Kentucky is home to many unique places and attractions that can’t be found anywhere else. There's Only One:
American Saddlebred Capital of the World – Shelbyville
Shelbyville/Shelby County is the "American Saddlebred Capital of the World." Visit one of our historic Saddlebred Horse Farms by appointment only. Tours generally last an hour and a half. They feature a hands-on tour of the grounds and a chance for horse ethusiasts to experience a training session. With a multitude of photo opportunities, don't miss out on a chance to see a mare & foal!
Belle of Louisville, National Historic Landmark – Louisville
The historic Steamer Belle of Louisville, built in 1914, is the oldest operating steam-driven river paddlewheeler in the country. This beautiful National Historic Landmark offers sightseeing excursions on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Cruises originate at the downtown Louisville Wharf. The Spirit, the Belle's sister riverboat docked at the same downtown wharf, is a replica of the fabled riverboats of by-gone days. Air conditioned and heated, she cruises on scheduled dates from February through New Years's Eve, offering lunch, dinner, & sightseeing cruises. (502) 574-2992 or 1-866-832-0011
Birthplace of Abraham Lincoln – Hodgenville
Built at the location of Lincoln's birth the solid marble, neoclassical monument houses the symbolic cabin of Lincoln's birth. Be sure to see the audiovisual presentation in the Visitor Center and the Sinking Spring where the Lincoln's drew their water. Site now includes Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek (see separate listing). Memorial Day to Labor Day there will be a ranger program daily. Hours Memorial Day to Labor Day 8am-6:45pm.Picnic area.
Lincoln's birthplace is one of the stops on Kentucky's Lincoln Heritage Trail.
Birthplace of Bluegrass Music, Bill Monroe – Rosine
Step back into music history at the beautifully restored boyhood home of Bill Monroe, the "Father of Bluegrass Music." Imagine the musician's life with his family high on wooded Jerusalem Ridge. Guided tours are given, often by those who knew Bill or members of his family. Located 6 miles east of Beaver Dam.
Birthplace of Jefferson Davis – Fairview
A 351-foot concrete obelisk marks the birth site of Jefferson Davis, June 3, 1808.
Birthplace of Loretta Lynn – Country Music Highway – Butcher Hollow
Loretta Lynn's birthplace is nestled between two fog-shrouded mountains up a "holler" just two miles southeast of the coal mining camp of Van Lear.
Bourbon Country – Central Kentucky
There's Only One Bourbon Country, the place where you can discover all things bourbon and have barrels of fun in the process. Explore our site and see all that’s possible when you visit Bourbon Country, then plan a trip and experience it for yourself. If you’re ready to have the time of your life, just add bourbon.
Cumberland Falls, Niagara of the South – Corbin
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 found anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere
Cumberland Gap National Historic Park – Middlesboro
Cumberland Gap is indeed a national park of superlatives: rich history, spectacular scenery, impressive vistas, unique geologic sandstone formations, magnificent underground caverns, and abundant and diverse plant and animal life. Tour Hensley Settlement and experience life of a by-gone age of a 20th century mountain community. Explore with a ranger Gap Cave and learn about the formation of the cave system. Walk in the footsteps of Native Americans, early settlers and Civil War Soldiers along the Wilderness Road Trail. At the park's visitor center, enjoy browsing through the museum, Eastern National Bookstore and Cumberland Crafts. Almost 70 miles of hiking trails provide numerous opportunities to explore and discover.
Home of the Kentucky Derby, Churchill Downs – Louisville
The Worlds Most Legendary Racetrack. Churchill Downs is one of the most hallowed shrines in American Sports, and since its founding in 1874, has hosted the nation's top Thoroughbreds in competition for some of the sport's largest purses. On the first Saturday in May, the sports world's spotlight shines on Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby, known as the "Greatest Two Minutes in Sports." The Spring Race Meet runs from the last Sunday in April through the first Sunday in July. The Fall Race Meet runs from the last Sunday in October through the last Saturday in November.
Horse Capital of the World – Lexington
Lexington is know as the Horse Capital of the World due to the large concentration of horse farms in the area. It is also home to the Keeneland and Red Mile race tracks.
