Discover Kentucky
One of the most amazing aspects of Kentucky is its surprising amount of variety - here, you can discover fascinating historic attractions, tantalizing tours, fall color in the great outdoors, bustling metro areas, state parks that double as resorts, and so much more! Discover the variety of Kentucky.
Discover Amazing Attractions and Museums
There are some surprises in store when you visit Kentucky’s attractions, which range from the family destination of a science center, to a child’s dream of a candy tour, to a peek into history at Abe Lincoln’s boyhood home.
Kentucky Science Center
Louisville
Explore the world that surrounds us at the Kentucky Science Center. A beautifully curated collection, the Center invites families of all ages to discover the vastness of nature and the science behind the universe. In the Natural History Gallery, learn anthropology, archaeology, and paleontology while standing in awe of gems, fossils, mummies, and more. Interactive exhibits engage guests with investigation and engineering. Experience science in play while ascending to new heights in the towering Happy Climber, sharpen the senses in the Noodle Forest and explore the properties of water and harness the power of wind. Wander through galleries focusing on ecology and ecosystems and feel closer to nature. At Kentucky Science Center, the wonders of science are waiting to be explored.
kysciencecenter.org
Rebecca Ruth’s Candy Tour
Frankfort
Bite into something sweet at Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours and Museum. Featuring antique candy-making equipment, this family confectionary has been in operation since the year 1919. Known for the invention of Bourbon Balls, watch the magic of candy magic Monday through Thursday as delightful confections are handcrafted on the 12-foot curved marble slab. While on the guided tour, discover the gumption of two single women daring to start a business on their own, the tragedies of widowhood that befell one, the strength to survive through prohibition and the Great Depression, and the ingenuity of one woman to create the perfect bite of Kentucky.
rebeccaruthonline.com
Dinosaur World
Cave City
Wander among hundreds of life-like, full-size dinosaurs in the Kentucky woods at Dinosaur World in Cave City. Let your imagination run wild with interactive exhibits and enjoy dino-themed fun like playgrounds, slides, and swings. Bring your own healthy snacks and beverages and don’t forget to bring the pup for all-around family fun. Dig for shark teeth, gastropods, stingray barbs, Mosasaur teeth in the specially stocked pit from real minerals, arrowheads, and gems, discover what treasures await at the mining sluice. Uncover a 27-foot skeleton buried in the sand while learning the proper way to excavate.
Discover the magical journey of exploration and wonder at the prehistoric playground – Dinosaur World. dinosaurworld.com
Frazier Museum
Louisville
Located on Museum Row in the West Main District of downtown Louisville, the Frazier is Kentucky’s prime history museum. Home to one of the largest collections of toy soldiers and historic miniatures on permanent public display in the world in The Stewart Collection, the Frazier Museum is also the official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Savor the flavor of Kentucky at your leisure with Frazier's Tiny Tours and Tastings, small group guided tours and bourbon samplings. Celebrate the life and work of bourbon baron, Julian "Pappy" Van Winkle. A tasting experience unlike any other, the Frazier's Masters Series showcases Kentucky's booming bourbon and craft beer industries. With over 200 specialty beers, food trucks, live music, and Kentucky pride, the inaugural Summer Beer Fest at the Frazier is sure to be one of the largest beer tastings in Kentucky. Discover greatness at the Frazier Museum – where the world meets Kentucky.
fraziermuseum.org
Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame
Owensboro
Capturing the energy and excitement of the River of Sound, the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame invites guests to revisit history and discover the creativity that shaped the music genre. Paying homage to its innovative all-stars, explore memorabilia not found anywhere else. Follow the stories of Bill Monroe, Flatt & Scruggs, and other musical pioneers of this great American art form. Explore the evolution of bluegrass through exciting interactive exhibits and dynamic displays. From the dawn of the Bluegrass Era to the artists who kept the flame burning of America's beloved homespun music.
bluegrasshall.org
Abraham Lincoln's Boyhood Home
Knob Creek
For over a century people from around the world have come to rural Central Kentucky to honor the humble beginnings of the nation’s 16th president, Abraham Lincoln. Shaped by his early life on Kentucky's frontier that prepared him to lead the nation through Civil War, Lincoln’s symbolic birthplace cabin shines a light on his youth. The country's first memorial to Lincoln, the symbolic birthplace cabin of Lincoln is enshrined within a Neo-Classical Memorial Building on the traditional site of the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. More than just a cabin, head over to the park’s Sinking Springs. A landmark spring, the natural rock formations along the back wall have been changed only by nature and continue to instill impressions of a homesteader's life. Travel back in time to the frontier days that shaped America’s future at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace.
nps.gov/abli
Vent Haven Museum
Fort Mitchell
Acclaimed as the “only museum in the world dedicated to the art of ventriloquism,” the Vent Haven Museum houses over 900 figures, playbills, letters, and thousands of photographs from the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Aside from being a museum, it also hosts an international ConVENTion that attracts more than 600 ventriloquists each year. If you love massive collections, or unique museums, or off-the-beaten-path places, Vent Haven is a must-see attraction for you.
venthaven.org
Discover the Outstanding Outdoors
When the autumn leaves start to turn, we all get a hankering to see the fiery colors for ourselves - and where better than Kentucky’s outdoors? The weather may not be as cold as you’re used to, but that’s a good thing, because now you can comfortably explore waterfalls, caves, and mountains.
