8 Most Eccentric Towns in Kentucky
In a state known for its bourbon, horse races, and caves, it's not uncommon to find a town or two with some unique quirks. Venture deep into the Appalachian Mountains, the Bluegrass region, the Knobs, cave systems, and more to get the most out of all Kentucky has to offer. Visit the places that hold the state’s hidden gems and the sights that few know about, but offer nothing short of countless forms of entertainment. Make the most out of your visit to these eight most eccentric towns in Kentucky.
Rabbit Hash
For a truly one-of-a-kind experience, visit the unincorporated town of Rabbit Hash, with a population under 200; the residents seemingly make their own rules, and one of those includes electing a dog as their mayor. Meet Mayor Boone, a Bluetick Hound, and the latest in a long line of canine mayors. For over 25 years, Rabbit Hash has been electing dogs as mayor, and you can get the opportunity to shake paws with its current one as he spends most days roaming freely among the town.
The small, dog-run town doesn’t have a lot, but what it has is more than enough. Visitors will be delighted to stop at the Rabbit Hash General Store. The general store is a true testament to the town, as it was one of the few surviving establishments of the 1937 flood, with waters that crested 79.9 feet. There is still mud in the attic from the flood! Today, the store offers not just history, but clothing, souvenirs, groceries, gift baskets, drinkware, and more. Visit another small-town attraction at the Rabbit Hash Historical Society. Being a small town, it is not open traditional hours, but rather for several hours most afternoons or by appointment. Stop by the restored log cabin and see the exhibits that include photographs of the Rabbit Hash General Store and other prominent structures, prehistoric and historic artifacts, documents, books on Ohio River history, floods, and more.
Berea
For art lovers, you won't want to miss a stop in the town of Berea. Known for its rich arts and crafts scene, be sure to check out The Cabin of Old Town Artisan Gallery. The shop itself is a sight to see, as it is based in a log cabin built in the early 1800s that once housed a family of 14! Peruse the personally crafted wood pieces ranging from whimsical to functional. For more chances to purchase locally crafted items, plan your visit around The Berea Craft Festival. Over 100 artists and craftsmen participate annually to sell their pottery, woodworking, clothing, jewelry, metalwork, glass, leather, and so much more. The Historic Indian Fort Theater hosts the long weekend and invites all for a creative weekend in the mountains. Enjoy the forested hills and hiking trails surrounding the fest, while partaking in the live music, enlightening performances, local food vendors, and hands-on experiences.
Take some time away from the budding arts scene and explore the natural views provided by Berea at the Berea College Forest. The college manages over 9,000 acres of land, but the forest and the trails are open to the public as well. Sustainability efforts focus on wood, water, wildlife, and recreation. Berea College manages the forest with a commitment to serve the Appalachian Region.
La Grange
La Grange has a uniquely exquisite main attraction that visitors and locals both delight in. The historic town has a freight train that rolls right through town, passing down the center of Main Street. In a town known for its train, visitors will want to take part in their locomotive-related attractions. Begin at the La Grange Railroad Museum and learn about the history of this train town. Exhibits include flags and lanterns, a working replica of a steam engine locomotive, a history of model trains, a train log from 1908, and much more. For train enthusiasts who want the best views, climb to the top of The Train Observation Tower. Enjoy the train passing by at 10 MPH on one of two decks right by the tracks. The tower can be found in front of the Main Street Bourbon and Ale House restaurant and bar.
Learn more about the rich town history at the Oldham County History Center. The hands-on learning museum focuses heavily on the Underground Railroad, WWII Veterans, the Kentucky State Reformatory, and D. W. Griffith, a silent film maker from the 20th century.
Bardstown
Founded in 1785, Bardstown is the second-oldest town in Kentucky and is hailed for its historical architecture and bourbon heritage. Learn more about it bourbon legacy at the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History. The building itself holds quite a history as it was formerly a college, seminary, hospital during the Civil War, an orphanage, and a prep school. The museum features over 1500 rare and one-of-a-kind bottles of whiskey and bourbon that have been collected over 40 years. Learn about the history of bourbon and then enjoy the smells and tastes of it at Heaven Hill Distillery. An official stop on The Bourbon Trail, the distillery offers its visitors tours and tastings, and a theater that shows a video highlighting the story of the Shapira family, who started Heaven Hill Distillery.
If bourbon isn’t on your list of interests, enjoy the other attractions the town is known for. Take a stroll down The Cobblestone Path. Constructed in 1785 and operational until 1825, it served as the main entryway into town. Located on top of a bluff created by Stewart's Creek Towne Branch's deep canyon, the path is now only open to foot traffic. The path is only 350 feet long, but it holds years of history.
