As a native Kentuckian, I know
firsthand that my state is often written off as being “boring” or “uninteresting,”
but I’m here today to shatter that misconception.
In reality, Kentucky boasts some of America’s most breathtakingly
beautiful geography as well as a wealth of interesting (and often quirky)
historical locations. From out of an
overwhelmingly long list of places worth visiting and things worth seeing in
the Bluegrass State, I am pleased to present you with the top five places to add to your Kentucky Bucket List.
1. Mammoth Cave National Park
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Mammoth Cave, located in South Central Kentucky, is one of the state’s most impressive attractions. At over 400 miles long, it holds the prestigious honor of being the longest known cave system in the entire world. Visitors to the National Park can take guided tours through many parts of the cave from several different entrances, and they can also go camping, hiking, bicycling, horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, or fishing in the forests and river included in the park.
2. My Old Kentucky Home
In the quaint little city of Bardstown stands My Old Kentucky Home, the house that inspired renowned songwriter to pen what is now our State Song. A state park now encompasses the house and surrounding grounds, where you can tour the building, golf, or camp. There is also an outdoor theater that presents The Stephen Foster Story musical every summer—it’s a performance you don’t want to miss!
3. Abbey of Gethsemani
Nestled among the idyllic rolling hills south of Bardstown lies one of Kentucky’s most unique treasures—the Abbey of Gethsemani, America’s oldest functioning monastery. Run by Trappist monks, parts of the monastery are opened to visitors as a retreat. You can stop by for the day or stay for a whole weekend (as long as you make reservations well in advance!). Many areas of the monastery and grounds are reserved as places of silence, creating an atmosphere that lends itself to self-reflection and spiritual growth. The monks are also known for the cheese, fruitcake, and other food products that they make and sell to help support their way of life.
4. Shaker Village
Another interesting religious location in Kentucky is Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a community founded in the early 1800s by the Shakers, a religious sect that practiced celibacy and believed in gender and racial equality. Today, the village is preserved as Kentucky’s largest National Historic Landmark and the nation’s largest collection of original 19th century buildings. Visitors can tour the village and watch reenactments of Shaker life, spend the night in the inn or one of the restored cottages, ride in a horse drawn carriage, or make a short trip to the nearby Kentucky River for a ride on a paddle wheel riverboat. If you’re looking for the perfect blend of history, fun, and distinctive regional flavor, Shaker Village is the place for you!
5. Natural Bridge State Park
In a state filled with such astounding natural beauty, it seems fitting to both begin and end with two of Kentucky’s greatest geographical attractions. Natural Bridge State Park in eastern Kentucky is home to a 65-foot-high natural sandstone arch, by far the largest of its kind in the state. Visitors to the park can hike to the arch and climb up to the top by steps carved in the stone, or they can enjoy a scenic ride to the top on a skylift. Besides the arch itself, the park also has a lodge, cabins, a campground, an outdoor pool area, a mini golf course, a woodland center, and a lake. There’s really something for just about everyone.
This list of five must-visit places is only scratching the surface of all of the beauty, history, excitement, and fun that Kentucky has to offer. It's just a starting point for all of the adventures you can have and the memories you can make in the Bluegrass State. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!