To discover the locations of these outdoor attractions, visit the National Park Service website at NPS.gov
Cumberland Falls and Eagle Falls
This double-whammy offers all of the waterfall enchantment you can dream of. While you can’t swim at Cumberland Falls itself, this cascade is one of the few places in the world where you can witness a moonbow, a mystical, nighttime version of everyone’s favorite light phenomenon. On select days throughout the year, the light from the moon hits the mist from the falls just so, creating a rare spectacle that will delight rainbow lovers of any age. During the day, take the moderate trail to the nearby Eagle Falls, where you can take in great views of the waterfall before hopping in the water for a refreshing dip.
Mammoth Cave National Park
More than 400 miles of vast chambers and winding rock tunnels of Mammoth Cave National Park have been explored so far, and countless more remain untouched. Descend into the earth and discover the rare beauty and mystery of the cave for yourself on a guided tour, ranging from 30 minutes to five hours. Above ground, nature lovers will enjoy hiking, horseback riding, ziplining and rock climbing, plus canoeing and kayaking on the Green and Nolin rivers, which flow right through the park. Nearby Cave City, a certified Kentucky Trail Town, is a great place to make your home base for adventure. Here you can explore more caves, take a spin in a go-kart, play a round of miniature golf, or go back in time to when dinosaurs roamed the earth at Dinosaur World and other adventure parks. Spend the night under the stars at a cozy cottage, B&B or campsite. And be sure to bring home a treasure to remember your trip by, from rocks and minerals to locally made quilts and crafts.
Kingdom Come State Park
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.
Land Between the Lakes
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.
landbetweenthelakes.us
Discover Mesmerizing Metropolitan Destinations
We all want a little excitement in our lives, and you sure can find it in Kentucky’s metro destinations. These areas are filled with things to do, sights to see, food to eat, and friends to be made.
Harlan County and the Tri-Cities
Eastern Kentucky
Resting along the Kentucky-Virginia state line, Harlan County overlooks the beautiful mountains of Southeastern Kentucky. With the Tri-Cities of Cumberland, Benham, and Lynch, Harlan County is a fantastic vacation destination. With a rich history and Appalachian culture, Cumberland is Harlan’s largest city nicknamed the Black Bear Capital of Kentucky. In Cumberland, the Kingdom Come State Park’s 1,283 acres is a popular attraction, while Lynch attracts thousands of visitors annually with the nation's best underground mine tour, Portal 31. Stroll through Benham's downtown and stand in awe of historic structures and one of the most picturesque town centers in the region. Climb Kentucky's highest mountains by ATV, soar through the treetops on zipline tours, or step back in time at the Kentucky Coal Mine Museum. Discover where the adventure begins – in the Tri-City area.
harlancountytrails.com
Bardstown
Central Kentucky
The place for the ultimate Bourbon getaway, Bardstown has been greeting travelers and visitors since 1780. Kentucky's second-oldest town, Bardstown features 11 distilleries – making it known far and wide as the Bourbon Capital of the World. At the Bardstown Bourbon Company step into one of the most sophisticated distilleries in the United States. Open spaces with large windows of clear glass, bring to light all the science, skill, and craftsmanship that goes into creating a perfect whiskey. Take the one-hour Bardstown Bourbon experience for unique tastings and one-of-a-kind sampling. Starting in the all-glass classroom overlooking 100 acres of active farmland, visitors enjoy the libation from the moment the tour begins. Led by a Certified Bourbon Steward the journey concludes by thieving bourbon straight from the barrel in the newly built rickhouse tasting room. Experience the warm and welcoming spirit of Kentucky – in Bardstown. Providing dining experience out-of-this-world, Lilly’s Bistro in Bardstown, is the perfect spot for a casual lunch, dinner with friends, or a hand-crafted cocktail after work. Supporting local farmers, Lilly’s uses products grown within a short distance of the restaurant. Organic vegetables, free-range, Kentucky-proud beef and artisan cheeses reflect the flavors of the Bluegrass State. For a unique farm-to-table dining experience, visit Lilly’s, a Kentucky bistro.
