Discover Kentucky Things to do
A trip to Kentucky will take you far beyond the stereotypes. This southern state has a character all its own. If you spend a few days in Kentucky, you can explore some of America’s most important and interesting landmarks.
Stay a week or two in the Bluegrass State and you’ll find yourself enjoying spectacular geographical wonders.
Kentucky’s most famous attraction is Churchill Downs, the site of the Kentucky Derby. Followed by Mammoth Cave, the world’s longest cave system. Visitors with an interest in American history should visit the Lincoln Birthplace, and George S. Patton Military Museum. After swing by the National Corvette Museum.
Mammoth Cave National Park
This massive cave system considered to be the longest known cave system in the world and one of Kentucky’s top tourist attractions. The National Park covers 52,830 acres. Includes areas around the Green River and the 400 miles of passageways that make up Mammoth Cave.
Visitors can tour the cave with group tours offered by the National Park Service. A variety of tour routes and lengths are available. The tours allow visitors to explore the caves while learning about the history of the cave. There is an incredible variety of activities for visitors throughout the park year-round.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site
Two farms near Hogdenville, Kentucky represent Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site two important sites where Abraham Lincoln lived as a child. View the Memorial Building and the Symbolic Birth Cabin of Abraham Lincoln.
Visit the Birthplace Unit Visitor Center to watch the park film, view exhibits, and to learn more about the park. Inside there are exhibits, including the Lincoln family bible, a 15-minute-long movie, and the park store. Visitors can tour each farm site and explore the Memorial Building at Sinking Springs Farm.
Ark Encounter
Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah’s Ark. Built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old.
The ark contains 132 bays, each standing about 18 feet high, arranged into three decks. Visitors enter on the lowest deck and move between decks on ramps constructed through the center of the ark. Ark Encounter is packed with experiences to make your visit fun, educational, and memorable.
Churchill Downs
The site of the world-famous Kentucky Derby horse race is Churchill Downs, a racetrack in Louisville, Kentucky. The derby has taken place since the track’s opening in 1875 and has been a part of American culture ever since.
Visitors can watch a race and tour the Kentucky Derby Museum. Watch the short film “The Greatest Race,” in the museum’s 360-degree cinema. Plan your visit to Churchill Downs for the beginning of May and enjoy the thrilling experience of being a part of the Kentucky Derby crowd.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory experience history as you stroll through the actual factory where world famous Louisville Slugger bats are created. The award-winning factory tour is a highlight of the visit. Admire the World’s Biggest Bat stretching 120 feet into the sky.
Hold bats actually used by baseball superstars like Mickey Mantle, Johnny Bench, Cal Ripken Jr. and more. Face down a 90-mph fastball hurled by a major league pitcher. Count the homerun notches Babe Ruth carved into his Louisville Slugger bat. Guests get a free miniature souvenir bat at the end of the factory tour.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
At the massive natural break in the Appalachian Mountains. You’ll find the site called Cumberland Gap and one of Kentucky’s great National Historical Parks. The gap is known for its history as one of the only routes to pass through the Appalachians, used by Native Americans and migratory animals.
The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is a notable historic site. Historic structures like the Hensley Settlement. An early 20th century mountain community or the 19th century wagon path. Discover rich history, spectacular overlooks, unique rock formations, cascading waterfalls, and an extensive trail system in Cumberland Gap National Historical Park’s 24,000 acres.
Newport Aquarium
Visit Newport Aquarium and discover the wonder of the aquatic world and its amazing creatures. Exciting animal encounters await you and your family. Experience the epic exhibit Shipwreck: Realm of the Eels, discover the ruins of a long-ago sunken ship scattered across the sea floor.
Cross Shark Bridge the world’s first suspended rope bridge where guests can walk just inches above sharks, shark rays and other aquatic animals. Dive into the completely refreshed Coral Reef Tunnel! Be surrounded by a sixty thousand gallon thriving underwater community filled with colorful corals and schools of tropical fish.
Kentucky Horse Park
This horse farm and educational theme park is not your average theme park. The Kentucky Horse Park, located in Lexington, aims to teach visitors about horses and man’s relationship with horses. The excitement of the racetrack is brought to life by the elite group of champion horses that reside at the park’s Hall of Champions.
Horseback Trail and Pony Rides reserve your ride at the Visitor Center on the day of your visit. Parade of Breeds Show includes 5-6 breed representatives, an opportunity for guests to take photos, pet the horses, and chat with riders.
National Corvette Museum
Kentucky is home to the Chevrolet Corvette, one of America’s most beloved sports cars. The Bowling Green Assembly Plant has made Corvettes since 1981 and the National Corvette Museum located just a quarter mile away. You can tour the assembly plant and visit the museum to learn about the history of the iconic car.
A big hit at the museum is the Corvette Hall of Fame which features individuals who have been involved in the Corvette’s success.
Located in the Museum’s Design and Engineering Gallery, educates, and entertains by using interactive elements, artifacts, hands-on objects, and motion-activated content to learn about the design history of the Corvette.
Lost River Cave
In Bowling Green is the Lost River Cave, a seven-mile cave system that’s made more spectacular and famous by the river that runs through it. No visit to Lost River Cave is complete without an underground boat tour, the only of its kind offered in the state. Visitors on the tour enjoy a guided experience of entering the cave mouth and touring the cave by boat.
Also, at the park you’ll find nature trails, blue holes, and gem mining. Lost River Cave’s 72 acres provide family fun for all ages. Nature Explore Playscape is the playground for your curious kids they can use their imaginations to create a world of their own in nature.
Things to Do in Kentucky
Although you might find the state’s famous fried chicken to be delicious. The Bluegrass State has much more to offer than horse races and buckets of chicken. For an experience that’s a little bit southern and American.
Spend some time in Kentucky where you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful landscapes. Friendly people, and American history at every turn.