The roots of bluegrass music sprang from the diverse heritage and culture of the people who settled in the Appalachian region. The spirit of bluegrass is reflected in Kentucky’s most iconic cities and attractions. Explore these can’t-miss attractions to see what Kentucky is really about! 

 

Red River Gorge 

The spectacular rock features of the Red River Gorge create a beautiful vista. But sandstone arches and towering cliffs are just part of the attraction. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to the gorge to enjoy camping, hiking, canoeing, and viewing wildlife. Red River Gorge consistently ranks among the top climbing and rappelling destinations in the world. For a truly thrilling adventure, go on an adrenaline-filled zipline canopy tour that takes you through the Daniel Boone National Forest and above the Red River Gorge. If you would like to spend the night in the gorge, consider reserving a campsite or cabin at Natural Bridge State Resort Park. 
www.redrivergorge.com 

 

The Birthplace of Bill Monroe 

The childhood home of Bill Monroe, who is affectionately known as the “Father of Bluegrass Music,” is located a mile and a half west of Rosine, Kentucky on Highway 62 East. Also known as “the homeplace of bluegrass music,” the Monroe Homeplace was built in 1917. The home was restored in 2001 and contains Monroe’s cherished family belongings, early 20th century furniture, and rare photographs of Bill and two brothers who also played music professionally, Birch and Charlie Monroe. Visitors can take a guided tour of the home to learn more about the life of Bill Monroe and his family. 
www.ohiocounty.com/billmonroe 

 

James B. Beam Distillery Company 

In Clermont, Kentucky, you can find the James B. Beam Distillery Company, home of the renowned Jim Beam bourbon. The Beam family has been producing bourbon in Kentucky for more than 200 years. Visitors to the distillery can take a full guided tour, which includes a thorough history of the Jim Beam brand and how it became so well-known. There are also bourbon tasting events and a gift shop at the end of the tour, which lasts for approximately 2-3 hours. After the distillery tour, grab a bite to eat at The Kitchen Table Restaurant, featuring menu favorites like Spiced Pork Rinds, Smoked Brisket, and made-to-order pizzas. Treat yourself to a sweet dessert such as the Bourbon Balls or the Kentucky Jam Cake, and order a specialty drink from the cocktail bar. 
www.beamdistilling.com  

 

The Brown Hotel 

The Brown Hotel has been a Louisville landmark since 1923, and it is where generations of Louisville’s finest have held celebrations like weddings and anniversaries. The unique architecture of the hotel features a Georgian-Revival façade, but the interior is a blend of Old-World elegance and modern-day comfort. The Brown Hotel has historically been a hot spot for bluegrass enthusiasts, bourbon drinkers, equestrians, and Derby Day partiers. Louisville’s culinary icon, the Hot Brown, is said to have originated from the hotel in the 1920s. The dish consists of an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon and a delicate Mornary sauce. The Hot Brown continues to be served at The Brown Hotel today, and the iconic dish has been replicated throughout the country. 
www.brownhotel.com 

 

The Belle of Louisville Riverboat 

Built in 1914, the Belle of Louisville is the only remaining authentic steamboat still in operation today. In addition to being an icon of the Louisville waterfront, the Belle has been designated a National Historic Landmark and is the most widely traveled steamboat of her size in American history. During your cruise down the Ohio River, you will see landmarks highlighting key points in Louisville’s 200 years of history, including the Colgate Clock, the Howard Steamboat Museum, and the G.R. Clark Memorial Bridge. Guests can also enjoy a four-course dinner and live music on their cruise. 
www.belleoflouisville.org 

 

Louisville Slugger Museum 

The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is located in the heart of the city’s “Museum Row” in the West Main District of downtown. The museum showcases the role of Louisville Slugger baseball bats in baseball and American history. There are also featured exhibits in collaboration with the Norman Rockwell Museum, Topps Trading Cards, and many others. Exhibits at the museum include the World’s Largest Baseball Bat, which stands at 120 feet tall, The Signature Wall with the signatures of every Louisville Slugger contract player, the Bat Vault containing every Louisville Slugger model, and interactive exhibits. Other museum activities include a factory tour, batting cages, and a museum gift store with personalized bats and historic memorabilia. 
www.sluggermuseum.com 

 

