The Bluegrass State, Kentucky, is famous for its rolling hills, horse racing heritage, distilleries and southern hospitality.
- Churchill Downs and the Kentucky Derby Museum (Louisville): Immerse yourself in the thrilling world of thoroughbred racing and visit the home of the legendary Kentucky Derby. Explore the museum and watch live races at Churchill Downs, an exhilarating experience.
- Mammoth Cave National Park (Cave City): Embark on an underground adventure as you explore the world’s longest known cave system. Admire its magnificent rock formations, abundant wildlife, and take a guided tour through the caverns.
- Bourbon Trail (Louisville and Lexington): Delve into the rich heritage of bourbon by exploring the distilleries along the famous Bourbon Trail. Take distillery tours, indulge in tastings, and learn about the art of bourbon production.
- Red River Gorge Geological Area (Stanton): Hike through the natural beauty of the Red River Gorge. Discover rock formations, hike scenic trails, and challenge yourself with world-class rock climbing opportunities.
- Kentucky Horse Park (Lexington): Immerse yourself in the equestrian culture at the Kentucky Horse Park. Witness horse shows, visit the International Museum of the Horse, and explore the rolling pastures that are home to magnificent thoroughbreds.
- Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park (Hodgenville): Step back in time as you visit the humble log cabin where Abraham Lincoln was born. Explore the preserved site, learn about Lincoln’s childhood, and gain insights into his inspiring journey.
- Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (Louisville): Baseball enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the chance to tour the iconic Louisville Slugger Museum. Witness the craftsmanship behind the world-famous bats and take home your personalized mini Slugger.
- Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (Corbin): Witness the spectacle of the “Niagara of the South” at Cumberland Falls. Don’t miss the moonlit tours, during which the falls’ mist creates a magical phenomenon known as the “Moonbow.”
- National Corvette Museum (Bowling Green): Rev up your engines and visit the National Corvette Museum, a paradise for car enthusiasts. Admire the collection of iconic Corvettes, watch the assembly line in action, and test your skills at the driving simulator.
- Kentucky Derby Museum (Louisville): Dive deeper into the heritage of the Kentucky Derby at this informative and interactive museum. Get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of thoroughbred racing and the traditions that surround it.
Off-the-Beaten-Track Gems:
- Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area (Golden Pond): Escape to this peaceful nature reserve offering outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and wildlife watching. Explore the Elk & Bison Prairie, home to herds of impressive animals.
- Paducah Artist Relocation Program (Paducah): Venture to the town of Paducah, where artists from around the globe have flocked to breathe new life into its historic buildings. Explore the art scene and Admire the colourful murals and galleries.
- Berea: Discover the artistic and cultural hub of Kentucky in Berea. Explore artisan shops, visit Berea College’s crafts program, and witness the time-honored art of Appalachian craftmaking.
- Big Bone Lick State Historic Site (Union): Explore the birthplace of American paleontology at Big Bone Lick. Unearth ancient fossils, hike the nature trails, and learn about the area’s history.
- Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (Harrodsburg): Step back in time at this beautifully preserved Shaker community. Take guided tours, learn about their way of life, and enjoy a peaceful retreat in the countryside setting.
- Creation Museum (Petersburg): Uncover the intriguing combination of faith and science at the Creation Museum. Explore exhibits that explore the biblical perspective of creation and the natural history of the world.
- Newport Aquarium (Newport): Immerse yourself in an underwater world at the Newport Aquarium. Admire the vast array of marine life, walk through the underwater tunnel, and watch animal feedings and shows.
- Lost River Cave (Bowling Green): Embark on a thrilling boat tour through the underground river of Lost River Cave. Witness the natural beauty and learn about its history.
- Waverly Hills Sanatorium (Louisville): For those interested in the paranormal, a visit to the haunted Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a must.
