Top 10 Things to Do in Kentucky
Take the family to the Bluegrass State and explore all the things to do in Kentucky. Visit top Kentucky tourist attractions such as the Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Speedway and the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington.
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Top 10 Things To Do in Kentucky
The Bluegrass State is a spectacular vacation destination with magnificent scenery, a rich and colorful history, beautiful recreational areas, pristine lakes and rivers, national parks and forests, live thoroughbred and NASCAR racing, bluegrass music, charming wineries and bourbon distilleries, legendary horse farms and the world's longest cave system-Mammoth Caves. From the action-packed Kentucky Derby in Louisville to the dramatic terrain of Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky is truly a playground for your senses!
Louisville/Churchill Downs/Kentucky Derby Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs is the world's most legendary Thoroughbred racetrack and home of the Kentucky Derby - the premier race of the Triple Crown events. Located on the grounds of the Churchill Downs Racetrack, the Kentucky Derby Museum is an excitng attraction, featuring a high-definition Kentucky Derby film entitled "The Greatest Race", which places the viewer in the center of Derby Day action. The museum features many exhibits, historical films and books, hands-on activities, thoroughbred memorabilia, and walking tours that illustrate the history of the "Run For The Roses" - from the Finish Line pole used at Churchill Downs to the grave sites of three famous Kentucky Derby winners - Carry Back (1961), Swaps (1955) and Brokers Tip (1933). Louisville Slugger Museum Located in "Museum Row" in Louisville, Kentucky, the Louisville Slugger Museum highlights the history of Louisville Slugger baseball bats. The museum showcases the production of the famous bats and displays examples of historical bats, such as, the bat used by Babe Ruth to hit his last home run. Outside of the museum is the world's largest bat standing six stories to signify the Louisville Slugger corporate headquarters. Visit http://www.sluggermuseum.org/
Daniel Boone National Forest Located along the Cumberland Plateau in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Kentucky, Daniel Boone National Forest encompasses over 707,000 acres of rugged terrain, more than 3,400 miles of sandstone cliffs, steep forested ridges, and narrow ravines. Recreation opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting are abundant. These federally managed lands provide over 600 miles of scenic hiking and horseback riding trails. Hundreds of miles of streams and winding rivers present great opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Cumberland Gap is the first great gateway to the west. The Native American, the buffalo, and the pioneers traveled this route through the mountains into the rough country of Kentucky. Historic sites and buildings in the park present opportunities to take a closer look at the events that molded a region and nation. Underground Worlds include miles of subterranean passages and caves that lie beneath the mountains. Over 70 miles of trails and several scenic areas offer opportunities to discover the breathtaking cascading waterfalls and experience the Southern Appalachians up close. Visit http://www.nps.gov/cuga/ Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area is a destination of intense natural beauty, educational experiences and outdoor adventure. Enjoy endless outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing, camping, kayaking, canoeing, boating and OHV riding. The area offers miles of scenic hiking, OHV and equestrian trails through meadows, rolling hills, and rocky plateaus. Enjoy a plethora of water sports and marinas on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Discover wildlife in the 700-acre Elk & Bison Prairie, where a native habitat lost over a century ago is being restored. Join the hands-on nature programs at Woodlands Nature Station. Experience history at The Homeplace, a living history farm that shows you how people made use of the environment in the 1800s. View spectacular shows of space and the night sky at the Golden Pond Planetarium, a 40-foot diameter dome. Visit http://www.lbl.org/EEOverview.html
Mammoth Cave National Park Preserving the massive cave system and Green River valley of south central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is a spectacular destination of massive caves, scenic hiking trails, and unique wildlife. Beneath the sandstone capped ridges of Mammoth Cave National Park lies the most extensive cave system in existence, with over 365 miles of explored and mapped pathways. Mammoth Cave, the world's longest cave, features vast and mysterious chambers, rocky halls, and complex water-formed labyrinths. Activities at Mammoth Cave National Park include cave tours, surface hikes, canoeing on the Green River, horseback riding, bicycling, picnicking, camping and exploring the wondrous cave system. Kentucky Speedway Located in Sparta, Kentucky Speedway is a 1,000-acre raceway with a 1.5 mile, tri-oval asphalt track that features action-packed NASCAR Busch, Craftsman Truck, All Pro Series, ARCA and IRL races. Kentucky Speedway provides 66,089 grandstand seats, RV and camping areas, an Outback Steakhouse, the private Kentucky and Bluegrass Clubs, a gift shop and driving schools. For race schedules, events and tickets, visit www.kentuckyspeedway.com. International Bluegrass Music Museum Take an inspirational journey through Bluegrass Music - the official music of Kentucky. Located in Owensboro, International Bluegrass Music Museum collects and preserves the history, recordings, and artifacts of bluegrass music. The museum is a vibrant world of culture, art, and history with fascinating exhibits, interactive tours, music lessons, jam sessions and educational
