KENTUCKY
Our Kentucky Travel Guide
Known as the world’s horse capital, Kentucky is a southeastern state with the Ohio River on one side and the Appalachian Mountains on the other. The renowned Kentucky Derby horse race takes place at Churchill Downs on the first Saturday in May. Kentucky is also home to several cave systems and caverns. In addition, the state is a major U.S. coal producer. Keep reading to learn more about Kentucky attractions in this state travel guide.
First, a little history…
When the European settlers arrived in Kentucky in the 17th century, it was primarily used as a hunting ground for the Native tribes such as the Delaware, the Cherokee, and the Shawnee. In 1792, Kentucky became the first state west of the Appalachian Mountains that was admitted into the union.
During the Civil War, the state remained officially neutral. However, soldiers from Kentucky served in both the Confederate and Union armies. Kentucky is also known as the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln.
Travel Guides for this State
Find your adventure! Organized by city name…
National Park in Kentucky
Mammoth Cave is a fun place to visit in the hills of Western Kentucky. We had the best barbeque at a little hole-in-the-wall piggy place with every type of pig imaginable decorating the walls of the restaurant. Let us know if you find it!
Explore!
Major Attractions
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
For baseball fans, a fun place to visit in Kentucky is the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. You can tour the factory and see how a piece of wood is transformed into the Louisville Slugger, which is a fascinating experience. There is also a museum next to the factory that showcases the history and careers of the legendary players who wielded this professional tool. At the end of the tour, visitors receive their own mini bat as a souvenir.
Daniel Boone National Forest
The Daniel Boone National Forest is so large that it spans 21 counties. The forest’s distinguishable features include ravines cut by streams, sandstone cliffs, and the 65 feet high Natural Bridge. The bridge has been formed over the years due to the strong erosive forces of wind and water. Visiting the National Forest is a remarkable experience because the forest truly shows you the power of nature.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
This open-air village consists of 34 of the original buildings of Pleasant Hills. The village provides an insight into the Shaker’s lifestyle by showcasing everyday items and handmade furniture from the 1800s. On the village farms, visitors can learn about sustainable farming methods used by the Shakers.
Mammoth Cave National Park
The Mammoth Cave is one of the world’s largest known cave systems. It is located in a region marked by different kinds of karst features. Such landscapes are dominated by water drainage and cave-fillings. The famous attractions in the park are the Mammoth Dome and the Ruins of Karnak. These extraordinary rock formations attract tourists from all over the world. The temperature inside the caves is much cooler, so visitors should come prepared with a sweater and long pants.
Louisville Mega Cavern
The Mega Cavern lies under the city of Louisville. The cavern used to be a limestone mine and is also the largest building in Kentucky. Through a tram tour, you can learn about the cavern’s workings and history. There is also a guided electric bike tour that visitors can choose to take. There is also a two-hour zip-line tour for people who are more adventurous. We enjoyed this tour.
Some other notable places and attractions:
Muhammad Ali Center
Lost River Cave
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
Newport Aquarium
Great American Dollhouse Museum
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“Travel not to find yourself, but to remember who you’ve been all along!”
