26 Exciting Things to Do in Kentucky in 2026 (You’ll Want to Save This List)

Can you believe we're a quarter of the way through the 21st century? I'm not much on New Year's resolutions or goals, but each year I love looking back at the highlights of the previous year. Without fail, my highest points are always experiences. They're the community festivals, the delicious meals, the hometown traditions, the days on the lake, and the nights around a campfire. And now that we're just a handful of months away from 2026, now's the time to get serious about our Kentucky adventures.

Kentucky is abounding with opportunities; there are so many excellent restaurants, hikes, festivals, and parks that it may be challenging to decide what to do. To make these decisions a bit easier for all of us, I've whittled down the possibilities to 25 of the best things to do in Kentucky that I can still accomplish in 2025. Here it is!

1. Auxier Ridge Trail to Courthouse Rock

I can't wait to take this 4.2-mile out-and-back trail in the Red River Gorge Geological Area, which offers incredible views. The moderately challenging hike is open year-round and leads to Courthouse Rock, a large sandstone formation resembling a courthouse. It's one of the most recognizable natural formations in Red River Gorge. For more information, visit the Auxier Ridge Trail to Courthouse Rock on AllTrails.

Please note that parking is available at the Auxier Ridge Trailhead lot. However, it tends to fill up very quickly during the weekends, so plan to arrive early. Moreover, although the attraction remains beautiful throughout the year, the best seasons are late fall and early spring, when the views are much clearer, and the temperatures feel cooler.

2. Stay in a Cabin Airbnb with Pickleball, a Hot Tub, and Bourbon in Bardstown

This three-bedroom, two-bathroom Airbnb cabin has a beautiful living room, kitchen, and bedrooms, but its large barn is where it shines. It has a pickleball court, a movie theatre, and a ping-pong table. Its location in Bardstown is perfect for seeing the Bourbon Trail. For more details and availability, visit the cabin's Airbnb listing.

3. Eat at the River House Restaurant and Raw Bar in Louisville

River House Restaurant and Raw Bar is a delicious restaurant along the banks of the Ohio River in Louisville, serving delicious seafood dishes like Seared Diver Scallops and Chilled Seafood Salad. Award-winning chef John Varanese opened the restaurant in 2016. I love the incredible views from the restaurant's outdoor tables.

Please note that this restaurant is very popular. And, due to its prime waterfront location, it is essential to make reservations, especially on weekends or when you need a table on the facility’s patio.

4. Visit Mammoth Cave National Park in Cave City

If you've never been to Mammoth Cave National Park, or if it's been a while, consider this your nudge to go. The park has the world's longest cave system, and its history captivates all ages. Visitors can tour the caves, hike, ride horses, canoe, and camp in the park. Don't forget to buy an America the Beautiful Pass for an annual pass, which covers entrance fees to U.S. national parks and more.

When planning to visit, consider purchasing a ticket in advance through the recreation.gov website.

5. Take the Prohibition, Ghosts, Cocktails, and Bites Walking Tour in Louisville

This three-hour walking tour is the perfect date night or night out with friends. It blends Louisville's captivating ghost stories with vintage cocktails and snacks, taking tourists to city landmarks such as Whiskey Row and the Seelbach Hotel. For more information, visit the tour's listing on Fever. Please note that the age restriction is 21 years or older.

6. Enjoy Wildflowers at John James Audubon State Park in Henderson

This state park in Henderson is one of the best places in Kentucky to view spring wildflowers. John James Audubon State Park has six miles of hiking trails, a nature center, and a campground. The nature center offers scenic views, and the good news is that it is accessible even for people with mobility issues.

7. Attend Dawn at the Downs in Louisville

Dawn at the Downs is by far my favorite Derby event, and it's free to attend. During the weeks just before the running of the Kentucky Derby, you can spend early mornings at Churchill Downs watching the Oaks and Derby horses warm up on the race track. A quiet, crisp spring morning combined with beautiful, fast horses is magical. But don't fret if you've missed the main event; Churchill Downs offers year-round tours of the world-famous racetrack, hosted by the Kentucky Derby Museum.

