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KENTUCKY

Kentucky lays claim to icons like Abraham Lincoln and Muhammad Ali, to the sound of Bluegrass and the smooth pour of Bourbon—not to mention the most exciting two minutes in sport, the Kentucky Derby. But look a little deeper, and you’ll discover the quieter magic that’s long stirred poets, storytellers and musicians: hidden in forests, echoing through caves, and drifting along wild rivers and serene lakes.

OUTDOORS IN KENTUCKY

Kentucky’s landscapes are as lyrical as the music they inspire. From rolling fields of bluegrass to the mirror-still waters of vast lakes, and from forested ridges to the longest cave system on Earth, the state invites you to wander, paddle, ride and reflect. This is adventure at its most peaceful, most soulful, most beautifully Kentucky.

TOP OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

01: KENTUCKY LAKE

01: KENTUCKY LAKE

Kentucky Lake offers a tranquil escape where glassy waters stretch for miles and time seems to slow. Glide peacefully by kayak or paddleboard… or set off on a gentle pontoon cruise. Anglers will find serenity in casting a line—this is one of the best spots in the South for fishing bliss.

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02: LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES

02: LAND BETWEEN THE LAKES

Land Between the Lakes is a peaceful wilderness where forest trails meet quiet shores and wildlife roams free. Wander beneath towering trees, paddle still coves or pause to watch bison and elk graze in the protected prairie. It’s a place to breathe deeply, slow down, and feel nature all around you.

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03: MANTLE ROCK

03: MANTLE ROCK

The trail to Mantle Rock is a quiet, contemplative walk through woodland and history. This serene hike leads to a natural sandstone arch and sacred ground along the Trail of Tears. Birdsong, dappled light, and soft forest paths invite reflection in a landscape that holds both natural beauty and deep cultural significance.

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04: MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK

04: MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK

Mammoth Cave National Park is a place of wonder, above and below ground. Explore the world’s longest cave system, then emerge into peaceful woodlands and rolling hills. Miles of scenic trails await—perfect for a quiet hike or a horseback ride through whispering trees. It’s nature’s calm, wrapped in ancient mystery.

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05: HIDDEN RIVER CAVE

05: HIDDEN RIVER CAVE

Tucked beneath the charming town of Horse Cave, the Hidden River Cave tour reveals a secret world of flowing water and cathedral-like chambers. Guided walks lead you deep underground, where silence and shadow create a sense of awe. It’s a serene, subterranean journey into Kentucky’s quiet, hidden depths.

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KEY CITIES IN KENTUCKY

Louisville

Louisville is many things -- original, eclectic, dynamic, and energetic. Within its boundaries you'll find sports, history, nature, art, music, amazing food and lodging that take overnight stays and vacations to the next level. The city is home to the legendary Kentucky Derby horse race -- leave it to Louisville to take a two-minute horse race and turn it into a two-week party.

Lexington

Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World, offers a vibrant mix of charming neighborhoods, breweries and distilleries, historic sites and farm-to-table cuisine. Here you can visit the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln, watch a race at the elegant Keeneland Race Course and interact with nearly 50 breeds of horses at the amazing Kentucky Horse Park.

Northern Kentucky

Just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, the “Top of the South” welcomes you to Kentucky with outdoor adventure, fascinating history and bourbon galore. Adventure flows all along the scenic waterways and byways of the Northern Kentucky River Region. Here, you can explore Kentucky’s bourbon culture along the B-Line or enjoy a relaxing float down the Licking River. Paddling, biking and birding are among the many outdoor pursuits in this region, and idyllic water views are just about everywhere you look.

Bardstown

Bardstown...the Bourbon Capital of the World® and the most beautiful small town in America, according to Rand McNally of USA Today. Tour the distilleries to see first- hand how bourbon is made and dine on bourbon-inspired cuisine that speaks to any culinary enthusiast. With so much rich history, you’ll learn about everything from the Civil War and Stephen Foster to railroads and Trappist monks. No matter when you plan to visit, there’s always something to do.

Bowling Green

Many travelers know Bowling Green as a land of caves and Corvettes. But Bowling Green is also a cosmopolitan college town with a flourishing cultural scene, plenty of dining, one of the state’s most innovative distilleries and diverse attractions to keep the whole family happy.

Louisville

Lexington

Northern Kentucky

Bardstown

Bowling Green

KEY CITIES IN KENTUCKY

Louisville

Louisville is many things -- original, eclectic, dynamic, and energetic. Within its boundaries you'll find sports, history, nature, art, music, amazing food and lodging that take overnight stays and vacations to the next level. The city is home to the legendary Kentucky Derby horse race -- leave it to Louisville to take a two-minute horse race and turn it into a two-week party.

