Kentucky, known for its lush landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offers a wide array of attractions that appeal to adventurers, history enthusiasts, and foodies. From the legendary horse races of the Kentucky Derby to the natural wonders of Mammoth Cave National Park, the Bluegrass State is a playground for exploration and enjoyment.
Whether you’re sipping on world-famous Bourbon or hiking through scenic trails, Kentucky’s charm is boundless. In this blog, we will share 24 things to do in Kentucky, guiding you through the state’s must-visit spots and hidden gems.
Table of Contents
Here are the 24 best things to do in Kentucky.
1. Churchill Downs is a famous place to visit in Louisville.
Enjoy the thrill of horse racing at Louisville’s Churchill Downs, the site of the prestigious Kentucky Derby since 1875.
Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Kentucky Derby is the first race in the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing.
2. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail takes you to several old distilleries.
Traveling the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a great way to learn about the state’s long history of bourbon production while touring old distilleries.
There may be more people than barrels of bourbon aging in Kentucky’s warehouses, which house more than 9 million barrels.
3. Hike the scenic trails in Red River Gorge.
Hike the gorgeous trails of Red River Gorge and let yourself be enchanted by its breathtaking scenery, which includes natural stone arches, verdant forests, and towering cliffs.
With over a hundred naturally occurring sandstone arches, Red River Gorge has been dubbed “The Niagara of the South.”
4. Witness the beauty of Mammoth Cave National Park.
With more than 400 miles of explored passageways, Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the longest-known cave system in the world. Explore its underground wonders at your own pace.
Due to its exceptional ecosystem and geological importance, Mammoth Cave has been designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a natural wonder.
5. Spend an easy day fishing on Lake Cumberland.
Drop your line into the placid Lake Cumberland waters. This fishing paradise is renowned for its plethora of fish species, including bass, crappie, and catfish.
Among the biggest artificial lakes in the US, Lake Cumberland spans over 65,000 acres and has a shoreline of more than 1,200 miles.
6. The Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area offers scenic horseback riding.
Riding a horse through the wilds of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a great way to experience Kentucky’s natural beauty.
Along the way, you’ll pass historic sites, picturesque overlooks, and clear streams.
7. Visit the Kentucky Derby Festival in Louisville.
Come celebrate with us at Louisville’s Kentucky Derby Festival as we prepare for the “Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports”—the legendary Kentucky Derby.
Held every April and May, the Kentucky Derby Festival features more than 70 events, including parades, concerts, and the world-famous Thunder Over Louisville fireworks show.
8. Attend a festival or concert and lose yourself in bluegrass music.
Attend a live performance or festival and let yourself be swept away by the uplifting melodies of bluegrass music, which has a long and storied history in Kentucky.
Bluegrass music has its roots in Kentucky and is known for its tight vocal harmonies, complex instrumental solos, and fusion of blues, gospel, and Appalachian folk.
9. In Lexington’s Distillery District, you can find a lively arts scene.
The Distillery District in Lexington is home to a thriving arts scene, with galleries, studios, and performance spaces housed in repurposed Bourbon warehouses.
Located in the heart of the Distillery District, the Barrel House Distilling Company crafts bourbon, rum, and vodka, giving tourists a taste of the distilling heritage of Kentucky and showcasing the state’s vibrant arts scene.
10. The Louisville Zoo: A Wild Adventure for All Ages.
The Louisville Zoo is home to exotic creatures from all over the globe, as well as interactive exhibits, informative talks, and animal encounters.
The Sumatran tiger and the western lowland gorilla are just two of the endangered species that call the 1,700 animals and 160 species represented at the Louisville Zoo home. The zoo, by housing these animals, educates the public about wildlife and promotes conservation.
11. Try some real Southern dishes at restaurants.
At local eateries, you can indulge in traditional Southern cuisine, which includes hearty dishes like fried chicken, biscuits and gravy, and country ham, each accompanied by friendly service.
The Hot Brown, a rich open-faced turkey sandwich doused in Mornay sauce, first appeared in the 1920s at Louisville’s historic Brown Hotel and has since become a signature dish of Kentucky’s comfort cuisine.
12. Taste the world-famous spirit of Kentucky on a bourbon tasting.
On a tour of historic distilleries in Kentucky, such as Maker’s Mark, Woodford Reserve, and Buffalo Trace, you can sample a variety of handcrafted whiskies and learn about the process of making bourbon.
The sole native spirit of the United States, Bourbon, is required by law to contain at least 51% maize and be aged in new charred oak barrels.
A whopping 95% of the world’s bourbon is made in Kentucky, which is why it’s known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World.”
13. The Kentucky State BBQ Festival is a great place to get some homemade pies.
Classic pies filled with fresh fruits and decadent fillings are just one of the many sweet treats served at the annual Kentucky State BBQ Festival, where pitmasters from all over the state come to show off their barbecue skills.
14. Join the Kentucky Science Center to see some fascinating interactive displays.
Dive into hands-on learning at the Kentucky Science Center, where kids and adults alike can engage with interactive exhibits, participate in STEM-based activities, and immerse themselves in the wonders of science and technology.
