Kentucky is a land of rich history and diverse resources. The Bluegrass State is known for its bourbon distilleries, horse racing, and, thanks to Colonel Sanders, fried chicken. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a connoisseur of culture, or just looking for a great place to visit, Kentucky should be at the top of your destination list when it comes to finding adventure.
Kentucky offers travelers plenty of fun if they know where to look. While it might not be feasible to see everything in the state, there are certain spots you cannot miss. These bucket list items offer the best bang for your buck and an unforgettable time. The list we’ve composed offers the most diverse range of activities that best represents the state and what it has to offer.
With so many incredible spots, from city attractions in Louisville and Lexington to outdoor havens like Red River Gorge and Mammoth Cave National Park, you’ll need to pull out those hiking boots and tune up that car as we’re about to embark on one amazing journey through Kentucky. Here are some attractions you can’t miss when you’re passing through this part of the country!
10. Mammoth Cave National Park
(image via Facebook)
In one of the most visited National Parks in the United States, visitors can explore portions of the world’s longest cave system. Many travelers come to Mammoth Cave National Park for a hike or a picnic, while others enjoy guided tours of the caverns. There is also an abundance of wildlife, including multiple species of rare bats.
Mammoth Cave National Park features over 400 miles of explored passageways and a unique underground river that can be explored via guided tours. In addition to the cave system, the park offers a range of outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, and wildlife watching. The park is also home to a variety of unique flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species. Overall, Mammoth Cave National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience for visitors looking to explore the natural wonders of Kentucky.
9. Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum
(image via Facebook)
This famed restaurant was run by Colonel Sanders (yes, that Colonel Sanders) between 1940 and 1956. Beside the café and museum, there is a modern Kentucky Fried Chicken. Since 1990, it has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The historic landmark that pays tribute to the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken and includes a replica of Sanders’ original cafe, where he first developed his now-famous recipe for fried chicken in 1930s. The cafe serves the same southern-style dishes that Sanders served nearly 100 years ago. In addition to exploring the restaurant and museum, visitors can also view exhibits and displays showcasing Sanders’ life and legacy, including his iconic white suit and black string tie. The Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum offer a unique and delicious way for visitors to learn about the origins of one of America’s most famous fast-food chains.
8. Kentucky Bourbon Trail
(image via Facebook)
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a unique and immersive experience in the heart of bourbon country, USA. This trail takes visitors on a journey through the scenic countryside of Kentucky, where they can explore the rich history and culture of bourbon-making. The trail features several world-famous distilleries, including Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, and Woodford Reserve, each offering a unique perspective on the art and science of bourbon-making.
Through the Kentucky Distillers’ Association, visitors can sample the regional alcohol boasted by the state through hands-on demonstrations and taste-testing opportunities. Visitors can learn about the entire distilling process, from the selection of grains to the aging of the barrels, and even sample some of the smoothest and most flavorful bourbons in the world. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a must-visit for any whiskey aficionado or anyone interested in experiencing the true flavor of the South.
7. Attend a UK Basketball Game
(image via Facebook)
Many Kentuckians hold college basketball above anything else, and there’s no better place to experience the full scope of that fanaticism than the University of Kentucky’s Rupp Arena. Even if you aren’t big into sports, the energy of the fans will be enough to convert you. And if you’ll only watch a single game of basketball all year, the UK-Louisville game is the pinnacle of sports rivalry.
The University of Kentucky’s Rupp Arena is one of the most iconic and respected basketball arenas in the country. Located in the heart of downtown Lexington, Kentucky, Rupp Arena is the home court of the UK Wildcats men’s basketball team. With a seating capacity of over 23,000 fans, Rupp Arena provides an electrifying atmosphere for fans and players alike. The arena has hosted numerous NCAA tournaments, Final Fours, and other special events and performances, making it a true cultural hub for the community.
6. Have a Slice of Transparent Pie
(image via Facebook)
A mom-and-pop establishment in rural Kentucky, Magee’s Bakery has been home to a variety to Southern comfort foods such as cinnamon cake donuts and baked egg and cheddar biscuits. Their most popular menu item is the transparent pie, also called a chess pie. The treat is a known favorite of George Clooney.
