13 Underrated Places in Kentucky to Take An Out of Towner
By Jenn Shockley|Published February 12, 2016
×
Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
When visiting the Bluegrass State, most people hit the known attractions such as Kentucky Derby or Mammoth Cave. There is nothing wrong with that, but there is so much more to see and do for an out of towner in Kentucky. We have some amazing visual attractions—some natural, some manmade—but all representing a unique aspect of our beautiful state.
Here are 13 underrated places to take an out of towner in Kentucky:
13. Great Doll House Museum at 344 Swope Drive in Danville
If you happen to have a fondness for the traditional doll house, you will not want to miss the house of all doll houses. This is a massive collection of miniatures, with some dating back more than a century. Some are hand carved, molded or sculpted with awe-inspiring details.
12. The Wooldridge Monuments at Maplewood Cemetery, 611 N 5th Street in Mayfield
This eccentric horse breeder Henry Wooldridge lived his life a bachelor, but refused to rest in peace alone. During his life, he had a group of 18 life-sized statues built of family members, a fox, a horse and two of his dogs. All currently reside on his 17X33’ plot in the cemetery facing the east. It may seem like a morbid thing to do with a visitor, but they will likely not forget seeing the spectacle. Descendants still gather at his grave site on the anniversary of his death yearly.
11. Big Sandy Heritage Center at 172 Division Street in Pikeville
The Hatfield and McCoy feud is synomous with Kentucky, and this museum reflects the memoirs of this tragedy. From old photos to busts and other memorabilia, this museum takes you back to those days.
Advertisement
10. The Mill at Mill Springs around 9155 Hwy 1275 N in Monticello
This historic grist mill was built in 1877 and still grinds corn on Saturdays, Sundays and some holidays for visitors to purchase. If you have never had fresh ground corn meal, you don’t know what you are missing. You can tour the historic location, picnic on the grounds when weather is better, and just enjoy the physical history in your wake.
Advertisement
9. Apple Valley Hillbilly Garden and Toyland at 9351 US Hwy 68 W in Calvert City
This is the creation of artist and entertainer Keith Holt and his family. He captures the spirit of Hillbillies everywhere by using his wit and creativity in a variety of creative junk sculptures and displays. He also has one of the most spectacular toy displays imaginable, made from his own collection. Admission here is free, but donations are appreciated as he knows traveling can get expensive.
8. Vent Haven Museum at 33 W Maple Avenue in Fort Mitchell
Long before most of us were born, ventriloquists were very popular entertainers. We still have a few that perform, but their numbers are few and far between. Vent Haven is the home to all those fallen dummies who no longer have a ventriloquist to carry around their boxes (AKA, homes.) Hundreds of creepy, yet cool dummies sit, stand and lay around in full view, reminiscing about the days of yesteryear.
This unusual and could be considered creepy museum is named after Monroe Moosnick, who was a Transylvania chemistry professor. It contains botanical paintings, anatomical models and scientific artifacts from the early 19th-century. Some displays date back to 1820.
6. Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History on 114 N 5th Street in Bardstown
First off, Bardstown itself is a great place to visit, especially the beautiful historic district. The community has been voted one of the most beautiful in the U.S., and Kentucky bourbon has been a big part of their history. The Oscar Getz Museum takes visitors for a walk down the historical path of one of Kentucky’s most famous elixirs from the Colonial days till the 1960s.
5. Carter Caves at 344 Caveland Drive in Olive Hill
Experience an incredible underground tour or mine for gems the easy way. Purchase a gift bag and send it through the flume to see what lies beneath. Visitors find gems, crystals, and minerals to keep for souvenirs’.
Advertisement
4. The Frazier History Museum at 829 W Main Street in Louisville
This unique museum has consistently kept phenomenal interactive displays, learning exhibits and featured international exhibits such as Napoleon. Even in dark times when funds are limited, this museum keeps its doors open and its exhibits entertaining. They also have a large display of historic weapons for viewing.
3. International Bluegrass Music Museum at 117 Daviess Street in Owensboro
This unique music museum shows visitors the heartbeat of Kentucky with costumes, musical samples, instruments, interactive displays and more. There are pictures and memories from corner to corner, celebrating the music that Kentucky is famous for. We are the Bluegrass State, and the grass is not blue.
2. Cumberland Falls State Park at 7351 KY-90 in Corbin
This is one of the most glorious state parks in the Bluegrass State. The park contains historic cabins, an abundance of beautiful scenery and activities like, camping, boating and watching for the renowned moonbow. That would be a truly memorable experience for an out of towner.
1. Hidden River Cave and American Cave Museum at 119 E Main Street in Horse Cave
There is an 8-mile labyrinth cave tour available. It isn’t as lengthy as Mammoth Cave, but it is equally memorable because it is a river cave. The museum provides some enlightenment about the unique history of Kentucky’s extensive cave systems, which is interesting for any age. This is an overall unique and exciting activity when both are done.
Each of these Bluegrass State attractions is an introduction to a part of our history. Visitors should enjoy our state for what it is and the many aspects within, not just one of two really hyped up events. There is so much to do and see for out of towners in Kentucky that the underrated should never be overlooked. These are just a few of our many Kentucky treasures, so what places would you recommend for visitors?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
