Kentucky Museums and Memorials

Preserving Kentucky's Past

From Muhammad Ali to "Father of Bluegrass" Bill Monroe, Kentucky’s multifaceted heritage is kept alive at dozens of world-class museums around the state. Hear the strains of Kentucky’s musical history at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, and learn about the artists who changed music forever at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Renfro Valley. Celebrate the champions of horse racing at the Kentucky Derby Museum, and experience a different kind of horsepower at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, the only place in the world where "America's sports car" is manufactured.

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky, as was his future wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. You can visit many historic sites and house museums related to both families along the Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail. Louisville is home to several state-of-the-art museums; explore the life of “The Greatest” at the Muhammad Ali Center, or delve into Kentucky’s bourbon history (and many more topics) at the Frazier History Museum.

And if that weren’t enough, the commonwealth's repository, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort and smaller museums around the state offer glimpses into Kentucky people, places and stories. From the American Cave Museum to the Historic RailPark & Train Museum, there is no shortage of fascinating experiences in the Bluegrass State.

Trip Inspiration

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Kentucky Appalachians Trail Towns

Kentucky Appalachians

Thousands of miles of trails and waterways criss-cross Kentucky, offering endless opportunities for long-distance adventures and day trips alike. Along these trails, numerous communities have been designated as Kentucky Trail Towns – places where you can find supplies and guides, lodging, a hearty meal and a friendly hello during your travels.

Elkhorn City

The 16-mile section of Kentucky’s Russell Fork River between Haysi, Virginia, and Elkhorn City, Kentucky, is known as the place to go for the area’s best whitewater and is home to one of the country’s classic creek runs. While the upper section runs betweenclass II-IV, an October dam release pumps up the fun to class V rapids in t he stunning 1,600-foot Breaks Gorge section, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the South.”

Morehead

As part of their trail town efforts, the community of Morehead successfully rerouted the Sheltowee Trace, Kentucky's longest trail, to travel through the heart of downtown Morehead. Now, trail users will be able to explore town and find whatever they may need, before heading back out on their journey. Just outside of Morehead is Cave Run Lake which has a trail system of 100 miles, and is very popular among mountain bikers and equestrians. The Daniel Boone National Forest surrounds the lake and much of the Morehead area, providing seemingly endless opportunities for exploration.

Olive Hill

Overflowing with small-town charm, Olive Hill offers big opportunities to explore Kentucky’s great outdoors. Flowing right through downtown, Tygarts Creek carves a natural gorge on both sides of the city, while Carter Caves State Resort Park, one of Kentucky’s oldest, offers 30 miles of hiking trails over its 1,800 acres. Full of rich history, the town is today known for music, community events and its historic depot offering a glimpse of the past.

Royalton

The rural community of Royalton features Kentucky’s longest Rails to Trails Project, the Dawkins Line Rail Trail, cutting right through the center of town. It’s popular among hikers, bikers and equestrians, and a bike store right next to the trail head offers rentals, gear, shuttle service and everything you need to hit the trail. For added convenience, a local restaurant, gas station and retail store are located at the trail head as well.

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