beds National Monument * in Colorado.

◾ Fort Union National Monument * in New Mexico.

◾ Glacier National Park * in Montana.

◾ Grand Canyon National Park * in Arizona.

◾ Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument * in Arizona.

◾ Great Basin National Park * in Nevada.

◾ Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve * in Colorado.

◾ Hovenweep National Monument * in Colorado, Utah.

◾ Joshua Tree National Park * in California.

◾ Lassen Volcanic National Park in California.

◾ Mesa Verde National Park * in Colorado.

◾ Natural Bridges National Monument * in Utah.

◾ Obed Wild and Scenic River * in Tennessee.

◾ Olympic National Park in Washington.

◾ Petrified Forest National Park * in Arizona.

◾ Pipe Spring National Monument * in Arizona.

◾ Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado.

◾ Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument * in New Mexico.

◾ Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan.

◾ Tonto National Monument * in Arizona.

◾ Tumacacori National Historical Park * in Arizona.

◾ Valles Caldera National Preserve * in New Mexico.

◾ Voyageurs National Park * in Minnesota.

Source: National Park Service

Astrotourism 101: How to plan your vacation around dark skies

What happens in national parks at night?

Visitors who leave parks before the sun goes down miss out. 

“There's birds that make noises at night. Deer are very active … A lot of the predators will hunt at night. A lot of the rodent activity happens at night. There's bats at night. There's all kinds of biological activity,” Goins said. When he previously worked at Bryce Canyon, which hosts moonlight hikes , he loved pointing out the evening primrose that only blooms at night. 

Nighttime is also when the sky comes alive.

“You get out, and you're going to see a sky that you've never seen in your life if you grew up in a city,” he said. 

#3 LSU vs. #21 Kentucky

#3 LSU vs. #21 Kentucky

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

The PLAYERS Championship: Main Feed (Second Round)

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

The PLAYERS Championship: Scheffler Marquee Group (Second Round)

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

The PLAYERS Championship: Homa & Morikawa Featured Groups (Second Round)

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

Canisius vs. #25 Fairfield (Semifinals)

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

The PLAYERS Championship: Featured Holes #3, #12, #16 & #17 (Second Round)

map of tourist attractions in kentucky

ESPN BET Live

Alcorn state vs. grambling (semifinal), coppin state vs. norfolk state (semifinals), buffalo vs. toledo (semifinals), the players championship all access: group 47 (duncan, mcnealy & tarren) (second round), the players championship all access: group 34 (s.h. kim & novak) (second round), the players championship all access: group 46 (baddeley, griffin & thompson) (second round), the players championship all access: group 33 (eckroat, theegala & bhatia) (second round), the players championship all access: group 45 (kirk, hughes & putnam) (second round), the players championship all access: group 32 (finau, zalatoris & lowry) (second round), the players championship all access: group 44 (list, woodland & young) (second round), the players championship all access: group 36 (hoffman, stevens & valimaki) (second round), the players championship all access: group 48 (chan kim, skinns & stanger) (second round), the players championship all access: group 35 (martin, cole & hall) (second round), the players championship all access: group 43 (riley, conners & spaun) (second round), the players championship all access: group 42 (echavarria, poston & english) (second round), the players championship all access: group 41 (hardy, wallace & svensson) (second round), the players championship all access: group 40 (murray, power & molinari) (second round), the players championship all access: group 28 (knapp, pavon & dunlap) (second round), the players championship all access: group 39 (mitchell, hubbard & wu) (second round), the players championship all access: group 27 (davis, ryder & jaeger) (second round), the players championship all access: group 26 (malnati, hossler & smalley) (second round), the players championship all access: group 38 (mccarthy, nesmith & hojgaard) (second round), the players championship all access: group 25 (ghim, buckley & yu) (second round), the players championship all access: group 37 (hun an, rodgers & schmid) (second round), big 12 tennis, mcneese vs. nicholls, fordham vs. army, pepperdine vs. tulane, live from the ivy madness, wtt singapore smash (night session) (quarterfinals), the pat mcafee show, carlin vs. joe, georgia vs. florida (second round) (sec men's basketball tournament), sportscenter, the tournament: a history of acc men's basketball presented by new york life - episode 7, longhorn extra: national signing day special, fútbol picante, latest clips, bart scott: cowboys couldn't afford to flirt with derrick henry, how hollywood brown would bolster the chiefs' quest for a 3-peat, nc state holds on to eliminate duke from acc tournament, reece beekman's ot 3 helps send virginia into acc semis, jalen green drops jared butler to the floor, stares him down and sinks a trey, boston college forces ot on mason madsen's buzzer-beater, the numbers behind sam howell's trade to the seahawks, maple leafs scores 2 goals in eight seconds, flacco tells mcafee how he landed with the colts, can the texans build off last season's success, ryan fox aces hole 17 at players championship, spieth and hovland question mcilroy's ball drop, texas' joley mitchell hits a hr off a windshield, wyatt langford clears the bases with a grand slam, why windy can't take the lakers seriously, saquon: i didn't handle giants exit the right way, foxworth: saquon's not an rb, he's a difference-maker, zverev-alcaraz match delayed due to ... bee invasion, brayden point leads lightning comeback with a hat trick, greeny adamant kirk cousins makes falcons super bowl contenders, mad dog: gerrit cole's injury jeopardizes yanks' world series chances, paul skenes touches 102 mph on 3-pitch k, then fans jackson holliday, shota imanaga racks up 9 strikeouts vs. athletics, oregon big man n'faly dante runs the floor for and-1 dunk, rory mcilroy opens the players championship with three straight birdies, sfa moving on after aj cajuste's 3 at the buzzer, scottie pippen is loving his son's dunk, cp3 t's up the ref after receiving technical in 4th.

