Almost everyone reaches a certain age and then thinks, “I wish I’d have seen or gone to _____”.  The excuses as to why we did not are almost always the same. We were too busy with work, family, watching television, or hanging out with our friends. Sometimes we were just too busy doing nothing. These are places we could have easily visited had we taken the time, especially in the Bluegrass State. The state is covered in lush forests, rolling hills, and all-out beautiful country from the Appalachians to the Ohio Valley; places everyone should add to their bucket lists. Here are 10 must-visit places in Kentucky you will want to see before you die.

10. Louisville on Derby Week
KY Derby Pano
The River City gets busy on Derby week so it's a great time to visit, as things are only like this once a year. There is a carnival-like atmosphere downtown with a flurry of activity each day and evening. We have the Pegasus Parade, Chow Wagons, Balloon Glow, Steamboat Race, Bourbon everywhere, the Oaks, and the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs, which is one of the top Kentucky attractions. To learn more, visit the Kentucky Derby website.
9. The Appalachians
DearEdward
Almost anywhere one travels in the Appalachians there's a view that could stop traffic. Peering down into those mountain ravines across roaring rivers or miles of trees can take your breath away. To learn more about Kentucky's Appalachian Mountains, visit the webpage.
8. Cumberland Falls, Southeastern Kentucky
Potraitlady4306
Visiting this state park in Corbin sets an adventure into motion, regardless if you're there to hike, camp, or just relax. The hiking trails in this area are some of the best in the state and you can't forget Cumberland Falls is the largest waterfall in Kentucky. To learn more, visit the Cumberland Falls webpage.
7. Newport Aquarium, Newport
Newport Aquarium/Facebook
There's no ocean in the Bluegrass, but this indoor aquarium lets visitors imagine they're at one. The glass walls come alive as shark, jelly fish, coral, and other vibrantly colored sea life swirls around you. To learn more, visit the Newport Aquarium website.
6. Shaker Village, Harrodsburg
David Crumm
This takes us back to part of the root of Kentucky, where people still live off the land and maintain the old ways. This Shaker Village shows us a look at the past, and offers over 30 miles of amazing scenery on a trail around the town. To learn more, visit the Shaker Village website.

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5. Kentucky Horse Park, Lexington
Kirincp
This Lexington experience allows a sneak peek into the equestrian industry with their renowned "Horses from Around the World" show. Those who would like to ride are also given the opportunity to do so in several different capacities. To learn more, visit the Kentucky Horse Park website.
4. Land Between the Lakes
Tripadvisor/TNChick
This is another one of those Bluegrass spots that is both vast and varied. Visitors can camp, fish, swim, boat, hike, picnic, and more for an unforgettable experience. You can even drive through the Elk & Bison Prairie for an up close view of our state's wildlife. To learn more, visit the Land Between the Lakes webpage.
3. Mammoth Cave
Fae
Not only is Mammoth Cave one of the natural wonders in Kentucky, but it is one of the natural wonders of the world! This is the largest known cave system on Earth with a variety of caves that showcase the many different kinds of the soil. It may sound boring but the way these caves formed and moved over the millennia is actually quite fascinating. To learn more, visit the Mammoth Cave webpage.
2. Muhlenberg County
Wiki
There have been songs written about this peaceful rural country in Kentucky, one of which being "Paradise", by John Prine. The banks of Muhlenberg County along Green River are a little slice of heaven. To learn more, visit the Muhlenberg County webpage.
1. Red River Gorge, Wolfe County
Dcaky
This beautiful piece of Kentucky land can be an adventure or a romantic getaway. The scenery around the gorge is legendary in the Bluegrass State. To learn more, visit the Red River Gorge webpage.

It is difficult to narrow down all the amazing places in the Bluegrass State that one should experience, but these certainly deserve a look. Each one offers a special kind of serenity or one-of-a-kind experience you just cannot find anywhere else. Have we helped you add to your Kentucky bucket list? Please add any additional must-visit places in Kentucky in the comment section.

And if you’d like to check out one of the lesser known must-visit places in Kentucky, take a look at this beautiful natural spot in the Bluegrass.

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More to Explore

Must-Visit Places In Kentucky

Melissa Mahoney | March 11, 2021

What are some of the top attractions in Kentucky?

Aside from those on the list above, the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is a top tourist attraction that’s great for anyone, whether they love baseball or not. Outside is a gigantic baseball bat which makes it one of the most recognizable sites in the state. Since Kentucky is the home of bourbon, there are some amazing distilleries to do a tour and tasting and the famous Bourbon Trail to follow along. 

What natural wonders can I find in Kentucky?

With all its natural beauty, Kentucky does have quite a few natural wonders. Take for instance the Lost River Cave where you can enjoy an underground boat ride along the Lost River which flows through it. This is a place of both natural and historic significance.  Another winder is at Natural Bridge State Resort Park which has a natural sandstone rock bridge. This Natural Bridge is 65-feet high and spans 78-feet across. It’s a truly remarkable sight!

What else should I add to my Kentucky bucket list?

Attending the Kentucky Derby at least once should be on everyone’s bucket list. But aside from that, there are many other options to add. Taking a riverboat ride along the Ohio River is an iconic experience to have in the Bluegrass State. Taking a train ride through the countryside will showcase the breathtaking beauty of Kentucky. You can find more bucket list options in our article, 15 Incredible Trips In Kentucky That Are Bucket List Worthy.

 

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Featured Addresses
700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40215, USA
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, USA
1 Levee Way, Newport, KY 41071, USA
3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, USA
4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA
1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy, Mammoth Cave, KY 42259, USA
Muhlenberg County, KY, USA
Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA