Kentucky State Parks are the very best state parks -- this is an irrefutable fact. Kentucky has 45 state parks, and 17 of those are designated "resorts" -- the most of any state in the entire country. And these aren’t those run-of-the-mill resorts you’ll find in other states; these Kentucky resorts boast beautiful lodges outfitted with features like cozy wood beams, working stone fireplaces, and picture windows, for the ultimate hygee experience. Today we're talking superlatives, and nominating one Kentucky State Park in particular as *the* place for a resort-level getaway in the Bluegrass.
Cumberland, Buckhorn, the titular Kentucky Lake -- there are many, many lakes in Kentucky that offer amazing recreation and resort opportunities...
For the ultimate waterfront getaway in the Bluegrass, look no further than Lake Barkley. This resort is perfectly positioned to take advantage of the state's very best water recreation, from swimming on the beach to jet skiing and boating on the eponymous lake.
This Kentucky State Park also has riding stables, a trap range, and game room. Fishing is popular at Lake Barkley, as is birding -- the resort is home to some 200 known avian species!
Inside the lodge, you can grab a bite to eat at Windows on the Water Restaurant. It is open to the public (check the website for current hours) and serves up tasty food with incredible lake views. In addition to breakfast and lunch options like omelette and sandwiches, the menu is filled with delicious Kentucky mainstays like hot browns, shrimp and grits, and country ham.
Even better, the restaurant is part of the "Kentucky Proud" initiative, meaning they source much of their fare from local growers and farms!
In terms of lodging, Lake Barkley Lodge has 120 rooms and four suites, each offering a unique waterfront perspective. The park also has 13 cottages for a more private lodging experience.
However, with each room at this resort boasting spectacular waterfront vistas, we wouldn't blame you if you opted to stay in and enjoy the views... feet up and drink in hand!
When was the last time you enjoyed a getaway at a Kentucky State Park resort? Lake Barkley truly is extraordinary in every way, and the perfect place for some R&R anytime of the year.
Each season brings new opportunities for the Bluegrass State to shine. Fall brings stunning foliage, winter brings dazzling snow flurries, and spring brings bright green landscapes. Summer's sunshine and warm temperatures make it the prime time to enjoy Kentucky's lakes, beautiful parks, and locally grown produce. While there's something special about each season, summer may be my favorite. We've put together a summer bucket list of eight spectacular things to do before the sunniest season of the year slips away.
Summer is a great time to enjoy the fantastic campgrounds in the Bluegrass State. Lake Barkley offers a variety of campground accommodations from deluxe cottages to waterfront cabins. Many of Lake Barkley's accommodations offer fantastic amenities like playgrounds, pools, and beaches.
A waterfall hike is a superb addition to any summer bucket list. There are many stunning waterfall hikes in Kentucky, like the Eagle Falls Trail at Cumberland State Park. This 1.8-mile trail leads hikers to a 44-foot waterfall and swimming hole, the perfect destination on a hot summer day.
Mammoth Cave is a great summertime destination. Mammoth Cave is the longest cave system in the world, but the area offers much more, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding. On a blistering summer day, a tour through the caves is a welcome break; its interior temperature is usually mild and cool.
Progress Park is an awesome 12-acre airstream resort in Louisville, Kentucky. The property has a lake where guests can enjoy swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. Doesn't this sound like a relaxing place to make summer memories?
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5. Buy fresh summer produce at the Lexington Farmer's Market
Am I the only one who dreams of fresh peaches, heirloom tomatoes, and basil all winter long? When summer comes around, I make a beeline to a local farmers market for these treasures and more. There are more than 100 farmers markets across the state, including the Lexington Farmer's Market in Lexington, Kentucky.
A river float is a fantastic way for kids and adults to beat the summer heat. The Awesome Lazy River in Shepherdsville, KY, offers guests a two-hour float down the Salt River, a natural river. Children must be five years old to participate, and the company provides life jackets.
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7. Enjoy farm fresh fruit and flowers at Jackson's Orchard and Nursery
Visiting a Kentucky orchard is a fantastic way to get fresh farm produce and flowers. At Jackson's Orchard and Nursery in Bowling Green, Kentucky, visitors can buy fresh peaches and pick zinnias and sunflowers. The on-site concession stand serves homemade peach ice cream, peach salsa and chips, and fried peach and cherry pies, in addition to other tasty treats. A playground opened at the orchard in 2024.
Attending a baseball game with popcorn, peanuts, and a hot dog is a quintessential summertime activity. The Louisville Bats is a minor-league team that plays throughout the summer. What a fun, family-friendly activity!
What do you think of this Kentucky summer bucket list? What summertime activity would you add?
With the kids out of school and sunny, warm weather, summer is the perfect time to plan an in-state getaway. There are many fantastic museums, theme parks, and state parks, which could have easily made this Kentucky summer bucket list. The Louisville Slugger Museum and Lake Cumberland State Park are great examples.
