It’s no secret that Kentucky has some great country backroads that will soothe your adventurous soul and get your exploring spirit ignited. No need for fancy beaches or coastlines, get a thrill right in the heart of the Bluegrass state. Here’s a collection of some of the most unique day trips in Kentucky you’ll find scattered across the state.

1. Newport Aquarium
Newport Aquarium, 1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071, USA
Brandon C/Flickr
Our list of unique day trips in Kentucky begins with a beloved destination: the Newport Aquarium. Go visit some tropical fish, adorable penguins, or fiercely scary alligators, this aquarium is worth checking out in Newport, KY. For more information, you can visit the Newport Aquarium online.
2. Maker's Mark Distillery
Maker's Mark Distillery, 3350 Burks Spring Rd, Loretto, KY 40037, USA
Joseph Novak/Flickr
What better way to grasp a sense of Kentucky pride than grabbing a drink at the start place? Learn more about what makes the Maker's Mark Distillery a quintessential Kentucky landmark.
3. Kentucky Kingdom
Kentucky Kingdom & Hurricane Bay, 937 Phillips Ln, Louisville, KY 40209, USA
Joe/Flickr
If you're an adrenaline junkie, this one's for you. Experience frightful drops and fast speeds at this theme park. Or if heights are your thing, the Ferris wheel is a doozy. Located in Louisville, Kentucky, this destination is one that will thrill the entire family.
4. Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park, 129 River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
David Kidd/Flickr
This 85-acre public park is located on the Ohio River in downtown Louisville. It offers stunning views of the city as well as many free and unique events throughout the year. When it comes to beautiful Kentucky destinations, the Waterfront Park is a must.
5. Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Jason Meredith/Flickr
Get your one-of-a-kind bat engraved at the Slugger Museum. Not to mention you can take a selfie with the world's largest bat outside the entrance. Whether you're a fan of baseball or simply fascinated by history, the Louisville Slugger Museum is bound to impress.
6. Frankfort, Kentucky
Frankfort, KY 40601, USA
Lisa Sasser/Flickr
Go see the capital of the state and its historical offerings. There's a free trolley that will take you around several historical buildings and even the cemetery where Daniel Boone is buried. Make sure you check out all the historical sights when you go.
7. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, 2995 Lincoln Farm Rd, Hodgenville, KY 42748, USA
Marc Tomik/Flickr
Located in rural Central Kentucky, this site honors the 16th president. Visit the country's first memorial to Lincoln in a symbolic birthplace cabin in the park. And if you're fascinated by Abraham Lincoln, be sure to visit the Lincoln Museum, voted the best museum in the country. Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment when they explored the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park.


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8. Kentucky Railway Museum
Kentucky Railway Museum, 136 S Main St, New Haven, KY 40051, USA
LuAnn Snawder Photography/Flickr
Train lovers, this one's for you! This museum got its start from enthusiasts who began a local chapter of the Nation Railway Historical Society in 1948. Located in New Haven, it's a true hidden gem in Kentucky.
9. Kentucky Derby Museum
Kentucky Derby Museum, 704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, USA
Peter Dedina/Flickr
Right at the historic Churchill Downs, go be one with the most famous horse race in the world. For additional information, you can visit the Kentucky Derby Museum online.
10. Muhammad Ali Center
Muhammad Ali Center, 144 N 6th St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
aacool/Flickr
Get inspired by this champion, the center pays tribute to the Great Ali. You could easily spend all day inside this unique Kentucky destination. For more information, check out the Muhammad Ali Center website.
11. Louisville Zoo
Louisville Zoo, 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213, USA
Chad/Flickr
Get in touch with your animal side by visiting the Louisville Zoo and get interactive with their cool creature offerings. Over 50 years old, the Louisville Zoo is nothing short of an institution.
12. Louisville Mega Cavern
Louisville Mega Cavern, 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213, USA
Louisville Mega Cavern/ KY
Get a true one-of-a-kind underground adventure and get schooled in history, geology, mining, and recycling. Without a doubt, the Louisville Mega Cave is one of Kentucky's most unique day trips.
13. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park/ Facebook
In Corbin, Kentucky this gem of a park offers gorgeous lakes, falls, and all kinds of nature-filled views. Wondering what to do while you're there? The sheer number of adventures can be overwhelming, so be sure to check out our list of the 8 things to do when you visit Cumberland Falls.
14. Lexington, Kentucky
Lexington, KY, USA
Chris McFarland/Flickr
Visit the horse capital. Some fun things like Kentucky Horse Park, The Thoroughbred Center, or a Kentucky Horse Farm Tour come to mind to get your fill of horse history. Learn more about why Lexington is considered one of the best places to visit in the country.
15. Creation Museum
Creation Museum, 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd, Petersburg, KY 41080, USA
David Berkowitz/Flickr
Just south of the 513, this 70,000-square-foot museum brings the Bible to life. Witness stories come to life in this unique place. Learn more by visiting the official Creation Museum website. You can even get a multi-day pass and see their sister attraction, The Ark Encounter. Check out this video from Adventuring in the Moment when they visited this epic place:


Grab the keys, hit the road, and explore to your heart’s desire. These unique day trips in Kentucky are certainly ones you won’t want to miss out on. What will you be visiting first?

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More to Explore

unique day trips in Kentucky

Beth C. | April 14, 2021

What is a fun place to visit in Kentucky?

A super fun place to visit in Kentucky is Kentucky Kingdom and Hurricane Bay.

There's no doubt about it; Kentucky is positively filled with fun! Whether you enjoy exploring the great outdoors or historic attractions, you'll find there is plenty to explore. One of the places mentioned in our list of unique Kentucky day trips, Kentucky Kingdom, certainly qualifies as fun. Boasting one of the state's most incredible waterparks, Hurricane Bay, this fun place in Kentucky will wow you with its waterslides, lazy river, and giant wave pool.

What are the top attractions in Kentucky?

One of the top attractions in Kentucky is The Lost River Cave.

The Lost River Cave is one of the top attractions in Kentucky, and it's no mystery why. This seven-mile cave system located near Bowling Green is an adventure waiting to happen. For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, you might consider signing up for an eco-boat tour and exploring the caves. Here are 7 reasons to visit the Lost River Cave in Kentucky.

Where can I go in Kentucky that only the locals know about?

These are the top hidden gems in Kentucky:

 

Whether you're a visitor or resident, there's nothing like discovering hidden gems in Kentucky. If you're interested in experiencing the state just as the locals do, there are a few destinations that belong on your radar. These include Carter Caves State Resort Park, Chained Rock, Eagle Falls, The Berea Pinnacles, Falling Rock Park, and Fort Nelson. Learn more about these hidden gem destinations in Kentucky.

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