Five Amazing Day Trips: Kentucky

Kentucky is well known for both bourbon and thoroughbred horses from Lexington to Louisville. The major cities are filled with unique points of interest, eclectic neighborhoods, entertainment districts, and an excellent culinary scene with delicious twists on local favorites. Beautiful landscapes and nature are at the forefront across the six diverse travel regions and the largest developed state park system in the United States. The circle tour of Kentucky consists of not only an unforgettable scenic drive but also countless things to do while exploring the Appalachian Mountains, Northern Kentucky Rivers, Western Wetlands, and Southern Cave regions. Whether you’re on the Bourbon Trail or you’re making your own trail through beautiful countryside dotted with charming small towns, you will find friendly people and amazing surprises along the way. Our day trip recommendations start in Louisville and explore nearby destinations.

Here are five great day trips across the Bluegrass State:

Courtesy of the Kentucky Tourism Office

Bardstown (Brew, Distill & Ferment) 

The charming town of Bardstown is known as the Bourbon Capital of the World and is the first stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Located 40 miles south of Lexington, Bardstown is perfect for anyone whose ideal getaway includes bourbon tasting, historic sites, and gorgeous Kentucky landscapes. Visit one of the nine bourbon distilleries within 16 miles of the downtown. A fantastic place to start is the Heaven Hill Distillery and its Bourbon Heritage Center to learn about the history of Bourbon as well as the story behind the distillery, family owned and operated since 1935. To continue learning about Bardstown’s fascinating heritage, head back to the center of town to Spalding Hall, which houses the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History and the Bardstown Historical Museum. The downtown district is full of locally owned shops and restaurants, making it a great place for an afternoon stroll. Don’t miss the historic Old Talbott Tavern, built in 1779. You can have a drink in the same tavern visited by Jesse James, General George S. Patton, and Abraham Lincoln! 

Bowling Green (Museums & Attractions) 

Located 100 miles south of Louisville, Bowling Green makes for a perfect excursion to experience some “only in Kentucky” attractions. The city is best known as the Home of the Corvette. Start your day at the National Corvette Museum, celebrating the history and future of the classic American sports car. From exotic and special Corvette editions to interactive exhibits and experiences, the museum has something for everyone. The Bowling Green community was shocked when a sinkhole opened up under the building in 2014, but the iconic room is now open with a viewing window in the floor, offering a glimpse at the “Corvette Cave-In” and all of the Corvettes that fell. After you tour the museum, walk over to the world’s only Corvette Assembly Plant, where they’ve been building Corvettes since 1953! Time your visit to the museum to attend a race at Beech Bend Raceway, an auto racing facility that is nationally recognized for its drag strip. Enjoy Fun Racing on Tuesday and Friday nights, NHRA drag racing on Sundays, and dozens of national automotive events throughout the year. 

Harrodsburg (Museums & Attractions) 

Harrodsburg, located 75 miles east of Louisville, was founded in 1774 as the first permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny mountains. The area’s rich history is on display with a day trip to the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. The Pleasant Hill Shakers are recognized for their iconic architecture, skilled craftsmanship, and profound spirituality. The living history museum has 34 original structures, making it the country’s largest private collection of original 19th century buildings and the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Walk through The Historic Centre to explore the impressive buildings and authentic artifacts, visit The Farm to see traditional Shaker agricultural practices, and stretch your legs in The Preserve, an area that includes 3,000 acres of prairies, forests, wildlife, trails, and open spaces. There are daily guided tours of the historic village and additional experiences like horse drawn wagon rides and hayrides, as well as special events throughout the year. Have lunch at the onsite Trustees’ Table, featuring dishes with seasonal ingredients straight from the farm.

Lexington (Sports & Sporting Events) 

When you think of Kentucky, you most definitely think of horses. Nowhere is this more evident than Lexington, The Horse Capital of the World. Located 75 miles east of Louisville, Lexington is home to Keeneland, a racetrack with beautifully landscaped grounds that are open to the public every day. Guided walking tours are available to learn about the history of Keeneland and get an insider’s view of its operations. While in Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is a must-see for any horse lover. The 1,200-acre park lets visitors get up close and personal with many breeds of horse, through barn tours, horseback riding, three outstanding museums, a daily Parade of Breeds show, and more. The park also hosts a comprehensive schedule of equestrian events, including steeplechase, carriage driving, and polo.  

Courtesy of the Kentucky Tourism Office

Loretto (Brew, Distill & Ferment) 

Loretto is a small town about an hour south of Louisville, that is home to one of the most famous bourbon distilleries in the state— Maker’s Mark. The 1,000-acre property is a destination in itself and is also a National Historic Landmark. Take a guided tour through the working distillery, barrel warehouse, and the unique Bourbon Limestone Cellar (called the “classiest cave in Kentucky”). Of course, you’ll finish with a guided tasting of the Maker’s family of bourbons. Pair your bourbon with a delicious, locally sourced Kentucky meal at the Star Hill Provisions restaurant, and continue the experience in the gift shop by purchasing an undipped souvenir bourbon bottle to try your hand at dunking it in the iconic Maker’s Mark red wax.