From historic locations to roadside attractions, Kentucky has a seemingly endless plethora of adventure for any road-tripping enthusiast . . .
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A Search for History and Adventure throughout The Bluegrass StateWe'll begin our journey in the western reaches Kentucky and work our way east while searching for adventures in the history and local culture that makes this region attractive destination for countless thrill-seeking tourists each year.
Bowling Green
Bowling Green is a town that should definitely not be overlooked on your Kentucky road trip. There is a multitude of historic experiences to be had in the surrounding areas. That makes it a great location to base yourself for a couple of days to begin your exploring.
Let's take a look around!
What better way to start your Kentucky adventure than by visiting the city's original transportation hub? The Historic Rail Park and Train Museum represents the very location where people would have originally rolled into town. After marveling at the old rail cars parked outside, check out the inside to be treated to informative exhibits, a cool model, and some gorgeous architecture.
Rail Park Museum
Those more interested in driving will want to check out The National Corvette Museum. This place represents the most amazing collection of this American machine around. This elaborate collection of cars unfortunately gained even more fame in 2016 when a sinkhole swallowed up 8 of these unreplaceable beauties. Though the building has since been repaired, the mangled cars are now on display in the very same arrangement as before the disaster.
National Corvette Museum
Kentucky's Lost River Cave is somewhat of a two for one experience. Not only can you join a guided boat tour in the depths of a Kentucky cavern, but also take time to enjoy the above ground nature trails the property has to offer. Along the way there is information about the area's Civil War history, and rumor has it that Jesse James once hid out here while on the run.
Lost Cave Nature Experience
The entire downtown of Bowling Green is full of great places to eat and parks to be enjoyed. Do yourself a favor and spend a couple of days here. Just passing through made me realize exactly how much I was missing in this area.
Park City & Glassgow
Just east of Bowling Green is the tiny town of Park City. This town is the home to a really interesting ruin known as Bell's Tavern. Constructed by Colonel William Bell in 1830, this was once a popular drinking and dining establishment for travelers visiting the nearby caverns. The original wooden structure burned around 1860. Due to the events of The Civil War, the update stone version was never completed.
Bell's Tavern
Just south of here is the town of Glassgow. Here you will find the Fort Williams Civil War Battlefield. This key location was built in 1863 to help fortify Union control of the area during a time when the transportation system was under attack. It was October of that same year that the fort was raided. Today the surrounding area is a cemetery that is the final resting place for many notable people connected to that historic site.
Cave City
What better name than Cave City to represent such a hot spot of subterranean wonder? Surrounding this tiny town is a cornucopia of cavern tours that will have you coming back for more, mostly because you ran out of time. I recommend at least three full days in this neighborhood to thoroughly explore Crystal Onyx Cave, Diamond Caverns, and many others as well as the enormously named Mammoth Cave National Park.
If the thought of underground exploration piques your interest,
then check out my full blog on theseKentucky Cave Systems. Hodgenville Area
Leaving the world of caverns behind, I was now making my way northeast. The small-town environment of Hodgenville is another place on the national register that you won't want to miss. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Monument is an amazing sight to behold. Here the supposed cabin of the young president can be viewed inside the stone memorial that has been constructed around it.
As it turns out, researchers have determined that the cabin is actually much younger and would be dated after the birth of Lincoln. None the less, it's still pretty cool. While you're in the neighborhood, the nearby town of Hodgenville also has a museum dedicated to the 16th President of The United States.
Don't forget to get that National Parks Passport stamped!
Bardstown
Next up, I was to spend a couple of days exploring the Bardstown area. My main goal here was to visit as many distilleries as possible for my Bourbon Trail article. You can read all about those on another page, but right now let's take a look at the town and its amazing history and beautiful architecture.
One of the hidden gems of Bardstown is the Oscar Getz Museum of Whisky History. Here you will explore the timeline of events that gave rise to Kentucky Bourbon, the effects of prohibition, and the booming business that followed. If you search hard enough, you may just find a modern-day speakeasy hidden a couple blocks away.
Oscar Getz Museum
Another attraction you don't want to miss while in Bardstown is the Civil War Village. This reconstruction is composed of several buildings open for exploration, each displaying different aspects of life in those days. Especially intriguing is the mill that would have been important to any sustainable community.
Civil War Village
There is also a Civil War Museum onsite that walks the visitor through a collection of artifacts and exhibits highlighting the horrors of battle and the conditions that one would face in such a time of turmoil. One of such displays a surgeon amputating the leg of an unfortunate soldier.
Civil War Museum
Danville & Perryville
Historic Danville is home to an interesting display known as Constitution Square. This centrally located city block acts as an open-air museum allowing the visitor to wander a cobblestone pathway while learning the history behind the building that once solidified this community. Along the way you will see an old post office and jail just begging to be photographed. The statue that can be seen of two men shaking hands is called Governor's Circle. Look closely and you will notice it is a depiction of the same image seen on the Kentucky State Seal.
Constitution Square
Red River Gorge
Let us now seek out a bit of excitement in nature. Heading eastward out of Lexington, you will encounter the northern reaches of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Here you will be entering into the realms of Central Appalachia with small towns and mountainous landscapes. One location that I found extremely fascinating was The Red River Gorge Geological area. The tiny Kentucky town of Slade is nestled in the valley along the mountain parkway. This is your gateway to multiple wilderness adventures that will make your friends jealous. First on my list is Natural Bridge State Park. This nature-lovers wonderland has the ability to provide an endless amount of spectacular photo opportunities.
Natural Bridge State Park
There are two ways to access the top for theses amazing scenic views. The easiest is the chairlift that in itself is a pretty cool adventure. For those feeling a bit more energetic (or afraid of heights) you can opt to hike the trail all the way to the top. Once you arrive, be sure to search for the archway - if you can make it through Fat Man's Squeeze.
While in the area be sure to check out the Gorge Underground. This is a one-hour kayaking tour through an abandoned limestone mine. Experienced guides will not only lead you along this journey, but also provide a lesson in kayaking. It's great for beginners!
Gorge Underground
After you've worked up an appetite with all this adventuring, be sure to stop for a bite to eat at Miguel's Pizza. You will notice there are very few dining options in the area, but with pizza like Miguel's who needs anything else?
Not too far to the south of this Eastern Kentucky adventure is an archaeological site of Native American Petroglyphs. I have included that in my
guide to Appalachian Archaeology.
This has been just a few examples of the many
road trip ideas to be found in the hills of Kentucky. There is so much more to see and do all over The Bluegrass State. Get Out There and Explore!
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Author :Chris J. Baxter "Siege" is an experienced world traveler with a B.A. in Anthropology, a background in healthcare, and an unquenchable thirst for adventure. 
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