4.5Churchill 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..
4.5Mary Todd Lincoln House(748 reviews)from $16.35 - Small home, must see. Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • History Museums
Discover one of America's most fascinating first ladies during a visit to her girlhood home. The wife of President Abraham Lincoln grew up in this house. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln visited her family here. Today the fourteen-room house contains period furniture, portraits, and furnishings. The museum offers self-guided tours with limited capacity and timed entry. After the tour, guests are welcome to visit the Museum Store and the small garden. The property is located in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. Convenient walking distance to local hotels and restaurants. Free parking is located directly behind the house. Guests may park in the museum’s designated parking or in the neighboring lot behind Main Street Baptist Church. Metered parking also available on Main Street. Holiday schedule varies. Open seasonally March 15th - November 30th.See more..
4.5Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill(719 reviews) - Great Preserved History Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Farms
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a landmark destination rooted in the spirit of the Kentuckians that called this place home for more than a century. Discover inspiring legacies, fresh-air adventures and spirited hospitality throughout Shaker Village's 3,000 acres. Onsite amenities include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, historical exhibitions and tours, a farm and garden area, a nature preserve, multi-use trail system, riverboat rides, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events.See more..
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..
On February 12, 1809, Abraham Lincoln was born in a one-room log cabin, similar to the authentic 19th-century cabin preserved here.See more..
4.5My Old Kentucky Home(528 reviews) - Historic and beautiful! Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • State Parks • Golf Courses
My Old Kentucky Home is one of the most famous songs to have ever been written, but it is also the name of a hallowed and beautiful Kentucky farm with many rich layers of history waiting to be explored and experienced. My Old Kentucky Home is a marvel of elegance and charm, as architecturally magnificent today as it was more than two centuries ago. Your guided tour by our costumed guides spans two floors of the mansion, originally named "Federal Hill." Our talented guides will sing the song, "My Old Kentucky Home," for tour guests. See 200 year old antique artifacts including paintings, high-style furniture, lavish period decor, and the carefully curated interiors of Kentucky's most famous landmark.See more..
4.5Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate(526 reviews) - Knowledgeable Guide. Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites
The site of celebrated U.S. statesman Henry Clay's 19th-century estate, a National Historic Landmark and museum open to the public. Visitors can tour the 18-room mansion, outbuildings, 17-acre grounds and gardens. Tours include the Henry Clay Signature Tour, Traces: Slavery at Ashland, and Women's Voices. Ashland is one of the most treasured historic sites in Kentucky with over 200 years of national significance.See more..
4.5Locust Grove(232 reviews) - Free July 4th event with costumed docents. Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • History Museums
Built in 1792, Locust Grove, a three story brick Georgian home, is the final home of General George Rogers Clark, the founder of Louisville, and conqueror of the Old Northwest Territory. The house was built by his sister Lucy Croghan and her husband William Croghan who raised 8 children here and hosted their brother William Clark, of Lewis and Clark fame, as well as Presidents Monroe, Jackson and Taylor, Vice President Arron Burr, statesmen such as Cassius Clay, and several artists including John James Audubon. This National Historic Landmark has been restored to reflect the elegance of General Clark's time at Locust Grove. The 55 acres of gardens, fields and woodlands are open for exploration daily.See more..
4.0MainStrasse Village(223 reviews) - many places to eat/drink and shop Historic Sites
A kitschy faux-German village in Covington with lots of restored 19th century shops, restaurants, and homes.See more..
It is a little out of the way and confusing to locate but worth the effort. Walking through the cabin is a privilege and the museum and staff were quite informative. There were a few items for purchase, but not really a gift shop. Free field history lesson.See more..
There are so many facets to this stop. There is free parking in and around the park. The price of admission is relatively cheap for all you get to see. And the historical impacts, on multiple courses of history, are inspiring. You get to see a replica of the actual fort, a cabin where Abraham Lincoln's parents were married, and a museum mansion. Plus there are picnic spots, nice scenery, and monuments to the early pioneers.See more..
3.0Froggett’s Guntown Mountain(130 reviews) - Pretty cool Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent More than 3 hours Historic Sites • Amusement & Theme Parks • Educational sites
Guntown was open in 2018. Our bottom activities include Souvinir Shop with Country Hams and more, Haunted Hotel, Blacklight Golf, 2 Escape Rooms, Zippy Pets (inside), and is open most days. The Wild West Town on top is $18 per adults, $12 for children 3 to 12 —offers realistic gunfights, comedy, stunt shows, hangings, music shows, can can shows, nerf wars, games, and more. Food and Old Time photos not included in admission.See more..