Frazier History Museum 

The Frazier History Museum in the Bourbon District of Louisville features exhibits to showcase Kentucky history, a Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center, bourbon tastings, and event venues. It is also home to one of the largest collections of toy soldiers and historic miniatures. The exterior of the Frazier features the Gateway Garden, a public park situated between the museum and the neighboring brick building to the east. The park’s courtyard contains native Kentucky plants and a staircase at the south end of the courtyard leads to a second-story rooftop garden with a balcony overlooking Main Street. 
www.fraziermuseum.org 

 

National Corvette Museum 

The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green has over 70 Chevrolet Corvettes on display. A Nostalgia Gallery shows realistic scenes mirroring the Corvette’s early history. Visitors to this exhibit can stroll down Main Street and see a mid-20th century barbershop, Mobil service station, 1960s Chevrolet dealer showroom, and St. Louis Assembly Plant line. The McMichael Family Education Gallery features a 2,000-square-foot state-of-the-art educational experience aimed at the next generation of Corvette enthusiasts, engineers, designers, and more. The Design and Engineering Gallery inspires, educates, and entertains through interactive artifacts and motion-activated content about the design history of the Corvette. These exhibits and more are sure to stir excitement in any car enthusiast. 
www.corvettemuseum.org 

 

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum 

Located on the riverfront in downtown Owensboro, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to showcasing the history and culture of bluegrass music. Bill Monroe, a Kentucky native, is crediting with cultivating bluegrass as a sound built on rhythm and harmonies. The Hall of Fame presents the story of bluegrass greats including Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, The Stanley Brothers, Alison Kraus, and Ricky Scaggs. Visitors can learn and interact with history through exhibitions and live music performances in the 450-seat theatre. Start by taking a self-guided tour through the River of Sound to see bluegrass memorabilia you won’t find anywhere else. Dynamic displays and interactive exhibits immerse you in bluegrass music and its evolution while honoring its innovative creators. Learn more about the sources of bluegrass music, the early days of the bluegrass era, how bluegrass musicians survived the emergence of Rock & Roll, and how bluegrass has branched into other genres today. At the heart of the museum is the International Bluegrass Music Association Hall of Fame inductee room, which pays tribute to the pioneers of the genre and the people who have made it great. These legacies are celebrated through video interviews and artifact collections. 
www.bluegrasshall.org 

 

Mammoth Cave 

Mammoth Cave National Park, located in south-central Kentucky, is the longest known cave system in the world. The cave is home to thousands of years of human history as well as a diverse range of animal and plant life. This cave system has also earned the title of UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. Cave tours range in difficulty and include a fully wheelchair accessible tour, short and long walking tours, lantern tours, and the more adventurous crawling tours. Be sure to read the tour descriptions before buying your tickets so you are sure to choose the best tour for you. Ranger-led programs on the surface are also a great way to learn more about Mammoth Cave National Park. These ranger-led programs feature educational presentations and walks along several trails located throughout the park. While there is a fee for the cave tours, the ranger-led surface tours are free of charge. 
www.nps.gov/maca/index.htm 

 

Kentucky Derby Museum 

Nothing captures the spirit of Kentucky quite like the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville. The museum is hosting new events and exhibits to celebrate 150 years of the Kentucky Derby races. Permanent exhibits at the museum take visitors through every stage of a Thoroughbred’s life and tell the history of the inaugural race that took place in 1875. Current Kentucky Derby champions and traditions are also honored. Learn what inspired the design of Churchill Downs, visit the resident miniature horse and visiting thoroughbreds at the museum stables, discover black heritage in horse racing, explore the history of jockeys in Derby racing, and much more! Visit the Derby Café & Bourbon Bar for Kentucky-inspired staples and bourbon cocktails, and be sure to stop by the museum store for a one-of-a-kind souvenir. 
www.derbymuseum.org 

 

Muhammad Ali Center 

The Muhammad Ali Center is a non-profit museum and cultural center in Louisville, Kentucky. It was founded in 2005 by Muhammad Ali and his wife Lonnie Ali as a place of inspiration and reflection. The center is dedicated to Ali's life, career, and ideals, and includes an award-winning museum. As you learn about the triumphs and challenges Ali faced throughout his life, you will see how six core principles would guide his life. These principles are Confidence, Conviction, Dedication, Giving, Respect, and Spirituality. Learn more through an interactive exhibit surrounding these principles, and view artifacts and films from Ali’s life and boxing career. 
alicenter.org