11 Of The Most Enchanting Man Made Wonders In Kentucky
By Jenn Shockley|Published March 01, 2016
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Jenn Shockley
Author
I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky.
I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.
We have an abundance of gifts from Mother Nature in our beautiful state. That is a simple truth. However, you may find the manmade wonders in Kentucky to be quite impressive as well. Creating impressive or “awe-worthy” attractions is quite a challenge when compared to our nature’s abundant forests, natural bridges, lakes, rivers and interconnecting caves. Fortunately, we have some talented architects, engineers and everyday people that put their heart and soul into adding other great things and places to the Bluegrass State.
Here are 11 manmade wonders in Kentucky worth checking out:
11. Twin Spires of Churchill Downs
The spires give off an air of elegance at Churchill Downs, but why are they a wonder? They have been a part of our state since their design in 1895 by a 24 year old named Joseph Dominic Baldez, as the roof of the Churchill Downs grandstand. There have been just as many celebrities walking past those spires as on the red carpet… possibly more, as not everyone gets the red carpet. This is home to Kentucky’s biggest economy boost annually and the image of the spires is recognized around the world.
The Cincinnati Southern Railway bridge has been around since 1877 and is the tallest bridge over a navigable river/waterway in the entirely of North America. At 275’ tall and 1,125 long, it was the tallest railroad bridge in the world for many years. It connects Jessamine and Mercer Counties.
The Big Four Bridge in Downtown Louisville’s Waterfront Park spans a total of one mile from entrance to exit on the Indiana side. It is open to pedestrians, bicycles, and service animals 24/7. It has become a very popular part of the city’s attractions. The designers provided not only a lovely river view by day, but also vibrantly colorful lights at night. The image depicts several different color changes.
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8. Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption at 1130 Madison Avenue in Covington
This beautifully maintained 1901 cathedral contains the world’s largest stained glass window, measuring an astounding 67’ X 24’. It depicts the Council of Ephesus that deemed Mary the Mother of God in 431 AD, with each figure full size. There are no images that I could find that really clarify the beauty of being surrounded by stained glass in this massive gathering place. The largest window is surrounded by vibrantly colored windows with different people and meanings. Whether you believe in Catholicism or not, the windows in this cathedral are true works of intricate beauty.
You can dam the water in Kentucky and it just gives you twice the amount of beauty and a different view. Dams can be like walking on water without getting your feet wet, as there is water on both sides and lots of good fishing. You can visit Barkley Dam, Barren River Dam, Buckhorn Lake Dam, Cannelton Locks and Dam, Kentucky Dam and Captain Anthony Meldahl Locks Dam, Laurel Lake, Cave Run Lake, or any one of our 28 dams and enjoy the rush of running water, along with the calm.
At an astounding 160,309 acres, this is the largest manmade lake in the U.S. east of the Mississippi River. It has more than 2,000 miles of shoreline and is a favored place for fishing, camping, boating and relaxing in the serenity of nature’s surrounding woodlands.
This suspension bridge connects Covington to Cincinnati Ohio is 1,057’ long. In 1866, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world, and was a prototype version for New York’s Brooklyn Bridge. The bridge was done in a more decorative style, following examples provided by French engineers with cables, and adding stonework, providing an old world look. It was a popular route to the sports events in Ohio and the "party" district of Kentucky during its heyday.
This above ground underwater fantasy world at 1 Aquarium Way in Newport, allows Kentuckians and others to experience the ocean. However, it is on a much smaller scale and from the comforts of Newport. The many design aspects give us the feel of walking underwater in some areas, and above it in others. The colorful array of fish and underwater beings in manmade mini versions of their own habitat can be breathtaking.
This may just look like an old house, and nothing special to some. However, Old Louisville is the largest preserved Victorian neighborhood in the world. Some of the homes have been renovated into apartments, but they still stand. There are guidelines for those in the actual Historic District which deems they maintain specific aspects of the original designs. Some of these homes still have the stained glass windows from the 1800s.
This is an almost 58,000 acre lake with 1,000 miles of shoreline. It is part of the renowned Land Between the Lakes vacation area. It is among the largest manmade lakes in the U.S., and a favorite spot for nature lovers. The surrounding area is rich in wildlife, great camping spots and serenity. The fishing here can be great, but you have to use the right bait.
This beautiful 63,000 acre manmade lake has more than 1,200 miles of shoreline and is one of the 10 largest manmade lakes in the U.S. It has been deemed the houseboat capital, as it is a favored spot for houseboaters to stay afloat. Some record fish have been pulled out of this lake, including a 58 lb. striped bass.
There is so much to see and do in this state that great attractions might fall through the cracks. These manmade wonders in Kentucky celebrate the necessity, creativity and ingenuity of our people. From dams to bridges to manmade lakes, Kentuckians worked hard to achieve what they wanted or what was needed. This is just the tip of the iceberg, so what are your favorite manmade wonders in Kentucky?
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