Kentucky has tons of things to see and do, and you’ll find plenty of things to add to your Kentucky bucket list.
In this article we will share our favorite places to visit in the Bluegrass State. Take these suggestions to build a Kentucky bucket list of your own.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Abraham Lincoln is one of our most well-known presidents. Most people have a pretty good idea of what he did after he was elected president. Visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park to learn more about his early life and the events that shaped him.
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is the perfect place to get outdoors. Enjoy all the beauty Kentucky has to offer, admire the sandstone bluffs, and snap photos of the scenic gorges. You can also enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, and paddling.
Camp Nelson National Monument
Camp Nelson was originally a supply depot and hospital during the Civil War. Eventually, the place became a recruitment and training center for African American soldiers. It was also a refugee camp for their wives and children. Learn the fascinating history behind this place at the national monument.
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
The first great gateway to the west, Cumberland Gap is a scenic place that once invited travelers to adventure into the unknown. Do some hiking, check out some gorgeous sights, and watch for wildlife at this serene park.
Fort Donelson National Battlefield
The surrender of Confederate Fort Donelson on February 16th, 1862 was the beginning of events leading to victory for the Union and the end of the Civil War. Learn the details of this fascinating story at the Fort Donelson National Battlefield Park.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave is easily one of the most fascinating cave systems in the country. Visit this national park and take guided tours to learn all about the formation of the cave as well as its history. Don’t forget to hike the beautiful park trails, too.
Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument
Early in the Civil War, a Union victory was won at the Battle of Mill Springs. The story of this victory can be discovered at this national monument where you can learn the state’s importance to both sides of the fight.
National Historic Trails
In addition to monuments, historic sites, and parks, Kentucky also has two historic trails running through it. These are the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail and the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Visit these trails to learn about legendary treks that shaped the United States in profound ways.
See Thunder Over Louisville
The biggest fireworks display in the world, Thunder Over Louisville is an event you might just want to plan your trip around. The show kicks off the Kentucky Derby Festival, so you can enjoy a weekend of celebrating.
Attend the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” and is a thrilling event to see in person. Grab your mint julep and a fabulous hat and join the 150,000+ people who gather to celebrate this iconic spring event.
Hike Up Black Mountain
Black Mountain stands 4,145 feet high, and it’s a 3.4 mile hike to the top and back down. You’ll get a breathtaking view from the top.
Check Out the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
Most of us have heard of the Louisville Slugger brand of baseball bat…now’s your chance to see where they’re made. At this museum, you can see some awesome baseball memorabilia and photos, and tour the baseball bat factory.
Go to Sanders Cafe and Museum
In the 1940s and ’50s, Harland Sanders Cafe was owned and operated by Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken. It was the first place his famous chicken was served. These days, the cafe serves hungry visitors chicken using that same special recipe, while also serving as a museum about the history of KFC.
Seek Out a Moonbow
Moonbows – unique nighttime rainbows – require very specific atmospheric conditions to appear. Cumberland Falls is one of the only places in the world with these conditions, meaning a nighttime visit to the falls might just reward you with an elusive moonbow.
Sleep in a Castle
Normally we recommend staying in an RV, but if you have a chance to sleep in a castle, you should take it! The Kentucky Castle is a large bed-and-breakfast that looks exactly like a medieval castle on the outside and provides accommodations fit for a king on the inside.
Enjoy a Mint Julep
The mint julep is the drink of the Kentucky Derby and is quite refreshing on a warm day. Be sure to try this bourbon-based beverage while in Kentucky!
Spend Time at the Kentucky Horse Park and Farms
Considering it’s the home of the Kentucky Derby, it’s no surprise that the state offers lots of opportunities to see horses. One of the best places to spend time with these animals is Kentucky Horse Park and Farms. Ride a horse, watch them being trained, or just observe as they roam freely.
Eat Kentucky Hot Brown
A Kentucky Hot Brown is an open-faced sandwich that starts with a slice of toast that is then covered in turkey, bacon, tomatoes, and creamy cheese sauce. It originally started at the Brown Hotel (hence the name) but can now be found in eateries across the state.
Watch a Basketball Game
Folks who live in Kentucky are passionate about basketball. Witness their passion for yourself by attending a game. No matter which Kentucky team you see, you’re sure to enjoy watching the excitement of the fans as much as you enjoy the game.
Follow the Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Visit historic Bardstown and head out on one of their tours to get a taste of authentic Kentucky bourbon along the Bourbon Trail. Not only will you get to sample drinks, you’ll also learn some history and visit some of the longest-standing operations.
Admire the Floodwall Murals
Located on Washington Street, Jefferson Street, and Water Street in Paducah, the Floodwall Murals are interesting works of art. They feature a number of different scenes, each one more vivid and lifelike than the last, bringing beauty and color to the town.
Explore the Corvette Museum
If you’re a car fan — and really, even if you’re not — be sure to make a stop in Bowling Green to check out the National Corvette Museum. The museum houses a huge number of Corvettes and provides some interesting information about the cars.
Compare Derby Pie to Thoroughbred Pie
The official pie of the Kentucky Derby, the chocolate-and-walnut Derby Pie is considered by many in Kentucky to be the best dessert around. But others would argue that the similar Thoroughbred Pie (which adds bourbon to the recipe) is the better option. Try both of these local favorites and decide for yourself.
Ride a Riverboat
River trade was once incredibly profitable for Kentucky and those who lived there. The port towns were bustling trade centers, and riverboats were a common sight. Ride one of these riverboats like the Belle of Louisville.
Visit Red River Gorge
Red River Gorge is a part of the green and gorgeous Daniel Boone Forest and features unique natural rock bridges. Its rivers are ideal for rafting, kayaking, or canoeing, and there are plenty of trails for those who love hiking.
Kentucky is an excellent place to visit. And visiting in an RV allows you to hop from one amazing attraction to the next in comfort. RVshare has plenty of Kentucky RV rentals available, so finding the perfect rig for your trip should be easy. Reserve your favorite one, finish up your Kentucky bucket list, and get ready to have an absolute blast during your visit to this amazing state!
