With rolling hills covered in majestic Bluegrass, Kentucky is a state full of spirit, fire, and beauty like no other. Experience awe-inspiring outdoor recreation on the water, delight your tastebuds on an incredible journey through the heart of Bourbon Country, and discover mountains of history in Appalachia – explore each of Kentucky's travel regions and start building your Bluegrass bucket list.  

History, Horses, and the Heart of Appalachia 

In the easternmost portion of the state, discover the extraordinary history and importance of the horse in America, get your kicks winding through the mountains and zipping through the canopy, and experience the breathtaking vistas of the Appalachian Mountains.   

A state treasure, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington has been home to horses for more than 200 years. Since 1978, the Park's mission has celebrated the human-to-horse relationship through education, exhibition, engagement, and competition. Welcoming over 500,000 visitors from around the world, the Park showcases the beauty, sportsmanship, and history of horses. From horseback trail rides to pony rides, everyone will want to saddle up at the Kentucky Horse Park. Operated by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, guests watch live equine presentations during the main season, including the Parade of Breeds, the Big Barn Stall-Side Chat, and the Hall of Champions Show. Head over to the Smithsonian Affiliate International Museum of the Horse and explore the extensive collection of equine art from artists around the world. Along with a vast research library, the nearby American Saddlebred Museum examines the role of Saddlebred horses in American history and culture and at the Wheeler Museum, visitors admire a collection of equestrian-focused memorabilia, like antique equipment, trophies, pictures, and more.  

A 7,000- acre wonderland, the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure is an adrenaline junkie’s dream. With over 150 miles of easy, moderate, and extreme trails, the Black Mountain Off-Road Adventures invites visitors to explore their wild side. Whether you stay on the ground and ride your off-road vehicle or fly above the treetops on our 11-line zipline canopy tour, this Harlan County escape is an adrenaline-filled paradise in the birthplace of Adventure Tourism.  

With an elevation of 2,700 feet, the crowning jewel of Pine Mountain is Kingdom Come State Park. Located near Cumberland, Kentucky, the park is 1,283 acres of unspoiled Kentucky wilderness. Guests hike to one of eight overlooks and admire the beautiful views across the scenic landscape. Named after the popular Civil War author and Kentuckian, John Fox Jr’s novel, “The Little Shepherd of Kingdom Come," some of the state's most extraordinary rock formations can be found in the park. Log Rock, a natural sandstone bridge, is a stunning sight and the giant rock exposure, Raven Rock, soars 290 feet into the air at a 45-degree angle. Relax by the lake, hike to your heart's content, and marvel at the wonders of Mother Nature at Kingdom Come State Park.  
kyhorsepark.com 
visiteasternkentucky.org 
blackmountainoffroad.com 
parks.ky.gov/cumberland/parks/recreation/kingdom-come-state-park 

All Things Bluegrass and Bourbon in Central Kentucky 

Taste the wild side of Kentucky in Louisville and Central Kentucky. Home to Bourbon Country, this region of the state enchants visitors with entertainment, music, exceptional cuisine, and out-of-this-world craftsmanship.  

Experience the thrill of Louisville at Fourth Street Live! A riveting dining and entertainment destination located in the heart of Louisville, Fourth Street Live lets you eat, drink, jam, and enjoy. A short walk from the KFC Yum! Center, Waterfront Park, Main Street, Slugger Field, downtown hotels, and other major attractions, Fourth Street Live is your one-stop destination for dining, entertainment, and excitement. From Guy Fieri’s Smokehouse to Whiskey Dry by Ed Lee to the Tavern on Fourth, The Fudgery, and many more, there’s something for every palate. Enjoy an afternoon with the family, live music any night of the week at Howl at the Moon – Fourth Street Live is a magical evening in downtown Louisville.  

Discover the history and legacy of Bill Monroe, the “Father of Bluegrass Music”, at the Bill Monroe Museum in Rosine, Kentucky. Paying homage to the life and career of Monroe, the Museum has been open to the public since 2018 and welcomes guests from all over the world to his restored boyhood home. At the historic barn listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Rosine Barn Jamboree offers live bluegrass music every Friday from March to December. Get ready to dance, jam, and enjoy the Bluegrass, country, and gospel music, while watching the stars go by under that big Kentucky sky.  

For over 200 years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has been dedicated to the craft of making fine bourbon whiskey. By honoring tradition and embracing change, the American family-owned distillery has been a leader among the most renowned spirits makers of the world. On this incredible Frankfort destination, discover the time-honored craft from start to finish, on a tour of the Buffalo Trace Distillery Grounds. Move alongside barrels on their journey through the distillery, explore the Albert B. Blanton Botanical Gardens and Bird Sanctuary, learn about the history of bourbon making, and the science that brings the delectable flavors of Buffalo Trace Bourbon to life. 
gotolouisville.com 
4thstlive.com 
buffalotracedistillery.com 

Western Wetlands and Waterways 

To the western edge of the Bluegrass State, water is more than a life source, it's a way of life. Escape into the wonderful world of lakeside fun, relaxation, and unforgettable memories.  

An all-around delight, the Lake Barkley State Resort Park offers 18 holes of championship golf, miles of hiking trails, and a world-class lodge with year-round indoor swimming. Designed by Edward Durell Stone, the Lake Barkley Lodge rises gracefully from the wooded shore of Lake Barkley. Made of Western Cedar, Douglas fir, and three and a half acres of glass, the Barkley Lodge complex offers stunning lake views from nearly all of its 120 rooms and four palatial suites. Offering 150 covered slips, 54 open slips, a launching ramp, and boat and ski rentals, Lake Barkley’s marina makes it a breeze to get out on the water any day of the year.  

The 25th largest lake in America, Kentucky Lake is home to outstanding recreational boating – from jet skis to ski boats and everything in between. One of the best lakes for sport fishing in the country, visitors drop a line for crappie, bass, bluegill, or catfish. Sail the lakes or rent a houseboat and have a good time – Kentucky Lake is all about fun, family, friends, and memories. With 2,300 miles of shorelines, visitors escape into the leisure of lake living. With go-kart racing, miniature golfing, horseback riding, jet-skiing, shopping, hunting, and boating, exciting activities abound at Kentucky Lake.  

Experience the thrill of Western Kentucky and feel like a kid again at Land Between the Lakes. The 170,000-acre peninsula tucked between Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake and the canal connecting the two, Land Between the Lakes is a popular destination for any Kentucky vacation. Explore the Homeplace 1890s – a living history farm, the Woodlands Nature Station featuring several rescued live animals commonly seen in the region, and drive through the Elk and Bison Prairie. Whether it’s seeing a laser light show at the Golden Pond Planetarium and Observatory, off-roading at Turkey Bay OHV Area or backcountry camping – the Land Between the Lakes has it all.  
parks.ky.gov/cadiz/parks/resort/lake-barkley-state-resort-park 
kentuckylake.com 
landbetweenthelakes.us 

From the well-known rolling green hills across horse country to the breathtaking mountains in the East and the expansive lakes in the West – adventure is endless in Kentucky. Discover bourbon, bluegrass, and the spirit of Kentucky for an unforgettable vacation.