12 Most Beautiful Small Towns In Kentucky You Should Visit
The US State of Kentucky is naturally alluring, with an impressive geography. It has rivers flowing on three sides: the Mississippi River (west), Ohio River (north), and Sandy and Tug Fork (east). In addition, the state is bordered by the Appalachian mountains on its east end and boasts five major rivers and several lakes. As a result, Kentucky is filled with several beautiful small towns that radiate these natural endowments and beckon visitors to come and indulge. However, beyond its geography, the Bluegrass State is an amazing place to be. The food, culture, lifestyle, history, and horseracing reputation of this state are worth experiencing because they are simply incredible. Check out the 12 most beautiful small towns in Kentucky to include in your bucket list.
Burkesville
The city of Burkesville is outstandingly beautiful. Located in Cumberland County, the city is lodged on the foothills of the Appalachian mountain range. It is also bordered by the Cumberland River on its south and east. One of the town's foremost attractions is the Dale Hollow Lake State Resort Park and Golf Course. The park is a haven for a variety of outdoor endeavors such as camping, swimming, boating, picnics, hiking, and playing golf. For more adventures, learn how to ride a horse at the 4C cattle company, which has trails that go through scenic forests, creeks, and fields. In addition, visitors can go to the Cumberland River to experience water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, boating, fishing, and swimming.
Cumberland
Cumberland is a small, gorgeous town in Harlan County, blessed with natural attractions, notably the Cumberland Lake. Lake Cumberland is an amazing destination for vacation, featuring some of the world's highest concentration of rental houseboats. Visitors can rent a houseboat here, enjoy the sunset, fish, and kayak in the lake, and hike on the trails around. The Cumberland Falls Lake State Park is another magical beauty in this town which is home to the state's largest waterfall. In this park, there's no shortage of things to do. From watching the sun set or rise and hiking to another nearby waterfall to capturing the scenic beauty with a camera, the park has it all.
Hodgenville
Hodgenville in LaRue County is popularly known as the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln. As a result, there are a few landmarks here in his honor. The Lincoln Museum is one, where two magnificent bronze statues of Abraham Lincoln stand majestically. Inside, there are many relics, artifacts, art collections, and life-size dioramas centered around the former president. Hodgenville also has the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Park which has more of his relics, including a replica of the small log cabin where he was born. Beyond Abraham Lincoln, Hodgenville also has other things to offer. After the history tours, visitors can immerse in nature at McDougal Lake through hiking, biking, and fishing. Alternatively, the Creekfront Park is a great place to spend outdoor time enjoying slides, strolling, and playing tennis, among other sports.
Harrodsburg
Harrodsburg is a historic, and peaceful town in the heart of the bluegrass region and is also the seat of Mercer County. The town is one of the oldest in the US having been founded in 1774 and there are several guided tours to explore its long history. The Old Fort Harrod State Park is the most popular attraction to visit in this town to learn more about its history. This park is home to the Mansion Museum - an original structure dating to 1813 and featuring an impressive collection of artifacts that date to more than 500 years ago. The park is also home to many historic sites such as the replica of the fort built by James Harrod, the pioneer cemetery, and Martin Station Log House. Beyond history, Harrodsburg is beautiful, with many colorful ancient buildings occupying its streets, creating a picture-perfect scenery.
Lebanon
Lebanon was named after the Biblical Cedars of Lebanon, due to the many Cedar trees in the town. The town is quite historic and beautiful, with a major part of its downtown under the National Register of Historic Places. Beyond its rich history, Lebanon is home to several distilleries and several bourbon tours are available to give visitors unforgettable experiences. When in this town, visit the Limestone Branch Distillery to have the ultimate bourbon experience by tasting it right from the mash. Alternatively, visitors can roam around the town, capture its scenic architecture, relate with friendly locals, and engage in some exciting outdoor adventures.
Glasgow
The town of Glasgow is the seat of Barren County and is one of the closest places to the Mammoth Cave National Park. This cave is the longest in the world and a major draw to tourists visiting Glasglow. However, it is not the only attraction in this scenic town. The Barren River Lake State Park is a fascinating destination to enjoy outdoor pursuits. Visitors can immerse in canoeing, boating, and picnics on the lake's shores. Near the park is a pristine forest reserve that has never been logged. It has a scenic and well-marked trail for tourists to hike and see its abundant diversity of trees. For history buffs, head to the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center to see different relics of history, including artifacts of the Gulf War.
