17 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Kentucky

Recognized for its bourbon, bluegrass music, and acres of attractive farmland, Kentucky is a state with each character and soul!  Bordered by seven states, together with Indiana and Ohio, it’s not all the time a serious vacation spot for vacationers, however its crammed with gorgeous countryside good for scenic highway journeys, limestone hills, unspoiled parks and thick forests. Listed below are my private favourite spots to discover within the state…

1. Cumberland Falls

Often known as the Niagara of the South, these falls embody a 125-foot-wide space of water that’s nothing in need of spectacular.

Situated within the southeastern a part of the state, Cumberland Falls is attractive and has one different distinction – it’s one among solely two locations on the planet that experiences moonbows.

Moonbows are rainbows created by the moon’s gentle. One is in Zambia on the continent of Africa. If you wish to take full benefit of the falls, I extremely advocate renting a raft and visiting them when there’s a full moon exterior!

Customer’s Heart Tackle: Cumberland Falls Rd, Williamsburg, KY 40769
Greatest time to go to: In the course of the full moon to catch the magical moonbow!

My favourite highlights…

Going birdwatching and recognizing a beautiful red-headed woodpecker! 
Having fun with rafting down the Cumberland River, which took me proper beneath the falls for an unbelievable view!
Staying in a single day on the close by Dupont Lodge – I beloved the comfortable, rustic type decor it had and waking as much as the breathtaking views of the Cumberland River Valley! 

2. Bourbon Distilleries

House to just about 70 totally different distilleries, this state is properly know for is scrumptious bourbon!

This contains Buffalo Hint, the place you may get pleasure from a tour of the whole course of, from cooking to distilling; Maker’s Mark, the place you may hand-dip your bottle with their well-known crimson wax; and the Bardstown Bourbon Firm, the place I might style the bourbon straight from the barrel! 

In the event you love bourbon or are simply curious how they make this wonderful drink, then I extremely advocate occurring the well-known Kentucky Bourbon Path which incorporates 46 distilleries! 

Location: Louisville, Lexington, and Bardstown (which is named the “Bourbon Capital of the World”)
Greatest instances to go to: All yr spherical

My highlights…

Visiting one among my favourite distillery’s the small batch Maker’s Mark Distillery, I beloved the country appeal this place had and their signature crimson wax seal bottles! I extremely advocate sampling the daring Maker’s Mark Cask Power! 
Seeing the distinctive Spanish Mission-Model Structure on the 4 Rose Bourbon Distellery.

3. Appalachian Mountains 

In the event you love the mountains, I like to recommend visiting the Japanese a part of the state and seeing the Appalachian Mountains. 

You’ll be able to hike, go to overlooks, and see a few of the most stunning surroundings you’ve probably seen in a very long time! I additionally advocate mountaineering or boating on the gorgeous forest trails, which provide severely scenic views!

The Appalachian Mountains cowl an in depth part of Japanese Kentucky, and it’s one sight it is best to plan on seeing in your subsequent go to.

Location: the vary cowl the quilt the jap portion of the state. 
Greatest instances to go to: fall

My private highlights…

Experiencing a enjoyable zip-lining trip over Purple River Gorge which took me flying over forests and distinctive rock formations.
Visiting the intriguing dwelling museum Hensley Settlement positioned at Cumberland Hole the place I noticed the extremely well-preserved early Twentieth-century Appalachian settlement and learnt all concerning the lifetime of mountain pioneers that when lived there. I particularly beloved the oak cabins! 
Climbing the brief however difficult Dangerous Department Falls Path which finally result in a photogenic 60-foot waterfall (Dangerous Department Falls) which is positioned on a Nature Protect on a scenic spherical journey. 

4. Louisville

That is the most important and busiest metropolis within the state, and I personally assume some of the underrated cities within the USA. It’s an easy-on-the-eye place with a powerful skyline, a booming arts scene, and a long-established bluegrass music scene.

Add glorious eating places, energetic bars, and a great handful of distilleries, and you’ve got a severely cool metropolis!

My favourite highlights embody the 21C Museum Lodge, the Kentucky Museum of Artwork and Craft, the Muhammad Ali Heart, the Louisville Mega Cavern, and the Kentucky Science Heart. 

