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Head southwest to see a number of destinations that introduce you to Lincoln’s early years which shaped his destiny. Kentucky boasts the longest explored cave system in the world and is where all Corvettes in the world are manufactured. History to horsepower, this is an area to explore during a stretch between events.
We have the trip for you!
First stop is Lincoln’s boyhood home at Knob Creek--his home from the time he was 2 ½ to nearly 8. From Lexington take U.S. 60 West to Exit 72 (Martha Layne Collins Bluegrass Parkway). Proceed on Bluegrass Parkway to Exit 21 (Bardstown, U.S .31E). Follow US 31E South for approximately 20 miles; entrance on right.
Next stop on your Lincoln odyssey is the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park. A replica of an early 19th century cabin is enshrined inside the magnificent Memorial Building. Also on the site is Sinking Spring, which provided water for the property. From his Boyhood Home at Knob Creek, turn right onto US 31E. Proceed southwest for approximately 10 miles and you’ll see the picnic entrance on left and main entrance on your right.
While in this area, visit the town of Hodgenville and the Lincoln Museum. This site chronicles Lincoln’s life with memorabilia, dioramas and an art gallery.
From Hodgenville, continue southwest on KY84 to I-65.
Once on I-65, many options are worthy of consideration. The exit 58 at Horse Cave provides a little bit of Australia right here in Kentucky-- Kentucky Down Under. Discovered in1799, less than a decade after Kentucky became a state, Kentucky Caverns is still one of the most beautiful and easily accessible caves in the US and is located on this property.
Or at Cave City take Exit 53 to Mammoth Cave National Park. The longest cave system in the world offers tours for anyone with any degree of hiking ability. There’s an historic tour or take of the many others that afford different sights. For the more outdoors adventurer there’s an introduction to caving and a Wild Cave Tour.
As you head back to I-65, Dinosaur World is on your right. From the fossil dig, to the bone yard, this family-friendly property may entice kids to become paleontologists.
Back down I-65 brake for the National Corvette Museum at Exit 28 in Bowling Green. Dine at the new Corvette Café. Come September they will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the museum with the opening of the 47,000-square-foot expansion. The Corvette is America’s Sports car and this is the place to see the rotating collection of this car.
Stay awhile and explore Bowling Green. The charming town square and Western Kentucky University make this a both nostalgic and modern city to visit. Stop at the Visitor’s Center and map out more adventure. Located just off I-65 exit 22, about 1/4 mile down Three Springs Road just look for the brown log cabin on the left.
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