Lexington

Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World, offers a vibrant mix of charming neighborhoods, breweries and distilleries, historic sites and farm-to-table cuisine. Here you can visit the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln, watch a race at the elegant Keeneland Race Course and interact with nearly 50 breeds of horses at the amazing Kentucky Horse Park.

Northern Kentucky

Just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, the “Top of the South” welcomes you to Kentucky with outdoor adventure, fascinating history and bourbon galore. Adventure flows all along the scenic waterways and byways of the Northern Kentucky River Region. Here, you can explore Kentucky’s bourbon culture along the B-Line or enjoy a relaxing float down the Licking River. Paddling, biking and birding are among the many outdoor pursuits in this region, and idyllic water views are just about everywhere you look.

Bardstown

Bardstown...the Bourbon Capital of the World® and the most beautiful small town in America, according to Rand McNally of USA Today. Tour the distilleries to see first- hand how bourbon is made and dine on bourbon-inspired cuisine that speaks to any culinary enthusiast. With so much rich history, you’ll learn about everything from the Civil War and Stephen Foster to railroads and Trappist monks. No matter when you plan to visit, there’s always something to do.

Bowling Green

Many travelers know Bowling Green as a land of caves and Corvettes. But Bowling Green is also a cosmopolitan college town with a flourishing cultural scene, plenty of dining, one of the state’s most innovative distilleries and diverse attractions to keep the whole family happy.

OTHER EXPERIENCES IN KENTUCKY

Red River Gorge Treehouses

Living in a tree house, even if it’s just for the weekend, can have a powerful effect on your perspective of the world. Just being close to life in the canopy is tranquil and breath taking. The Canopy Crew wants to get you into the canopy by sharing their Red River Gorge tree houses with you.

Bourbon Country

Kentucky’s Master Distillers craft an incredible 95% of the world’s bourbon. You can sample “America’s Native Spirit” along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which takes in nine of the most famous distilleries including Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve. Look out for bourbon chocolate shops and bourbon-themed hotels along the way.

Kentucky Derby

Known as the ‘fastest two minutes in sport’, the Kentucky Derby has been held annually in Churchill Downs, Louisville, since 1875, making it the longest-running continuous sporting event in the U.S. It’s the social event of the Spring season and incorporates a whole weekend of raucous celebrations.

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Located just a few miles from the homeplace of “Father of Bluegrass” Bill Monroe, the museum is a state-of-the-art cultural centre, dedicated to the history of bluegrass music. Here, you’ll also find the Hall of Fame where over 60 Kentucky-born musicians have been inducted to celebrate their contributions to the genre.

Corvette Museum and NCM Motorsports

The unmistakable Corvette has been in production since 1953 and with such iconic status, it’s little wonder it’s known around the world as America’s sports car. The Corvette Museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions, a corvette simulator and official Corvette shop. You can even drive a Corvette on the NCM Motorsports Park, built by the museum and just one mile down the road.

Red River Gorge Treehouses

Bourbon Country

Kentucky Derby

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Corvette Museum and NCM Motorsports Park

OTHER EXPERIENCES IN KENTUCKY

Red River Gorge Treehouses

Living in a tree house, even if it’s just for the weekend, can have a powerful effect on your perspective of the world. Just being close to life in the canopy is tranquil and breath taking. The Canopy Crew wants to get you into the canopy by sharing their Red River Gorge tree houses with you.

Bourbon Country

Kentucky’s Master Distillers craft an incredible 95% of the world’s bourbon. You can sample “America’s Native Spirit” along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, which takes in nine of the most famous distilleries including Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve. Look out for bourbon chocolate shops and bourbon-themed hotels along the way.

Kentucky Derby

Known as the ‘fastest two minutes in sport’, the Kentucky Derby has been held annually in Churchill Downs, Louisville, since 1875, making it the longest-running continuous sporting event in the U.S. It’s the social event of the Spring season and incorporates a whole weekend of raucous celebrations.

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum

Located just a few miles from the homeplace of “Father of Bluegrass” Bill Monroe, the museum is a state-of-the-art cultural centre, dedicated to the history of bluegrass music. Here, you’ll also find the Hall of Fame where over 60 Kentucky-born musicians have been inducted to celebrate their contributions to the genre.

Corvette Museum and NCM Motorsports

The unmistakable Corvette has been in production since 1953 and with such iconic status, it’s little wonder it’s known around the world as America’s sports car. The Corvette Museum features permanent and temporary exhibitions, a corvette simulator and official Corvette shop. You can even drive a Corvette on the NCM Motorsports Park, built by the museum and just one mile down the road.