Things to do & places to visit in Kentucky, United States

Famous for Bourbon Country and horse farms, civil war battlefields and beautiful natural parks, Kentucky offers a delightful mix of experiences. You might begin in Lexington, where the 1200-acre Kentucky Horse Park is a popular attraction. The university adds exciting sports, impressive art and a vibrant student/professor population to the city. Louisville is similar, where renowned Churchill Downs hosts the annual Kentucky Derby and the Belle of Louisville, the nation’s oldest steam-driven river paddlewheeler, hosts enchanting lunch and dinner cruises along the beautiful Ohio River. Next, head south to visit Mammoth Cave National Park for a day of touring the cave (the world’s longest known cave), hiking and canoeing on the Green River. Paducah, Berea, Bowling Green – so many places to explore and enjoy!

Kentucky #27 destination in United States 2023. The average rating score is 4.58 based on 153.1k traveler reviews, of 1.697 attractions. Timezone: America/New_York, current date and time: Friday, May 03, 2024, 7:09.

Top things to do (26)

Top destinations in Kentucky 100

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Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Louisville Mega Cavern (18.8k reviews)
- Ride the Christmas Express, it’s so worth it!
Friday: 9:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Caverns & Caves

While visiting Louisville, Kentucky, you won't want to miss MEGA ZIPS, the world's ONLY underground zipline adventure tour! Featuring 6 ziplines nearly 100 feet off the cavern floor and two challenge bridges, MEGA ZIPS is 2.5 hours of adrenaline-fueled adventure! Though fun for the whole family, the kids will especially love MEGA QUEST, the only underground ropes challenge course in the world! MEGA QUEST features two levels and 76 challenge elements including mini-ziplines and rope walls. Explore at your own pace in this 2-hour adventure! Heights aren't your thing? No problem! Enjoy the jumps in our 320,000 square foot BMX & MTB MEGA BIKE PARK, explore the furthest parts of the cavern on our MEGA eBIKE tour, or enjoy a seated historical tour of the cavern on our MEGA TRAM. See more..
5.0 Keeneland (2.893 reviews)
- Great day at the races!!
Spent More than 3 hours Horse Tracks

Part thoroughbred race course, part sales company and considered one of America's most beautiful tracks, Keeneland is known for its well-designed and meticulous landscaping. The grounds consist of the paddock, a prep area where visitors can view horses up-close just before the race and a combination of dirt and turf race tracks. See more..
5.0 Maker's Mark (2.473 reviews)
- Best of the Best distilleries
Friday: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM Distilleries

Watch a sour mash ferment in giant cypresswood vats on its way to becoming that heavenly Kentucky bourbon at this distillery. See more..
5.0 The National Quilt Museum (1.055 reviews) from $12.00
- Quilt museum is worth a visit!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Art Museums

The National Quilt Museum is a nationally recognized art museum that exhibits the finest fiber art in the world. In an average year, the museum is visited by quilters and art lovers from all 50 states and over 40 countries worldwide. Our exhibits rotate throughout the year so they will be different every time you visit. The museum is an eight-time TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence winner and a two time TripAdvisor Hall of Fame winner. If you enjoy art museum's you will love The National Quilt Museum. See more..
5.0 James E. Pepper Distillery (890 reviews)
- Great visit to a new old distillery
Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Located in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. Join us for an intimate, educational and high caliber tour that includes the story of the historic Pepper Brand & Distillery, a tour of the working distillery and a tasting of our award-winning whiskeys. All tour guests receive a complimentary tasting glass and groups are limited in size for an optimal experience. Adults 21 $20; Young Adult 14-20 $10; Veterans $10; Active Military Free Tour; restricted to age 14 and above. Please check in for your tour at least 10 minutes prior to the start time! See more..
5.0 Conrad-Caldwell House Museum (Conrad's Castle) (713 reviews)
- A GREAT TOUR
Friday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites

The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is a historic, Victorian mansion located in the heart of Old Louisville on St. James Court. It is one of the finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and was the masterpiece of famed local architect Arthur Loomis of Clarke & Loomis. Surrounded by a beautiful courtyard neighborhood at the center of the largest collection of Victorian Homes in the US, "Conrad's Castle" featured all the latest innovations of its day, including interior plumbing and electric lighting. Known for its beautiful woodwork and parquet floors, this massive Bedford limestone home, covered with gargoyles, beautiful archways, and elaborate stone designs, incorporated 7 types of hardwoods and magnificent stained glass windows in the interior design, making it one of the most stunning homes in Old Louisville. The Museum has been lovingly restored to the Edwardian Age, housing a massive collection of period items including many original pieces. See more..
5.0 Copper & Kings American Brandy Distillery (664 reviews)
- A must stop in Louisville
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Copper & Kings is an American Brandy, Gin, Absinthe & Liqueur distillery located in Louisville, Kentucky. Come see why Copper & Kings is consistently rated one of Louisville's Best Distilleries! All tastings will be safely conducted in our spacious Art Gallery or, weather permitting, in our outdoor Courtyard space. 6 Guest Maximum Capacity per Tasting Experience. To keep our guests and staff safe during the Covid-19 pandemic, all guests are required to wear a mask when visiting the distillery. Social Distancing will be enforced throughout the entire distillery. Our Tour Guides will lead all tours wearing a mask, and we will sanitize all touchpoints before and after each experience. To keep our Production Team safe, our Tasting Experiences will not access our Production Floor or the Barrel Room for the time being. Our style of distillation and barrel maturation will be thoroughly discussed during the educational tasting. Stay safe & take care. See more..
5.0 Castle & Key Distillery (662 reviews)
- Our favorite Bourbon Distillery!!!
Friday: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Distilleries

