Interstate 64 Practically Runs Through All Of Kentucky And It's A Beautiful Drive
By Sarah McCosham|Updated on April 22, 2024(Originally published October 18, 2022)
×
Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There’s no shortage of scenic drives in Kentucky, from the hills of Horse Country and the legendary Country Music Highway to the ever-glorious Red River Gorge Scenic Byway. Today’s road trip adventure is a straight shot down a seemingly ordinary byway. Interstate 64 in Kentucky practically runs through the entire state, and it’s a beautiful drive full of numerous points of interest and stunning dashboard views!
Most of us don't equate a humble state route with an especially scenic drive. But that's only because most of us haven't driven Interstate 64 in Kentucky.
Interstate 64 travels 191 miles from Kentucky’s largest city, Louisville, to the mountain town of Ashland, passing through the heart of Horse (and Bourbon) Country along the way.
Churchill Downs, 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA
You’d be hard-pressed to find a route that better showcases all the Bluegrass State has to offer. This, for example, is the Parklands of Floyds Fork, a nearly 4,000-acre visitor-supported public park just outside of Louisville that's widely regarded as one of the largest and most ambitious metropolitan park projects in the nation.
The Parklands of Floyds Fork, Beckley Creek Pkwy, Louisville, KY 40245, USA
There's no state capitol building more beautiful than the Kentucky State Capitol. You can visit both the new building and the former capital easily in one afternoon, as they're just a mile from one another!
Kentucky State Capitol, 700 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
Lexington is hailed as the Horse Capital of the World, and the rolling blue hills and white picket fence-lined pastures filled with galloping equines will take your breath away.
Meet some of the horses in Shelby County, Kentucky in this quick video:
If you detour off Interstate 64 down U.S. Route 62, you can enjoy a meal at one of the finest and most scenic restaurants in Kentucky: Wallace Station Deli and Bakery. With Chef Ouita Michel at the helm, you're all but guaranteed an amazing meal -- especially if you order the fried chicken sandwich!
Wallace Station Deli and Bakery, 3854 Old Frankfort Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
As we near the end of this stretch of Interstate 64 through Kentucky, there are a few hidden surprises. Cave Run Lake is an 8,270-acre lake nestled in the beautiful mountains of eastern Kentucky. It's located in Morehead, our favorite Kentucky mountain town, to boot!
With Kentucky being world famous for caves, it's only appropriate to end this scenic drive at Carter Caves State Resort Park. This beloved Kentucky State Park is known for its above- and below-ground adventures, boasting truly spectacular scenery in all directions! It's the perfect place to stretch your legs after a lovely road trip through the heart of the Bluegrass.
Carter Caves State Resort Park, 344 Caveland Dr, Olive Hill, KY 41164, USA
Have you driven Interstate 64 in Kentucky before? This 191-mile stretch of road leads through some of the most scenic spots in the Bluegrass State and is easily one of the best drives in Kentucky. Grab an Interstate 64 map, pick up an RV from RVShare, and start exploring!
