Kentucky is home to some of the most beautiful, bucket-list worthy adventures in the country. And if you’re looking for a memorable getaway in The Bluegrass State, there’s no shortage of fun trips sure to satisfy even the most acute case of wanderlust. Here are 10 awesome vacations in Kentucky that are perfect for your next adventure:
- Newport Aquarium
Sarah M/OIYS This hidden gem in Northern Kentucky feels like a whole other world. Animal encounters and a variety of different sea-dwelling creatures makes this attraction a vacation in and of itself.
- Kentucky Horse Park
Sarah M/OIYS With lots of kid friendly attractions and activities, the Kentucky Horse Park is definitely a gold medal winner! The horseback rides here will have your kids feeling like they’re in their very own Derby Day adventure!
- Falling Rock Quarry
Melanie Rudolph/Google Local Just because we’re a landlocked state doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a Kentucky beachside vacation! Falling Rock Quarry is an absolutely delightful oasis that will have you feeling all the tropical beach vibes.
- Bourbon Tour
Kentucky Bourbon Trail/Facebook Here in Kentucky, bourbon is our drink of choice, and we celebrate this Kentucky-distilled spirit with bourbon tours all across the state!
- Kentucky Derby Festival
Kentucky Derby Festival/Facebook Here in Kentucky, Derby Week is a big deal. The Kentucky Derby Festival is an exuberant celebration of the state’s ties to the tracks, both with its beautiful horse country and epic racing. In addition to the eponymous horse race, Kentucky Derby Week has the biggest fireworks show in the country, an epic parade, parties, a river boat race, live music, and lots of other fun activities.
- Cumberland Falls
Aaron Vowels/Wikipedia There are certain places throughout Kentucky that every local should visit at least once. These are the destinations that may even be considered tourist attractions, but are actually incredible highlights of our state that deserve the attention they receive. One natural wonder that should appear on this list is Cumberland Falls, the largest waterfall in the state. With endless opportunities for recreation here, you’ll want to spend a few days exploring this Kentucky wonder.
- Laurel Lake
Laurel River Lake/Facebook This pristine lake in Kentucky is utterly resplendent. This 5,600-acre lake has a lot to offer, including beautiful water and lovely surroundings. Rent a cabin, and put your feet up.
- Mammoth Cave National Park
Daniel Schwen/Wikipedia Mammoth Cave National Park is the ultimate Kentucky adventure. Not only is this the longest cave system in the state, but it happens to be the longest in the entire world.
- Appalachian Mountains
Valerius Tygart/Wikipedia Every part of the Appalachian Mountains is a sight to see, but Cumberland Gap should go on your Kentucky bucket list purely for its historical significance. The trailhead for the Pinnacle Overlook is located in Middleboro, off of Pinnacle View Road.
- Red River Gorge
Corey Heitz/Wikipedia The beauty of Red River Gorge cannot be overstated; this natural wonder is easily the most incredible place in Kentucky, offering extraordinary outdoor recreation, scenic views, and myriad bucket list-worthy adventures.
Kentucky really is a triple threat: we have tons of scenic beauty, endless fun adventures, and so many unique attractions! These 10 awesome vacations in Kentucky just barely scratch the surface of entertaining places to visit in The Bluegrass State, but are a great place to start.
Sarah M/OIYS
This hidden gem in Northern Kentucky feels like a whole other world. Animal encounters and a variety of different sea-dwelling creatures makes this attraction a vacation in and of itself.
With lots of kid friendly attractions and activities, the Kentucky Horse Park is definitely a gold medal winner! The horseback rides here will have your kids feeling like they’re in their very own Derby Day adventure!
Melanie Rudolph/Google Local
Just because we’re a landlocked state doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a Kentucky beachside vacation! Falling Rock Quarry is an absolutely delightful oasis that will have you feeling all the tropical beach vibes.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail/Facebook
Here in Kentucky, bourbon is our drink of choice, and we celebrate this Kentucky-distilled spirit with bourbon tours all across the state!
Kentucky Derby Festival/Facebook
Here in Kentucky, Derby Week is a big deal. The Kentucky Derby Festival is an exuberant celebration of the state’s ties to the tracks, both with its beautiful horse country and epic racing. In addition to the eponymous horse race, Kentucky Derby Week has the biggest fireworks show in the country, an epic parade, parties, a river boat race, live music, and lots of other fun activities.