programs, including the Kentucky Bluegrass AllStars, Bluegrass in the Schools and Video Oral History Project, first generation bluegrass musicians videotaped from coast to coast. IBMM's exhibits focus on the bluegrass community, festivals, concerts and events, as well as the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor, devoted to outstanding contributions to bluegrass music. Guided tours feature musical instrument demonstrations and discussions on music theory, history, and Kentucky culture. Don't miss the museum's Friday After 5 series, which presents live bluegrass on Friday evenings in the courtyard. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Located in Harrodsburg, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a National Historic Landmark that preserves the countryside, buildings, historical records, artifacts, and culture of the Shaker community that once flourished here. America's largest restored Shaker Village is a living history museum where an extraordinary society is preserved in 34 buildings and an extensive museum collection. Set on 3,000 acres of farmland, Shaker Village is a recreational utopia with gorgeous scenery, miles of scenic hiking trails, historic rock fences, a natural prairie and forest with colorful wildflowers, diverse plants and wildlife, 125 varieties of birds, and 450 million year old limestone formations - the oldest exposed rock in Kentucky. Explore the wonders of nature and enjoy fun family recreation, including hiking, fishing and nature activities. Kentucky Horse Park Get close to the horses at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, a theme park that includes the most comprehensive horse museum in the world, exciting attractions, family activities, horse-drawn tours, horse shows, and competitive events, such as the 2010 World Equestrian Games and the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. At the park entrance, you are welcomed by the majestic Man o' War Memorial, which honors one of the greatest race horses in history. The International Museum of the Horse, the largest of its kind in the world, reveals the 55-million year history of the horse. Exhibits include a collection of 19th Century horse-drawn carriages and racing vehicles, the "Horse in Sport" gallery, trophies and paintings that trace the racing legacy of Lexington's most famous farm, and changing exhibits of equine art. The American Saddlebred Museum features panoramas of the exhilarating history of the American Saddlebred - Kentucky's first native breed. For more information, please visit: http://www.ramadabluegrass.com/attractions/kentuckythings-to-do.aspx
The Bluegrass State is a spectacular vacation destination with magnificent scenery, a rich and colorful history, beautiful recreational areas, pristine lakes and rivers, national parks and forests, live thoroughbred and NASCAR racing, bluegrass music, charming wineries and bourbon distilleries, legendary horse farms and the world's longest cave system-Mammoth Caves. From the action-packed Kentucky Derby in Louisville to the dramatic terrain of Daniel Boone National Forest, Kentucky is truly a playground for your senses!
Louisville/Churchill Downs/Kentucky Derby Located in Louisville, Kentucky, Churchill Downs is the world's most legendary Thoroughbred racetrack and home of the Kentucky Derby - the premier race of the Triple Crown events. Located on the grounds of the Churchill Downs Racetrack, the Kentucky Derby Museum is an excitng attraction, featuring a high-definition Kentucky Derby film entitled "The Greatest Race", which places the viewer in the center of Derby Day action. The museum features many exhibits, historical films and books, hands-on activities, thoroughbred memorabilia, and walking tours that illustrate the history of the "Run For The Roses" - from the Finish Line pole used at Churchill Downs to the grave sites of three famous Kentucky Derby winners - Carry Back (1961), Swaps (1955) and Brokers Tip (1933). Louisville Slugger Museum Located in "Museum Row" in Louisville, Kentucky, the Louisville Slugger Museum highlights the history of Louisville Slugger baseball bats. The museum showcases the production of the famous bats and displays examples of historical bats, such as, the bat used by Babe Ruth to hit his last home run. Outside of the museum is the world's largest bat standing six stories to signify the Louisville Slugger corporate headquarters. Visit http://www.sluggermuseum.org/
Daniel Boone National Forest Located along the Cumberland Plateau in the Appalachian foothills of eastern Kentucky, Daniel Boone National Forest encompasses over 707,000 acres of rugged terrain, more than 3,400 miles of sandstone cliffs, steep forested ridges, and narrow ravines. Recreation opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting are abundant. These federally managed lands provide over 600 miles of scenic hiking and horseback riding trails. Hundreds of miles of streams and winding rivers present great opportunities for fishing enthusiasts. Visit http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/boone/