Castle & Key Distillery is located on the site of the historic Old Taylor Distillery in Millville, KY. After sitting abandoned to fall into ruin, new owners purchased the property in 2014. Production began at the distillery in late 2016 for the first time in over 40 years. Castle & Key produces premium spirits made from scratch. Gin and vodka are currently available while bourbon and rye whiskey continue to age. See more..
4.5 Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (6.813 reviews)
- Great tour, better when museum is re-opened
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

Batter up! It takes a special place to craft the #1 Bat in Major League Baseball. At Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, experience history-in-the-making as you stroll through the actual factory where world-famous Louisville Slugger bats are created. The award-winning factory tour is a highlight of the visit here, but there's plenty more to enjoy along with it. Admire the World's Biggest Bat - stretching 120 feet into the sky. Hold bats actually used by baseball superstars like Mickey Mantle, Johnny Bench, Cal Ripken Jr. And Derek Jeter. Face down a 90-mph fastball hurled by a major league pitcher. Count the homerun notches Babe Ruth carved into his Louisville Slugger bat for every home run he hit with it. Step into the batting cages and take some swings with a replica model of your hero's bat. Guests even get a free miniature souvenir bat at the end of the factory tour. You can even create a bat with your own name on it, just like the pros. They make great gifts for all kinds of special occasions, from newborn babies, to groomsmen gifts, to team trophies and more. The museum store is also loaded with lots of sporty merchandise for every budget. Be sure to swing by! See more..
4.5 Ark Encounter (4.434 reviews)
- Humongous!
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums

What a fascinating place. Lots of information, exhibits and short movies, although many of the side exhibits were so congested it was hard to move through them. Three floors on the ark to explore, with food options and gift areas on each floor. We arrived on a weekday in August shortly after 9. The entrance line was really long and it took about a half hour to get through the line and take the bus to the ark area. We needed a scooter rental and there were many people in line, but there were a lot of scooters available. Everything on the ark was scooter accessible. The kids also did the VR experience, which they loved. And they rode the camels, which was pricey at $10 for an extremely short ride and a long wait in line, so definitely would not recommend. The zoo area was fun to walk through. If you want to do the zip lines, be sure to make your reservations far in advance as they sell out. See more..
4.5 Mammoth Cave (4.143 reviews)
- Worth the trip
Friday: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Caverns & Caves

A mysterious limestone cave that has fascinated people for 4,000 years. See more..
4.5 Churchill Downs (3.767 reviews)
- Bucket list item checked off
Historic Sites • Horse Tracks

This beautiful racetrack has been the home of the Kentucky Derby since 1875. See more..
4.5 Kentucky Derby Museum (3.483 reviews) from $18.50
- Amazing
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums

The Kentucky Derby Museum, where every day is Derby day, is the official tour provider of historic Churchill Downs. When you visit the Museum, you will find yourself immersed in the next best thing to actually being at the Derby! As the exclusive tour provider for the track, various tours are offered throughout the year even when the track isn’t in session with live racing. General admission includes two levels of family-friendly interactive permanent & temporary exhibits, "The Greatest Race," a 360-degree immersive sound and visual experience that'll get your heart racing and emotions soaring, Historic Walking Tour of Churchill Downs Racetrack, access to the Gift Shop, Kentucky fare in the Derby Cafe Express and much more! See more..
4.5 Lost River Cave (3.067 reviews)
- More Personalized Tours
Friday: 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Caverns & Caves • Geologic Formations

Lost River Cave is home to the only underground boat tour in the state of Kentucky and the only zipline in Bowling Green. In addition to the boat tour, Lost River Cave offers over two miles of nature trails, ziplines, and a unique, seasonal butterfly habitat. Lost River Cave is one of the largest nature parks in the South Central Kentucky region. Book your tickets online See more..
4.5 National Corvette Museum (3.015 reviews) from $18.00
- Good visit and the busted cars added to the experience
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

