Best Places to Visit in Kentucky
Sometimes you just want to get out and explore. We try to strike a good balance of places that you will really enjoy. Finding ideas for family friendly outings, or interesting places to go in Kentucky with your friends, both are at your fingertips here with America Top 10. We aim to give you plenty of ideas without you having to do all the research. That way you can easily decide if you want to explore Kentucky sites or check out the sites in another state.
You have also heard how it is becoming a lot more popular to have staycations (where you stay home instead of going to far off places) and discover new and interesting places in the near vicinity. We try to make that easier for you. Check out the sites in Kentucky that have become local favorites easily with our site.
We hope that we have provided you plenty of choices in Kentucky whether this is a new area for you or your own back yard. Something a little different from the typical amusement park. If you really loved somewhere but don’t see them on our list let us know, we are always looking to improve our lists and we can only do that with your help.
The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, Inc.
Lexington, KY
The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, has 20,000 square feet of display area, a fully equipped shop for aviation restoration projects, an office, a library/archive and a gift shop. The Museum is a dynamic entity which includes not only older restored aircraft and memorabilia, but also air-worthy, flyable aircraft for the public to enjoy.
Western Kentucky Botanical Garden
Owensboro, KY
The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden at 25 Carter Road in Owensboro contains several themed gardens including a large collection of daylilies with an American Hemerocallis Society recognized display garden. Buildings in The Garden include a house donated and moved to The Garden and used for administration offices and gatherings, a large gazebo, an educational classroom building with attached conservatory, an English Cottage, a Country Doctors office built in 1890 that will be developed into a museum showing medicine practiced in 1900, a Children’s Playhouse available for birthdays and special parties, and an antique ticket booth built in 1890.
Waverly Hills Sanatorium
Louisville, KY
Waverly Hills Sanatorium sits on land that was originally purchased by Major Thomas H. Hays in 1883. The Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a closed sanatorium located in southwestern Louisville/Jefferson County, Kentucky. It opened in 1910 as a two-story hospital to accommodate 40 to 50 tuberculosis patients.
Explorium of Lexington
Lexington, KY
Children’s Museums are the fastest growing type of museum in the country and are unique among museums for the large number of interactive exhibits and educational programming presented to visitors. Visitors engage in hands-on experiences that inspire a curiosity for learning.
Louisville Zoo
Louisville, KY
The Louisville Zoo features the only re-circulating splash park water system in the city. The 5,000 gallon tank collects water used and filters it through sand and UV filters, chlorinates the water and sends it back into the Splash Park.
Keeneland
Lexington, KY
the world’s largest Thoroughbred auction company and a world-class Thoroughbred race course. Keeneland is a National Historic Landmark, and its beautiful, park-like grounds are open to the public every day. Fans also are welcome to visit the Keeneland Library, one of the world’s largest repositories of information and photographs related to Thoroughbred racing.
Newport Aquarium
Newport, KY
Newport Aquarium showcases thousands of animals from around the world in a million gallons of water, including the enormously popular “Sweet Pea” and “Scooter,” the stars of the first shark ray breeding program in the world. This state-of-the-art facility was named the No. 1 aquarium in the 2012 Readers’ Choice Travel Awards from 10Best.com; the Best Rainy Day Outing in 2006 in Cincinnati Family Magazine; and the Best Aquarium in the Midwest in the Zagat Survey’s U.S. Family Travel Guide in 2004.
Smothers Park
Owensboro, KY
Smothers Park (formerly Riverfront Park) was established in 1816 as the first City park. It was renamed after Bill Smeathers (Smothers) in 1963. The park was renovated and expanded as part of a multi-million dollar riverfront upgrade. Since it’s re-opening in August 2012, Smothers Park Lazy Dayz Playground has been named the top playground in the world (2015) by Landscape Architect’s Network. The park features 3 signature fountains with a show every 15 minutes and a cascading waterfall.
Churchill Downs
Louisville, KY
Known as the home of the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks, Churchill Downs Racetrack conducts Thoroughbred horse racing in Louisville, Kentucky during three race meets in the Spring, September, and the Fall. The racetrack occupies 147 acres, featuring a one-mile dirt, oval racetrack and a seven furlong turf race course. Thoroughbred racing, the Kentucky Derby, and the Kentucky Oaks have run continuously at Churchill Downs Racetrack since 1875. In addition, Churchill Downs Racetrack has hosted the Breeders’ Cup World Championship eight times.
Moreland Park
Owensboro, KY
Moreland Park is a 35 acre community park acquired by the City in 1930. It is separated by Hickman Avenue from the Edge Ice Center and the Sportscenter. The Park was named in honor of Alexander Moreland an early Daviess County Resident who owned the land before the Taylor Family acquired it.
