Everyone knows Kentucky for its soul-stirring whiskeys and famous fried chicken, but there’s so much more to the Bluegrass state. Kentucky has a rich history of distillery and is home to impressive wonders that would delight the hearts of tourists and anyone looking to have a good time exploring the unusual.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the top 10 fascinating things to do to have a great time in Kentucky.
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Tour nature’s beauty at Cumberland Falls
What’s a Kentucky visit without a Cumberland Falls State Resort tour? Nestled in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest, the park is just southwest of Corbin, Kentucky. You would have a great moment watching the 125-foot Cumberland waterfall, one of the few places in the world where you can frequently see a moonbow on nights with a full moon.
You can also hike on the Park’sPark’s 17 miles of trails, ranging from easy to challenging. This would allow you to take in the sprawling beauty of the falls, the Cumberland River, and the surrounding forest.
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Explore the Mammoth Cave National Park
You’re lucky to be in Kentucky if you’re craving underground cave exploration. Mammoth National Park is home to the world’s most extended recorded cave system, with over 400 explored miles of passageways.
It is in south-central Kentucky and encompasses over 52,800 acres, primarily in Edmonson County, with parts extending into Hart and Barren counties. You have several options for a tour, from a moderate 1.25-mile tour showcasing impressive formations like the Frozen Niagara, a massive flowstone cascade, to a more challenging 4-hour adventure for experienced cavers requiring crawling and climbing.
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Experience stunning marine life scenes at Newport Aquarium.
Whether for education or fun, one of the best things to do in Kentucky is to explore the underwater world at the Newport Aquarium, located just across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio. The aquarium offers a variety of exciting exhibits with varying experiences.
The “Journey to the Deep” exhibit takes you on a journey through the oceans, from the shallows to the depths. Another is the Penguin Palooza, where you can watch playful penguins waddle in their newly renovated and expanded habitat. For a spine-chilling adventure, you can try the Shark Bridge, a rope bridge suspended over a tank of sharks.
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Go for a horse ride at Kentucky Horse Park.
Anyone interested in horse riding and racing would find the Kentucky Horse Park an exciting place. The park is housed in Lexington, Kentucky. It’s a sprawling complex that encompasses a working horse farm, equestrian competition venues, and a variety of educational and entertaining attractions.
Here, you’ll find over 30 horse breeds worldwide, including the Tennessee Walking Horses, American Saddlebreds, Arabians, Morgans, Belgians, etc. You can visit the Rolex Stadium to witness dazzling equestrian performances or the park’s museum to see a cast collection of equine arts and artifacts.
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Watch the sunset at the Big Four Bridge.
If you’ve watched The Blind Side or The Bachelor, you must have noticed the iconic Big Four Bridge connecting Louisville, Kentucky, to Jeffersonville. The bridge was built as far back as 1985 as a railroad bridge, serving as a vital transportation link for nearly a century.
It was decommissioned for rail use in 1968 and converted into a bicycle and pedestrian bridge in 2014. Today, the Big Four Bridge is a popular destination for enjoying stunning views of the Ohio River and the Louisville skyline. It’s also known for its vibrant LED lighting system that gives it a special glow at sunset.
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Enjoy Freshly Brewed Whiskey On The Kentucky Bourbon Trail
Kentucky owes its popularity to its rich distillery history. Today, Kentucky boasts dozens of bourbon distilleries, producing 95% of the world’s bourbon, an American-style whiskey. The industry is worth over $9 billion, and you can choose your favorite location to try out your best whiskey. The National Bourbon Day is a special event to look out for in Kentucky, where you can witness firsthand the state’s rich distillery heritage.
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Explore The Red River Gorge of Kentucky
Do you feel like hiking while enjoying breathtaking views? Then, get your gear and visit the Red River Gorge. The Red River Gorge is a natural wonder known for its stunning sandstone cliffs, arches, and vibrant outdoor activities.
The Gorge is located within the Daniel Boone National Forest, covering around 29,000 acres. Another fascinating site you shouldn’t miss during your visit is the Kentucky Natural Bridge within the Red River Gorge.
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Enjoy Some Thrilling iGaming Experience.
Do you need more fun and exciting experiences without going out on tours? Try iGaming from the comfort of your home in Kentucky. While online iGaming websites are yet to launch in the state, you can try some real money online casino Kentucky sites to get a noteworthy experience playing and earning big.
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Have a Fun Time at The Dinosaur World
You must have heard plenty of tales about dinosaurs and how mighty they were when you were a kid. Why not visit Dinosaur World and see how significant the dinosaurs were? Dinosaur World features life-sized replicas of dinosaurs in their natural habitats.
Aside from sightseeing, you will also enrich yourself with more knowledge, as each dinosaur has an informative plaque that details its species, size, and lifestyle. Beyond dinosaurs, the park also features exhibits of other prehistoric creatures like mammoths and giant sloths.
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Get on Noah’s Ark at Ark Encounter
Have you ever read about Noah in the Bible? Ark Encounter is a full-scale replica of Noah’s Noah’s Ark, built based on dimensions described in the Bible. It is situated in Williamstown, Kentucky, and operated by a Christian organization, Answers in Genesis. If you want to feel what the honest Noah’s Ark felt like, from the animals to the construction, you want to get on the Ark. The Ark also includes attractions such as a zip line course, a petting zoo, and a museum.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What’s the best thing to do in Kentucky?
There are so many things to enjoy about the Bluegrass state. While nature lovers would choose to walk in Cumberland Falls, sports enthusiasts will go for the Kentucky Derby. Your choice at the end depends on your preference.
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What makes Kentucky a particular state?
Its rich distillery history and breathtaking wonders are some of the many reasons people are attracted to Kentucky.
Kentucky: A State That Never Ceases To Impress
There’s so much to do in the Bluegrass state as it never ceases to impress, with picturesque landscapes and many historic locations offering experiences worth reveling in, repeating, and remembering.
