These 9 Boat Adventures Will Show You A Side Of Kentucky You Didn’t Even Know Existed
Kentucky definitely has an “unbridled spirit” and that’s very evident in the adventurous activities that are available throughout our state. Some of these adventures take place on solid ground, but there are also quite a few that take you out on the water. With all of the lakes, rivers, and creeks, it’s no surprise that Kentucky is home to so many freshwater excursions. So if you’re ready for a new type of thrill, that everyone can enjoy, then check out these nine boat adventures that will show you a different side of Kentucky that you didn’t even know existed.
Lost River Cave is perhaps the most unique adventure you can have in Kentucky aboard a boat. The river is about seven miles long, and most of it flows underground through a vast cavern. With Lost River Cave, you can take a guided boat tour of the cave, learn its history and experience a little adventure at the same time. For more information, check out our previous article here.
There's no other adventure like a ride on a Jet Boat along the Ohio and Kentucky Rivers. Rockin' Thunder has several tour options, from calm scenic rides to thrilling excursions, to overnight stays in Frankfort. Choose your adventure and take a Kentucky ride of a lifetime. For more information, check out our previous article here.
Combine history and scenery on this nostalgic riverboat ride at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill in Harrodsburg. You'll float down the Kentucky river aboard this enchanting boat and have the opportunity to relax and learn the tales of this historic area of Kentucky. For more information, check out our previous article here.
The Belle of Louisville, and its partner, the Mary M. Miller, are both incredibly beautiful boats that will take you along the Ohio River and show off the Louisville skyline. They offer a number of different steamboat rides, but our favorite is definitely the dinner cruise at sunset. For more information, check out our previous article here.
This boat in Kentucky provides a totally different type of adventure. The former USS Sachem has lived several lives and it now sadly sits in a tributary of the Ohio River, getting more rusty by the day. The history of this boat is incredible and, as it is on private property, you can experience this one either by kayak from the river or with a peek from the street. For more information, check out our previous article here.
The Anderson Ferry is a historic ferry that will take you on a memorable ride (and save you time) across the Ohio River. The ferry runs from the west side of Cincinnati to Northern Kentucky and back, over and over. It's especially beautiful at sunset. For more information, visit their Facebook page here.
7. Floating Cabins On Green River Lake (Campbellsville)
These may not technically be boats, but you'll feel like you're on one when you stay overnight in one of these floating cabins. These unique houses have their own dock, spots for a boat, and give you one-of-a-kind waterfront views. For more information, check out our previous article here.
You may not think of sailing when you think of Kentucky, but Lighthouse Landing on the banks of Kentucky Lake has been teaching people how to sail for over three decades. This is such a beautiful area of our state to visit, so plan a trip and try a new adventure aboard an inviting sailboat. For more information on sailing lessons, visit their website here.
9. Whitewater Rafting with Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort (Corbin)
Board a raft with an experienced guide and a few friends for an unforgettable Kentucky adventure. Sheltowee Trace Adventure Resort offers a wide variety of water fun, but their rafting trips that take you up close to our magnificent Cumberland Falls are a must-try Kentucky adventure. For more information, visit their website here.
The great thing about a boat adventure is that almost anyone can experience it! Put on your life jacket this spring and summer and choose your own exciting adventure on the beautiful waters of Kentucky. Have you already experienced any of these boat rides? Any others we should check out? Let us know in the comments!
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A Cincinnati native who has lived in Kentucky for over 10 years, Andrea's heart belongs both in the Queen City and the Bluegrass State. After earning an education degree and working in that field for a number of years, Andrea began to pursue her passion for writing over 6 years ago. Since then she has written for a number of print and online publications, as well as published a children's book.
