Learn the best things to do in Kentucky on a road trip with friends or family.
Kentucky is probably not on your bucket list, but you might want to rethink that. The state has a lot to offer visitors.
After all, it’s the home of bluegrass music, horse racing, and bourbon, and it’s where Kentucky Fried Chicken was born. (And I doubt you’ll ever meet nicer people than those you find in Lexington.)
The weather is relatively mild year-round too. Perfect for exploring the state’s gorgeous landscapes and walking around Louisville, its biggest city.
Is there anything fun to do in Kentucky?
There are a lot of fun things to do in Kentucky, especially on a road trip. It’s an easy drive through rolling green hills, past horse farms, bourbon distilleries, fried chicken joints, and caves.
On our family road trip through Kentucky, we drove a loop that included Louisville, Lexington, and made some quirky and unforgettable stops along the way. (Note: Although we did this with two elementary-aged kids, this road trip would be fantastic for just grown-ups, too.)
What’s special in kentucky
Check out these 10 special, fun, scenic things to do in Kentucky:
#1: Explore the Longest Cave in the World
We love visiting national parks so hitting up Mammoth Cave National Park near Bowling Green was a no-brainer. It’s home to the world’s longest cave (405 miles!) and there are 9 tours to choose from, each exploring a different part of the cave.
We signed up for the Violet Lantern tour because it sounded kind of spooky to do a 3-hour, underground hike by lantern. But I’m going to be honest: It was interesting for about 20 minutes and then it was a bore. It was dark and we were in a part of the cave that doesn’t have a lot of formations, so there wasn’t anything to see and the ranger’s stories weren’t very intriguing.
I was kicking myself for not choosing the Domes & Dripstones tour, which I was also considering. That tour is only two hours, is well-lit and goes through the most decorative parts of the cave. When you go, definitely choose that one!
There’s also hiking above ground. We did a relatively quick and easy walk called Cedar Sink Trail (roundtrip it was about 1 hour). At the end of the trail, you reach a sinkhole with a milky green creek running through it.
You can also go horseback riding or rent kayaks and canoes to paddle down Green River, which is about 200 feet wide and 10 feet deep and meanders through the park.
#2: Feed Kangaroos
Our absolute favorite activity of the entire road trip was feeding kangaroos at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. Whether you’re with kids or not, this is a must! The place is home to lemurs, parrots and a few other creatures, but the real reason you come here is for the kangaroos.
We got there right when the place opened, which was perfect because we were the only visitors in the kangaroo fields and they were hungry. We bought cups of food and listened to the instructions (no running or no touching them on the head).
As soon as we entered, kangaroos hopped over to us to get their munchies. It was AMAZING. We laughed and smiled the whole time and watched in wonder as a baby joey crawled into its mother’s pouch.
Other things to do at the zoo
The park also has a free-flight aviary of rainbow-colored lorries that you can feed. But know this: As soon as you walk in with cups of food, those birds will be all over you (especially if it’s the morning). It’s a little freaky at first, but then fun even if you get pooped on (two out of four of us did).
Other activities include:
- Farm-animal petting zoo
- Educational animal shows
- Cave tour (they have a cave on the property)
- Gemstone mining (a little hockey, but young kids love “discovering” the colorful rocks.)
#3: Eat Fried Chicken
You’re in the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken so it’s an absolute must to order some fried chicken and chow down. Head 32 miles outside of Louisville to reach the former headquarters of KFC in Shelbyville, Kentucky.
Colonel Sanders’ wife turned the building into a restaurant serving her “secret recipe” fried chicken and other southern sides. Or, just find a place in town that has a good rep for fried chicken, which is what we did.
Specifically, I was looking for a place to eat “hot chicken,” a Nashville specialty that I’d never tried before (it’s simply fried chicken with hot sauce added to the bread coating).
We ended up at Royals Hot Chicken on East Market Street in Louisville and the food was delicious. But what I liked most was the bourbon shake!
#4: Learn About the Kentucky Derby
To learn about the most famous horse race of all time, visit the Kentucky Derby Museum. It’s right next to Churchill Downs in Louisville. Watch the 360-degree movie of past races– it’s actually very moving – when you first arrive to set the mood. The movie runs on repeat throughout the day.
Then test your jockey skills on mechanical horses, see a display of the most outrageous hats, and take a run at being the race announcer (it’s harder than it seems!) in a recording booth where you’ll crack up listening to the playback.
#5: Frolic With Giants
When is the last time you frolicked? It’s probably been far too long. But I’ve got the perfect place for you to do it: The Bernheim Arboretum and Forest. It’s a 15,000-acre nature preserve 30 minutes south of Louisville that has huge, wooden giants scattered throughout the forested property.