See over 70 Corvettes in periodic settings including a mid-century barbershop, service station and historic race track. Exhibit Hall features special displays that change regularly. For hands-on activities visit the KidZone, Corvette Cave-In / Sinkhole Experience and numerous trivia kiosks, then try a Corvette on for size in the lobby. The Corvette Store offers apparel, collectibles, home and gift items. On-site 50's-inspired Corvette Cafe serves breakfast, lunch and snacks. See more..
4.5 Kentucky Horse Park (2.714 reviews)
- Great experience for horse lovers
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Speciality Museums • State Parks • Points of Interest & Landmarks

The only park of its kind in the world, the Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm, educational theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse. Set on more than 1,200 acres in the heart of the Kentucky's famous Bluegrass region, the park is THE place to get close to horses! Featuring dozens of breeds of horse at work and at play, the park showcases the horse in daily equine presentations, horse drawn tours, horseback and pony rides, and an array of horse shows and special events throughout the year. The park's International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is the world's largest equestrian museum. Offering both the experienced horseman and novice an opportunity to explore the many facets of humanity's relationship with the horse, the museum is dedicated to all breeds and disciplines of horse and covers some 50-million years of equine history. State-of-the-art technology complements rare artifacts and scholarly research to present a unique, educational, museum experience for all ages. The American Saddlebred Museum, the Showplace for Saddlebreds, celebrates Kentucky's first native breed of horse. The museum features interactive exhibits and a movie. With the park's own tourist activities and the numerous additional horse shows that take place in the equine competition facilities throughout the year, there can be a fair amount of walking involved, depending on visitor interest level. Comfortable shoes and clothing is recommended, appropriate for Kentucky's seasonal weather. Dogs and other pets are permitted on park grounds, as long as they are on a leash or in an approved carrier, although they may not be permitted in some buildings. See more..
4.5 Buffalo Trace Distillery (2.545 reviews)
- One of the Best Bourbon Tours
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of America’s oldest continually-operating distilleries with over 200 years of history. It has been known by several names over the years, but one thing has remained the same—their fine bourbon whiskey. Uncover the distillery's history, learn about the science of making bourbon, and get a behind-the-scenes look into the production on a complimentary distillery tour and tasting—but make your reservations early as slots fill up fast. It ends with a tasting of some of their award-winning spirits, including their signature Buffalo Trace Bourbon, and Eagle Rare Bourbon. You can explore Buffalo Trace Distillery and other historic spots on a bourbon tour of Kentucky. – Tripadvisor See more..
4.5 Creation Museum (2.396 reviews)
- Great Museum
Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM Spent More than 3 hours Natural History Museums

Wonderfully put together museum that combines natural history, Bible history, and creation theory. Great exhibits and enjoyed the 4D theater. Price is a bit expensive but I got the combo pack which was a good deal which included the Ark Encounter, another great museum 40 minutes away south. Totally worth a visit but recommend to go off peak as it could get crowded and might be hard to fully enjoy everything. See more..
4.5 Woodford Reserve Distillery (1.973 reviews)
- Great tour at historic distillery
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries • Breweries

Bourbon distillery See more..
4.5 The Big Four Bridge (1.958 reviews)
- Beautiful walkway
Bridges

We enjoyed walking the bridge to Indiana and caught a sunset, some fireworks and the bridge lit at night. The bathrooms were supposed to stay open until 9 and they were closed by 8 one night. We had to cut our night short due to that. Some nights there were musicians playing for tips and they were quite good. I don’t know if I’d walk alone because I’m unfamiliar with the area but in a group of two or three it was perfect See more..
4.5 James B. Beam Distilling Co. (1.565 reviews)
- If you eat at the restaurant get the bourbon balls
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Distilleries

For eight generations, we’ve welcomed folks from far and wide to our home and distillery. Some call it Kentucky hospitality. For us, it’s just who we are. Join us in Clermont where a tradition that started two centuries ago continues today. VISIT THE HOME OF THE FIRST FAMILY OF BOURBON. Experience genuine in the making at the Birthplace of Bourbon. From deep in the rackhouse tours to Kentucky inspired food and cocktails, there’s always room for one more in Clermont. Walk the grounds of whiskey history. Pull up a chair with the First Family of Bourbon. Join us for a day in Kentucky that’s two centuries in the making. The distillery is where we work, but it’s also our home. And we love having folks over. Look over our calendar of events and come join us for a Big Time in Clermont. Our new Kitchen Table Restaurant is inspired by the original Beam Family table. It’s a place where we come together and no one stays a stranger for long. www.visitthekitchentable.com See more..
4.5 Cumberland Falls State Resort Park (1.367 reviews)
- Beautiful Park - great views, walking trails.
Spent More than 3 hours State Parks • Waterfalls