Magee’s Bakery is especially known for its “Butterflake Rolls,” which are soft, fluffy, and buttery in flavor, and a staple at every holiday and family gathering in the region. Apart from its signature rolls and pies, Magee’s Bakery offers a wide variety of baked goods, using only the freshest ingredients. Each of their baked goods is made in small batches, giving them a truly homemade taste and texture that is hard to find in any other bakery.
5. Corvette Museum
(image via Facebook)
Since its use in professional racing, the Chevrolet Corvette has become one of the most popular sports cars in the world. At the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, visitors can learn about the complex history of the car. The museum is dedicated to showcasing and preserving the legacy of the iconic Chevrolet Corvette, which is known for its sleek design, speed, and performance.
The museum features a rotating collection of over 70 rare, vintage, and modern Corvettes that tell the story of the brand’s rich history and evolution. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, watch Corvette production in the nearby factory, and even design their dream car at the hands-on Corvette Build Experience. The museum is only a quarter of a mile away from the plant where Corvettes are manufactured.
4. Listen to Live Music at Zanzabar
(image via Facebook)
Zanzabar is a hip and vibrant hangout spot located in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky. This one-stop shop combines a bar, kitchen, and arcade, all under one roof, allowing visitors to indulge in a unique and fun-filled experience. The bar serves a wide selection of craft beer and cocktails, while the kitchen offers eclectic pub fare that is sure to please any palate.
Apart from the food and drinks, Zanzabar’s arcade features over 40 classic and modern arcade games, such as pinball, air hockey, and Mortal Kombat, which keep the visitors entertained for hours. Zanzabar also features a live music venue that showcases both local and national acts, adding another layer of energy to the already bustling atmosphere of the spot. Zanzabar is a perfect spot to unwind, have fun, and experience the eclectic vibes of Louisville’s thriving cultural scene.
3. Take a Ghost Tour at Waverly Hills Sanatorium
(image via Facebook)
Constructed in 1910 to help treat the tuberculosis outbreak in the region, the hospital soon became known for strange occurrences. The Waverly Hills Sanatorium has been closed since the 1960s, but many believe it to be inhabited by the spirits of those who died there. It is considered to be one of the most haunted places in the country and offers nighttime paranormal tours, along with daytime historical ones.
Over 63,000 people are estimated to have died at the Sanatorium, with deaths being so numerous that the facility had a tunnel called the Death Tunnel built to move dead bodies so that patients wouldn’t see them. There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity at the sanatorium, including sightings of ghosts, disembodied voices, and unexplained noises. It’s said that mysterious shadows move about the rooms, abandoned hallways fill with footsteps, doors open and close on their own, and visitors claim to have seen apparitions manifest in front of their eyes. Waverly Hills Sanatorium has become a popular attraction for paranormal enthusiasts who are eager to experience the eerie vibe of the world’s most haunted places.
2. Kentucky Artisan Center
(image via Facebook)
If you love locally made crafts, jewelry, and food, then this American city stuck in the 1960s is the place for you. At the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, locals are able to display their talents in a popular market setting. The Café & Grill at the Center is one of the best-reviewed restaurants in the area.
This non-profit center has been committed to showcasing and promoting the work of local artisans for over a decade, providing them with a platform to showcase their unique works of art. Visitors can interact with the artisans themselves and learn about the inspiration behind their intricate craft. The center also offers workshops, special exhibits, and hands-on events, making it a premier destination for anyone interested in fine art and craft in Kentucky. The Kentucky Artisan Center is not only a museum, but a lively celebration of local artisans, their work, and the state’s cultural heritage.
1. Kentucky Horse Park
(image via Facebook)
The Bluegrass State has a long history of horse racing. The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is everything an equestrian could want, with a functioning breeding facility and an informational tour. The park also hosts the International Museum of the Horse, which chronicles the history of man’s relationship with the animal.
The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky, is a world-famous equestrian park that showcases Kentucky’s love for horses. Opened in 1978, the park boasts a rich history and culture of horse breeding and racing. Visitors can enjoy viewing exhibits of famous horses, live shows, museums, and horses grazing in the pastures.
