8 Incredible Activities to Do in Kentucky

The Bluegrass State. The 15th state admitted to the Union. The home of the Bourbon Trail, the Kentucky Derby, and fried chicken.

Kentucky has a number of nicknames, and a number of fun activities in which visitors and citizens alike can participate. Whether you’re looking to spend some time in nature, a sports fan, a lover of urban cities, a foodie, or something altogether different, Kentucky has something for you, and the eight activities below prove it.

1.) Visit the Muhammad Ali Center

Muhammad Ali was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and has certainly left his mark on the city- the airport is even named after him. To learn more about the famed boxer and to celebrate his legacy, visit the amazing Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville. It is three levels tall, filled with interactive experiences, images, artifacts, and even more that revolves around the six core principles of Muhammad Ali’s life. It’s an incredible place for sports fans, history buffs, and museum lovers.

2.) Visit Churchill Downs

Churchill Downs, the home of the famous Kentucky Derby, isn’t just open on the day of the big race. There are other horse races that take place at Churchill Downs, and tickets are affordable for visitors interested in seeing a race. If you don’t want to go into the racetrack, or happen to be there on a day where a race isn’t taking place, you can still visit the Kentucky Derby Museum, which is on the grounds of Churchill Downs, and explains the history of the event.

3.) Take a Walk on the Bourbon Trail

If you are at all interested in bourbon, then Kentucky is the place for you. The Kentucky Distillers’ Association mapped out over 40 locations across the state where they believe visitors (and locals!) can find the best bourbon. Not only is it so much fun to try out new types of bourbon and food, but it takes you all around the state to different cities and different areas on an exciting scavenger hunt.

4.) Attend a Soccer Game

Although it has great college sports teams, Kentucky isn’t exactly known for professional sports outside of horse racing- they have no football team in the NFL, and no baseball team in the MLB. However, if you’re a sports fan visiting Kentucky, there are great opportunities for some excellent soccer in Louisville. At Lynn Family Stadium, you can catch a Louisville City FC or Racing Louisville FC game, have some good food, and enjoy a great view of the city.

5.) Visit Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park, located in southwest Kentucky, is a stunning location for national park fans and nature lovers. Mammoth Cave is home to the longest known cave system in the world, and exploring the caves is a must-do at the national park. But there are other things to do besides spelunking. Visitors can also kayak, boat, hike, fish, stargaze, and ride horses. No matter what you’re looking for, Mammoth Cave provides amazing views and so many fun activities.

6.) Go to Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is found in the eastern, mountainous part of Kentucky, right on the state’s borders with Tennessee and Virginia. Shillalah Creek splits towering, luscious, green mountains, with waterfalls and caves also a part of the park. There are over 80 miles of hiking trails, and over 10,000 acres of land to explore. You can stargaze, camp, hike, explore caves, look for wildlife, and so much more at this beautiful location.

7.) Try Some Kentucky Barbecue!

Kentucky is one of the best states in the Union for some delicious barbecue. No matter what city or small town you’re visiting in Kentucky, you’re sure to find some barbecue. Some of the best restaurants in the state are Shack in the Back BBQ, Ole South Barbecue, Babe’s BBQ, and Red State Barbecue. These are far from all of the barbecue joints in Kentucky, but are some of the best, and definitely worth a try.

8.) Visit the Newport Aquarium

Located just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, Ohio, the Newport Aquarium is one of the best in the country, and definitely worth a visit. It’s an amazing activity for young kids and families, but also for adults, as well. Inside the aquarium, visitors can see penguins, ginormous albino alligators in Gator Alley, octopi, seahorses, and so many different kinds of fish, stingrays, and manta rays. There are also touch pools for touching sharks, seahorses, and sea anemone, and, if you are feeling brave, you can even walk across the shark bridge!

Next time you’re in Kentucky, check out these activities!