Anda
There is something for everyone traveling to or through the state of Kentucky, but what are some of the things that all visitors must see and do during a trip?
What to See and Do in Kentucky State
Tourism is booming in Kentucky, with reports from last year showing over 80 million people visiting the state in 2023. That marked a significant increase of 4.5% from the previous year, and it was found that a record $13.8 billion was generated from visitors in 2023.
That comes as little surprise as the state is one of the most scenic in the United States and offers some of the most historic insights into how the nation was in the past.
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
A historical location to visit on a trip to Kentucky can be found in the form of the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory. The site is found in the Museum Row in Louisville, located in the main part of the West Main District.
It offers a fascinating insight into the pop culture aspects of the US and includes collaborations with the Norman Rockwell Museum, Lego artists, and Topps Trading Cards.
There are several exhibits and attractions that need to be seen to be believed. Among those, make sure to take a photo with the World’s Largest Bat, which stands at a staggering 120 ft. tall. There is also a Bat Vault to look at where slugger bat models are kept, while there are batting cages to have a go with historical bats of the past.
Ark Encounter
Ark Encounter is located in Williamstown, Kentucky, and has been open to the public since 2016. The centerpiece of the attraction is the park’s Noah’s Ark, which is based on the narrative contained in the Bible.
The Ark is unmissable from a distance, as it is 510 feet long and 51 feet high. This attraction is operated by Anders in Genesis, and it has been hugely popular with tourists visiting the spot since opening its doors. The ark contains 132 bays, with visitors entering on the lowest deck and moving throughout via ramps. Each bay houses models of animals that were believed to be on the ark.
There is also an excellent kitchen called Emzara’s, which is situated across two floors and can house up to 1,500 guests, making it one of the biggest restaurants in a museum in the world.
Mammoth Cave National Park
One of the best sights to visit in the state of Kentucky can be found in the form of the Mammoth Cave National Park. This site is found in south-central Kentucky and encompasses portions of the Mammoth Cave, which is the longest cave system in the world that we know about.
It is massive in size, with the park covering over 52,000 acres, and it is primarily located in Edmondson County. The Green River runs through the park, and there is also the Nolin River found at the location. It has been known as the Mammoth-Flint Ridge Cave since 1972 when the connection between the sites was discovered.
Such is the size of the cave that it is still being explored to this day, with over 426 miles covered up to 2022. It is already the second-longest cave system in the world following the Sac Actun underwater cave in Mexico. It has been a National Park since 1941, and it was placed among the World Heritage Sites in 1981. Visitors are welcome to explore the cave, as the park’s mission is to preserve and protect the study of internationally recognized geologic features.
Churchill Downs
There are few better locations to watch live sporting action in the United States than Churchill Downs, which is located in Louisville, Kentucky. Churchill Downs is one of the most historic locations for sports and attracts worldwide visitors throughout the year. It has been open since 1875 and was named in honor of Samuel Churchill.
Nowadays, it is most famous for hosting the annual Kentucky Derby, which serves as the opening leg of the Triple Crown. This year will be the 151st edition and you can already start to look at the contenders in 2025 Kentucky Derby betting.
The Derby is the most-watched and most-attended race in the United States. Churchill Downs is also host to other notable races on the US schedule, including the Kentucky Oaks, Turf Classic Stakes, and Stephen Foster Stakes. It regularly hosts massive fans throughout the year, with Churchill Downs being able to host 170,000 visitors.
There have arguably been few better times to travel to the track and see the iconic Twin Spires, as it officially completed renovation work ahead of the 150th Derby last year. The Derby is the most famous race on the North American racing calendar, being held since 1875. Unlike the Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, it has been run every year since its inception, which includes rearranging the dates during the Second World War and the COVID-19 pandemic.