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Discover 12 must-see Kentucky travel destinations

Stories by Lexington Herald-Leader journalists, with AI summarization

These articles highlight diverse attractions and unique locations within Kentucky, from natural wonders to cultural and historical sites.

In 'Celebrate 100 years of Kentucky State Parks,' visitors are encouraged to experience the vast and historical state park system established in 1924, offering ample opportunities for hiking and exploring nature. It encourages visits to state parks like Cumberland Falls, known for its iconic waterfall view, and Kenlake State Resort Park, which offers marina access and trails.

Another article discusses Lexington's place as one of the South's best cities, recognized for its horse racing and bourbon culture. Also mentioned is Maysville's historical significance on the Bourbon Trail as a 'hidden gem.'

Read more below.

Visitors riding “Rail Explorers” pedal over train tracks on Friday, Aug. 4, 2023 at the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum in Versailles, Ky.

NO. 1: NOT JUST FOR TRAIN BUFFS: RIDE THE RAILS UNDER YOUR OWN STEAM IN VERSAILLES

Pedal through bourbon country while sipping on your own beverage. | Published August 15, 2023 | Read Full Story by Hannah Stanley

Beech Bend Amusement Park & Splash Lagoon in Bowling Green offers more than 40 rides and attractions including water slides and a lazy river.

NO. 2: LOOKING TO GET YOUR THEME PARK FIX? CHECK OUT 3 OPTIONS FOR THRILL-SEEKERS IN KENTUCKY

One is a true hidden gem. | Published June 23, 2023 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

The American Countess riverboat takes bourbon-loving passengers on cruises on the Ohio and Mississippi rivers where they can enjoy cocktails on the way to visit distilleries and sample barbecue and other foods.

NO. 3: FLOAT AWAY ON AMBER DREAMS AND BOURBON HISTORY ON A KENTUCKY RIVERBOAT CRUISE

With stops for barbecue, could this be the ultimate bourbon vacation? | Published November 28, 2023 | Read Full Story by Patti Nickell

Old Frankfort Pike cuts through farm land in Woodford County Ky., Tuesday, May 25, 2021. Old Frankfort Pike was selected as one of this year’s 34 National Scenic Byways by the Federal Highway Administration. Roads are chosen for beauty, archaeological, cultural and historical significance, recreational opportunities and natural landscape.

NO. 4: TAKE THESE ROAD TRIPS FOR A ‘JOY RIDE’ TO THREE ICONIC KENTUCKY BOURBON DISTILLERIES

From horses to world-class views, there are many highlights on the winding byways from Lexington to distilleries on the bourbon trail. Here are some not to miss. | Published November 21, 2023 | Read Full Story by Patti Nickell

A horse grazes in a field at Mill Ridge Farm in Fayette County, Ky., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 5: SOUTHERN LIVING NAMES THIS KY CITY AMONG SOUTH’S BEST CITIES ON THE RISE. HERE’S WHY

Two other Kentucky cities also made the publication’s top cities in South in 2024. | Published March 13, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Toni Cannon, operations supervisor, center front, talked to a group of University of Kentucky students about bourbon tourism during a visit last month to Town Branch Distillery in Lexington.

NO. 6: THIRSTY? HERE ARE 8 KENTUCKY BOURBON MAKERS TO TOUR IN LEXINGTON THIS SUMMER

Some have distilleries of their own, others specialize in unique barrel blends. | Published June 17, 2024 | Read Full Story by Dahlia Ghabour

This year marks the 100 year anniversary of Kentucky State Parks and a century of destinations for Kentuckians, and many others, to visit. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 7: A CENTURY OF DESTINATIONS. CELEBRATE 100 YEARS OF KENTUCKY STATE PARKS

A lot has changed in 100 years. Lindy Casebier, Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage secretary, said the anniversary is a major milestone in the history of the parks system. | Published June 6, 2024 | Read Full Story by Andrew Henderson

Vehicles drive along West Main Street in downtown Lexington, Ky., on Friday, July 24, 2020. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 8: TRAVEL MAGAZINE NAMES LEXINGTON ONE OF AMERICA’S BEST SMALL CITIES. HOW IT COMPARES

In its review, the magazine says the appeal goes beyond horses and bourbon. | Published October 7, 2024 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Horses graze in a field before sunrise at Mill Ridge Farm in Fayette County, Ky., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 9: COUNTRY LIVING NAMES KENTUCKY CITY WITH RICH BOURBON HISTORY A 2025 AMERICAN HIDDEN GEM

The magazine credits the city as the “birthplace” of bourbon, and no, it isn’t Bardstown. | Published February 13, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Downtown Lexington at sunset on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. By Alex Slitz

NO. 10: US NEWS SAYS 2 LEXINGTON HOTELS ARE AMONG THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN KENTUCKY IN 2025

While Louisville hotels dominated the ranking, two Lexington spots made the cut. | Published March 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Lindsay Smith

A horse stands in a field at Mill Ridge Farm in Fayette County, Ky., on Tuesday, April 25, 2023. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 11: YES, KENTUCKY IS HOME TO ONE OF SOUTHERN LIVING’S TOP 10 BEST CITIES IN THE SOUTH

It fell just behind Atlanta in this year’s feature. | Published March 29, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

Newport on the Levee and the Purple People Bridge seen from Mt. Adams Sunday, May 26, 2023. By Cara Owsley/The Enquirer

NO. 12: A KENTUCKY SPOT IS AMONG THE NATION’S ‘BEST HISTORIC SMALL TOWNS,’ RANKING STATES

It was once known as “Sin City” and a hotbed for Prohibition-era gangsters. | Published April 30, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.