The Kentucky Science Center, located in downtown Louisville, features over 150 interactive exhibits covering topics such as space exploration, human anatomy, and environmental science, inspiring curiosity and discovery in visitors of all ages.
15. The Ohio River is the perfect setting for a glorious steamboat ride.
Take a scenic steamboat ride along the Ohio River, You can enjoy live entertainment and learn about the history of the riverfront while taking in stunning views of Louisville’s skyline and the natural beauty of the area.
In the 19th century, the Ohio River was an important trade and commerce route that played a big part in Kentucky’s history. Today, steamboat cruises take people on a nostalgic trip through the past, letting them remember how romantic it was to travel by river.
16. Find out about Cumberland Falls State Resort Park’s beautiful scenery.
The beautiful Cumberland Falls State Resort Park waterfall, which is known as the “Niagara of the South,” is mesmerizing. On clear nights, visitors can see the amazing sight of a moonbow and hike along beautiful trails through lush forests.
Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world where you can regularly see a moonbow, a rare nighttime event that looks like a rainbow. This makes it a magical and one-of-a-kind place to visit for nature lovers.
17. Visit the mysterious Lost River Cave and discover its secrets.
Lost River Cave is an underground wonderland with an underground river, interesting cave formations, and fascinating wildlife. Guided tours take visitors on an adventure through the cave’s underground wonders and teach them about its history and geology.
The natural entrance to Lost River Cave is the largest in the eastern United States. The cave gives us a fascinating look into Kentucky’s geological history and is a natural home for many types of bats, fish, and other animals that live in caves.
18. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill: A Portal to Kentucky’s Heritage.
The historic Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a carefully preserved 19th-century community where visitors can learn about the Shakers’ unique way of life, walk through beautifully restored buildings, and participate in hands-on workshops.
The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is the largest restored Shaker community in the United States. It has more than 30 original buildings and structures set in beautiful countryside, and it provides an interesting look into Kentucky’s cultural history.
19. Participate in a Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts live performance.
Enjoy live performances at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, a top cultural center that hosts a wide range of concerts, plays, ballets, and other artistic events in its cutting-edge theaters.
People love the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts because of its beautiful architecture, which has a unique style that combines classical and modern elements. It is a must-see for art lovers.
20. Have a fun night out at downtown Louisville’s colorful bars and clubs.
Explore downtown Louisville’s eclectic mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues to experience the lively nightlife. You can relax with craft cocktails, dance to live bands, or just take in the lively vibe of this busy urban district.
Fourth Street Live! is an entertainment district in downtown Louisville with lots of restaurants, bars, and live music venues. It’s a great place for both locals and visitors to enjoy the nightlife.
21. Join a bluegrass jam session at a local music venue.
At a local music venue or jam session, you can listen to the soulful melodies of bluegrass music and watch skilled musicians play traditional tunes that show off Kentucky’s rich musical heritage.
22. Take a scenic drive along the Kentucky Scenic Byway.
The Kentucky Scenic Byway takes you on a beautiful trip through rolling hills, cute small towns, and stunning landscapes. The winding roads give you a glimpse of the state’s natural beauty and rich history.
The Kentucky Scenic Byway is more than 200 miles long and passes through many different landscapes. Along the way, travellers can find hidden gems like historic sites, scenic overlooks, and cute roadside attractions.
23. Bardstown is a town worth seeing.
As the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” Bardstown is a historic town that takes you back in time. You can visit famous Bourbon distilleries, walk along cobblestone streets lined with well-preserved 19th-century buildings, and learn about the town’s rich history and culture.
Heaven Hill, Maker’s Mark, and Willett Distillery are just a few of the famous bourbon distilleries in Bardstown. This makes it a must-see for whiskey lovers who want to learn more about Kentucky’s rich history of making bourbon.
24. The Daniel Boone National Forest has a lot of beautiful nature to see.
Explore the wild beauty of the Daniel Boone National Forest, over 700,000 acres of wilderness perfect for hiking, camping, fishing, and watching wildlife in a gorgeous setting of lush forests, rocky cliffs, and gushing waterfalls.
The Daniel Boone National Forest, named after the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone, is one of Kentucky’s most treasured natural areas. It is in the heart of Appalachia and offers hundreds of hiking, camping, and other activities.
FAQs
Participate in the Berea Craft Festival
Take a moonlight cruise on the Belle of Louisville
Hike or camp at Daniel Boone National Forest
Celebrate Independence Day at Waterfront Park in Louisville with fireworks
Join the fun at the Bluegrass Fair in Lexington
Spend an afternoon at Coldstream Dog Park in Lexington
Enjoy outdoor dining with your dog at many restaurants in Bardstown
Attend the annual Woofstock event at Freeman Lake Park in Elizabethtown
Attend the New Year’s Eve fireworks
Enjoy the New Year’s Eve party at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville.
Participate in the First Day Hike at a Kentucky State Park.
Enjoy a New Year’s Eve dinner and dance at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park.
1. Stargazing at Natural Bridge State Resort Park.
2. Enjoy a performance at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.
3. Dining at a farm-to-table restaurant in Bardstown.
4. Hot air balloon ride over the Kentucky countryside.