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park Cumberland Gap is the first great gateway to the west. The Native American, the buffalo, and the pioneers traveled this route through the mountains into the rough country of Kentucky. Historic sites and buildings in the park present opportunities to take a closer look at the events that molded a region and nation. Underground Worlds include miles of subterranean passages and caves that lie beneath the mountains. Over 70 miles of trails and several scenic areas offer opportunities to discover the breathtaking cascading waterfalls and experience the Southern Appalachians up close. Visit http://www.nps.gov/cuga/ Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area Land Between the Lakes National Recreational Area is a destination of intense natural beauty, educational experiences and outdoor adventure. Enjoy endless outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, wildlife viewing, camping, kayaking, canoeing, boating and OHV riding. The area offers miles of scenic hiking, OHV and equestrian trails through meadows, rolling hills, and rocky plateaus. Enjoy a plethora of water sports and marinas on Lake Barkley and Kentucky Lake. Discover wildlife in the 700-acre Elk & Bison Prairie, where a native habitat lost over a century ago is being restored. Join the hands-on nature programs at Woodlands Nature Station. Experience history at The Homeplace, a living history farm that shows you how people made use of the environment in the 1800s. View spectacular shows of space and the night sky at the Golden Pond Planetarium, a 40-foot diameter dome. Visit http://www.lbl.org/EEOverview.html
Mammoth Cave National Park Preserving the massive cave system and Green River valley of south central Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is a spectacular destination of massive caves, scenic hiking trails, and unique wildlife. Beneath the sandstone capped ridges of Mammoth Cave National Park lies the most extensive cave system in existence, with over 365 miles of explored and mapped pathways. Mammoth Cave, the world's longest cave, features vast and mysterious chambers, rocky halls, and complex water-formed labyrinths. Activities at Mammoth Cave National Park include cave tours, surface hikes, canoeing on the Green River, horseback riding, bicycling, picnicking, camping and exploring the wondrous cave system. Kentucky Speedway Located in Sparta, Kentucky Speedway is a 1,000-acre raceway with a 1.5 mile, tri-oval asphalt track that features action-packed NASCAR Busch, Craftsman Truck, All Pro Series, ARCA and IRL races. Kentucky Speedway provides 66,089 grandstand seats, RV and camping areas, an Outback Steakhouse, the private Kentucky and Bluegrass Clubs, a gift shop and driving schools. For race schedules, events and tickets, visit www.kentuckyspeedway.com. International Bluegrass Music Museum Take an inspirational journey through Bluegrass Music - the official music of Kentucky. Located in Owensboro, International Bluegrass Music Museum collects and preserves the history, recordings, and artifacts of bluegrass music. The museum is a vibrant world of culture, art, and history with fascinating exhibits, interactive tours, music lessons, jam sessions and educational
programs, including the Kentucky Bluegrass AllStars, Bluegrass in the Schools and Video Oral History Project, first generation bluegrass musicians videotaped from coast to coast. IBMM's exhibits focus on the bluegrass community, festivals, concerts and events, as well as the International Bluegrass Music Association's Hall of Honor, devoted to outstanding contributions to bluegrass music. Guided tours feature musical instrument demonstrations and discussions on music theory, history, and Kentucky culture. Don't miss the museum's Friday After 5 series, which presents live bluegrass on Friday evenings in the courtyard. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Located in Harrodsburg, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a National Historic Landmark that preserves the countryside, buildings, historical records, artifacts, and culture of the Shaker community that once flourished here. America's largest restored Shaker Village is a living history museum where an extraordinary society is preserved in 34 buildings and an extensive museum collection. Set on 3,000 acres of farmland, Shaker Village is a recreational utopia with gorgeous scenery, miles of scenic hiking trails, historic rock fences, a natural prairie and forest with colorful wildflowers, diverse plants and wildlife, 125 varieties of birds, and 450 million year old limestone formations - the oldest exposed rock in Kentucky. Explore the wonders of nature and enjoy fun family recreation, including hiking, fishing and nature activities. Kentucky Horse Park Get close to the horses at Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, a theme park that includes the most comprehensive horse museum in the world, exciting attractions, family activities, horse-drawn tours, horse shows, and competitive events, such as the 2010 World Equestrian Games and the Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event. At the park entrance, you are welcomed by the majestic Man o' War Memorial, which honors one of the greatest race horses in history. The International Museum of the Horse, the largest of its kind in the world, reveals the 55-million year history of the horse. Exhibits include a collection of 19th Century horse-drawn carriages and racing vehicles, the "Horse in Sport" gallery, trophies and paintings that trace the racing legacy of Lexington's most famous farm, and changing exhibits of equine art. The American Saddlebred Museum features panoramas of the exhilarating history of the American Saddlebred - Kentucky's first native breed. For more information, please visit: http://www.ramadabluegrass.com/attractions/kentuckythings-to-do.aspx
