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.

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There's Only One Bourbon Country

Bourbon, Horses & History Bluegrass, Horses, Bourbon, and Boone Region

The Scots have their scotch; Italians, their wine; Russians, their vodka… In America, we have our bourbon, “America’s Native Spirit.” Bourbon is the only spirit that is a distinctive product of the United States.

In Kentucky we take great pride in that, considering that 95 percent the world’s bourbon is distilled, aged and bottled right here in the state’s bourbon country. This corn-based, caramel-colored sipping icon is big business for the Bluegrass State. But more than industry, bourbon is a culture, a history and heritage built by generations of Kentuckians beginning in the18th century. Today, you too can experience the culture of Kentucky bourbon country.

KENTUCKY BOURBON TRAIL® AND OTHER DISTILLERIES

Follow the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail® through the heart of bourbon country and visit 47 member distilleries and others located in bourbon country. Experience the bourbon making process, view the facilities and the amazingly beautiful surrounding landscapes, and then stick around for an after-tour bourbon tasting.

URBAN BOURBON EXPERIENCES

After you’ve toured bourbon country by day, you can experience the Urban Bourbon Experiences in Louisville by night. The trail consists of “the world’s best bourbon bars,” all of which must serve at least 50 different kinds of bourbon and hold at least one bourbon-related event each month. Many even specialize in bourbon-related food dishes. Use the search below to explore more about bourbon attractions and events. Bourbon Attractions

NOTE: All bourbon attractions are available in English only.

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