Munfordville
Munfordville is a hidden touristy town tucked away on the North side of Green River in Hart County. While little is often heard of the town, it is a tourism gem in Kentucky with many fun activities to unwind and create lifelong memories. The Big Buffalo Crossing is on the banks of the Green River and awaits visitors who come to kayak and canoe along the river. One can also find the Kentucky Stonehenge here, resembling its renowned counterpart in England and other rock displays. Experience a mind-blowing adventure by visiting the world's longest cave system in the nearby Mammoth Cave National Park which extends into Hart County. While in this park, experience some of the cave tours available like the Echo River tour that takes visitors along an underground river.
Marion
Marion is a small city named after a Brigadier General, Francis Marion, who fought in the American Revolutionary War. While the city only boasts a small population of under 4,000, it is big on attractions and there are plenty of things to do here. One of the most spectacular experiences here is to take the Cave-in-rock ferry from Kentucky to Illinois and enjoy scenic views around. The ferry is one of the only two services of its kind on the Ohio River. It is open seven days a week and is free of charge. Otherwise, visit the famous Ben E. Clement Museum, a mineral museum hosting massive collections of carvings, gemstones, and other minerals.
Murray
The University town of Murray may have a small populace but it is big on outdoor life and recreation. This beautiful town boasts a historic downtown district, filled with iconic Victorian buildings, including the National Hotel Building dating back to the 20th century. Here, one can promenade for sightseeing, shop, and enjoy meals in one of the many restaurants that line the streets. For the adventurous traveler, the Kentucky Lake is 10 minutes from this downtown district and sets the stage for outdoor fun. Visitors can paddle, fish, ride boats, kayak, and hold picnics around this gorgeous lake. The Clara M. Eagle Gallery is another wonderful place to visit if one is a lover of art. It has over a thousand artworks from across the world to see.
Greenville
Greenville is a scenic small town in Muhlenberg County that's perfect for outdoor adventures and family fun time. The town is also historic, and visitors can go back in time at the Veterans Plaza, a memorial dedicated to veterans who fought in WW1, WW2, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. The town's historic city center is also a major attraction as it features many heritage buildings, shops, and eateries offering delicious meals. Venture into the great outdoors and visit the nearby Lake Malone State Park, where sandstone cliffs and a beautiful lake make the landscape stunning. In this park, horse riding, hiking, biking, swimming, sunbathing on the beach, and picnics are the top activities that guarantee a memorable experience.
Cynthiana
The small town of Cynthiana is in Harrison County and has the South Fork of the Licking River flowing through it from North to South. The town was established with the lands donated by Robert Harrison and it was named after his two daughters - Cynthia and Anna. Cynthiana is beautiful, serene, and historic, and visitors can experience all of these features while visiting. Licking River is a great place for fishing and sightseeing in this town, while the Flat Runs Veteran Park offers some more exciting outdoor experiences. Visitors can hike through this park and listen to nature's sounds and catch some of the city's most stunning natural sights. For something different, immerse in a bit of history by visiting the Cynthiana Harrison County Museum, where several historical exhibitions take one back in time.
Midway
Midway is a small laid-back town in the bluegrass region of Kentucky, with a population of approximately 1,800 people. The town sits just outside Lexington, where it reflects calm and pristine natural beauty. While here, visitors can head to Walter Bradley Park, a 28-acre nature preserve and urban park, where a walk through its trails reveals jaw-dropping natural beauty at every turn. Alternatively, visit the Equus Run Vineyards in Moores Mill Road to see where some of Kentucky's most enchanting wines are made. Embark on a guided tour along its landscaped greenery and taste some of the town's delicious wines. For a more thrilling experience, visit the Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary along the Kentucky River to see its indigenous flora and fauna, and marvel at nature.
Conclusion
Kentucky, the Blue Grass State, offers visitors some of the most enchanting small towns to escape the city's bustle. These towns have unique attractions that draw tourists, and some are rich in history, arts, or architecture. Regardless, there's always something for anyone visiting. Thanks to their small populations, one can explore their endowments without the crowd. Beyond attractions, these towns have friendly locals, rich food, fascinating culture, and incredible hospitality to offer anyone visiting.