Customer’s Heart Tackle: 301 S 4th St, Louisville, KY 40202
Greatest instances to go to: March to November

My highlights…

Going for a picnic at Louisville Waterfront Park on the massive grassy expanse generally known as The Nice Garden, afterwards we walked throughout the close by pedestrian-only Large 4 Bridge which took us to Indiana!
Occurring a enjoyable however creepy Ghost Tour of Previous Louisville with Louisville Historic Excursions – the mixture of seeing the outdated Victorian mansions and listening to the spooky tales made it an fascinating night out!
Eating on the cool however cozy Venezuelan restaurant Full Arepa. I extremely advocate attempting the tasty rice bowl with fiery jackfruit and black beans!

5. Kentucky Lake

Situated within the southwestern a part of the state, Kentucky Lake covers 184 miles and has greater than 2,000 miles of shoreline. However this lake doesn’t simply supply your normal boating and fishing alternatives. It additionally presents poker runs, open regattas, drag boat races, and cabins you may hire for a calming and fun-filled trip!

You too can ski, swim, boat and take your favorite ski jet out on the water, and for those who’re an energetic kind, I might extremely advocate attempting all of them! 

Customer’s Heart Tackle: 93 Carroll Rd. Benton KY 42025
Greatest instances to go to: From September to December

My private highlights… 

Hiring a kayak from Kentucky Lake Leases and exploring the tranquil waters. 
Staying over at Kenlake State Resort Park, I really like the laid again rustic decor and the lakeside theater! We stayed in one of many cozy cottages which was nestled within the woodland.

6. Frankfort

A captivating city superbly positioned on the Kentucky River, this place appears to embody all the things nice about this state in a compact type! 

It’s identified for having some of the stunning Capitol buildings within the nation. Nonetheless, my different favourite highlights embody its bourbon distilleries, wine, and new and outdated governor mansions. 

Customer’s Heart Tackle: 300 St Clair St #102, Frankfort, KY 40601
Peak instances to go to: March to Might

7. Dixie Belle Paddle Wheels

Suppose you’re interested by old school Southern paddlewheel boats. In that case, I counsel heading to the Shaker Village of Nice Hill and cruising by means of the Kentucky River Palisades on one among these boats.

After you’re finished cruising, come again ashore and go to the village itself. You’ll be able to get pleasure from nature preserves, natural gardens, and greater than 40 miles of trails right here.

That is an authentic Shaker village that also has 34 of its authentic buildings. Whether or not you’re on the positioning having fun with all the things it presents or on a paddlewheel boat cruise, I’d extremely advocate including this to your Kentucky itinerary!

8. Purple River Gorge and Pure Bridge

With a 65-foot-high pure bridge made mainly of sandstone, the attractive Purple River Gorge is spectacular.

Close by, you may hire some cute cabins for the evening, go tenting at one of many many campgrounds within the space, hike some nice scenic nature trails, go zip lining for those who really feel additional adventurous, and even rock-climbing when the need hits you.

This wonderful vacationer spot presents stunning views and the chance to fulfil your dream of being an explorer within the 1800s.

Customer’s Heart Tackle: 3451 Sky Bridge Rd Hwy 715, Stanton, KY 40380
Greatest instances to go to: March to Might and September to December

9. Daniel Boone Nationwide Forest

This gorgeous space has been a nationwide park since 1937. It sprawls throughout an unlimited 708,000 acres in probably the most rugged space west of the Appalachian Mountains, house to forested slopes, sandstone cliffs, and slim ravines.

This can be a nature lover’s dream. Right here, you may hike, camp, picnic, rock climb, or go boating, though I like to recommend enjoyable and having fun with the incredible surroundings! 

Customer’s Heart Tackle: 1700 Bypass Highway, Winchester, KY 40391
Peak instances to go to: fall

10. Dale Hole Lake

Stunning Dale Hole Lake presents mountaineering and boating actions, bird-watching alternatives, mountain bike trails, and rather more.

It’s positioned in south-central Kentucky and has over 27,000 acres of land. Erected in 1943, Dale Hole Lake is a good place to go to for those who love being on the water or merely standing on the sidelines and having fun with a few of the most stunning surroundings you’ll ever discover.

Due to its magnificence, it is a must-see location everytime you’re visiting the Bluegrass State.