Aaron Vowels/Wikipedia
There are certain places throughout Kentucky that every local should visit at least once. These are the destinations that may even be considered tourist attractions, but are actually incredible highlights of our state that deserve the attention they receive. One natural wonder that should appear on this list is Cumberland Falls, the largest waterfall in the state. With endless opportunities for recreation here, you’ll want to spend a few days exploring this Kentucky wonder.
Laurel River Lake/Facebook
This pristine lake in Kentucky is utterly resplendent. This 5,600-acre lake has a lot to offer, including beautiful water and lovely surroundings. Rent a cabin, and put your feet up.
Daniel Schwen/Wikipedia
Mammoth Cave National Park is the ultimate Kentucky adventure. Not only is this the longest cave system in the state, but it happens to be the longest in the entire world.
Valerius Tygart/Wikipedia
Every part of the Appalachian Mountains is a sight to see, but Cumberland Gap should go on your Kentucky bucket list purely for its historical significance. The trailhead for the Pinnacle Overlook is located in Middleboro, off of Pinnacle View Road.
Corey Heitz/Wikipedia
The beauty of Red River Gorge cannot be overstated; this natural wonder is easily the most incredible place in Kentucky, offering extraordinary outdoor recreation, scenic views, and myriad bucket list-worthy adventures.
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Address: Newport Aquarium, 1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071, USAAddress: Horse Park Road, Horse Park Rd, Kentucky 41008, USAAddress: La Grange, KY, USAAddress: Bourbon Trail, Radcliff, KY, USAAddress: 1001 S 3rd St, Louisville, KY 40203, USAAddress: Cumberland Falls, Kentucky, USAAddress: Laurel River Lake, Kentucky, USAAddress: Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USAAddress: Appalachian Mountains, Appalachian MountainsAddress: Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Awesome Vacations in Kentucky March 31, 2021 Sarah What are some must-visit places in Kentucky? Kentucky has so many extraordinary places to visit; here are just a few of our favorites. Located within the state’s Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the Holy Grail of outdoor recreation and adventure. The Gorge is perhaps best-known for its incredible hiking trails, offering drop-dead gorgeous views of waterfalls, canyons, caverns, and other splendid natural features. The park draws upwards of 750,000 visitors each year, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to neophyte nature lovers, and is an absolute must-visit in the state. The Kentucky Castle is another of our favorite places in The Bluegrass State; located in Versailles, The Kentucky Castle is a total bucket list destination. What began as a boutique hotel (which it still is), has grown into a wonderful restaurant, event space, and host of a variety of activities for all ages. Everyone should add this spectacular castle to their list to visit this year. Does Kentucky have many beaches? For many, the ultimate vacation is a day at the beach, and luckily, Kentucky is home to many absolutely spectacular beaches! Kentucky may be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have our fair share of beautiful beaches. Kentucky’s vast lakes and fabulous state parks play host to numerous sandy shores, hidden throughout the state. If you’re craving a beach day in Kentucky, look no further than these hidden beaches located all around the Bluegrass State. What are some fun road trips in Kentucky? Here in Kentucky, the wanderlust is real. Luckily, there are endless opportunities for unforgettable road trips in Kentucky! These six epic road trips offer lots of beautiful scenery and adventure. One of our favorite road trips in The Bluegrass State is definitely the Lincoln Heritage Scenic Byway. Everyone knows who Lincoln was, but not all know about the scenic byway tour that takes you for a trip down Lincoln memory lane. The journey starts on US 31 E and US 150 in Hodgenville. There you can visit Lincoln’s birthplace, childhood home, and the Lincoln Museum. Next stop is Bardstown, home of the Civil War Museum and three renowned distilleries. Keep going and you will run into Springfield and Lincoln Homestead State Park. This will be followed by the site of the biggest Civil War battle in Kentucky, Perryville, and lastly Danville. This is where Kentucky’s actual statehood was determined. This is an epic trip sure to please history buffs and adventure-seekers alike.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Awesome Vacations in Kentucky
March 31, 2021
Sarah
