The Ultimate And Definitive Bucket List For Everyone In Kentucky
By Jenn Shockley|Updated on May 03, 2024(Originally published December 31, 2015)
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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.
Kentucky is a beautiful and exciting state with plenty of unique attractions for entertainment. Some things are popular due to their renown, others are lower-key. It doesn’t matter if you live in the north, south, east, or west, there is something interesting nearby. It might be a lush forest, a national landmark, or a restaurant with incredible food, but the Bluegrass State comes with a bounty of benefits. Come along as we share our Kentucky bucket list and be amazed at all there is to enjoy!
1. Visit the Red River Gorge
Red River Gorge Geological Area, Robbie Ridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380, USA
The Red River Gorge is one of the most beautiful areas in Kentucky. It is a lush part of the Daniel Boone Forest with unique natural rock bridges, and rivers perfect for rafting or canoeing. It is a favorite spot among the native residents.
Take a walk or a drive down Washington Street, Jefferson Street, and Water Street in Paducah and you will see some amazing artwork. Local artists painted the floodwalls in Paducah with vividly colored, life-like settings and scenarios. From riverboats to men at work, the Kentucky Derby, and trains, the flow of the artists knew no bounds. They turned chunks of concrete into astounding works of art free for public viewing.
This is a delicious open-face sandwich that initially started at the Brown Hotel in the early 1900s. It has toast covered in turkey with bacon, tomatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce and literally melts in the mouth when prepared correctly. The one shown is available at Ramsi’s Cafe on the World on Bardstown Road in the Highlands.
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4. Spend the night in a castle
Martin Castle, 230 Pisgah Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
Visit Castlepost, a medieval castle B&B at 230 Pisgah Pike in Versailles. The outside looks to be a castle fit for a fairytale prince or princess. Inside, visitors experience the best of everything, from food to amenities and accommodations.
Black Mountain is the highest point in Kentucky at 4,145 feet, and offers a breathtaking view. There is not much else that needs to be said, as the surroundings say it all.
6. Take a riverboat ride
Belle of Louisville Riverboats, 401 W River Rd, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
The port towns were once the trade centers of Kentucky, as river trade was profitable. River life was busy and booming. There are several places you can catch a riverboat ride on the Ohio River, including BB Riverboats in Newport and the Belle of Louisville in Louisville.
This is an alternative to the Derby Pie where walnuts are used instead of pecans and a little bourbon is tossed into the mix. It provides a real melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Take a stroll through Kentucky’s bourbon history in historic Bardstown or one of the other wonderful stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You will visit distilleries, sample bourbon, and see some of our longest-standing aging operations. It may not sound exciting, but it is interesting, especially if you like bourbon.
Derby Pie is the official pie of the Kentucky Derby. It is basically a pecan pie but adds dark chocolate to create an entirely unique flavor. Served warm with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla bean, or butter pecan ice cream, this is just to die for.
This is Kentucky’s addition to the Seven Wonders of the World and is well worth the visit to 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway in Mammoth Cave. This underground wonder is the world's longest cave system offering a unique collection of seemingly new worlds beneath the ground. Cool, clear waters, unique creatures, and sparkling cave formations, and preserved from the taint of civilization.
Bask in the beauty of nature and a lot of Kentucky history at this gorgeous preserved area on US 25E South in Middlesboro. You can see the old Hensley Settlement near the Cumberland Caves. It is a nice place to visit and ponder the previous occupants in a nature-rich setting.
13. Visit the Kentucky Horse Park or farms
Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
The many amazing thoroughbred and saddlebred farms in or around the Lexington and Shelbyville area are a true adventure to visit. You cannot come to horse country and not see the horses in one setting or another. At the Kentucky Horse Park and some of the local farms you can ride a horse yourself, watch them run free or during training. The entire area is beautiful and filled with the spirit of Kentucky.
Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world that has proper atmospheric conditions for the amazing moonbow. They are truly a beautiful sight to behold and can create a perfect memory of natural beauty.
15. Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
Located at 800 W. Main in Louisville, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory can take you out to the ballgame via memorabilia and photographs. Visitors also get to tour the factory and see how ball bats are made.
16. Visit the Corvette Museum
National Corvette Museum, 350 Corvette Dr, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
If you happen to be passing near Bowling Green, stop by 350 Corvette Drive and check out the Corvette Museum. Every Corvette being driven is made in Bowling Green, and most Corvettes ever made are housed in the museum. If you are a car fan, this is a must-stop-and-see. If not, it's still kind of cool!
If you can get tickets to visit one of the local arenas during a Kentucky, Louisville, WKU or EKU ball game, you will be amazed by the spirit of the fans. Kentucky sports fans are truly passionate about their teams.
This is the world’s biggest firework display and it happens to kick off the Kentucky Derby Festival.
There is an abundance of entertaining things to do all across the state, depending on your view of excitement. You don’t have to like horse racing and bourbon if you come for a visit, as we are not limited to that stereotype. Our land is our legacy, as its beauty is nearly unmatched. These things all give a glimpse into one aspect of our state or another.
Have you ever done or been to any of these exciting things or places? If so, which ones were your favorites? Do you think some of these spots would be great things to add to your Kentucky bucket list? What else would you consider to be awesome things to do in Kentucky? We’d love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!
Renfro Valley KOA Holiday in Mt. Vernon is the best kid-friendly campground in the state.
Nolin Lake State Park in Mammoth Cave features RV, tent, and beach spots right on the lake.
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Mammoth Cave is a themed campground with traditional camping sites, an inflatable water park on the lake, and lots of other activities.