Known as the "Niagara of the South," the 125-foot wide curtain of water is dramatic day or night. But it's only at night during a full moon that you can see the moonbow, a phenomenon not regularly visible anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere. The park's many lodging, dining, and recreational opportunities make Cumberland Falls State Resort Park the perfect location for a family vacation, business retreat, or weekend getaway to the beautiful mountains of southeast Kentucky. The DuPont Lodge features 51 rooms, the Riverview Restaurant, meeting spaces, and easy access to the park's extensive trail system. Twenty woodland rooms and 25 cottages provide guests a more secluded lodging option. The 49-site campground, gift shop, horseback riding stables, Moonbow Cafe, playgrounds, tennis court, Olympic-size swimming pool, 17 miles of trails, and much more await visitors to Cumberland Falls - one of the "Nation's Finest" state parks! See more..
4.5 Muhammad Ali Center (1.295 reviews)
- Inspirational, entertaining & thought provoking
Friday: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Speciality Museums

Located in the heart of historic downtown Louisville, Kentucky, the Muhammad Ali Center is a cultural attraction and international education center inspired by the ideals of hometown hero Muhammad Ali. The Ali Center features 2 levels of award-winning exhibits, a five-screen orientation theater film, historic Civil Rights era media footage, video of Ali fights, interactive boxing fun, two art galleries, children's Hope and Dream wall, meeting and event space, retail store and more. See more..
4.5 Evan Williams Bourbon Experience (1.251 reviews)
- Nice bar!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Distilleries

Visit the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience in Downtown Louisville for tastings, tours, and more. An official stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, we’ve got something for every Bourbon fan. Sip on our rich history in a speakeasy-style tasting complete with stories and samples of our award-winning lineup. Tour our artisanal still before enjoying craft cocktails at the bar On3. Or check out the gift shop for Evan Williams apparel and hard-to-find bottles. Plan your visit to experience Bourbon Done Right®. See more..
4.5 Barton 1792 Distillery (1.144 reviews)
- Great tour experience at no cost.
This location was reported permanently closed Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Barton 1792 Distillery was established in 1879 and continues today as the oldest fully-operating Distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky. Situated in heart of bourbon country on 196 acres, the Distillery boasts 29 barrel aging warehouses, 22 other buildings including an impressive still house, and the legendary Tom Moore Spring. Named in honor of the year Kentucky joined the United States, Barton 1792 offers three tours of the Distillery: the Barton Tradition Tour, the Bushel to Bottle Tour and the 1792 Estate Tour. See more..
4.5 Wild Turkey Distillery (1.105 reviews)
- Beautiful distillery in a beautiful setting
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Distilleries

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Wild Turkey! We didn't do the tour, just visited the gift shop. The building was absolutely beautiful and Jimmy Russell was there, signing bottles and posing for pictures! I had heard he hangs out there and was so glad to see that we caught him. He was so gracious and friendly - definitely a highlight of the trip. The tours were over for the day so we were allowed to walk to the back of the building where the tastings happen, and check out the view. It was stunning! Such a beautiful area. We'll definitely go back next time we're in the area. See more..
4.5 Four Roses (1.060 reviews)
- This is the place if your are short on time
Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Distilleries

If you don't have time for a full blown bourbon distillery tour in Bardstown, this is a nice option. The tasting walks you through all four of Four Roses signature bourbons. Our guide, Scott, walked us through Four Roses History and how each of the bourbons is different. Four Roses is unique in the number of mashbills and yeast they use to make their products. We also got inside a rickhouse (warehouse) and learned why Four Roses rickhouses are only six levels high compared to other distilleries. And the explanation made perfect sense. Prices in the gift shop are reasonable and I did pick up a Single Barrel with the recommendation of Scott. He had sampled the barrel this particular bottle came from and gave it high marks. See more..
4.5 Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience (1.022 reviews)
- Worth a trip
Friday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Come Lift Your Spirit™ at the immersive Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience™ in Bardstown, Kentucky: the official home of Elijah Craig, Larceny Bourbon, and more. Ever wanted to bottle your very own Bourbon? Now you can with “You Do Bourbon”: the only hands-on experience of its kind on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. Beyond bottling, discover our heritage among interactive galleries, enjoy a guided tasting of our award-winning portfolio of American Whiskey, and more. Start planning your visit today. See more..
4.5 Willett Distilling Company (1.020 reviews)
- Knowledgeable and friendly staff
Spent 1-2 hours Distilleries

Tradition: In 1936 Thompson Willett founded The Willett Distilling Company. Today, the Willett tradition continues. Visitor Center Hours Monday thru Saturday – 9:30 till 5:30 Tour Times Monday thru Saturday – 10:00am – 4:00pm, on the hour See more..
4.5 Floodwall Murals (938 reviews)
- Neat area
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Murals painted on floodwalls depicting the history of the Paducah area. See more..