Kentucky

A stand-up paddle boarding tour alongside thundering Cumberland Falls

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Celebrating the sounds of bluegrass at the Master Musicians Festival in Somerset

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Gather ‘round for an authentic taste of the Bluegrass State at Heaven Hill Distillery in Bardstown

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The Kentucky Derby in Louisville, known as "the most exciting two minutes in sports"

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A scenic stroll at Lexington Horse Farm

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Touring a distillery in the ‘Bourbon Capital of the World’

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Exploring interactive displays at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro

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Touring limestone caves at Carter Caves State Resort Park

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An exhilarating rail excursion through the countryside in Versailles

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Views of Red River Gorge from the inside of a unique dome tent

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Major Airports:

Blue Grass/Lexington (LEX)

Louisville (SDF)

Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky (CVG)
Nickname:

Bluegrass State

From handcrafted bourbon to culinary traditions, make memories in the Bluegrass State.

Immerse yourself in grand traditions in the place that produces 95% of the world’s bourbon. Soak up Kentucky's spirited culture with tours of iconic and craft distilleries, where you'll stroll landscaped grounds, join master distillers at work and breathe in the “angel’s share.” Discover Kentucky Horse Country, where you can tour rolling farms and working barns nestled in pastoral settings before spending an exciting day at the races. This is, after all, the home of Keeneland, Churchill Downs and the famed Kentucky Derby. Marvel at the world’s longest cave, see stunning gorges, hike to hidden waterfalls and soak up breathtaking vistas. You’ll find plenty of places for adventure, relaxation and entertainment in every part of the state.

Kentucky, Yes

Heritage Spirits and Sports

Bourbon is known as “America’s Native Spirit” – not to mention Kentucky’s most famous export – and thoroughbred horse racing its most famous sporting event. The cultures surrounding both combine to create a unique and growing culture, especially when it comes to food and drink – from mint juleps served in silver cups at the Kentucky Derby to bourbon pairings with great food at restaurants. Kentucky’s delicious offerings stem from centuries of influence by Native American, English, Irish, Scots-Irish, German and African-American cultures. Add a dash of Amish, Asian and Latin influence, and you’re left with a wonderful combination of flavors and traditions to discover.

Trailblazing Fun in Kentucky

If you are looking for an escape, Kentucky has abundant wilderness and waters to explore, as well as the longest known cave system in the world (Mammoth Cave National Park). Kentucky is an angler’s paradise and home to Kentucky and Barkley lakes, two of the largest man-made lakes in the country. These vast waters are also great spots for boating, skiing and tubing. Visitors can trek through countless trails that wind through the state, including Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail, the state’s longest, stretching over 418 kilometers through Daniel Boone National Forest.

A People’s History of Kentucky

As the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, Muhammad Ali and Bill Monroe, “The Father of Bluegrass Music,” Kentucky has played a big role in U.S. history. (And, of course, Colonel Sanders perfected his secret recipe for fried chicken and launched his global KFC empire here.) Visit the sites, museums and landmarks that capture the lives and stories of these influential Americans, then spend time exploring small historic towns, large urban cities, arts districts, horse farms and so much more.

Kentucky, Yes

Contact the Travel Trade Team

We inspire tourists to visit and work with the travel industry to promote this destination worldwide.

For general inquiries and travel information:

Send email

Phone:

502-892-3215

Web:

https://www.kentuckytourism.com/industry

Fun Fact

Train to Win exhibit at Muhammad Ali Center

Home of legends: Kentucky is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and Muhammad Ali.

Layers of bourbon barrels aging in a rickhouse

Kentucky makes 95 percent of the world’s bourbon, which equals 1.5 barrels of bourbon for every resident of the state.

Playing traditional bluegrass music in Kentucky

Kentucky is known as the “Bluegrass Music Capital of the World,” a distinction celebrated at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame and Museum in Owensboro.

Must see places

Exterior of Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky, home of the annual Kentucky Derby horse race

Churchill Downs Racetrack

Famous for hosting the Kentucky Derby, the stately Thoroughbred racetrack at expansive Churchill Downs is a quintessential Kentucky experience. Attend a race if you can, or take a tour of this prestigious institution to learn about its history. Visit the Kentucky Derby Museum on site and sit in on “The Greatest Race,” a 360-degree sound and visual experience. Take a historic walking tour around the track and mingle with the resident Thoroughbred and miniature horse.

Muhammad Ali Center

Dedicated to preserving the story of the prominent professional boxer through its award-winning museum, this multicultural center in downtown Louisville has a lot to explore. A variety of permanent and changing exhibits focus on racial history and civil rights through interactive displays, artwork, artifacts and multimedia presentations.

Keeneland

This center for all-things equestrian highlights Kentucky’s famous horse culture. Tour the Thoroughbred auction house, explore the graciously-sized grounds on your own, or take a guided walking tour to learn about the facility’s operations from the perspective of the Paddock and Grandstand. Watch a race, talk to jockeys or take part in a Paddock saddling demonstration.

Mammoth Cave National Park

The longest recorded cave system in the world with more than 643 kilometers explored and mapped is a subterranean wilderness. Take a ranger-led tour through the limestone labyrinths and chambers; some treks are well-lit and some have visitors carrying their own lamps (“wild” tours through more hidden areas are available, too). Spot bats, crickets and salamanders thriving in this peculiar habitat.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Often called the “Niagara of the South,” this state park’s 125-meter screen of water features a visible “moonbow” (or nighttime rainbow) on full moon nights. With kilometers of trails, horseback riding, fishing and gem mining available, the falls offers much to do. Kayak or raft the Cumberland River on one of several routes.

BB Riverboats

Newport’s throwback riverboats, the Belle of Cincinnati and the River Queen, navigate the Ohio River and offer all manner of cruises, from historic to seasonal to kid-themed. The evening sojourns, where dinner, jazz, bourbon and barbecue are served up alongside the stunning scenery, are not to be missed.

Touring a bourbon distillery in Bardstown, Kentucky

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Sample “America’s Native Spirit” on this road trip, which stops at nine of the most renowned distilleries such as Maker’s Mark, Four Roses, Wild Turkey and Woodford Reserve. Watch as bourbon is distilled, tour the facilities and enjoy after-tour tastings, leaving with a cocktail recipe or two.

Family touring historic Shaker building in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

The 34 historic Shaker-style buildings located along a 1.5-kilometer road here were constructed over a span of 105 years. Visit this unique village to tour the grounds, try your hand at heritage crafts in The Historic Centre, or hang out with the animals at The Farm. Visitors can hike The Preserve for a wide window into the prairies, woodlands and watersheds that supported this spiritual community for so long. Hay rides and a stable round out this working village, which also offers demonstrations and events.

National Corvette Museum

See the iconic car like never before, and get an education in sports car history while you’re at it. Bowling Green’s auto museum offers 80 Corvettes of all stripes to view, as well as Motorsports Park, where visitors can take a lap or just watch others tool around. A plant tour gives a behind-the-scenes glimpse into how these flashy cars are made.

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum

Explore permanent and changing exhibits dedicated to showcasing Bluegrass culture past and present in this 2,044-square-meter museum in Owensboro. Tour the Hall of Fame to learn about bluegrass luminaries and introduce yourself to the Father of Bluegrass Music, Bill Monroe. See historically significant instruments, follow the bluegrass history timeline and take part in an Open Jam session.