Harrodsburg
A Shaker Village is described as “a self-sufficient, communal living community established by the Shakers, a celibate religious group in America. These villages were organized around core beliefs of communal living, gender and racial equality, and celibacy”. Harrodsburg features the third-largest Shaker Village in the U.S at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Visitors are invited to explore the 3,000 acres and enjoy the multiple amenities offered. Stay the night, dine at one of the restaurants, or shop in any of the boutiques. Additionally, a list of daily activities is provided to patrons and includes Historic Village Tours, Tea Tasting, Meet the Ducks, Shaker Music for the Holidays, and more. Learn about this group of people and their heritage at this hands-on local farm.
For an additional historic location, visit the Matheny-Taylor House, otherwise known as the Mansion Museum. The two-story, three-bay brick block house was built in 1810 and displays exhibits and artifacts from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars. It is currently in use as a museum for the Fort Harrod State Park. The main attraction in the park is a replica of the 1774 full-scale fort built by James Harrod. Surrounding the fort are cabins and blockhouses furnished with handmade utensils, furniture, and tools, used by the pioneers. Although the fort is the centerpiece of the park, visitors will enjoy stopping by the Big Ole Tree, the largest Osage Orange tree in the U.S., the Lincoln Marriage Temple, and the oldest cemetery in Kentucky, the Pioneer Cemetery.
Paducah
UNESCO stands for the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, and Paducah is a recognized UNESCO Creative City, known for its thriving art scene. Be a part of that scene at The Yeiser Art Center. With exhibits and events constantly going on, the art center is an entertainment hub for multiple purposes. Exhibits include Art Through the Lens, Fantastic Fibers, Teen Spirit, Affordable Art Show, and more. For more art-based and slightly historically based attractions, stop at The National Quilt Museum. The collection of quilts represents today's quilters and has all been crafted after 1980 to signify the finest of contemporary quilting, showcasing a wide range of styles, techniques, inspiration, and unique artistic abilities.
Until 1818, Chickasaw Indians lived and hunted in the area that is now known as Paducah, and to honor them, artist Peter "Wolf" Toth chiseled a 56,000-pound red oak into the art piece Wacinton, meaning "to have understanding", creating a local historical marker. The totem needed to be repaired when its elaborate headdress fell off during a storm in 2015.
Hodgenville
One of the most influential presidents in our history was born in the small town of Hodgenville, and to honor him, the town has multiple sites dedicated to honoring the U.S.’s 16th president. Begin your own Abraham Lincoln tour at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. Featuring Lincoln’s boyhood home from ages 2-8, as well as the First Lincoln Memorial, commemorating the life and accomplishments of Lincoln.
Get an even more in-depth look at Lincoln’s life by visiting the Lincoln Museum. Life-size dioramas, historical artifacts, and wax figurines are just a few of the exhibits on display within the museum. Collections include displays from “Cabin Years” to “Ford's Theater” and everything notable in between. The museum is situated in the historic downtown area and is only three miles from Lincoln’s birthplace. Outside the museum, standing tall like Lincoln himself, is the Statue of Abraham Lincoln. The six-foot-tall monument features the bearded president sitting in an armchair with his name carved in stone underneath. Commissioned to honor the centennial of Lincoln’s birth, the bronze statue sits right in Hodgenville’s public square.
Glasgow
No, you didn’t switch articles and are now reading about Scotland; this Glasgow is indeed based in Kentucky, but is believed to have been named Glasgow after its Scottish founders and settlers. And to commemorate those founders, every year the town hosts the Glasgow Gaelic Gathering, formerly the Glasgow Highland Games. Formerly, the event focused on athleticism, and now it will center around dancing, food, and bands. Learn more about this small town’s unique heritage at the South Central Kentucky Cultural Center. The center serves to educate and enlighten through events and programs, aiming to preserve the history and culture of The Barrens, a historic region of South Central Kentucky. Collections include artifacts, works of art, publications, archival materials, a genealogy library, and other regionally related items.
Historians won't want to miss one last stop at Historic Fort Williams. The fort served a crucial role in the Civil War to help Southern Kentucky maintain control over the Union. The battlefield features a reconstructed fort, Civil War cannon, and historical placards describing the battle for Glasgow, as well as aerial views of the town below.
When you think of Kentucky, the typical attractions come to mind: bourbon and horses, but dig deeper into this cavernous state and explore everything else it has to offer. You might not have had Shakers, Lincoln, and fine arts in mind when visiting the Bluegrass State, but attractions showcasing these features run prominently throughout. Meet a dog mayor, watch a train run right through town, or partake in a craft fair at these eight most eccentric towns in Kentucky.