4.5Farmington Historic Plantation(105 reviews) - Superbly preserved home and grounds with excellent docent led tour Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites
Farmington Historic Plantation was home to the John and Lucy Fry Speed family and over 70 enslaved black Americans. The main house, completed in 1816, is a Jeffersonian Federal style Italianate villa, the center of a 550-acre hemp plantation. The house, restored 2000-2002, includes period furniture, art, and textiles. The 18.5 acre property includes educational signs, a formal garden, and agricultural signs. Farmington docents interpret Kentucky plantation slavery, hemp, and Abraham Lincoln's 1841 visit here with his friend, Joshua Speed.See more..
4.5White Hall State Historic Site(100 reviews) - Mind blowing!! Do not miss this beautiful historic home. Tuesday: Historic Sites
White Hall State Historic Site was the home of Cassius Marcellus Clay, 19th century emancipationist, politician, newspaper publisher, Ambassador to Russia, and friend to Abraham Lincoln. The restored Italianate mansion was built in 1798 and remodeled in the 1860s. General Green Clay built the original brick Georgian-style home called Clermont. Cassius M. Clay inherited the house upon his father’s passing. He and his wife Mary Jane Warfield Clay built the new addition that more than doubled the size of the house and added such modern amenities as indoor plumbing and central heating.See more..
Experience 19th century plantation life at this historic compound where you can tour the mansion or "big house," see quarters where slaves lived, visit a smokehouse and other elements of daily life in the Old South.See more..
Apple Valley Hillbilly Gardens and Toyland is a throw back to old by-gone tacky roadside stops that existed in the 1940s -1960s. There is an old Gulf gas station and store (museum) and a toyland with over 3000 toys in a working diorama. Take a walk around the eclectic junk art and Hillbilly Gardens. We are located one mile east of I24 exit 16 on HWY 68 W.See more..
4.0Jefferson Davis State Historic Site(73 reviews) - Interesting, but over priced Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues
I had wanted to come here for years, but when I got here I was underwhelmed. I paid $11 to see a small museum on the life of Jefferson Davis (all of which I already knew) & took an elevator ride to the top of the 351 ft tower where I got a view of the surrounding countryside in each direction. The staff was very friendly & wanted to talk & I appreciated that. However, if I had to do it over again I would probably not go.See more..
4.5South Union Shaker Village(66 reviews) - Must-see Historical Site Tuesday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • Historic Sites • History Museums
Historic site of the South Union Shaker village, a community that existed from 1807-1922. The site includes a nationally recognized museum that houses exhibits about South Union's history, along with seven other supporting historic structures on 500 acres of farmland. This most southern of Shaker villages offers a unique look at the sect, a religious community that espoused equality of the sexes and races, technology, and simplicity in all things. Educational programming and events are offered and rentals are available.See more..
This wonderful Museum, Paducah's oldest and ONLY general history Museum, is housed in the block long 1905 Market House in the center of Paducah's historic downtown area. The Museum houses some of the finest and most unusual artifacts in the area, which illustrate Paducah's rich cultural and historic heritage. Explore a time line beginning with Native American residents, through Paducah's founding by famous explorer William Clark in 1827, and view the original hand drawn town maps and land grants signed by Clark. A superb, colorful Old Paris wedding vase, given as a wedding present to Clark by the Marquis deLafayette, is also on display. Also experience the magnificence of the complete DuBois Robertson Drug Store golden oak woodwork interior... a hand carved masterpiece from 1877...and gaze through the colorful panes of the original stained glass windows. On permanent display is the town's first motorized fire truck (a 1913 LaFrance!) Experience an extensive Civil War display including furniture used by the Lincoln's, as well as Generals US Grant and Lew Wallace while they were in Paducah (Wallace was of Ben Hur fame.) A very special quilt made by Mrs Robert E Lee is also on display. A Kentucky Orphan's reunion ribbon insignia display is always a favorite, as well as elaborate hoop skirt dresses, beautiful rosewood furniture and a stately antique lamp with pigeon's blood shade, once owned by Paducahan John T Scopes' grandmother (of the Scopes Monkey Trial fame.) A 'Kentucky Headline' exhibit depicts the sad plight of Floyd Collins, who was tragically trapped and died in a cave. The story caught the breathless attention of the nation in 1925. Our 'Hall of Heroes', designed in 2013, honors Paducah firefighters, law enforcement and military personnel. Newly opened in 2014 is the Alben W. Barkley Memorial Room, honoring the Paducah area native who was 35th Vice President under Harry S. Truman. The exhibit is in a separate room, and devoted entirely to personal artifa...See more..
