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!
When it comes to the best weekend getaways in Kentucky, there's an overwhelming number of attractions in the state. Fortunately for locals, there's no need to break the bank or endure a long plane ride to experience an awesome trip. We're lucky enough to have places right here in our own state that make for fun and memorable trips, no matter your age or interests. From romantic getaways to family-friendly day trips, there are so many options around the state. Check out these 15 incredible day trips in Kentucky, weekend getaways, and staycations you can take:
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1. Take a train ride through the Kentucky countryside.
We don't have hardly any passenger trains for commuting in Kentucky, so there's a certain novelty about taking a train trip. We have a few options for fun day trips you can take via train, including My Old Kentucky Dinner Train (located in Bardstown), which feeds you a gourmet meal on an excursion through the beautiful countryside, or the Big South Fork Scenic Railway (located in Stearns), which takes you deep into the gorge of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation area.
2. Ride this chairlift up for a breathtaking view.
The incredible Natural Bridge Skylift typically opens in spring, and it absolutely must go on your bucket list. Located in Natural Bridge State Resort Park in Slade, this chairlift will take you to the top of Natural Bridge. Soak in the stunning views of the surrounding valleys, and explore the hiking trails at the top. You won't regret a visit to the Natural Bridge Skylift! Beauty abounds in this natural environment.
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3. Descend into the longest cave system known in the world.
This stunning subterranean wonder is located in Mammoth Cave National Park. There is no shortage of amazing outdoor activities to do here. If caves aren't your thing and you prefer to stay above ground, you're in luck! This site also boasts 84 miles of hiking trails for people of various skill levels, tons of spots for camping, and two rivers to enjoy and explore. This is one of the best day trips in Kentucky.
Lost River Cave, located in Bowling Green, is known as the "shortest, deepest river in the world." It's been recognized by Ripley’s Believe it or Not. The river is only 400 feet long, but is 437 feet deep. In the summer, they offer boat tours of the cave. Swing by Lost River Cave and you'll surely walk away with an experience you will never forget.
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5. Behold the beauty of the "Niagra of the South."
Cumberland Falls is located in Cumberland Falls State Resort Park near Corbin. This huge waterfall is one of the most popular attractions in the state, and is something that every Kentuckian should see at least once. Cumberland Falls is the only place in the western hemisphere where a moonbow occurs, which means light from a full moon is refracted off of the water of the falls, creating a rainbow in the middle of the night. The only other place in the world where a moonbow regularly occurs is Victoria Falls in Africa. There are other magnificent waterfalls in this state park as well, such as Eagle Falls and Dog Slaughter Falls. A visit to Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is always a memorable experience and one of the most incredible Kentucky getaways you can take.
Cliffview Resort is a secluded place to relax and unwind in the Red River Gorge area. It makes a great place to simply take an affordable vacation, or host a special event like a wedding or birthday party here for an unforgettable experience for you and your guest. You can even go zip lining right on the property, or make this your home base after a tiring day of exploring the Red River Gorge. To find out more about this getaway, including what amenities and services they offer, check out our spotlight on Cliffview Resort. Prepare to relax, because this charming spot is one of the best "weekend getaways near me" in Kentucky.
Bardstown is known as the most beautiful small town in America, and it truly makes for the perfect day trip. It's located right in the heart of bourbon country, so visit one of the many distilleries in the area. You can also go for a hike in the beautiful Bernheim Forest, ride the Old Kentucky Dinner Train, or simply just explore this quaint and historic town. Visit the Old Bardstown Village (pictured above) to learn about what life was like 150-200 years ago, or enjoy a meal at the Old Talbott Tavern, which is the oldest bourbon bar in America, and the oldest restaurant in the state. For more ideas of things to do in Bardstown, check out our autumn day trip bucket list.
When people think about animals in Kentucky, they probably think about horses, not kangaroos. However, at Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, you can get up close and personal with a variety of different animals. Pet kangaroos, milk a cow, or even hold a snake at this unique zoo in Horse Cave. Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo has entertained and educated since 1990, and they've become a cherished part of the community. Your inner child will adore interacting with adorable critters at this fun spot! It's one of the best day trips in Kentucky for families.
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9. Take a dip in some of the bluest water you'll find in the state.
Falling Rock Park, also known as the La Grange Quarry, or just simply, "the Quarry," is a beautiful place for a summer day trip. This pristine swimming hole is located in an old rock quarry. You must be at least 18 years old to visit Falling Rock Park, and you must have a flotation device with you. You'll definitely want to spend a few hot summer days relaxing here. Pay a visit to Falling Rock Park and prepare to fall in love!
Snug Hollow Farm Bed and Breakfast, located in Irvine, just might be the coziest bed and breakfast in the state. No matter what time of year it is, a weekend spent here will relax and rejuvenate you. It is located on a beautiful farm in the foothills of the mountains, and the meals are prepared using mostly fresh produce that was grown right there on the farm. If you're interested in learning more about Snug Hollow Farm, perfect for weekend getaways in Kentucky, you'll want to start planning a visit. There's no bad time of the year to visit, and you will surely fall in love with the local milieu.
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11. Take one of the most beautiful hikes in the state.
It's no secret that the Red River Gorge is one of the best places in the state to go hiking. However, if you want to complete what just might be the most beautiful hike in the state, try the Auxier Ridge Loop. What makes this hike so great is that you'll experience all the different types of scenery the Gorge has to offer. During parts of it, you'll be standing on top of a scenic vista, with panoramic views of the surrounding valley. There are interesting rock formations visible, such as Courthouse Rock, Double Arch, and Haystock Rock. Part of the hike also traverses through a lush, green forest, with a stream trickling along next to you. Every trip to Auxier Ridge Loop is full of discovery and wonder!
Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill is located in Harrodsburg; Kentucky's oldest town. This historic village was built by Shakers in the 1800s, but now it is a 3,000-acre preserve full of history. Out of the 260 structures that once stood at Pleasant Hill, only 34 now remain. However, you can tour these structures and even watch demonstrations to get a better feel for how the Shakers lived their lives. If you're interested in visiting Shaker Village, check out the our Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill feature. History abounds at this fascinating local landmark that's one of the most perfect day trips in Kentucky for families.
If you're looking for a town in Kentucky to visit for a spring or summer vacation, or for one of your weekend getaways, you have to check out Grand Rivers. This charming town is located right near Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, making it a great place to take your boat out, swim, and fish. It's also a short drive to the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, so there's also great hiking and camping in the area. You have to take the time to explore all that Grand Rivers has to offer! Be careful, or you just might fall in love with this enchanting community and its friendly residents. It's one of the best Kentucky getaways!
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14. Relax on a beach (yes, they DO exist in Kentucky!)
You may think you have to go to a coastal state to enjoy relaxing on the beach in the summer. Actually, you only have to drive to Green River Lake. This gorgeous lake has a beach that you can even camp on. Green River Lake is one destination you'll want to keep in mind for future getaways. Sunrise and sunset are magical times at Kentucky beaches.
Falls Campground in Louisa has a wide variety of campsites, making it the perfect place for summer memory-making. The Falls of Blaine Creek are the main attraction at this campground. They form a natural waterslide and boast an excellent swimming hole pool at its base. No visit to Falls Campground will be forgotten! There's so much to love about this family-friendly spot.
Does anyone have trips to any of these places planned for this year? What other attractions do you consider to be among the best day trips in Kentucky? Share your thoughts in the comments!
