8 of the Quirkiest Kentucky Towns You Didn't Know Existed
The Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Derby are two things Kentucky is notoriously famous for. So, naturally, most of their attractions are centered around horses and distilleries. Venture out to some of these famed attractions or explore them on a smaller scale at one of these eight quirky towns. You might not even know these small towns exist, but they provide just as much entertainment, history and nature as any other hot spot in the state.
Harrodsburg
Begin learning of the town’s history at Old Fort Harrod State Park. The replicated encampment features cabins and blockhouses that were crucial as one of the stops on the Lincoln Heritage Trail.
Tour the buildings and see the utensils, furniture, tools, and equipment used by the pioneers. In addition to restored buildings, the fort also houses the historic Lincoln Marriage Temple and the oldest cemetery west of the Alleghenies.
Midway
Start your trip in Midway with a stroll through Walter Bradley Park. Four miles of walking paths are encompassed in this 28-acre park that’s accessible from the downtown area. The highlight of the hike is the Creek Walk, 1.5 miles of trail along Lee’s Branch. After a little stroll, visit Bluegrass Distillers. Originally started in Lexington, the distillery is now located in Midway where they grow their own corn on site. Book a tour and taste some samples of the spirits they produce.
If you want to continue on your Bourbon tour, or try a different kind of drink, visit Equus Run Vineyard. Tours are available, and samples of Brandy and Agave spirits are available for tasting. Bourbon and horses, the two things Kentucky is known for, so once you’ve gotten your Bourbon fix head over to Airdrie Stud. One of the state’s most prestigious thoroughbred breeding farms, tours are available to meet the stallions.
Horse Cave
For a truly unique experience go to Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo. Visit the petting zoo, go coal mining, or stroll through the “outback” where kangaroos and emus roam freely. These are just a few of the activities available at this wild zoo. The entrance to Mammoth Onyx Cave is also located within the zoo quarters. Another enticing cave visit in town is the Crystal Onyx Cave. Tours are available throughout the half-mile path of the growing cave. You’ll experience amazing formations like Goliath Formation and the Imagination Room. For a tourist focused type of stop visit Mammoth Valley Park. Ride the Alpine Slide, or glide down Kentucky’s longest twin zipline. Or take the sky lift and just enjoy the views from the clouds. For a final stop in town visit Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum. The museum contains snow leopards, ox, bears, birds and so much more. See the animals as you would in their natural environment. Their website even boasts you can get closer to the animals than you could at a standard zoo!
Maysville
The National Underground Railroad Museum’s main purpose has been to preserve events and the like that are in danger of being ignored. Located in the Bierbower House, a documented safe house, the museum honors the bravery of individuals during slavery by preserving artifacts, offering exhibits and providing storytelling. Learn about this town’s impact during that time in history. Another museum to visit is the Kentucky Gateway Museum Center. Collections, exhibits and a library all represent the history of the Maysville region. Over 4,000 artifacts are housed in the museum including clothing, artwork, home furnishing, and more. To break away from a history lesson and explore outdoors stop by Cummins Nature Preserve. The preserve offers not only multiple hiking trails, but also classes that range from plant identification to edible plants. Camping is available too for those that want to spend the night under the stars. For a final stop in Maysville head over to The Old Pogue Distillery. The distillery is located on the historic grounds that have been part of the Pogue Family since 1845. Known as the birthplace of Bourbon, this is one distillery you won’t want to miss while in Kentucky.
