5 Things to Do in the Dark in Kentucky and It’s Not What You Think

It's easy to assume that adventures in Kentucky are reserved for the daytime; after all, that's when most of us embark on hikes, sightseeing tours, and food excursions. But there's an entire side to the Bluegrass State you'll miss out on if you head home when the sun goes down. And we're not just talking about bars and late-night eateries here—these are some one-of-a-kind activities that are best enjoyed in the dark.

1. Go for a haunted Louisville ghost tour

To tour Louisville by day is an unparalleled experience. But by night? That's another story altogether. Companies like Louisville Historic Tours offer exceptional, eye-opening, and yes, hair-rasing tours of what's been deemed America's Most Haunted Neighborhood. Old Louisville is characterized by historic mansions, churches, and parks brimming with paranormal activity.

2. Catch a movie at the drive-in

Going to the drive-in movie theatre is a timeless experience, and Kentucky has a handful of them open year-round. Calvert Drive-In is a classic option, and it's open Tuesdays through Sundays, offering a single screen with double feature showings. They also show a combination of new releases and vintage movies, meaning there's something for everyone. Don't forget to order a burger and popcorn! (You can check out the full menu here).

3. See the Moonbow at Cumberland Falls

Have you ever heard of a Moonbow? Sometimes referred to as a lunar rainbow or a white rainbow, this rare phenomenon happens when light from the moon is refracted in tiny water particles. It happens only under a full moon, and it's absolutely breathtaking. You can check out the Moonbow schedule to see when the next one is expected.

4. Play glow-in-the-dark mini-golf

Mini golf is tons of fun by day, but at night, it's a new adventure altogether. Destinations such as Ralph's Fun Center in Glasgow, KY offer Blacklight Mini-Golf on a pirate-themed indoor course. Participants of all ages will love the hand-painted course, and the real star of the show is the giant pirate ship that takes center stage. Whether you're looking for a rainy-day activity or a nighttime adventure, you'll be so glad you checked out this fun-filled mini-golf course.

5. Go stargazing

Kentucky may have some densely populated cities but there are still plenty of dark places to enjoy a celestial show. State parks are a wonderful place to go stargazing in Kentucky, and some of the best include Mammoth Cave National Park, Pennyrile State Forest, and Land Between the Lakes Recreational Area. Land Between the Lakes is especially popular among night sky enthusiasts because of its educational opportunities and Golden Pond Planetarium.

So there you have it: a handful of ideas for exploring our great state after the sun goes down. Who would you want to embark on these adventures with? Feel free to share this article with them! For even more travel inspiration, check out our ultimate Kentucky Bucket List.