4.5Camp Nelson Heritage National Monument(60 reviews) - Walking the grounds of a Civil War camp Tuesday: Historic Sites • Battlefields • History Museums
Camp Nelson National Monument is a unit of the National Park Service. It shares the story and preserves the site that was established in 1863 by the U.S. military as a large supply depot. In 1864 it became one of the largest recruitment and training centers for African American men who became soldiers and also a large refugee center for formerly enslaved people seeking Emancipation.See more..
Come see us for all of your fall family fun! Each admission includes 10 acres of corn mazes, hayrides, pick your own pumpkins(includes a great pumpkin!), Kids activities, & petting area. Great place for school groups, church outings and birthday parties. Want to add a little adventure? Try our Zip Line Racers or Cornsalk Wars Paintball! Come back Halloween weekend for the "Field of Horror".See more..
This park is the perfect setting for this annual gathering. Parking, facilities, vendors, and the dancing, music, and storytellers could not have been better. Entry fee was only $10 for adults, with option to exit and return on the same day. It is a high quality event. There were people I talked with who had driven 10 hours to be a part of it. If you are within a couple of hours' drive, it's worth marking your calendar now, so you don't miss the next one! There's not a huge amount of promotion throughout the region, so it's not a bad idea to go ahead and find them on Facebook or a local events page to be informed ahead of time.See more..
Enjoy spectacular views from the cupola while seeing how the Hobson family lived at Bowling Green’s historic house museum, Riverview at Hobson Grove. Built by Atwood and Juliet VanMeter Hobson on a hill overlooking the Barren River, this historic landmark has been restored to its original splendor and is listed on the National Register. An official site on the Civil War Discovery Trail, the house was used for storage of Confederate munitions when the Rebel forces held Bowling Green. Riverview is an elegant interpretation of a prosperous Victorian home of the 1860 to 1890 period and invites visitors to experience the life of a 19th century family and their servants.See more..
4.5Ward Hall(50 reviews) - Ward Hall, a treasure Historic Sites
Ward Hall is an architectural treasure and a must see in central Kentucky. With a fascinating history, Ward Hall tells a story of Kentucky history that is intriguing. The preservationists who have adopted this project are to be commended for their efforts to preserve the house and to share its significance. We have visited this property several times and each time, significant improvements have been completed. Visit this home and support the work of those who are working to improve it and to share it.See more..
4.5Governor's Mansion(47 reviews) - Time and date of tours is very limited Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
Built in 1914 as the new Governor's mansion, this is the oldest official governor's residence in the United States.See more..
It was a neat little area with information about the Lincoln family. There is a few original buildings with some replica cabins in two locations. I went to late in the day - the museum and buildings close at 5 - but did walk around and take pictures while reading the signs.See more..
Great mill, good location and a perfect spot for a picnic and to stretch your legs as you’re traveling. They do mill demonstrations, so check out their Facebook page to see if they are milling when you go by. There’s a gift shop and a restroom nearby as well as walking trails and a picnic table. A must stop if you’re traveling through!See more..
The fort is a civil war earthen fort at the top of a hill in Glasgow. It was the site of a battle and is located on the grounds of the Glasgow Cemetery. You can see and walk the earthen works fort and entrenchments and several cannons are there too. It is free and open access during daylight hours.See more..
4.5Spalding Hall(38 reviews) - Fun & Fascinating Historic Sites
Housed inside a gorgeous federal-style home built in 1819 is the Spalding Hall Historical Museum and the Oscar Getz Museum under one roof. As you wonder through this gorgeous home you will discover that both museums are interconnected in an easy flowing manner. Oscar Getz was a liquor salesman and amassed a huge collection of rare Whiskey artifacts. There is no admission charge but there is a box for donations; completely optional. There are so many unique things to mention: the oldest whiskey bottle with a combination lock, Carrie Nation's original hatchet (she used to chop up saloons during prohibition), Jesse James' hat and the list goes on and on. Definitely a fun stop!! There is also a very friendly curator on hand to answer any questions.See more..