What are some must-visit places in Kentucky? Kentucky has so many extraordinary places to visit; here are just a few of our favorites. Located within the state’s Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the Holy Grail of outdoor recreation and adventure. The Gorge is perhaps best-known for its incredible hiking trails, offering drop-dead gorgeous views of waterfalls, canyons, caverns, and other splendid natural features. The park draws upwards of 750,000 visitors each year, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to neophyte nature lovers, and is an absolute must-visit in the state. The Kentucky Castle is another of our favorite places in The Bluegrass State; located in Versailles, The Kentucky Castle is a total bucket list destination. What began as a boutique hotel (which it still is), has grown into a wonderful restaurant, event space, and host of a variety of activities for all ages. Everyone should add this spectacular castle to their list to visit this year. Does Kentucky have many beaches? For many, the ultimate vacation is a day at the beach, and luckily, Kentucky is home to many absolutely spectacular beaches! Kentucky may be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have our fair share of beautiful beaches. Kentucky’s vast lakes and fabulous state parks play host to numerous sandy shores, hidden throughout the state. If you’re craving a beach day in Kentucky, look no further than these hidden beaches located all around the Bluegrass State. What are some fun road trips in Kentucky? Here in Kentucky, the wanderlust is real. Luckily, there are endless opportunities for unforgettable road trips in Kentucky! These six epic road trips offer lots of beautiful scenery and adventure. One of our favorite road trips in The Bluegrass State is definitely the Lincoln Heritage Scenic Byway. Everyone knows who Lincoln was, but not all know about the scenic byway tour that takes you for a trip down Lincoln memory lane. The journey starts on US 31 E and US 150 in Hodgenville. There you can visit Lincoln’s birthplace, childhood home, and the Lincoln Museum. Next stop is Bardstown, home of the Civil War Museum and three renowned distilleries. Keep going and you will run into Springfield and Lincoln Homestead State Park. This will be followed by the site of the biggest Civil War battle in Kentucky, Perryville, and lastly Danville. This is where Kentucky’s actual statehood was determined. This is an epic trip sure to please history buffs and adventure-seekers alike.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kentucky has so many extraordinary places to visit; here are just a few of our favorites. Located within the state’s Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the Holy Grail of outdoor recreation and adventure. The Gorge is perhaps best-known for its incredible hiking trails, offering drop-dead gorgeous views of waterfalls, canyons, caverns, and other splendid natural features. The park draws upwards of 750,000 visitors each year, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to neophyte nature lovers, and is an absolute must-visit in the state. The Kentucky Castle is another of our favorite places in The Bluegrass State; located in Versailles, The Kentucky Castle is a total bucket list destination. What began as a boutique hotel (which it still is), has grown into a wonderful restaurant, event space, and host of a variety of activities for all ages. Everyone should add this spectacular castle to their list to visit this year.
Does Kentucky have many beaches?
For many, the ultimate vacation is a day at the beach, and luckily, Kentucky is home to many absolutely spectacular beaches! Kentucky may be a landlocked state, but that doesn’t mean we don’t have our fair share of beautiful beaches. Kentucky’s vast lakes and fabulous state parks play host to numerous sandy shores, hidden throughout the state. If you’re craving a beach day in Kentucky, look no further than these hidden beaches located all around the Bluegrass State.
What are some fun road trips in Kentucky?
Here in Kentucky, the wanderlust is real. Luckily, there are endless opportunities for unforgettable road trips in Kentucky! These six epic road trips offer lots of beautiful scenery and adventure. One of our favorite road trips in The Bluegrass State is definitely the Lincoln Heritage Scenic Byway. Everyone knows who Lincoln was, but not all know about the scenic byway tour that takes you for a trip down Lincoln memory lane. The journey starts on US 31 E and US 150 in Hodgenville. There you can visit Lincoln’s birthplace, childhood home, and the Lincoln Museum. Next stop is Bardstown, home of the Civil War Museum and three renowned distilleries. Keep going and you will run into Springfield and Lincoln Homestead State Park. This will be followed by the site of the biggest Civil War battle in Kentucky, Perryville, and lastly Danville. This is where Kentucky’s actual statehood was determined. This is an epic trip sure to please history buffs and adventure-seekers alike.