Customer’s Heart Tackle: 1005 Livingston Hwy, Byrdstown, TN 38549
Greatest instances to go to: Might to September

11. John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge

This outdated bridge, accomplished within the 1860s, sits on the Ohio River between Cincinnati, Ohio, and Covington, Kentucky. It’s a spectacular website with majestic-looking spires and an nearly Artwork Deco look.

In the event you see the bridge and assume you’ve seen it earlier than, you don’t need to get spooked as a result of this bridge was the inspiration behind the Brooklyn Bridge in New York Metropolis.

In the event you reside in northern Kentucky and are fascinated by attending a sporting occasion in Cincinnati, this is among the finest methods to get there.

Customer’s Heart Tackle: John A. Roebling Suspension Bridge, Covington, KY 41011
Greatest instances to go to: all yr spherical

12. Land Between the Lakes Recreation Space

Consisting of greater than 170,000 acres, the Land Between the Lakes Leisure Space is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve run by the Forest Service. My favourite highlights embody the fascinating wildlife and the fascinating historical past.

You additionally get to get pleasure from greater than 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline that’s nothing in need of spectacular, and thru all of it, you get to get pleasure from animals reminiscent of bison, elk, buffalo, and wild turkeys.

Customer’s Heart Tackle: 238 Customer Heart Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211
Greatest instances to go to March to Might

13. Bardstown

Completely positioned on the Kentucky Bourbon Path, this charming and engaging city presents a Napa Valley-style expertise—swap the wine for whiskey! 

It’s a really easy-on-the-eye place, which USA In the present day referred to as the “Most Stunning Small City in America.” It has additionally been named America’s Most Stunning City Sq..

Customer’s Heart Tackle: 1 Courtroom Sq. # 102, Bardstown, KY 40004
Peak instances to go to: From March to Might

14. Mammoth Cave Nationwide Park

A pure setting with greater than 400 miles of passageways, Mammoth Cave is spectacular and has a few of the longest-known caves in the whole world.

These subterranean passageways are house to stalagmites, stalactites, helictites, and travertine dams, which you’ll view up shut with none issues. You’ll be able to discover the cave by yourself or go on one of many ranger-led excursions in order that nothing vital is missed.

Situated in central Kentucky, this nationwide park is the place to be for those who love the final word magnificence that Mom Nature can solely provide.

Customer’s Heart Tackle: 1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Greatest instances to go to: March to November

15. Bluegrass Music Corridor of Fame and Museum

Situated in Owensboro, the Bluegrass Music Corridor of Fame is just some miles from the birthplace of the Father of Bluegrass, Invoice Monroe.

Interactive displays, jam periods, concert events, classes, and particular occasions are included, together with the three-day ROMP Fest, which is often held in June every year.

The Corridor of Fame at the moment has 60 inductees and homes the Worldwide Bluegrass Music Corridor of Fame. In the event you love bluegrass music, I like to recommend visiting this place!

Customer’s Heart Tackle: 2590 Richmond St, Mt Vernon, KY 40456
Greatest instances to go to: Anytime other than Mondays, because it’s closed

16. Western Kentucky Botanical Backyard

Situated in Owensboro, the Western Kentucky Botanical Backyard is the proper place to go to for those who like it when nature decides to indicate off a bit.

A few of its points of interest embody a number of flowers and vegetation to get pleasure from, they usually concentrate on occasions that train you all the things you have to find out about your favourite flower to new methods to get pleasure from all the things rising indoors and outside on this spectacular backyard.

They provide particular actions for teenagers, occasions for particular holidays reminiscent of Christmas, and rather more.

Customer’s Heart Tackle: 2731 W 2nd St, Owensboro, KY 42301
Greatest instances to go to: March to Might

17. Nolin Lake

This gorgeous 5,795-acre park was opened to the general public in 1996. In the event you want time to reconnect with nature, Nolin Lake presents actions reminiscent of boating, swimming, and enjoyable on the sandy seaside!

The park has 32 campsites, nice services for all, and is open year-round. It additionally has a non-public seaside and loads of house for a calming trip.

Greatest instances to go to: fall

My favourite highlights…

Going tenting close to a ravishing sandy seaside.
Going mountaineering on the Waterfall Loop on Brier Creek Path.