There’s something about stumbling upon the giants, and the scenes they’re set in, that’s delightful for both grownups and kids. The giants are an installation created by Danish artist Thomas Dambo. Take the easy two-mile loop to see all of them.
#6: Sample Bourbon
Wanna sip a little bourbon while you’re in the state that invented it? You can visit Jim Beam or Buffalo Trace or any number of distilleries for a tour and tasting, but the best one is Maker’s Mark. I think it’s the most scenic spot in Kentucky!
A peaceful drive through green rolling hills eventually lands you at their sprawling property dotted with Victorian farmhouse buildings, a creek and a pond.
The distillery is a national historic landmark since bourbon-making is a true part of American history – it’s the only liquor originally created in this country.
Initially, we weren’t going to visit a distillery because we had the kids with us and we’re not huge fans of drinking hard alcohol (mixed drinks only!). But I’m so glad we went.
I was really impressed by how interesting they made the tour. We got to see big open vats of corn and wheat bubbling during the fermentation process, watch the bottles go down the factory line, eat bourbon-infused chocolate and sip six different kinds of bourbon.
They also have a gorgeous Dale Chihuly glass installation on the ceiling of one of the last buildings you walk through.
If you enjoy bourbon (or know somebody who does) you can buy a bottle in the gift shop and dip it yourself in the red wax that seals off the top. We didn’t do it, but it seems like a fun thing to do and would make a great souvenir or gift.
#7: Build a Terrarium
In the hip Nulu neighborhood of Louisville is the most incredible plant shop you ever did see. Mahonia is bigger than your average hipster plant shop (I’ve been to a few) and packed with tons of home inspiration – earthy colors, air plants, green plants, pottery, wreaths.
In the back is a build-your-own-terrarium section. You can pick from different glass containers, the elements to put inside (sand, rocks, sea glass, driftwood, etc.) and an air plant. One of my daughters had so much fun doing this and when she got home, she added a fairy figurine to it. Perfection!
There are a handful of other cute boutiques on East Market Street that you can check out, too. Grab my Kentucky Road Trip Guide to get a list of my favorites.
#8: Bet on Ponies
Going to Kentucky and not betting on horse races is like going to an ice cream shop and just eating a cone. You’d miss out on the main event. There are two famous racetracks you can visit: Churchill Downs (where they host the Kentucky Derby race) in Louisville and Keeneland Racetrack in Lexington.
We took a short tour of Churchill Downs and then later went to see live horse racing at Keeneland, which is the plan I’d recommend. The grounds at Keeneland are so green and much more scenic with horse farms and rolling hills beyond the track.
(Note: Be sure to look at the event calendar for whichever track you’re going to. Live racing only takes place on select days.)
Keeneland Races
We paid a bit more to purchase seats in the covered grandstand section, which offers shade and protection in case it rains. It has stadium seating, easy access to the betting area and bathrooms, and a fantastic view. The cost ranges from $10-$20 per person.
You can also buy general admission tickets for $5 and be right near the track, which is fun because the horses thunder past you. But there’s no reserved seating – just a few benches – and a crush of people near the track, all trying to look over each other’s heads.
There were multiple races that took place and before each one you could go into the courtyard to see the jockeys parade the horses around – I guess to figure out which horse you want to bet on. Definitely buy the program because that’s where you see the names and stats of the horses for each race.
Of course, knowing nothing about horse racing, we placed bets strictly on which names we liked best. We won the first race and lost all the rest, but since we were only betting a few bucks each time it was no big deal.
For fun souvenirs, swing by the Keeneland gift shop. We bought a poufy fascinator for my daughter to wear at the track (since we didn’t have any gigantic hats with us) and horseshoe-shaped earrings.
#9: Enjoy Mouthwatering BBQ
You’re in the south, so naturally you should make a beeline for barbecue. The best place to go? Blue Door Smokehouse in Lexington.
The place is tiny with a big reputation for serving tasty brisket, so expect a line and to fight for a table. Go early (otherwise meat might sell out!).
They also have pulled pork and chicken, smoked sausage, and southern sides like coleslaw, potato salad, and collard greens.
#10: Get Psyched About Sports
If you’re a fan of boxing or baseball, you’re in for a treat. The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville has everything you ever wanted to know about the heavyweight champion and Kentucky native.
Besides videos and memorabilia, you can shadow box with Ali, punch the speed bag and feel Ali’s powerful punch on a heavy bag.
Baseball fans shouldn’t miss the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. You can take a picture out front with the 120-foot baseball bat, swing replicas of bats used by baseball legends like Babe Ruth and try to knock one out of the park in the simulated batting case. If you sign up for the tour, you even get a mini bat to take home.
Wanna know more? Get the 5-day itinerary guide that maps out the route and activities to do each day along with the best places to stay and eat.
Because why make things harder for yourself?
Happy travels,
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