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Posted in Kentucky April 09, 2015 by Kelly Berger

Here Are 12 Movies You Didn’t Know Were Filmed In Kentucky

You may not think of Kentucky as “Hollywood,” potential, but many famous movies were filmed right in the Bluegrass. From classics to new-age flicks, Kentucky’s been the backdrop for it all.

1. Elizabethtown: this romantic drama starring Orlando Bloom and Kirsten Dunst took place in recognizable settings around Louisville, Kentucky like the Brown Hotel and Cave Hill Cemetery.

2. Secretariat: the film chronicling the life of the thoroughbred race horse took place on location in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky.

3. Rain Man: the scene where Dustin Hoffman leaves the institutional home, is actually St. Anne Convent in Melbourne (Campbell County).

4. A League of Their Own: The Soaper-Esser House located in Henderson was picked as the boarding house for the Rockford Peaches.

5. Seabiscuit: a film inspired by a true story of a racehorse shot at the infamous Keeneland racetrack in Lexington.

6. Tammy: featuring Melissa McCarthy and Susan Sarandon, the movie shows brief shots of Louisville, Kentucky, the Gene Snyder Freeway and Louisville skyline.

7. Dreamer: this feel-good movie starring Dakota Fanning and Kurt Russell about the rehabilitation of thoroughbred racehorse, Mariah's Storm, shot portions of the movie in Lexington and Frankfort, Kentucky.

8. The Ides Of March: starring Ryan Gosling and George Clooney, this political drama showcases various points of northern Kentucky overlooking the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline.

9. The Insider: Russell Crow and Al Pacino star in this thriller set and filmed in Louisville. Look closely you can spot the Seelbach Hotel.

10. Stripes: this military comedy with Bill Murray shows off army bases of Fort Knox.

11. How the West Was Won: this western classic with John Wayne filmed portions in Paducah and Smithland, Kentucky along the Ohio and Cumberland River.

12. 50 to 1: this film about Mine That Bird, the 2009 Derby winner includes scenes filmed at Churchill Downs.

With gorgeous rolling hills and scenic backdrops it’s easy to see why Kentucky’s been the grounds for some notable movies.

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Kelly is the Kentucky state writer for OIYS, a freelance writer & PR mastermind. Obsessed with concerts and music, you can always catch her at the latest gig supporting the scene getting excited about the next big thing.