Wear Your Roots is a great place to shop for Kentucky gear. Visit their website for hats, apparel, and more that show your state pride.
Kentucky is a beautiful and exciting state with plenty of unique attractions for entertainment. Some things are popular due to their renown, others are lower-key. It doesn’t matter if you live in the north, south, east, or west, there is something interesting nearby. It might be a lush forest, a national landmark, or a restaurant with incredible food, but the Bluegrass State comes with a bounty of benefits. Come along as we share our Kentucky bucket list and be amazed at all there is to enjoy!
The Red River Gorge is one of the most beautiful areas in Kentucky. It is a lush part of the Daniel Boone Forest with unique natural rock bridges, and rivers perfect for rafting or canoeing. It is a favorite spot among the native residents.
Take a walk or a drive down Washington Street, Jefferson Street, and Water Street in Paducah and you will see some amazing artwork. Local artists painted the floodwalls in Paducah with vividly colored, life-like settings and scenarios. From riverboats to men at work, the Kentucky Derby, and trains, the flow of the artists knew no bounds. They turned chunks of concrete into astounding works of art free for public viewing.
This is a delicious open-face sandwich that initially started at the Brown Hotel in the early 1900s. It has toast covered in turkey with bacon, tomatoes, and a creamy cheese sauce and literally melts in the mouth when prepared correctly. The one shown is available at Ramsi’s Cafe on the World on Bardstown Road in the Highlands.
Visit Castlepost, a medieval castle B&B at 230 Pisgah Pike in Versailles. The outside looks to be a castle fit for a fairytale prince or princess. Inside, visitors experience the best of everything, from food to amenities and accommodations.
Black Mountain is the highest point in Kentucky at 4,145 feet, and offers a breathtaking view. There is not much else that needs to be said, as the surroundings say it all.
The port towns were once the trade centers of Kentucky, as river trade was profitable. River life was busy and booming. There are several places you can catch a riverboat ride on the Ohio River, including BB Riverboats in Newport and the Belle of Louisville in Louisville.
This is an alternative to the Derby Pie where walnuts are used instead of pecans and a little bourbon is tossed into the mix. It provides a real melt-in-the-mouth experience.
Take a stroll through Kentucky’s bourbon history in historic Bardstown or one of the other wonderful stops along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You will visit distilleries, sample bourbon, and see some of our longest-standing aging operations. It may not sound exciting, but it is interesting, especially if you like bourbon.
Derby Pie is the official pie of the Kentucky Derby. It is basically a pecan pie but adds dark chocolate to create an entirely unique flavor. Served warm with a dollop of whipped cream, vanilla bean, or butter pecan ice cream, this is just to die for.
This is Kentucky’s addition to the Seven Wonders of the World and is well worth the visit to 1 Mammoth Cave Parkway in Mammoth Cave. This underground wonder is the world's longest cave system offering a unique collection of seemingly new worlds beneath the ground. Cool, clear waters, unique creatures, and sparkling cave formations, and preserved from the taint of civilization.
Bask in the beauty of nature and a lot of Kentucky history at this gorgeous preserved area on US 25E South in Middlesboro. You can see the old Hensley Settlement near the Cumberland Caves. It is a nice place to visit and ponder the previous occupants in a nature-rich setting.
The many amazing thoroughbred and saddlebred farms in or around the Lexington and Shelbyville area are a true adventure to visit. You cannot come to horse country and not see the horses in one setting or another. At the Kentucky Horse Park and some of the local farms you can ride a horse yourself, watch them run free or during training. The entire area is beautiful and filled with the spirit of Kentucky.
Cumberland Falls is one of the few places in the world that has proper atmospheric conditions for the amazing moonbow. They are truly a beautiful sight to behold and can create a perfect memory of natural beauty.
15. Visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory
Located at 800 W. Main in Louisville, the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory can take you out to the ballgame via memorabilia and photographs. Visitors also get to tour the factory and see how ball bats are made.
If you happen to be passing near Bowling Green, stop by 350 Corvette Drive and check out the Corvette Museum. Every Corvette being driven is made in Bowling Green, and most Corvettes ever made are housed in the museum. If you are a car fan, this is a must-stop-and-see. If not, it's still kind of cool!
If you can get tickets to visit one of the local arenas during a Kentucky, Louisville, WKU or EKU ball game, you will be amazed by the spirit of the fans. Kentucky sports fans are truly passionate about their teams.
This is the world’s biggest firework display and it happens to kick off the Kentucky Derby Festival.
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There is an abundance of entertaining things to do all across the state, depending on your view of excitement. You don’t have to like horse racing and bourbon if you come for a visit, as we are not limited to that stereotype. Our land is our legacy, as its beauty is nearly unmatched. These things all give a glimpse into one aspect of our state or another.
Have you ever done or been to any of these exciting things or places? If so, which ones were your favorites? Do you think some of these spots would be great things to add to your Kentucky bucket list? What else would you consider to be awesome things to do in Kentucky? We'd love to read about your experiences in the comments section below!