Pikeville
Spend some time in Pikeville taking in the sights. Start with the Pikeville Cut-Through Overlook. Hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World by the New York Times, this project was created to relieve the barrage of flooding the city. The Cut-Through Project is located on Bob Amos Drive, atop a mountain and provides picturesque views. Take the drive and take in the scenes. Another outdoor stop to make is Bob Amos Park. Walking trails with views of the Appalachian Mountains can be seen on a stroll through the park. Visit the park to take in the natural beauty of the area. For some Pikeville history you won’t want to miss, take the Hatfields and McCoys’ Feud Tour. A self-guided tour, from possibly one of the United States’ biggest feuds, this trek takes you to the significant stops during that period in history. The historic sites take you through the mountains from Kentucky to West Virginia. Take the whole tour or stop for a portion of it. Cap off your time in Pikeville at Historic Dils Cemetery, where you’ll find the graves of Randolph, Sally and Roseanna McCoy, the patriarch of the family, his wife and one of their daughters. So much history is found in this small cemetery.
Hodgenville
Hodgenville holds plenty of history when it comes to Abraham Lincoln, so make sure to hit up these presidential spots while in town. First stop, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. Join a tour and step into Lincoln’s boyhood home where he lived from two years old until he was eight. Also in the park is the First Lincoln Memorial. The monument was built to commemorate the life and accomplishments of Lincoln. Next stop on the Lincoln tour, visit the Lincoln Museum. Life size dioramas, historical artifacts, and wax figurines are just a few of the displays you can find within the museum. The collection includes displays from “Cabin Years” to “Fords Theater” and everything in between. Finally, stop and admire the Statue Of Abraham Lincoln, which sits outside the museum. At six feet tall, the monument features Lincoln sitting in an armchair with his named carved in stone. While the town has no shortage of Abraham Lincoln memorabilia, if you are craving a different type of attraction, stop at Hinton’s Orchard & Farm Market. Seed to bloom, farm to table, this market offers plenty of fresh local food including produce, herbs, fresh baked bread, ice cream and more. Don’t leave town without picking up some delicious treats.
Morehead
Once in Morehead, visit the Kentucky Folk Art Center, located at Morehead State University. The center features a collection of almost 1,400 pieces of original folk art. The first floor showcases rotating exhibits while the second floor houses the folk and fine art textiles and photographs. After that stop, head to the Morehead Railroad & Historical Museum. The museum displays artifacts from six of the most historic railroads that ran in Rowan County. Some of the exhibitions include a 1947 tractor, a blacksmith shop, a player piano, a real moonshine and more. After the museum, step outside to Eagle Lake. The picturesque lake overlooks the campus of Morehead State University. There are trails around the lake, and opportunities for kayaking and fishing. Or just lay out a blanket and relax by the water. For a last stop in Morehead frequent Freedom Park. Found on the grounds of Rowan County Arts Center the park has multiple stone walls engraved with the names of soldiers from all wars. Relax and take in this comber experience and don’t forget to take note of the “Spirit of the American Doughboy” monument also within the park.
Augusta
Visit the Baker Bird Wintery and B. Bird Distillery for a little sip of everything. This operation is one of the most imperative in the historic American Spirits. The original distiller fought in the American Revolution and distilled during the Whiskey Rebellion. Today it is the largest, oldest wine cellar in America and the only winery to survive a Civil War Battle. Stop in for a tour, a tasting, and a little bit of history. The Augusta Distillery is also a popular spot in town for touring and tastings. Not only do they offer Bourbon tastings but also demonstrations on how to roll the perfect cigar to accompany your drink. Learn a little local history at the Rosemary Clooney House. The house is a collection of novelties from a small-town girl-turned movie star. The collections are dedicated to her movies, songs and concerts, and display her own personal items including garments she has worn. Visit the house turned museum to learn more about this local legend. Lastly, before leaving Augusta, take a ride on the Augusta Ferry. One of the oldest operations in town. The ferry services patrons seven days a week and shuttles passengers between Kentucky and Ohio.
Experience a leisurely, slow-paced trip when you visit Kentucky. Stop at the historic spots that shaped the state and take time to visit the traditions that keep the state alive, the horses and the Bourbon. Each town offers a unique experience and something new to see and do. If you are someone that loves to opt out of the big city adventures, hop on over to one of these eight quirky towns and encounter something new.
