NORTHERN/CENTRAL KENTUCKY
Lexington Metro Area
Lexington
- Keeneland Race Course – Horse racing and sales venue in scenic horse country.
- Mary Todd Lincoln House – Childhood home of First Lady.
- Ashland – Historic Henry Clay estate and gardens.
- Aviation Museum of Kentucky – Vintage aircraft and WWII exhibits.
- Lexington Arboretum – Gardens, walking trails, and seasonal displays.
- University of Kentucky Arboretum – Native wildflower and bonsai gardens.
- The Arboretum at Beaumont – Walking gardens and sculptures.
- Rupp Arena – Iconic college basketball venue.
Georgetown
- Yuko-En Japanese Garden – Tranquil gardens with koi ponds and teahouse.
- Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm – Thoroughbred retirement home you can tour.
Frankfort
- Kentucky River Museum – Riverboat history and heritage site.
- Kentucky State Capitol – Beautiful marble halls and dome tours.
- Berry Hill Mansion – Historic antebellum home open for events.
WESTERN KENTUCKY / Bowling Green Metro
Owensboro
- International Bluegrass Music Museum – Exhibits and frequent live performances.
- Smothers Park – Riverfront park named for actors and musicians Tom and Dick Smothers.
- RiverPark Center – Concerts, theatre, and art events.
Bowling Green
- Lost River Cave – Subterranean boat tours through cave system.
- National Corvette Museum – Cars, history, and a sinkhole exhibit.
- Western Kentucky University Planetarium – Star shows and educational programs.
- Kentucky Down Under – Zoo and farm with kangaroos and exotic animals.
- Sloan Convention Center Historic Railcar – Converted passenger railcar restaurant.
Elizabethtown
- Brown-Pusey House Museum – 1825 mansion turned local history museum.
- Elizabethtown Nature Park – Trails, fishing, and outdoor education center.
EASTERN KENTUCKY
Ashland / Huntington Metro (KY side)
Ashland
- Paramount Arts Center – Historic theater hosting touring acts and local events.
- Highlands Museum & Discovery Center – Regional history and science meets.
Morehead
- Cave Run Lake & Wildlife Management Area – Popular for fishing and boating.
- Daniel Boone National Forest Laurel Gorge – Red River Gorge hiking area and suspension bridge.
Pikeville
- East Kentucky Science Center – Observatories and educational space science displays.
- George C. Rogers Museum – Eastern Kentucky University collections and Appalachian exhibits.
Hazard
- Adkins Energy Amphitheater – Outdoor concerts and cultural events.
- Benham-Lynch Trail – Industrial heritage trail linking coal camp towns.
SOUTH CENTRAL / SOUTHERN KENTUCKY
Somerset / Lake Cumberland Metro
- Cumberland Falls State Resort Park – “Niagara of the South” waterfalls and moonbows.
- Light #58 on the Creeper Trail – Hidden boxcar converted to artist-run gallery.
- Somerset Antique Mall – Huge consignment hall with local crafts.
Campbellsville
- Green River Lake State Park – Marina, beaches, and lakeside trails.
- Taylor County History Museum – Multi-story pioneer Dallas-era museum.
Glasgow
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park – Trails, water access, and fishing.
- Glasgow Highland Games in late summer – Celtic celebration with athletics and music.
Bowling Green (but referencing second attractions)
- Railpark at L&N Depot – Exhibits on city railroad history.
- Sloan Convention Center Historic Railcar – A vintage railcar repurposed.