40 Incredible Places to Visit in Kentucky
To be honest, Kentucky wasn’t always on my travel radar. Like many people unfamiliar with the Bluegrass State, I previously had a lot of assumptions about it. However, the state is much more than meets the eye, and it is home to some incredible destinations. This list breaks down the best, including wonderful cities, neat towns, beautiful parks, unique stops, and more:
Cities & Towns
40. Louisville
As Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville is a hub for nearly everything that makes this state special. You’ll find countless venues to see live bluegrass shows, race tracks with the country’s most impressive horses, and some amazing Southern cooking. Not only that, but Louisville is bursting with culture and has a thriving art community.
Here are a few must-visit spots in this vibrant city:
39. Frankfort Avenue
As far as places to go in Louisville, this is one of the best to check out as soon as you get into town. Frankfort Avenue, aka “The Avenue,” is a long corridor that connects the city’s most hip and happening neighborhoods. Along it, you’ll see local businesses galore, from boutiques to galleries to mom ’n’ pop restaurants.
38. Fairmount Falls Park
On the outskirts of Louisville is Fairmount Falls, one of the city’s hidden natural gems. Visiting feels like discovering a Louisville secret that not many other tourists get to experience. The waterfall is tucked away in the forest, about a mile’s hike from the trail entrance.
To get to this gorgeous waterfall, you can make a reservation to access the park at Jefferson Memorial Forest Welcome Center. Since only three cars are allowed in the park per day, a reservation nearly guarantees you’ll have the falls almost all to yourself.
37. Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs is as famous as it gets when it comes to Louisville institutions. The two longest continuously running sporting events in the US are held at Churchill Downs: the Kentucky Derby and the all-female Kentucky Oaks races. Even if you aren’t in town during one of those, check the events calendar to see what else is going on at the race track during you visit.
36. Muhammad Ali Center
The famous boxer-turned-philanthropist Muhammad Ali is a Louisville native and certainly engenders a generous amount of hometown pride. Opened in 2005, the Muhammad Ali Center is a nonprofit museum that serves to demonstrate Ali’s six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality. It’s one of the most inspirational museums in Kentucky. Find more information here.
35. Louisville Mega Cavern
Adventure seekers will not want to miss out on a visit to the Louisville Mega Cavern, the world’s only underground aerial ropes course. This former 1930s mine site has 17 miles of corridors that you can explore via Historic Tram Tour or walking tour, on which you can learn about the history and geology of the caverns. This is one of the top places to see in all of Kentucky, let alone Louisville!
34. Cherokee Park
Did you know that Frederick Law Olmsted, who designed NYC’s Central Park, also designed Cherokee Park in Louisville? It’s true! His eye for design is evident in the Park, which features quaint woodlands, open meadows, rolling hills, and trickling streams. That’s right, you can enjoy all of that natural beauty without having to leave Louisville’s city limits.
33. Lexington
Photo Credit: Blue Pedaler
Lexington is Kentucky’s second largest city and is spilling over with history, Southern charm, and unique places to visit. As the country’s horse capital, you’ll find loads of opportunities to learn about the city’s horse racing and breeding legacy. Not only that but Lexington is in the heart of bluegrass country and packs a big punch with its rich bourbon culture.
Here are some of the best places to visit in or near Lexington:
32. Keeneland Race Track
Keeneland is an internationally renowned racecourse committed to preserving the tradition of thoroughbred horse racing. The track is open to the public, so you don’t have to attend an actual race to take in its beautifully landscaped gardens and pristine grandstand. The place captures the essence of horse racing culture and prestige. This tour includes a stop at Keeneland with an expert guide.
31. Ashland: Henry Clay Estate
As far as historic places in Kentucky, this is easily one of the most famous. Henry Clay was one of Kentucky’s most well-known statesmen, and Ashland was his home during the height of his career. The Henry Clay Memorial Foundation has an interesting way of telling the stories of people who lived, worked, and were enslaved at the Ashland estate. This guided tour is a great way to get the most out of your visit.
30. Kentucky Horse Park
If you can’t get enough of horse-related attractions, Kentucky Horse Park is the ultimate destination. Not only does the park have a fully operational horse farm, but it also houses the Smithsonian International Museum of the Horse. You could easily spend a day visiting this equine treasure in Lexington.
29. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
This pristinely preserved nature sanctuary in Lexington is the ultimate nature lover’s paradise. Across 734 acres, there are over 10 miles of trails to enjoy. Spend a warm summer afternoon hiking, biking, or picnicking here. Visiting in fall? The autumn colors in Raven Run Nature Sanctuary are gorgeous!
28. Jacobson Park
On 216 acres of land, Jacobson Park includes a large reservoir perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or just hanging out on the grass near the shore. The park also has volleyball courts, a disc golf course, and more. Of all the green spaces in Lexington, this one is one of the best for a quiet afternoon in nature.
27. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Just 45 minutes outside of Lexington is Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Travelers from all over the world visit Shaker Village each year to get a glimpse into the past of a society that was able to thrive off the land.The Shakers were a religious community that was active in Pleasant Hill from 1805 to 1910.
This 3,000-acre landmark is one of the most well-preserved sites of Shaker history. The nonprofit organization Shaker Village has worked hard to maintain the 34 original historic structures, a nature preserve, and conserved farmland on the site. You can even stay in Shaker Village’s inn!
26. Bardstown
As the home of nine famous bourbon distilleries, Bardstown is one of Kentucky’s most notable bourbon destinations. Not only that, but the town also has the Bardstown Civil War Museum, the fourth-largest such museum in the country. It is also home to Kentucky’s “official outdoor drama” (“The Stephen Foster Story”) and even has an entire exhibit dedicated to women’s roles in the war.
Bardstown has a picturesque town square and is overall a beautiful little town to visit. You can book an entire weekend getaway there, complete with plenty of bourbon-filled experiences, here.
25. Frankfort
Known to have one of the most beautiful capitol buildings in the country, this small capital city deserves a spot on your Kentucky bucket list. Located along the Kentucky River between Louisville and Lexington, Frankfort is perfectly tucked into the green hills and is surrounded by nature. Here you’ll find outdoor adventure, historical relics, and, of course, plenty of bourbon.
24. Bowling Green