COMMENTS

  1. 29 Top Things to Do in Kentucky

    Wine-tasting is one of the best things to do in Kentucky in November, or throughout the fall, due to cool temperatures and ripe grapes. Nonalcoholic fruit punch slushies are available for purchase ...

  2. THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Kentucky

    4. Lost River Cave. 3,451. Caverns & Caves. Lost River Cave is home to the only underground boat tour in the state of Kentucky and the only zipline in Bowling Green. In addition to the boat tour, Lost River Cave offers over two miles of nature trails, ziplines, and a unique, seasonal butterfly habitat.

  3. Visitor's Guide

    There is an easy way to get our free visitor guides and brochures. Click on the link below to view Kentucky's 2024 free online travel guide full of great travel ideas useful for building trip itineraries. Virtually flip through the pages and find lots of useful information about things to see and do in Kentucky. View the Interactive Guide Online.

  4. 18 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Kentucky

    On This Page: 1. Kentucky Derby. Kentucky's most famous event and one of horse racing's most prestigious races is the Kentucky Derby, held at Churchill Downs outside of Louisville. The Kentucky Derby takes place the first Sunday in May and draws a huge crowd to the city - it's one of the top things to do in Louisville.

  5. 10 Best Places to Visit in Kentucky (+Map)

    10. Bowling Green. Bowling Green might be dubbed the "motor city" of Kentucky since Chevrolet has manufactured the Corvette here since 1981; you can take a factory tour or visit the National Corvette Museum which is located here. Founded in1798, the city served as the Confederate capital of Kentucky during the Civil War.

  6. Top 20 Kentucky Attractions Not To Be Missed

    The Creation Museum is a destination with so much to offer. It is open every day from 9 AM to 6 PM, excluding Sunday. On Sunday, the museum is open from 12 till 6 PM. From exhibits to exploration, this is one of the top tourist attractions in all of Kentucky. Address: 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd, Petersburg, KY 41080.

  7. 45 Best Things To Do & Places To Visit In Kentucky

    1. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park. Alexey Stiop / Shutterstock. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is located inside one of the most stunning vacation spots in the state of Kentucky: the Daniel Boone National Forest. Spanning 1,657 acres and boasting a campground with 50 sites, a restaurant looking out to the river, a lodge, and a visitor ...

  8. Top 13 Kentucky Attractions to Visit

    Stadiums, Sports Attractions & Ski Resorts. 4.6. The Kentucky Derby is a big deal, in Louisville, in Kentucky, and around the world. Visit the track where it all happens. There are plenty of races to bet on if you are the gambling type. Churchill Downs is also home to the Kentucky Derby Museum, a Derby Store, and more.

  9. 25 Best Things to do in Kentucky (+Map)

    12. Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. Located in the heart of Old Louisville, in Kentucky's largest city, is the captivating Conrad-Caldwell House Museum. An important and impressive landmark, it displays exquisite architecture and antiques, which visitors can check out on any one of the fascinating tours.

  10. 14 Best Places to Visit in Kentucky

    4. Cumberland Gap Foggy morning at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park. The majestic Cumberland Gap near Middlesboro, Kentucky is one of the best places to visit for outdoor beauty in the state.. The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is not only a beautiful area but it's also historic: early settlers used it to move buffalo to the west. There are more than 85 miles of trails.