Typically, the morning events start at around 7:00 AM and last for three hours. If you plan to attend the events, please arrive early to experience the most active training sessions or events.

8. Camp at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in Golden Pond

I am determined to cross this one off my Kentucky bucket list! This 170,000-acre inland peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley offers beautiful water views. Land Between the Lakes also offers biking, hiking, boating, swimming, horseback riding, and more.

This attraction in Kentucky offers diverse camping options, including self-service sites, backcountry locations, and four full-service developed campgrounds with amenities you may require, such as hookups and showers.

9. Visit the Fête de Noël Winter Holiday Festival in Louisville

This magical winter festival is the perfect place to enjoy the holiday season. Fête de Noël features an outdoor ice skating rink, a holiday market, photo opportunities with Santa, and trackless train rides for family-friendly fun. This winter holiday festival often takes place from late November through New Year's Day. Therefore, it offers you enjoyable holiday activities for several weeks in the city’s heart.

10. Eat at the Original KFC

At the Sanders Cafe and Museum, you can learn about the legendary Colonel Sanders and the history of Kentucky Fried Chicken while eating a delicious meal. The museum has interesting exhibits, including a model of the cafe's original kitchen and tons of memorabilia. This historic location, where the famous recipe for KFC was made possible, is known in its official capacity as the Harland Sanders Café and Museum. Its location is in Corbin, Kentucky.

11. Hike the Cumberland Falls via Eagle Falls Trail

This 1.8-mile moderately challenging loop trail offers hikers views of two stunning waterfalls – Eagle Falls and Cumberland Falls. The trail is open year-round in Cumberland Falls State Park. To learn more, check out why Cumberland Falls State Resort Park Is The Single Best State Park In Kentucky.

Please be aware that the trail includes numerous stone and metal steps and follows a cliff line in sections. For that reason, as a hiker, you need to be cautious and wear suitable footwear.

12. Stay at Raven Fox Farm in Versailles

This stunning five-bedroom Airbnb is perfect for a Kentucky summer getaway, thanks to its fabulous swimming pool. It's also near Keeneland, the Bourbon Trail, and one of my favorite hidden gems – the Kentucky Horse Park. Visit Raven Fox Farm's Airbnb listing for details and availability.

The Raven Fox Farm is a good size with multiple bedrooms, making it suitable for either a large family or a small group traveling together. Please refer to the Airbnb listing of the farm for more information.

13. Visit Crank and Boom Craft Ice Cream in Lexington

Crank and Boom Ice Cream has been voted the best in Lexington for twelve years running. Its mouthwatering signature flavors include Salted Caramel, Bourbon and Honey, and Kentucky Blackberry and Buttermilk. Wouldn't this be the perfect ending to a hot summer night?

14. Stay in The Kentucky Castle in Versailles

This one-of-a-kind castle hotel sits on over 100 beautiful green acres. The Kentucky Castle has 18 luxury guest rooms, a spa, and top-notch service. This Kentucky attraction features a reputable farm-to-table restaurant, Castle Farm, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Additionally, please note that the hotel is open to both overnight guests and the general public; however, it is recommended that you make a reservation in advance.

15. Have Breakfast at Con Huevos in Louisville

Con Huevos serves delicious Mexican breakfast dishes, including award-winning Tres Leches Pancakes. You can also enjoy Huevos Rancheros, Breakfast Tacos, and hand-crafted cocktails. This popular spot in Kentucky does not accept reservations. In that case, plan well so that you arrive right at opening time or in mid-morning to avoid longer wait times.

16. Stay at 21C Museum Hotel in Louisville

21C Museum Hotel is a fantastic place to stay in downtown Louisville, near excellent restaurants and attractions. The hotel has a contemporary art museum and a phenomenal restaurant, Proof on Main. The museum’s ground floor is fully accessible, and the hotel offers highly accessible rooms and facilities, including for individuals with mobility needs.