Houseboating Capital – Lake Cumberland
Located in South Central Kentucky, the lake is unquestionably the houseboat capital of the world. The shoreline measures 1,255 miles and is 101 miles longand about 1.5 miles across at its widest point.
International Barbecue Festival – Owensboro
Every second weekend in May, Owensboro springs to life with the wonderful smells and sounds of the International Bar-B-Q Festival. Smoke from hickory-stoked fires blends with the aromas of sizzling chicken, bubbling burgoo and roasting mutton to complete the festival atmosphere.
International Bluegrass Music Museum – Owensboro
State of the art, interactive museum dedicated to preserving and encouraging the growth of bluegrass music. See the changing exhibits, hear examples of the music from it's root to today's newest acts, take a guided tour with instrument demonstrations and try creating your own bluegrass mix. Discover the richness of bluegrass music through an exciting and educational experience. Be sure to attend ROMP (River Of Music Party) in June to celebrate Kentucky's own, Bluegrass Music!
Kentucky Derby Museum – Louisville
Located at Gate 1 of historic Churchill Downs, the Museum presents the traditions and excitement of the "greatest two minutes in sports." Highlights include 2 floors of interactive, horse racing-related exhibits, a 360-degree high-definition video presentation and a walking tour of Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Horse Park – Lexington
The park features horse presentations, museums, trail riding, unique horse farm tours and special events throughout the year.
Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area – Golden Pond
We invite you to re-discover the simple pleasures of playing in the outdoors at USDA Forest Service Land Between The Lakes National Recreation Area. Located in Western Kentucky and Tennessee, LBL offers 170,000 acres of wildlife, history and outdoor recreation opportunities, wrapped by 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline. There's so much to do, it's no wonder we're called the heartland's outdoor playground!
Lost River Cave – Bowling Green
Lost River Cave offers Kentucky's Only Underground Boat Tour. Nestled on the floor of the scenic valley, unseen from above, the Lost River disappears from view as you board the boat on the river that Ripley's Believe It or Not maintains is the shortest and deepest in the world. A comfortable 57 degrees year round, the boat tour offers a visit into the timeless world of the largest cave system in Bowling Green. Children of all ages will enjoy the safe, well-lit interior as they float through the ancient passages of the Lost River Cave. Walk our 2 1/2 miles of beautiful Blue Hole Trails and see native Kentucky wildflowers and a variety of trees, birds and wildlife. Discover the Seasonal Butterfly Habitat and the unique Blue Holes along the way.
Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory – Louisville
It takes a special place to craft the Official Bat of Major League Baseball. Experience history-in-the-making as you stroll through the factory where world famous Louisville Slugger baseball bats are made. Home of the World's Biggest Baseball Bat. Interactive exhibits along with bat factory tour. Batting cages. Free mini souvenir bat. Create your own personalized bat, just like the pros.
Mammoth Cave National Park – Cave City
Mammoth Cave National Park was established to preserve the cave system, including Mammoth Cave, the scenic river valleys of the Green and Nolin rivers, and a portion of the hilly country of south central Kentucky. This is the longest recorded cave system in the world with more than 367 miles explored and mapped. Admission to the national park is free. A fee is charged for camping and cave tours. Activities include cave tours, hiking, horseback riding, biking, picnicking, camping, backcountry camping, canoeing, fishing, and pleasure driving
Monte Cassino Chapel – Crestview Hills
This tiny chapel, measuring only six by nine feet, overlooks a pond near Thomas More College. Reportedly it was named as "Smallest Church in the World" by Ripley's Believe It Or Not in 1922. It was originally built in 1878 at a nearby monastery, then later moved to this site and restored.
Muhammad Ali Center – Louisville
The Muhammad Ali Center is a cultural attraction and international education center that is inspired by the ideals of its visionary founder Muhammad Ali. Featuring two-and-a-half levels of interactive exhibits and captivating multimedia presentations, the Ali Center carries on Muhammad's legacy and inspires the exploration of the greatness within ourselves. Includes an amazing five-screen orientation theater film, historical Civil Rights era media footage, an interactive timeline of Ali's life, video of Ali's fights, hands-on boxing fun, Howard L. Bingham and LeRoy Neiman exhibit galleries, children's Hope and Dream wall, Ali Center retail store, lunch cafe and more
My Old Kentucky Home – Bardstown
There's Only One Federal Hill which was the inspiration for Stephen Foster's ballad, "My Old Kentucky Home," which honors the state song. Built in 1812, it is as endearing to visitors today as when Foster wrote the song. HA first floor only.
