Things to do in Kentucky, we've all googled it. Whether we are looking to plan our weekend, or our next getaway. I am here to make that answer easy. I started this blog in 2023 and have done hundreds of experiences across the state up to now. I am here to give you the round up of my favorites! By no means is this list extensive of everything we’ve done or all the places we’ve been, you’ll have to keep looking at all the blog posts for that :) But definitely some of my faves. Without further ado, here is the My Kentucky Bucket List top picks, and of course keep coming back, because we update this pretty regularly!
List of places in order pictured in video: Natural Bridge State Park, Churchill Downs, The Kentucky Castle, Dale Hollow Lake, Whiskey Row Louisville, Mainstrasse Village Covington, Henry County Tractor Pull, Sauerback Family Drive-In, Danville, Renaissance Festival in Eminence, Lawrenceburg Summer Music series, Downtown Lexington on Bites with the Bluegrass Food Tour, Bardstown Bourbon Company, Lexington Ballet in the Park, Evans Orchard, Rail Explorers, Georgetown, The Distillery District Lexington, Kentucky State Fair, Nulu MarketPlace, Top Golf Louisville, The Craftery Louisville, Lynn Family Stadium, Maple Retreats at Park Mammoth, Mammoth Cave, Gallrein Farms, Beer Fest in Covington, Rupp Arena, Old Louisville, Ashland River Front.
Rail Explorers:
Hands down on my top list for favorite experiences. Something so different and unique that I am so glad has come to Kentucky. Located in Versailles, Kentucky the Rail Explorers Bluegrass allows you to ride on a motorized type rail bike for 10 miles through the Kentucky countryside. You can read more details about the experience in my blog post here.
Mammoth Cave
Also one of my favorites, is Mammoth Cave National park. It is the only National Park in Kentucky but we love going down in the cave for a tour and seeing the rock formations and hearing about the history. This one is also extra special to me, because it was my first official partnership through this platform with a place to stay, The Maple Retreats at Mammoth Park, check them out!
Dale Hollow Lake
I may be biased, but Dale Hollow Lake is something special. I am in general, a lover of the lake life, but with the crystal clear water, hiking options and just general beauty - it’s a must visit! We also love Supher Creek Marina.
Churchill Downs
Do I really need to say much here? I always love the atmosphere at Churchill Downs whether it's during Derby week, the fall meets or anytime during the year. It will always be an iconic spot across Kentucky, so just give in to your inner tourist and check it out. It's a beautiful historic track that holds so much history that you'd have to try pretty dang hard to NOT love it.
Drive-In Movies
A perfect summer activity, we love Sauerback Drive-in in LaGrange. We typically put the tailgate down, load up our pillows and blankets and have an amazing family movie night. It makes it even better that they have clean on-site indoor bathrooms and a concession stand with some great food and drink options.
Glow Kayak in the Red River Gorge
Go to Stand Up Paddle Kentucky (SUP Kentucky) in the Red River Gorge, about an hour outside of Lexington. They will take you on a guided tour down to an old mine that is filled with water and you can do a crystal bottom glow kayak, stand up paddle board and more. It's a one-of-a-kind experience that you have to try out!
Carter Caves
This one I feel like is a true hidden gem. The Carter Caves are in Eastern Kentucky and they offer several cave tours, have beautiful hiking trails and is just a great place to visit.
