Your Ultimate Guide To Spring Attractions And Activities In Kentucky

Over 8,000 varieties of plants thrive within the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest. At over 16,000 acres, this natural wonderland is bigger than Manhattan. In 1929, bourbon baron and German immigrant Isaac Wolfe Bernheim devoted part of his vast fortune to buying the forest land. At that time, he established a trust to create and help sustain the arboretum a wildlife haven we still enjoy today. Appropriately, it’s only about 17 miles northeast of Bardstown, the official “Gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail" of the state’s many distilleries. Don’t miss Bernheim’s beloved annual Bloomfest always held in mid-May – or the friendly forest giants.

Kentucky's first state park is one of the best places to see mountain wildflowers on display. The local community of Pineville celebrates spring blooms in a big way at the end of May each year for the four-day Kentucky Mountain Laurel Festival. Spring is also the best time for birdwatchers to spot the many types of warblers migrating through the area. The park has 12 miles of self-guided trails with several incredible overlooks. Plan to stay at the park's lodge, which has flowering grounds as pretty as the trails.

The 100-acre Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, is located on the campus of the University of Kentucky in Lexington. Dedicated largely to the conservation of Kentucky’s natural heritage, the park features a two-mile paved loop called Walk Across Kentucky. The trail has meanders through about 80 acres where you’ll see native plants gathered from the state’s seven natural regions.

This historic garden near Louisville dates back to 1941 when Theodore and Martha Lee Klein established their farmstead, nursery, and family home on 34 acres of the property. They tended the property into their 90s, and eventually, a group of residents took over the property, preserving its unique character. The gardens today include most of the historical architecture of the farm, and over 60 acres of blooms, woodlands, and meadows connected with stone pathways.

This beautiful and tranquil destination in the heart of Louisville aims to educate, enlighten, and inspire–and it's just getting started! As lovely as it is to visit today, the site is in the early stages of a multi-year, multi-phase buildout that began an extensive master plan 10 years ago. The project's first phase brought several themed gardens named for founding philanthropists, an education center, and the winding Beargrass Creek Pathway that connects to the Butchertown Greenway. Most areas are wheelchair-accessible, and only ADA-defined service animals are allowed on the property.

A must-visit destination in Kentucky in the spring, Keeneland pulsates with color, especially during the Spring Meet throughout most of April when the grounds come alive with exciting horse races. Keeneland also is the world's leading Thoroughbred auction house, with activity happening year round. You can do your own walking tour of the gorgeous grounds all year long with a general admission ticket. You can experience behind-the-scenes tours of the National Historic Landmark's racing and sales operations, too. While you're there, do not miss the stellar Southern cuisine at the famous Track Kitchen. While "try the bread pudding" may sound cliche to Kentuckians, theirs is considered by many as the best.

Stroll beneath blooming magnolias, dogwoods, and other flowering trees as you experience the springtime splendor of this 115-acre arboretum. More than 1,500 varieties of plants thrive here, many of them native Kentucky plants and some endangered. The lovely grounds include several whimsical water features, including a dreamy little pond filled with lily pads. While visiting, you can enjoy the exhibits at the Downing Museum, which celebrates the life and artwork of the late Western Kentucky University alumnus Joseph Dudley Downing.

While the park's 125-foot-wide, seven-story waterfall is often referred to as the "Niagara of the South," the real spectacle here is the moonbow, a rare lunar rainbow that appears on either side of the full moon. This is the only place in the Western Hemisphere and one of few on Earth where you can see this occur on a regular basis. For the full forest experience, do the 11-mile hiking trail, which is challenging and one of the most rewarding treks, especially in the spring. Those who prefer a shorter walk can park at a lot with direct access to the falls overlook. The park and lots are open 24 hours daily so visitors may capture this phenomenon. If you choose to hike note that the trails are open only from dawn to dusk for safety reasons.

If you adore the sounds of birds singing their little hearts out, hiking the trails at John James Audubon State Park is one of the most delightful things to do in Kentucky in spring. The park has over six miles of hiking trails that wind through diverse landscapes. Among them, we highly recommend the .7-mile Warbler Road, a moderately difficult hike where you'll see (and hear!) some of the 20 different species of warblers at the park this time of year. And of course, the 725-acre park is full of wildflowers and other flora and fauna. Keep an eye on the park's many bluebird boxes, where you're likely to spot spring courting and nesting behaviors. Besides Eastern Bluebirds, the boxes are a favorite for Carolina Wrens, Carolina Chickadees, and more.

While the world's largest cave system is hard to top, the land that's literally atop it has at least one advantage, right? Since you probably already know the beauty here is cave deep, it's okay to judge the book by its cover! Absolutely gorgeous terrain covers the park's 400 miles of ancient, underground passageways. To see it, take the Green River Bluffs Trail. It's an awe-inspiring hike, especially in the spring with lush greenery and wonderful wildflowers. While the 2.4-mile trail is moderately difficult because of its rugged terrain, it can be completed in a few hours. Along the way, you'll experience the park's unique geology and diverse wildlife, including birds, deer, and even bats. The trail's highlight is the overlook, which provides a panoramic view of the river and the bluffs.

Enjoy a pleasant picnic and then stroll along an easy, .8-mile walking path at this beautiful educational garden at Murray State University. You'll see bountiful flowers, a sparkling pond, a rock-lined waterfall feature, and more. The student-maintained garden is part of the university's larger Pullen Farm property and is open from dawn to dusk. Leashed dogs are allowed to join your adventure, but no bikes, please.

The lush lawn in front of the Old State Capitol rolls out like a soft green carpet toward Frankfort’s historic, charming downtown. It is a special place for a spring picnic in the heart of the state capital. There’s ample space to spread out a blanket and enjoy the spring weather with plenty of shade trees. What's more, the Old Capitol Lawn is also the site of Frankfort's annual Derby Day Celebration. It's a different and fun alternative if you can't make it to the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The event features live music, food vendors, and plenty of family-friendly activities.

Pack a picnic and plan to just sit a spell and take in the sweeping views of the Cincinnati skyline and the Ohio River valley. This special park was part of a family farm over 100 years ago. In addition to the popular overlook, the park has many other fun features like an 18-hole golf course, playgrounds and pavilions, paved walking trails, bike trails, and nature trails. Keep an eye out for notable structures like the band shell built in 1939 by Works Progress Administration workers. It's still a popular site for concerts and other special events.