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KENTUCKY

Kentucky lays claim to Abraham Lincoln and Muhammed Ali, to Bluegrass music and Bourbon, not to mention the ‘most exciting two minutes in sport’, The Kentucky Derby. But go a little deeper in Kentucky and you’ll uncover the brilliance that has inspired generations of poets, storytellers, and musicians deep in the forests, high on the mountain trails and far below ground.

OUTDOORS IN KENTUCKY

Kentucky may be well known as the Bluegrass State but even the name of its most famous export, bluegrass music, was inspired by the bewitching terrain that sweeps the land. From lakes, rivers and waterfalls to rolling fields of bluegrass and the longest known cave system in the world, Kentucky is an adventurer’s paradise.

TOP OUTDOOR EXPERIENCES

01: MAMMOTH CAVE

01: MAMMOTH CAVE

Over 21,000 hectares of natural phenomena, the park preserves the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin rivers, and a portion of the hilly country of south-central Kentucky, as well as the labyrinth of caves that gives the park its name. It is the longest recorded cave system in the world with more than 400 miles waiting to be explored.

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02: RED RIVER GORGE

02: RED RIVER GORGE

Trailblazer, Daniel Boone, who helped establish one of Kentucky’s earliest settlements, first set foot here in the 1700s. Today, it attracts climbers from all over the world, but it is equally as impressive seen from the seat of a kayak and an ideal way to travel underground beneath the great sandstone formations.

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03: CUMBERLAND FALLS STATE PARK

03: CUMBERLAND FALLS STATE PARK

Cumberland Falls State Park is home to one of Kentucky’s most impressive waterfalls, often referred to as the Niagara of the South, as well as numerous hiking trails. The Fire Tower Hike is particularly special, taking you deep into the forest where you’ll find a beautifully restored fire tower offering sweeping views across the treetops.

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04: TRAIL TOWNS

04: TRAIL TOWNS

There are 28 designated Trail Towns across Kentucky, local communities committed to providing tired travellers with a hearty meal and a friendly hello. Each with its own character, Trail Towns are the perfect places to meet the locals, explore independent shops, enjoy live music and sample quality cuisine.

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05: BLACK MOUNTAIN

05: BLACK MOUNTAIN

This 7,000 acre Black Mountain Offroad Adventure area is every outdoor enthusiasts dream. Stay on the ground and ride your offroad vehicles on over 150 miles of easy, moderate and extreme trails or fly above the treetops on the 11- line zipline canopy tour.

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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 and 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 and 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 its 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 & 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 Park

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 its 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 & 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 Park

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.