Interstate 71

You can get a little bit of everything Kentucky has to offer along Interstate 71, which journeys from the urban center of Louisville of the Bourbon, Horses, & History Region through the picturesque Northern Kentucky River Region and showcases towns nestled along the Ohio River. Dive into one-of-a-kind adventures that will satisfy everyone from craft bourbon and beer sippers to botanical garden enthusiasts. Explore historic Main Streets, learn about Underground Railroad history at Oldham County History Center, mingle with horses on 13 farm tours in the Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky, or tour one of the nation’s top-ranked aquariums in Newport. Along the way, stop for delicious home cooking and rest your head at inns and lodges that offer genuine Southern hospitality.

Louisville

There’s enough to see and do in the Derby City to fill an entire vacation. But if you’re just passing through, we’ve got a few must-stop suggestions. Get a taste of Kentucky’s signature spirit at the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience, a key stopping point on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail^® and the Urban Bourbon Experiences. Here you can sip a variety of bourbons and take a distillery tour of this famous fixture of Louisville’s Whiskey Row.

You’ll have to go underground to see one of Louisville’s most amazing sights. If you’ve got a need for speed, embark on a true adventure at Louisville MEGA Cavern & MEGA Zips. This one-of-a-kind attraction is set deep below the city in a massive limestone cavern, which is home to six fully underground ziplines, challenge bridges and other activities that will get your heart racing with excitement.

Smithfield

Just outside Louisville, you’ll find good country cooking and a local, family-friendly atmosphere at Our Best Restaurant. This local institution since 1990 serves up everything from fried green tomatoes to homemade meatloaf to country ham, plus salads, sandwiches and more to keep you fueled for your drive.

Crestwood

Oldham County is known as the Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky, with 14 farms featuring educational tours, horse shows and more. You’ll even find buffalo, alpacas and botanical gardens in this pastoral wonderland. Learn about all the sites at Oldham Farm Tours Welcome Center.

La Grange

You’ve never seen a sight quite like the one in downtown La Grange, where freight trains run right down the center of Main Street. In the middle of it all, the Historic La Grange Main Street Shopping District is home to a unique collection of local shops, eateries and art galleries, with plenty of character to go around.

Carrollton

General Butler State Resort Park is a jewel of the Kentucky State Parks system. Hiking, biking, paddling and mini-golf are great ways to stretch your legs from driving, but the main attraction here is the hilltop Butler Lodge; with rich woodwork and soaring windows looking out onto the sweeping Ohio River Valley, the lodge offers 53 handsome guest rooms and a lounge where you can sip Kentucky bourbons and moonshines.

Petersburg

The Creation Museum in Boone County has become a mecca for travelers seeking a greater understanding of biblical history. This 75,000-square-foot museum pulls out all the stops to bring events depicted in the Bible to life, with a planetarium, botanical gardens and amazing animatronic displays that were developed by a former Universal Studios designer. Nearby, in Union, visit Big Bone Lick State Park.  

Newport

The last stop in Kentucky before crossing the Ohio River into Cincinnati, Ohio, is the city of Newport, where you’ll find vibrant dining, nightlife and attractions for the whole family at places like Newport on the Levee. One such attraction is the Newport Aquarium, which has been ranked as one of the top aquariums in the U.S. See everything from rare shark rays to penguins, as well as dive shows, feedings and touch tanks that will give the little ones all the feels. Or visit one or more stops on The B-Line and explore the taste and heritage of Kentucky Bourbon.