  11. Things to Do in Kentucky

    Explore Things To Do in Kentucky . Trip Planning Outdoors Natural Attractions Outdoor Recreation Trail Towns Parks Golf Bourbon Distilleries & Attractions Bourbon 101 Horses Horse Racing Horseback Riding Horse Farms and Tours ...

  12. 25 Best Places to Visit in Kentucky (Travel Tips + Map)

    5. Bowling Green. Bowling Green is a university city known for its national museums, great neighborhoods, and underground explorations of many amazing caves. To get acquainted with the history of Bowling Green, one of the most common things to do is to visit Fountain Square Park, which is in the downtown area.

  13. 20 Best Things To Do In Kentucky: The Ultimate KY Bucket List

    Admire Cars at the National Corvette Museum. Visiting the National Corvette Museum is one of the top things to do in Bowling Green, KY! Vintage car lovers will want to visit the "Home of America's Sports Car.". The first Corvette was introduced in 1953 and it has since become a coveted car type.

  14. Roadside Attractions Map

    Map to recommended offbeat attractions, and road trip sights -- museums, monuments, tourist traps, folk art, pet cemeteries.

  15. Vacation Planning

    Unlock the secrets of Kentucky with our trip planning guide. Discover attractions, events, and tips for an unforgettable journey. Start your adventure now!

  16. 25 Famous Kentucky Landmarks You Must See

    Kentucky Landmarks Map A map of Kentucky landmarks. Use the map to explore all of the points of interest. Show Interactive Map LANDMARK 1 ... it is easy to see why Big Bone Lick State Park is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Kentucky. If interested in visiting, the park is open year-round and features hiking trails, a museum ...

  17. Tourism

    Golfing. Kentucky State Parks offer some of the best public Golf Courses, and with 16 different courses around the state, you are sure to find one near you. Search Courses, Book Online and Find Discounts & Packages. With more than 300 private and public golf courses to choose from, Kentucky is the perfect golf vacation destination.

  18. Kentucky Tourist Attractions

    The best Kentucky oddities and offbeat attractions, road trip and vacation recommendations from Roadside America's writers and experts -- museums, statues, roadside stops, odd buildings, weird folk art.

  19. New 2023 Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide Now Available

    FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 10, 2023) - The Kentucky Department of Tourism released the 2023 Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide, Team Kentucky's official visitor's guide for travel in the commonwealth. The 2023 Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide serves as the state's primary tourism advertising and promotional piece with nearly 350,000 copies distributed worldwide.

  20. 10 MUST-SEE Historic Sites In Kentucky (Expert Guide + Photos)

    The Kentucky Derby is one of the most famous horse races in the world, and it has a rich and storied history that dates back to the late 19th century. The first Kentucky Derby was held on May 17, 1875, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race was the idea of Meriwether Lewis Clark Jr., who was inspired by the Epsom Derby in England ...

  21. Travel Tools

    2024 Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide. Your Guide to All Things Kentucky. Want to know about Kentucky's tastiest restaurants and bourbon distilleries? How about our most scenic horse farms and outdoors spots? Or the best ways to experience live music and events? You're in luck. Order your free 2023 Official Kentucky Visitor's Guide today to ...

  22. Map of Tourist Attractions in Kentucky, United States

    Share. Browse 508 attractions, meet 18 travelers, 14 tour guides and discover 822 photos. This map features 625 tourist attractions in Kentucky. TouristLink also features a map of all the tourist attractions in United States and has more detailed maps showing just tourist attractions in Georgetown or those in Manchester. Want more information?

  23. Will there be a superbloom (and how to find wildflowers in Southern

    A meadow carpeted with wildflowers along a stretch of Highway 58 near Santa Margarita in April 2023. Those "pocket" blooms are still beautiful, Fraga said, but for her, superblooms are events ...

  24. Discover Kentucky Unforgettable Experiences Await

    The Louisville Orchestra: In Harmony Tour. Bowling Green, KY. Mar 7, 2024. Greensky Bluegrass with Daniel Donato's Cosmic Country. Louisville, KY. Mar 8, 2024. Comedian James Gregory The Funniest Man in America Returns to The Center. Somerset, KY. Mar 8, 2024.

  25. National parks where you can see the total solar eclipse, dark skies

    In most places, the total solar eclipse will only last 3 ½ to 4 minutes, according to NASA, but nearly every night, the sky puts on a spectacular show at national park units across the country.

  26. #3 LSU vs. #21 Kentucky 3/9/24

    Stream the NCAA Softball Game #3 LSU vs. #21 Kentucky live from %{channel} on Watch ESPN. Live stream on Saturday, March 9, 2024.