We stayed at the West Airbnb right on the river, and it was such a beautiful, picturesque view of the Ohio River. The house was very comfortable and well maintained. The entire visit from the Winery, to the Youngblood Corner Cafe, to the General Store and finally ending our weekend with a delicious dinner at the Beehive. This was a sister weekend and we took in every part of Augusta Ky on a beautiful Fall weekend October 28-30, 2022. Thank you Augusta we will return. The Ohio Sisters.See more..
4.0Switzer Covered Bridge(35 reviews) - One of Kentucky’s Few Remaining Covered Bridge Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Bridges
This gorgeous covered bridge spans 120ft across the Elkhorn Creek. Originally build in 1855 it was restored in 1989, and severely damaged and rebuilt in 1997 due to flooding. Thanks to its proximity to the state capital, it also holds the title of Kentucky’s Official Covered BridgeSee more..
we visited Fort Duffield after passing the sign on 31W many times. I had called the commerce dept to ask about and they had someone meet us there and give a tour. It was great. This old Civil War fort never fired a shot. It was here to protect the approach to Louisville from Nashville. All or most of the deaths here were from disease. There are many earthworks still present and there are recreations of other things. The grave site for all who died was located and the remains disinterred and returned to the home state.See more..
I must say it is kind of run down without much to see, It deserves better than what it is now. the battle field is private property and you can not go on it. couple of good stories on plaques.. but...See more..
A rare civil war event. Union troops outnumbered 5 to 1 prevailed against one of the Confederate's best commanders. At least one of the buildings on the tour was there during the battle and served as a hospital. More nice surprises on the tour. Do not recommend attempting this tour in the dark or when the roads are snow or ice covered since a steep hill is involved.See more..
4.0William Arnold Log House(23 reviews) - William Arnold Log House Tuesday: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • History Museums
We stumbled upon this gem while on a local area photography day trip! We also had the fortune of showing up just as a historical society member was visiting the site. She gave us access, free reign to explore, and the time to take as many photos as we wished. The cabin was 216 years old at the time of our visit last week, and is amazing. There are two floors, each of which with fireplace, hearth and furnishings, including a book collection, from the period! From the pamphlet we were given, the hours of operation are as follows: Fridays, 11am-4pm, or by appointment by calling 859-824-9202 or e-mailing [email protected]See more..
If you are a friend or fan of Bluegrass Music, you owe it to yourself to make this pilgrimage to the place where it all began, Jerusalem Ridge. Nestled in a wooded area between Beaver Dam and Rosine, KY, you will find a lovingly restored home, and a group of devoted volunteers dedicated to preserving this rich history of home grown music, while celebrating the life and legacy of its founder, Bill Monroe. As we made our way through the home, our knowledgeable tour guide, Faye, kindly shared stories of the family, the original farm and Bill’s early days as a child. As we sat in the swing on the front porch, it was easy to envision a shy little boy hiding out underneath, trying to escape being picked on by family and neighbors. So, if you are traveling I-165, and find yourself about half way between Bowling Green and Owensboro, you are just minutes from this historic site. In Bill’s on words... “I’m on my way back to the old home, The light in the window I long to see.”See more..
4.5Dinsmore Homestead(16 reviews) - A great tour! Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Cemeteries
If you enjoy history and love older homes this is the tour for you. My wife and I took the tour and thouroughly enjoyed ourselves. Our tour guide Amy did an excellent job taking us throughout the home and other buildings. She was very knowledgeable about the property and it was a very educational tour. Thanks Amy! The price is right also!See more..
3.5Civil War Fort at Boonesboro(16 reviews) - A nice hike to an earthenware fort Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Lookouts • Educational sites
The earthwork fortification was built by Union Soldiers to defend the ford and ferry at Boonesboro. A scenic trail provides a beautiful view of the Kentucky River. Self-guided tour. A moderately strenuous, wooded one-mile loop trail that provides panoramic views of the Kentucky River Valley. Pet friendly.See more..
