Kentucky

The Bluegrass State offers a mix of outdoor recreation and adventure, a long history of bourbon and horses, and vibrant cities such as Louisville and Lexington. Explore the underground passageways at Mammoth Cave National Park and learn about the history of America’s most famous horse race at the Kentucky Derby Museum. Sample the spirits of Kentucky in Bourbon Country at famous distilleries such as Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark, and take in the museums, restaurants and nightlife of downtown Louisville.  

Bartender with brandy varieties at Copper & Kings in Louisville, Kentucky (photo by Terri Colby)

This distillery in Louisville, Kentucky, makes brandy in the heart of bourbon country, blasting its barrels with a steady dose of rock ’n’ roll music. 

Kid posing with Big Twigs statue at Lake Malone State Park in Dunmor, Kentucky (photo by Ruth Jackson)

Explore the grounds of this Dunmor, Kentucky, park to encounter these whimsical and photo-friendly figures.

Aerial view of Pinnacles Overlook at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park in Kentucky (photo by Annabeth Dye)

The Bluegrass State is brimming with history, adventure and great music. These four nationally recognized scenic routes provide insight into all the state has to offer.

Man bartending at The Ideal Bartender Experience in Louisville, Kentucky (photo by Crystal Ludwick Photo)

Explore the life and legacy of Tom Bullock, the first Black American to write and publish a cocktail recipe book, at this interactive re-enactment experience in Louisville, Kentucky.

People on Newport Gangster Tour in Newport, Kentucky (photo courtesy of American Legacy Tours)

Take this tour and learn how Newport, Kentucky, was a prototype for modern-day Las Vegas.

Men looking at quilts at National Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky (photo courtesy of Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau)

Visit this Paducah, Kentucky, museum that has nearly 700 quilts in its permanent collection and hosts a variety of temporary themed exhibits.

Women looking at horse at Second Stride Farm in Louisville, Kentucky (photo by Tom Adkinson)

Meet retired racehorses in the process of retraining at this Louisville, Kentucky, destination, where visitors can see the horses in the pasture and in their stables.

International Paranormal Museum in Somerset, Kentucky (photo courtesy of International Paranormal Museum)

Spanning various locations across Kentucky, this trail highlights haunted locations and creepy attractions throughout the Bluegrass State. 

Red River Gorge Geological Area (photo by Bill Fultz)

Located within the 42,000-acre Red River Gorge in Kentucky, this area is full of natural rock formations and trails so you can explore them. 

The Myriad Hotel in Louisville, Kentucky (photo by Kriech Higdon Photography)

Stay at this groovy Louisville, Kentucky, property that had a former life as a disco-ball factory. Today, it features cozy guest rooms and a vintage-style swim club.