Kentucky is not just about horse racing and bourbon; it harbors a wealth of lesser-known sites that are rich in beauty and history. This collection takes you off the beaten path to explore the 'hidden gems' tucked away in its rolling hills and vibrant cities. Each of these locations offers a unique glimpse into what makes Kentucky so captivating, from underground wonders to tranquil retreats. Discover these treasures to experience the Bluegrass state like never before.
Lyon County, Kentucky
A national recreation area with hiking trails and an elk and bison prairie.
McCreary County, Kentucky
Offers scenic gorges and sandstone bluffs perfect for outdoor adventures.
Mercer County, Kentucky
America's largest restored Shaker community.
Edmonson County, Kentucky
The world's longest cave system, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Powell County, Kentucky
Features a natural sandstone arch and breathtaking scenery.
Madison County, Kentucky
The grand historic estate of emancipationist Cassius Marcellus Clay.
Boyle County, Kentucky
Site of the most significant Civil War battle in Kentucky.
Fayette County, Kentucky
The family home of Abraham Lincoln's wife, Mary Todd.
Boyle County, Kentucky
A unique museum featuring miniature houses and life scenes.
Pike County, Kentucky
Known as the Grand Canyon of the South, offers breathtaking vistas.
Jefferson County, Kentucky
A former tuberculosis hospital known for paranormal activity.
Todd County, Kentucky
An obelisk marking the birthplace of Confederate President, Jefferson Davis.
Nelson County, Kentucky
Exhibits cover the American whiskey industry dating from pre-Colonial days to post-Prohibition years.
Edmonson County, Kentucky
Offers boating, fishing, and camping on the tranquil Nolin Lake.
Floyd County, Kentucky
Named after a pioneer woman who survived captivity by Native Americans.
Warren County, Kentucky
A historic house museum illustrating Bowling Green’s involvement in the Civil War.
Wayne County, Kentucky
Preserves and honors the site of the Battle of Mill Springs fought during the American Civil War.
Jefferson County, Kentucky
Presents the history through artifacts related to American and international history.
Boyle County, Kentucky
The birthplace of the Kentucky Constitution with several preserved buildings from the 1790s.
Robertson County, Kentucky
A park at a historical battle site with a museum dedicated to the Revolutionary War.
Kenton County, Kentucky
The world's only museum dedicated to ventriloquism and its figures.
Larue County, Kentucky
Site where the 16th President of the United States was born and includes a symbolical cabin.
Jessamine County, Kentucky
A Civil War Union supply depot and hospital, also serving as a refugee camp for escaped slaves.
Clark County, Kentucky
Showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Bluegrass region.
Carter County, Kentucky
Featuring a range of caverns and natural bridges carved over centuries.
Madison County, Kentucky
Site of the historic fort founded by Daniel Boone.
Scott County, Kentucky
A sanctuary for retired racehorses open to the public.
Fayette County, Kentucky
The historic home of the famous 19th-century statesman Henry Clay.
Russell County, Kentucky
A remarkable natural arch that stands over the landscape, creating a natural gateway.
Boone County, Kentucky
A well-preserved farmstead museum showcasing rural life in the 19th century.
Monroe County, Kentucky
The oldest freestanding log meeting houses in Kentucky, dating back to 1804.
Boone County, Kentucky
Known as the birthplace of American vertebrate paleontology, with an onsite museum and active dig site.