4.0Bell's Tavern(15 reviews) - Roadside ruins of an entrepreneur that originally made money off Lincoln’s Kentucky link Historic Sites
This is right off the roadside in Park City, KY. There is a small park behind the ruins. It is a sizable installation, that apparently burned to the ground some time back. It’s worth a quick stop to take in the site, grab a pic, and move on.See more..
4.5Jack Jouett House Historic Site(14 reviews) - LOCAL HISTORY AT ITS BEST Tuesday: Spent < 1 hour Visitor Centers • Historic Sites • Architectural Buildings
The Jack Jouett House Historic Site is a historic house museum owned and operated by the Woodford County Fiscal Court. It was the home of Captain John (Jack) Jouett, Jr., the Revolutionary War hero whose 40-mile ride through the backcountry of Virginia most likely saved American Independence. In Kentucky, Jack was a legislator, farmer, horse breeder, and distiller. Jack’s wife was Sally Robards Jouett. Their son, Matthew Harris Jouett (one of the 19th century’s most gifted and well-known portraitists), grew up in the home. The museum is open April through October on Fridays 1-5), Saturdays (10-5), Sundays (1-5), and Mondays (12 - 2) and by appointment all year. The frontier homestead includes a 1780s stone cabin, used as a kitchen by the Jouetts, and a 1797 Federal-style brick house with parlor, dining room, and three bedrooms. The grounds feature a Colonial Herb Garden, a Native Tree Walk, and a Woodford County Quilt Trail quilt square.See more..
Home of the first white explorer to travel through the Cumberland Gap.See more..
5.0William Whitley House(13 reviews) - Great Place For a Family Reunion! Tuesday: Historic Sites
William Whitley House State Historic Site is a park in Crab Orchard, Kentucky. It features the home of Kentucky pioneer William Whitley and his wife, sharpshooter Esther Whitley. The home was built as a fortress against Indian attacks sometime between 1787 and 1794. The house was made of brick, and marked a transition in the area from log cabins to more formal homes. The site became part of the park system in 1938, and the house was restored by locals between 1948 and 1955. It features a covered picnic shelter, a small park area for the kids, and house tours. My family has had several gatherings here over the years and I can attest it is a nice place to visit. If your looking for a peaceful spot to gather with family, this is it.See more..
5.0Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall(10 reviews) - Moving. Great memorial park. Spent < 1 hour Historic Sites • Monuments & Statues
In 2011, the American Veterans Traveling Tribute approached local Hardin County veterans in the hopes to bring a permanent replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to Elizabethtown, KY. The project was approved by the City of Elizabethtown and land from the Elizabethtown Nature Park was chosen to house The Wall project. The newly formed Hardin County Veterans Tribute Group began fund-raisinSee more..
4.5Historic Cobblestone Path(10 reviews) - just stumbled upon this path Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks
After we do everything we want to do in a new town, we spend some time just driving around looking for interesting things. That's how we came across this old cobblestone path. Of course we had to stop to check it out. We learned in 1785 it was the main road into Bardstown and in 1792 it became a military road. The fact that it has survived all this time is just amazing. It isn't that easy to walk on but we were walking on history so the few stumbles/slips didn't bother us. Even if you don't want to walk down/up the path it's still worth checking out in my opinion.See more..
4.5Old Richardsville Road Bridge(8 reviews) - Known for its beauty and historic significance and for being haunted! Historic Sites • Bridges
My husband and I were visiting Bowling Green and toured the downtown area as well as some of the historic places. The Old Richardsville Road Bridge was recommended as a beautiful place to take photos. The bridge was built in 1889 by the King Iron Company of Cleveland, Ohio. According to available information, it is one of the last bridges of its. kind. It is a span bowstring, arch truss bridge that spans 138.1 ft. and runs across the Barren River. Currently, it is closed except for foot traffic. However, it is suggested that you precede at your own risk. The Old Richardsville Road Bridge was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in November of 1980. The residents are aware of the supernatural force surrounding the landmark and there are many versions of the tale. You can check them out on the website. See more..
4.5Logan County Archives and Genealogical Society(6 reviews) - Confederate Kentucky Tuesday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM Spent 2-3 hours Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Historic Walking Areas • Architectural Buildings • Government Buildings
The front of our building is a two-story red brick structure that once served as the jailer's residence. The rear of our building is a grey stone block jail with three very high windows that face west and east. We are located across from the local Post Office, beside the County Sheriff's department, and on opposite corners from the new County Court House.See more..
