When you think of a fairytale you may think of castles and magic, maybe a princess and some talking animals. Fairytales are meant to be enchanting and idyllic and typically not anything close to everyday life. When you need to experience a little bit of this whimsical magic, there are places to visit in Kentucky that can provide that escape. You may not come across a real princess or actual talking animals, but you will visit castles, flowing waterfalls, and witness majestic animals that call the Bluegrass home. Grab your imagination and head out on this road trip to some of the most magical places in Kentucky.

If you need to make any adjustments to this map or need specific addresses, check out the trip itinerary via Google Maps.
Google Maps/Only In Kentucky
Ready to embark on this magical adventure in Kentucky? Let's go!
1. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Facebook/Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Your first stop takes you to the beautiful Bernheim Forest. This has long been a magical place to go for a walk any time of year, but with the addition of these whimsical giants last year, Bernheim is downright enchanting. Be sure to check for the current status of the Arboretum before you visit. See more of these incredible works of art when you read our feature article about Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.
2. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, 6220 Old Lagrange Rd, Crestwood, KY 40014, USA
Facebook/Yew Dell Botanical Gardens
You'll stay in the Louisville area with the next stop at Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Crestwood. It doesn't get much more magical than this castle garden that's filled with beautiful plant life that lines winding paths. This is the type of place you'd totally expect to see animals singing and dancing with each other. Here's more on why Yew Dell Botanical Gardens is such a magical place in Kentucky.

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3. Cove Spring Park
Cove Spring Park, 100 Cove Spring Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
Google/Benjamin Judah
Next up, we'll take our horse-drawn carriage - or car - and head to Frankfort and Cove Spring Park. This beautiful park offers many scenic trails, places to sit and relax, and unexpected spots with waterfalls flowing and flowers growing. You'll want to take your time at this magical little destination. See more of Cove Spring Park in our feature article.
4. Castle & Key Distillery
Castle & Key Distillery, 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
Facebook/Castle & Key
You won't have to go far to visit the next stop - Castle & Key Distillery. This historic property was restored and it's absolutely stunning. It has a truly magical atmosphere and even if you don't want to try their creations, the property alone is worthy of a visit. Here's more on why Castle & Key Distillery truly is one of the most magical places in Kentucky!
5. The Kentucky Castle
The Kentucky Castle, 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
Facebook/The Kentucky Castle
Of course we had to include the closest thing to a real castle in the Bluegrass - The Kentucky Castle. This boutique hotel, restaurant, event space, and spa is one of the most unique places in Kentucky and it should definitely be seen in real life. You can schedule a tour or participate in an event, dine at the restaurant, book a spa appointment, or even stay a night at the hotel. Truly, The Kentucky Castle is real-life Bluegrass royalty!
6. The Kentucky Horse Park
Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
Facebook/Kentucky Horse Park
The final stop of your fairytale road trip brings you to the Kentucky Horse Park. Here you can visit horses beautiful enough to pull Cinderella's carriage and walk around the most stunning grounds. The scenery, animals, and history are all magical features of this favorite Kentucky destination. Here's more on why The Kentucky Horse Park is a blue-ribbon winner!

There are many other magical places in Kentucky, so many in fact, that you could probably create a fairytale road trip for each corner of our state. But to start, head out on this trip and experience some of the most enchanting places in the Bluegrass. Have you been to any of these magical spots? What else would you add to the road trip? Let us know in the comments!

And if you’d like to experience a magical adventure in Kentucky, check out this unique nighttime float trip to a waterfall.

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More to Explore

Magical Places in Kentucky

Sarah M. | November 17, 2022

What are some other magical places in Kentucky?

While there are certainly a number of man-made wonders in Kentucky that are truly magical, Mother Nature has provided plenty of magic in the Bluegrass State, too! Here are some of the most magical natural wonders in Kentucky:

  • Cumberland Falls: In the middle of the beautiful Bluegrass State, there is a natural phenomenon that's so rare, it's only experienced at a few places in the world. At Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, you'll find the eponymous Cumberland Falls -- Kentucky's "Niagara of the South" -- a majestic 68-foot waterfall on the Cumberland River. And not only is Cumberland Falls an awe-inspiring force; it's also the site of a rare natural phenomenon. Known as a "moonbow," Cumberland Falls is one of the few places on the planet that regularly produces this prismatic phenomenon, created when light is refracted in the waterfall's spraying water droplets. The moonbow lingers above the falls for up to two days as long as the sky is clear, on either end of the full moon. One of the most spectacular and accessible waterfall trails in the country, the Moonbow Trail is a Kentucky bucket list must -- especially at night.
  • Mammoth Cave: Mammoth Cave is quite literally another world; this underground network of caves and caverns is the largest in the world. Mammoth Cave features over 400 miles of subterranean caverns and passageways, with more miles being added all the time. In fact, Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave recently got a little longer, following the discovery of an additional eight miles of passages by the Cave Research Foundation. Easily the most famous cave in the country, Mammoth Cave is an otherworldly underworld that deserves top spot on your bucket list.
  • Yahoo Falls: Cumberland Falls gets all the attention in the Bluegrass State, but Yahoo Falls is equally resplendent. At 113 feet, this waterfall is the tallest in Kentucky, and it's nestled in the wondrous Daniel Boone National Forest. The Yahoo Falls Trail is located in the beautiful Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area near Whitley City in McCreary County, an area avid hikers know and love. Kentucky is a humble place of untold beauty and wonder, and Yahoo Falls is one of the state's true stars.

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