From Mother Nature’s breathtaking exhibitions to historical places, there are an abundance of stunning places in Kentucky to visit. Some attractions only take a few hours, others you could spend a week and still not see all there is to see. The Bluegrass State has something for everyone, and here are 11 places well worth a visit.
11. Big Four Pedestrian Bridge on River Drive Downtown Louisville
This is the latest connection between Kentucky and Indiana and Louisville went all out. The bridge has a variety of lighting to add both security, and a unique ambiance overlooking the Ohio River. It allows pedestrians to walk between the two states and enjoy either riverfront.
10. Bobby Mackey’s Music World at 44 Licking Pike in Wilder
This is not your average club, though you will find good music, drinks and dancing. The tavern also has a history of haunting, and is the subject of a regular ghost tour. There have been unexplained sounds and happenings going on for decades, according to employees. It makes for an entertaining stop with a little history behind it.
9. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest at 2499 Clermont Road in Clermont
This is a beautiful place to go and appreciate nature. You can walk through the well maintained garden area and see a variety of beautiful native plants, butterflies and information on the area. Bernheim also has several lakes, bridges and trails you can enjoy. The trails vary from easy to moderate. There is also a canopy walk you can take to get a tree top view of Nature’s landscaping.
8. Copper Canyon Ranch at 14750 Ovil Road in Hopkinsville
Cowboys used to be real, and they still are at Copper Canyon Ranch. This is an 1800s mining town with a variety of the original area recreated to give visitors a real look back into history. You can check out the amazing recreations or watch an old timey shoot out, staged for your entertainment. There are no real bullets, so you don’t have to worry about the gunslingers hitting the wrong target. The ranch shows what adventure looked like before cell phones and selfies.
7. Kentucky Shores Family Fun Park at 6215 US Hwy 641 N in Gilbertsville.
This is a great place to go and just relax, kick back and cool off. On a hot summer day there is nothing better than floating in a pool. You can ride the train, stroll the park, and miniature golf can be fun for a round or few as well.
6. Mill Springs Battlefield and Museum at 9020 W Hwy 80 in Nancy.
This is a page out of Kentucky’s history with both the museum and the well preserved battlefield. You can stand where the soldiers stood and envision what they might have faced. It is a nice way to experience a part of our past in a now peaceful environment.
5. Kuttawa Harbor Marina at 1709 Lake Barkley Drive in Kuttawa.
During the off season, this is a very peaceful place to go. During season, there are activities and plenty to do. You can enjoy the playground, walking, swimming, boating or any other water sports. It isn’t a huge marina, but nor is it extremely well known. That gives it an added bonus for those that prefer to avoid constant crowds.
4. Breaks Interstate Park in Elkhorn City.
There is so much to do at Breaks Interstate Park and it extends from Kentucky into Virginia. You can stroll through Mother Nature, or take a boat or raft out onto the river. There are plenty of spots to stop and fish or just appreciate the serenity. There is even a splash park on the Virginia side, which isn’t that far.
3. Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park at 998 Levi Jackson Mill Road in London.
This park has a bit of everything, including a swimming pool. You can camp, spend a day swimming and exploring the park, or take the Tree Top Adventure. Mind you, it isn’t for the feign of heart and parts require a sound dexterity. There are other parts that are easier and just provide a phenomenal view. This park offers a lot of beauty and relaxing places to relax in nature.
2. Yew Dell Botanical Gardens at 6220 Old Lagrange Road in Crestwood.
If you love flowers, plants and trees, this is a stop you won’t want to miss. There is beauty everywhere you look and the air has a soft fragrance anywhere you find blooms. It makes for a very relaxing garden stroll and a wonderful spot to picnic.
1. Red River Outdoors at 415 Natural Bridge Road in Slade.
This area is absolutely renowned for its beauty and natural ambiance. At Red Rivers Outdoors you can escape into the serenity of nature in one of their comfortable cabins. Different amenities are available depending on your needs. You can walk the trails, watch the water or just relax on the deck of a cabin and forget about everyday life for a while.
Each of these stunning places in Kentucky offers something special to visitors, be it the view or the ambiance. Where do you go to relax, have fun or just soak up the atmosphere?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.