Just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, the “Top of the South” welcomes you to Kentucky with outdoor adventure, fascinating history and bourbon galore.

Adventure flows all along the scenic waterways and byways of the Northern Kentucky River Region. Here, you can explore Kentucky’s bourbon culture along the B-Line or enjoy a relaxing float down the Licking River. Paddling, biking and birding are among the many outdoor pursuits in this region, and idyllic water views are just about everywhere you look. Enjoy archery or clay shooting at the prestigious Elk Creek Hunt Club, then treat yourself to a glass of local wine at Elk Creek Vineyards – one of several wineries in the region.

More Things To Do In The Northern Kentucky River Region

The vibrant riverfront cities of Covington, Newport and Maysville reveal gems like quaint MainStrasse Village and Newport on the Levee, an entertainment complex featuring dining, shopping, nightlife and the world-renowned Newport Aquarium. Taste the past, present and future of Kentucky bourbon at distilleries such as Old Pogue and New Riff, and visit Boone County Distilling Co. to learn why they say their bourbon is "made by ghosts." Perhaps the best way to experience Northern Kentucky's bourbon scene is on The B-Line, a trail of bourbon distilleries, bars and restaurants that winds through the region before you journey deeper into Bourbon Country.

 

Explore Kentucky history at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, home to a bison herd and many prehistoric fossils belonging to mammoths and mastodons that once roamed this region. See an authentic Civil War battle reenactment at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. Flemingsburg, the Official Covered Bridge Capital of Kentucky, is a photographer's dream. And the awe-inspiring Ark Encounter is a must-stop, whether you're interested in Bible history or just want to see a modern engineering marvel; this true-to-scale replica of Noah's Ark is the largest timber-frame structure in the world. 

Trip Inspiration

An Unforgettable Family Trip Through Western Kentucky

Western Waterlands Caves, Lakes & Corvettes

Lifestyle, home and family content creators PJ & Thomas recently took their family of five on an unforgettable tour of western Kentucky. Their four-day road trip was jam-packed with family fun, from venturing through the world’s longest cave system to speeding down the state’s only alpine slide to getting an up-close-and-personal visit with native wildlife.

 

We’ve got the deets on their full adventure to help inspire the perfect itinerary for your western Kentucky vacation.

 

Day 1

 

Check into a lake-side cottage at Lighthouse Landing Resort and Marina in Grand Rivers. Set on Kentucky Lake, Lighthouse Landing is the perfect destination for a tranquil winter escape or a sunny summer lake adventure. Book a lake cruise or rent a kayak or sailboat to explore on your own. It’s a fantastic fishing destination, too.

 

Lighthouse Landing offers one-, two-, and three-bedroom cottages, a guest house vacation rental, a guest room and an RV park to match your accommodation needs.

 

Day 2

 

Start your day with a wildlife excursion at Woodlands Nature Station in Cadiz. Discover the local fauna of western Kentucky, including owls, snakes, American bald eagles, groundhogs and more, through interactive wildlife presentations and programs.

 

Family looking at owl at Woodlands Nature Station in Kentucky

 

Continue your nature tour in Golden Pond at Elk & Bison Prairie. Drive along a 3.5-mile loop to see bison, elk, wild turkeys, rabbits, butterflies, hawks and more species on this 700-acre native grassland habitat.

 

Now that you’ve worked up an appetite, dig into a western Kentucky-style BBQ lunch at Triplet’s BBQ. Try pulled pork, smoked chicken and brisket doused in your choice of two sauces, the locally inspired Hollis Sauce and the Kansas City-inspired Dr. Pepper Sauce.

 

After lunch, head back to the resort for a little R&R. This downtime is perfect for exploring the antique shops and boutiques of downtown Grand Rivers. And be sure to walk down to the lighthouse for breathtaking views and stunning photo ops.

 

For dinner, head to Patti's 1880's Settlement. Patti’s is known for its two-inch thick pork chops, homemade flower pot bread and “Mile High” meringue pie, but you can’t go wrong with any of the Southern and regional favorites here. Along with a mouthwatering meal, your family will love the mini-golf course, rock wall, gold panning, log cabin village, boutiques and gardens.

 

Day 3

 

Ready for an other-worldly adventure? Take the underground cave boat tour at Lost River Cave. Leading you along the riverbank before your group embarks into the cave by boat, your guide will detail the cave’s unique history and the folklore surrounding it. After your tour, visit the seasonal butterfly habitat (open Memorial Day through Labor Day).

 

Here, you’ll find a menu full of burgers, sandwiches, tenders and salads. Try the derby pie or bourbon bread pudding for dessert. Then, stop by the Stingray Grill in Bowling Green for lunch at the onsite National Corvette Museum.

 

After lunch, go for an adrenaline-fueled afternoon of zip lining, rock climbing, go-karting and zooming down the state’s only alpine slide at Mammoth Valley Park in Cave City.

 

Little girl on the apline slide at Mammoth Valley Park in Kentucky

 

At the end of the day, check into a fully furnished modern cabin at Maple Retreat Cabins in Park City before grabbing a slice or two from Cave City Pizza.

 

Day 4


 

Round out your trip with a visit to Mammoth Cave National Park. Book your tour and delve underground into the world’s longest-known cave system. You and your crew can choose from a variety of tour options, from the two-hour Historic Tour for all ages to the extreme six-hour Wild Cave Tour for adults.

 

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