visitbardstown.com
Covington
Northern Kentucky
Located across the river from Cincinnati, Covington is a bustling urban oasis along the Ohio River. Explore the iconic neighborhoods, like the popular Mainstrasse Village, a thriving entertainment and dining district. The 19th-century German neighborhood is filled with unique shops, galleries, locally-owned restaurants in quaint historic buildings. Known for its Sixth Street Promenade and the Goose Girl Fountain, Mainstrasse Village hosts festivals and events all year long. Head over the Roebling Point and enjoy a romantic dinner with a spectacular view of the John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, and iconic Ohio River landmark for the last 150 years. After dinner, cross over the Roebling Bridge to see the Roebling Murals – 18 panels depicting Covington’s history since 800 B.C., painted on the flood wall along the Ohio River. Tour Downtown Covington has never been easier – with the six convenient stations, the Red Bike bike-sharing program allows visitors and residents to rent bikes from any of the bike-sharing locations across Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. Experience Covington and experience Kentucky like never before.
meetnky.com
Paducah
Western Kentucky
Designated a UNESCO City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2013, Paducah — also known as Quilt City USA — is home to The National Quilt Museum and the annual QuiltWeek festival. Get cozy the city’s rich history within the 20 blocks of its picturesque downtown district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Discover stunning examples of 19th-century architecture everywhere, and explore Lower Town, an arty district and oldest neighborhood featuring boutiques, antique stores, and independent art galleries.
paducah.travel
Berea
Central Kentucky
Berea is located a few miles south of Lexington and is home to a vibrant community of painters, musicians, weavers, and other such artisans alongside a number of artsy annual events including Berea Craft Festival and Berea Celtic Festival. Beautiful downtown Berea is home to several historically significant sites such as Berea College, which is a liberal arts college founded in 1855, and the South’s first interracial and coeducational institute. Another site, Boone Tavern, is a hotel opened in 1909 and listed on the National Register of Historical Places and named after American pioneer and explorer Daniel Boone.
bereaky.gov
Discover Happy Hotels and Restful Resorts
We know that after all your exploration, you want to relax in the comfort of some Southern hospitality; and you’ve got it at these hotels and resorts.
Boone Tavern Hotel
Berea
A fairly recent $11 million renovation made this the first LEED Gold-certified hotel in Kentucky. You can experience this understated lavishness and sophisticated style, even if you want to bring your favorite furry friend - that’s right, this elegant hotel has pet friendly rooms. If you have a large party or want some privacy, they also offer their new Pine Croft Cottage. Because of its beautiful setting, many choose it as a wedding destination, or perhaps a romantic getaway (don’t miss out on their romance package!). boonetavernhotel.com
The Galt House
Louisville
Located Riverfront and the official Host Hotel to the Kentucky Derby the rich traditions of Louisville are alive and well here. The hotel is home to seven spectacularly diverse bars and is close to 4th Street Live. A historic landmark, the hotel has a celebrated past including assassinations, arson, and mystery. The original hotel built by architect Henry Whitestone was erected in 1869 only to be destroyed. The hotel as it stands now was an attempt to revitalize Louisville in the early 1970s. Having recently undergone renovations the Galt House is now a sought-after stay in the city.
galthouse.com
Hotel Distil
Louisville
Experience the new standard for Louisville hospitality with a stay at Hotel Distil. Located on Louisville’s Whiskey Row, the authentic hotel is perfect for those who thirst for new experiences. The historic building is home for connoisseurs of the finest comforts, gracious service, and modern amenities. The epitome of Southern luxury, Hotel Distil provides a sophisticated scene for any wedding, meeting, or weekend getaway. Situated in downtown Louisville, guests enjoy impeccable service, stylish decor, and authentic, locally inspired cuisine and cocktails. With a dedicated team, rooftop bar, and unparalleled bourbon program, Hotel Distil is the social anchor of Louisville’s revitalization. Designed to ignite one’s passion for discovery, guests enjoy exclusive and luxury amenities and refined comforts – a refreshing return to high-level hospitality in the heart of America’s Bourbon Country.
hoteldistil.com
Resort Parks
Lake Barkley State Resort Park and Lake Cumberland
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.
One of the largest and most visited lakes in the eastern United States, Lake Cumberland has earned a reputation as an excellent fishing spot, a year around houseboat hangout, and a lake lover’s paradise. Boasting the largest fleet of rental houseboats in the country, this “Houseboat Capital of the World” is a vacationer’s dream. Explore thousands of wooded coves, rocky cliffs, and more than 1,200 miles of shorelines on Lake Cumberland. An excellent fishery for striped bass, visitors enjoy spectacular lake sunrises, thrilling afternoons on standup paddleboards and ski boats, and finally, fall asleep to the gently rocking waters of one of Kentucky’s most delightful bodies of water – Lake Cumberland.
nps.gov
Don’t miss out on discovering the variety of Kentucky!