National Corvette Museum – Bowling Green
This 115,000 sq. ft. showcase to America's sports car features more than 70 Corvettes. Visit the mid-century barbershop and service station, or make a stop on old Route 66 to see the cars that shaped our country's history. You'll see classics in mint condition, one-of-a-kind prototypes that never went into production, racetrack champions, and modern-day wonders of engineering and design. Interact with educational hands-on exhibits, enjoy a film in the theater, and see rare collectibles and memorabilia. Sit behind the wheel of a new model and register to drive one home. Enjoy a unique shopping experience in the Corvette Store which offers a wide selection of apparel, collectibles, home and gift items. Located 1/4 mile from the world's only Corvette Assembly Plant on I-65 exit 28.
National Quilt Museum – Paducah
Enjoy quilts and the stories they tell at this 30,000-square foot museum Expanding the Vision, Advancing the Art! Changing vibrant fiber exhibits showcase more than 150 superb contemporary, miniature and antique quilts. Lobby features quilt patterned stained glass windows and a gift and bookshop.
Red River Gorge – Slade
The Red River Gorge Geological Area is a great destination for remote back-country camping, hiking, or just taking in nature's splendid scenery. More than 80 natural arches, hundreds of miles of hiking trails, a 36-mile looping driving tour, and the Red River (Kentucky's only National Wild and Scenic River) are in store. Driving and tour maps are available at the Gladie Center, or by calling Stanton Ranger District at 606-663-2852.
Rosemary Clooney House – Augusta
Visit where Rosemary lived, and let the memories of yesteryear come back to you. Showcasing the largest private collection of "White Christmas" costumes and props around. See the original dresses that Rosie wore in the movies and on stage. There are also rooms dedicated to George Clooney, Nick Clooney and of course our very own "Miss America" Heather Frech Henry.
Sanders Café – Corbin
Eat where it all began. Colonel Sanders' original restaurant, the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken, has been carefully restored and is on the National Register of Historic Places. You will see it as it appears in the 1940's. Experience eating delicious Kentucky Fried Chicken in the Colonel's dining room and take in his innovative open-kitchen and model motel room. View the exhibits featuring the Colonel's artifacts and memorabilia from the early days of KFC. Souvenirs are available. No charge for viewing the museum. I-75, exit 29, south on 25E, then right on 25W.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill – Harrodsburg
The Shakers played an important role in American religious history, developing the longest lasting communal society. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is America’s largest restored Shaker community, with 34 carefully restored buildings and 3,000 acres of preserved farmland.
Self-guided walking tours wind through the village, where costumed interpreters chronicle Shaker life. Skilled artisans work at 19th century trades and historic farming and musical performances bring the past to life. Wagon rides wind through the village during the spring, summer and fall.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill invites guests to explore, dine, shop and stay the night, the weekend or the week at this treasured Kentucky landmark. Shaker Village is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to preserve and maintain the site of the Shaker community which once existed at Pleasant Hill.
St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption – Covington
The 100-year-old cathedral, the principal church in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Covingon, attracts 70,000 worshipers a year. This example of French-Gothic architecture resembles Notre Dame in Paris. There are more than 80 stained glass windows, including the largest stained glass church window in the world. It also houses such treasures as murals by Covington artist Frank Duveneck and the historic Matthias Schwab organ. $3 per adult for guided tours (groups of ten or more, advance reservation required), no charge for children and no charge just to visit.
World’s Championship Horse Show – Louisville
This exciting and prestigious event, held annually in conjunction with the Kentucky State Fair, crowns world champion Saddlebreds in different divisions each year. The show attracts people from all across the country and the world including more than 2,000 horses competing for over $1 million in awards.