Seven unforgettable experiences in Kentucky

Welcome to Kentucky, where bold adventures meet rich traditions. From sipping world-famous bourbon to watching thundering hooves at legendary racetracks. From ziplining through ancient caves to hiking through lush gorges, the Bluegrass State offers unforgettable moments for every kind of holiday. 

Head to Louisville, Kentucky’s largest city and a hub of culture, adventure, and history. Underground thrills await at the Louisville Mega Cavern, a former limestone quarry turned massive subterranean playground. Ride a guided SUV-pulled tram to discover the cavern’s fascinating past, including a Cold War-era bunker and a worm composting exhibit. For adrenaline seekers, Mega Zips offers an underground zipline course featuring six lines that crisscross the vast, dimly lit cave. In winter, Lights Under Louisville transforms the cavern into a magical drive-through holiday light experience with over 900 illuminated displays, all beneath the city’s surface.

Next, explore natural wonder at Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the longest cave system on Earth. With over 420 miles of explored passageways, this UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Dark Sky Park offers more than just cave tours. Above ground, you’ll find miles of hiking and biking trails, diverse wildlife, and peaceful campsites. Inside the caves, learn about early explorers like Stephen Bishop, an enslaved African American who mapped much of the system in the 1800s. Ranger-led tours range from easy strolls to strenuous underground treks, making it accessible for all.

In Bowling Green, dive into American automotive history at the National Corvette Museum. With more than 70 classic and modern Corvettes on display, interactive exhibits, and behind-the-scenes peeks into car production, it's a dream destination for auto enthusiasts. Kids can enjoy hands-on fun in the KidZone, while grown-ups can try the racing simulator or ride in a real Corvette. Across the road at NCM Motorsports Park, guests can take a Corvette for a spin on a professional track, while the NCM Kartplex offers fast-paced go-kart racing. The museum’s Corvette Cave-In exhibit explores the dramatic 2014 sinkhole that made international headlines.

Outdoor lovers will find paradise in the Red River Gorge, a stunning geological area in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Known for its towering sandstone cliffs, stone arches, and thick forests, the Gorge is a top destination for hiking, rock climbing, and camping. Take a Canopy Tour across five exhilarating zip lines, including two side-by-side racing zips, that reach speeds up to 55 mph and heights of 300 feet. Prefer to keep your feet on the ground? Join a guided hike through flower-filled forests and scenic overlooks that highlight Kentucky’s natural beauty.

Kentucky is bourbon country, and no visit is complete without travelling the legendary Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. With over 60 distilleries across the state, the trail offers behind-the-scenes tours, tastings, mixology classes, and barrel-aging experiences. Major hubs like Bardstown, Lexington, and Louisville are home to iconic names such as Maker’s Mark, Buffalo Trace, and Woodford Reserve. In Northern Kentucky, explore The B-Line®, a curated experience of distilleries, bourbon bars, and farm-to-table restaurants. For those looking to pair adventure with whiskey, try hiking or cycling through bourbon country, tee off at a golf course near a distillery, or attend the Kentucky Bourbon Festival on the 5 – 7 September or the Bourbon Trail™ Relay, a 200-mile race from Bardstown to Louisville on the 3 – 4 October. 

For a one-of-a-kind natural experience, visit Cumberland Falls, often called the “Niagara of the South.” This powerful 18 metre waterfall spans 38 metres and is the only place in the Western Hemisphere where you can regularly witness a moonbow, a nighttime rainbow visible during a full moon under clear skies. Located in Daniel Boone National Forest, the area also offers hiking trails, birdwatching, and guided rafting excursions on the Cumberland River.

No trip to Kentucky is complete without experiencing its proud equestrian legacy. Visit Churchill Downs, home of the world-famous Kentucky Derby, held each May and known as “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports.” Go behind the scenes on a guided tour, meet retired racehorses, or attend a live race during the Spring or Fall Meets. For a more immersive horse experience, explore the scenic Horse Country around Lexington, where you can tour active horse farms, see foals, and learn about the breeding and training of champions. Another must-see is Keeneland, a picturesque track with elite thoroughbred racing and auctions.

Whether you're drawn by bourbon, beauty, history, or horsepower, Kentucky offers endless ways to be inspired. Come and explore the adventure, culture, and charm that make the Bluegrass State truly one of a kind.