Kentucky is a great destination for all sorts of attractions, some more traditional than others. Of course, you can take the typical route of hiking, boating, or trying out our state's best bourbon, but if you prefer to keep things interesting, we have that covered! There are several unique roadside attractions, museums, and excursions all across the state, and we've rounded them up into one list. Check out these nine most bizarre attractions in Kentucky that will surely leave you scratching your head.
1. Hillbilly Garden and Toyland
Hillbilly Garden and Toyland can be found in Calvert City near Paducah and is the definition of a roadside attraction. At first, it may just seem like someone's collection of, well, junk, but when you stop and walk around you'll realize this place is filled with character and a lighthearted sense of humor. It's difficult to leave without a smile on your face! Learn all about this unique, artsy roadside stop in our previous article here.
2. Paradise Point Marketplace
Another can't-miss roadside attraction in Kentucky is Paradise Point Marketplace, which is located near Barren River Lake in Scottsville. It's a restaurant, shop, market, and attraction all in one, and is always a friendly place to stop when you're in the area. Grab one of their delicious hot dogs and walk around the property to see what bizarre things you can discover. For more on Paradise Point, check out our previous article here.
3. The Mother Goose House in Hazard
It's not every day you come across a home with a rather large goose on its roof, but you can see it as often as you want if you drive along Main Street in Hazard. This personal residence was built with a lot of creativity and the exterior stands proudly for all of us to enjoy and wonder about. Learn more about this bizarre house in our previous article here.
4. The Sinkhole at the National Corvette Museum
The National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green is often named one of the best attractions in Kentucky. Its most unique feature is definitely the sinkhole exhibit that gives a glimpse into the devastation of the event that took place in 2014. It may be a bizarre memory to feature, but it's definitely interesting! For more information on the museum, check out our previous article here.
5. Kentucky Coal Museum
The Kentucky Coal Museum and Portal 31 Exhibition Coal Mine are both intriguing attractions in Harlan County that are worthy of a visit. It's an unusual experience to go into a mine that was once a flurry of activity, and both the museum and tour will teach you quite a bit about this piece of Kentucky's history. For more information on these spots in Harlan County, check out our previous article here.
6. Jerry's Junk in Louisville
The intriguing backyard of a guy named Jerry, known as "Jerry's Junk," can be found at the corner of Frankfort Avenue and William Street on the east side of Louisville. Follow the yellow brick road (literally - he put one in) and wander around the outside of the gate to see what treasures he has hidden on his property. You may not be able to get through the gate, but don't worry; there is plenty to see from the outside. Learn more about the craziest backyard in Kentucky in our previous article here.
7. Ark Encounter
The Ark Encounter in Williamstown may be a controversial attraction in Kentucky, but it's hard to deny it is one of the most unique. Its size alone is mesmerizing, and with so many other attractions nearby (zip lining, animal encounters, etc.), it's a memorable destination in Kentucky. For more information on the Ark Encounter, check out our previous article here.
8. Dinosaur World
Dinosaur World is a fun-filled attraction in the popular Cave City area. You can walk around and experience life-sized dinosaurs, dig up fossils, play on the playgrounds, and other dino-themed activities. It's a lot of prehistoric fun all rolled into one roadside attraction. Learn more about Dinosaur World in our previous article here.
9. Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo in Horse Cave allows you to get up close and personal with a variety of exotic animals. Pet kangaroos and see how many birds will land on you, among other animal adventures. Learn more about this unique animal encounter in our previous article here.
Kentucky is a wonderfully unique state with plenty of bizarre attractions that give it character. How many of these intriguing spots have you visited? What else would you add? Let us know in the comments!
And for one more bizarre attraction in Kentucky, check out our previous article here.
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