17. Explore Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park in Cumberland County

Dale Hollow Lake is the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon. Known for its stunning, clear water, this 28,000-acre lake is great for boating, fishing, and swimming. One of the lodging options within the park is the Mary Ray Oaken Lodge, which offers more than 555 rooms with private balconies providing excellent views of the lake. Furthermore, you have access to a large campground that is suitable for both tents and RVs.

18. Attend the Old Lou Brew Craft Beer Festival in Louisville

This October craft beer festival is an ideal way to embrace all that fall in Louisville has to offer while supporting Old Louisville. With more than 12 local breweries, food trucks, and live music, it's sure to be a good time. Often, the event is welcoming to people of all ages, and you can bring your dogs, too. However, if you need to purchase and consume beer, you must be at least 21 years old.

19. Visit Bernheim in Clermont

Berheim offers a treasure trove of outdoor space, family-friendly activities, crafts, naturalist-led discovery stations, and music. Children can also play in Bernheim Forest's extensive natural play area. You can access the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest daily, from as early as 7:00 AM until sunset.

20. Dine at The Joy Luck in Louisville

Taste some of Kentucky's best Asian food at The Joy Luck. With delicious dishes like Bourbon Chicken and Beijing Roast Duck, along with craft cocktails, dining here once in 2026 may not be enough. While it is generally okay to walk in to receive a service, it is recommended that you make a reservation, especially if you need a weekend dinner service, since it is a popular venue.

21. Take a Boat Ride in an Underground Cave in Rogers, Kentucky

The Gorge Underground, near Red River Gorge, offers boat, kayak, and stand-up paddleboard tours through an underground flooded limestone mine. Underwater LED lights let tourists see the mine and the rainbow trout. When you visit, please be aware that to access the cave entrance, you must go up a couple of stairs. Hence, if you are mobility-limited, please make this clear to the facility before booking.

22. Pick Pumpkins at Crawford Farms Pumpkin Patch in Elizabethtown

Celebrate fall at Crawford Farms by picking pumpkins, taking a hay ride, and visiting a petting zoo and corn maze. This family-owned farm has grown pumpkins since the 1980s and continues hosting families and field trips. You can visit the farm in the fall, from mid-September to the end of October. Therefore, it is an excellent seasonal experience.

23. Plan a Getaway to Bowling Green, Kentucky

Bowling Green is my top city to visit in Kentucky in 2026. There is so much to do and see with Lost River Cave, the National Corvette Museum, Aviation Heritage Park, Fountain Square Park, and the Kentucky Museum. The city also has excellent hotels. For your convenience, the facility groups attractions, including the National Corvette Museum and the NCM Motorsports Park, which you can access near I-65. On the other hand, you can access the Fountain Square Park and the Kentucky Museum from the downtown area.

24. Sip Champagne at The Champagnery in Louisville

The Champagnery is a posh champagne bar that serves sparkling wines, beer, cocktails, and food. It's fantastic any time of year, but it shines during the holiday season. Although the location has a sense of sophistication and intimacy, the seating is comfortable, and the decor is elegant. The environment is ideal for a date night or any other special event or celebration.

25. Take a Day Trip to Big Bone Lick State Park

Big Bone Lick State Park makes for an unforgettable day trip in Kentucky. Visitors can see a bison herd, view active salt springs, tour a museum, hike, or even play miniature golf. The park offers a wide-ranging and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.

26. Watch the Moonbow at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Also known as the “Niagara of the South,” Cumberland Falls is one of the only places in the Western Hemisphere where you can regularly see a moonbow – a rainbow created by moonlight. The moonlight makes this scenic view, and it usually appears on select nights, especially when there is a full moon. It is essential to note that viewing the Moonbow depends on both the moon phase and the weather. So, be sure to plan for a better experience. I can guarantee you it's a truly magical experience you'll only see once in a lifetime.

We did it! That's 26 of the best things to do in Kentucky in 2026. What did I forget? I have to admit, there are many more amazing sites, restaurants, and attractions that I could add to this list. Please reach out via this nomination form. Nevertheless, I sincerely hope this list helps you plan a spectacular lineup of adventures in Kentucky using the Only In Your State itinerary planner.