Kentucky is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world. With so many amazing places to choose from, it can be hard to know where to go. To help make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best places to visit in Kentucky based on traveler ratings and reviews. So whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway spot or an adventure playground, there’s something for everyone in this metropolis!
The Best Place to Visit in Kentucky
Ark Encounter
- Address: 1 Ark Encounter Dr, Williamstown, KY 41097, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (27537)
- Phone: +1 859-727-2222
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: ClosedTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMSunday: Closed
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Top 12 Tourist Attractions in Kentucky
Newport Aquarium
- Address: 1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (15654)
- Phone: +1 800-406-3474
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PMSaturday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PMSunday: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Reviews:
Absolutely love taking my kids here. Such a great place to go and see a wide arrange of sea life. Being able to touch sharks and rays was awesome. Even though you have to schedule a time to start, the place was pretty busy. We still had a blast!!!By Justin McElwain (6 months ago)This place is sweet. Tons of things to see here. The have fish from all over the world with great descriptive plaques. Lots of neat things they have done with the displays. They have aquariums with little indentations that you can stick your head into. They have glass floors so you can see underneath. They have tunnels where you can see the fish all around you. Pretty great spot to go for a day trip. A little crowded and I wish they would require people to wear masks. You don’t have to wear one if you’ve been vaccinated but nobody is checking so come prepared with a good mask of you’re concerned about COVID. Sweet place though. I highly recommend a visit.By Luke Knapke (11 months ago)We had a great time. Very interactive with animals, which was great for children. Also activities for children. The place was clean. The staff was very pleasant. Answering questions the children had about animals. We ended our vacation here at the last minute. We were going to the zoo but changed our minds. I’m so glad we did.By shannon tanner (9 months ago)This is a pretty good aquarium. The price does feel a little high for the time spent. At least all of the animals seem to be well taken care of, so that probably accounts for the higher price would be my guess. The exhibits are typically well-presented and interesting. A few exhibits are higher than children could see, but there were some touch areas to feel the creatures. At the end, there is an optional type bridge to walk over the tank, so that was neat.By Andrew Jones (3 months ago)Went with a large group on a Friday and there were still several kids in attendance . But it wasn’t too bad or too crowded. You must make reservations for specific times. This helps stagger the crowds which is nice. The aquarium is quite large with plenty of exhibits. There is a quick service restaurant at the aquarium as well as a large gift shop with some restaurants just outside the aquarium or within walking distance. There is ample parking. It took us about two hours to go through all the exhibits. It’s probably between a 1.5-3 hour time to see everything. I’d say it’s worth going to.By Jordan Yoshimine (3 months ago)
Louisville Zoo
- Address: 1100 Trevilian Way, Louisville, KY 40213, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (9925)
- Phone: +1 502-459-2181
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMTuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMWednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMThursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMFriday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMSaturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PMSunday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Reviews:
We went for the Wild Lights night walk and it was amazing! It lasted about 2 hours, and we were able to get in a little ahead of our scheduled time and there was no feeling of being rushed or pushed along. A very go with the glow kind of walk.
Every turn you take is a new light up display you weren’t expecting! There are so many animals, plants, and fun facts about each section! It’s also got several interactive installments that make the experience even more fun. And there is relaxing music playing throughout the Zoo as well.
A great experience for kids, adults, and the whole family! It is a bit of a trek, but Louisville Zoo has restrooms, benches, and concessions throughout the campus to allow for any needed breaks.
I’ve posted just a few pictures because I don’t want to spoil the experience, but these are a couple of my favorites from the night. We are going back to the zoo in the day because this is our first visit to this one!
Edit: added a few pictures from our trip the next day, and it was still so fun, even got to see baby Fitz! Would recommend sunscreen and water bottles for sure!
By brittny92 (9 months ago)There were very few people there, so a lot of things were closed. But we had a great time, everything was well maintained, and the staff we saw were very friendly and informative. We were able to walk through an exhibit with loose wallabies, three of which had babies. The giraffes were so beautiful. We saw a baby zebra, a baby elephant, among others. The zoo is working to save endangered species. The lorakeet exhibit was amazing. I had two land on me to drink nectar from my cup. Most animals that were inside to get out of the drizzling rain, we could still see or get glimpses of through the clever viewing angles and variety of viewing spots. I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt with the five stars, because I feel that if everything was open the experience would have been even better! We sit at the African Outpost. The food wasn’t amazing, but was much better than I’d expect from a tourist site. They actually had gluten-free buns. We had a burger and fries, and it was certainly better than fast food.By Deborah “Debbie” Schultz (6 months ago)Nice zoo, good exhibits and the ladies doing the Tiger talk did a good job with education. Wish the polar bear enclosure was bigger and he had his on pool of water and the snakes and other reptiles need bigger water dishes. Snakes will completely get in a water bowl that is large enough if they need to cool off, they don’t have that opportunity. Lots for young kids to do and the kids seemed to be really enjoying the splash pad.By Danielle Hall (6 months ago)I had a great time. Lots of baby animals born here. That’s exciting. They even have it where you can ride a camel and pet a wallaby. Loved Wanda she was so soft. Wished they would’ve had the splash part open cause it was a hot day and there’s no air conditioning in any of the attraction areas. Just to let you know. Dress right for the weather otherwise you will be miserable as I was the day we went. Wasn’t expecting it to be that hot and assumed some attractions would have some sort of air conditioning but nope no luck there. I’ve included some of the pics I took while I was there.By Tonya Thompson (4 months ago)My daughters first trip to the Zoo for her 3rd birthday. We had a blast! I will say there were quite a few exhibits that were closed or looked rough, and we honestly didn’t really see all that many animals. Idk if it was the time if day (late afternoon) or just an off weekend but I definitely expected more to be going on with the animals. But they can’t be up and out constantly so I think we just caught them at nap time 😊By Ashley Dobbs (8 months ago)
Mammoth Cave National Park
- Address: Kentucky, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (9916)
- Phone: +1 270-758-2180
- Website: Link
- Reviews:
I had not been in many years. The visitor center is much nicer now. We booked the Extended Historic Tour. The tickets are easily bought online. We gathered at a nearby shelter where our guide told us a bit about the tour and what it would entail. We then walked to the cave entrance. Inside is quite an amazing experience. With the Extended tour, you get to see remnants of the huts where TB patients were kept in attempt to treat their disease. Our tour guide was fabulous in telling us about the cave an its history. The tour is a little over two miles and two hours. There are quite a few steps/stairs. However, there are several breaks (with benches for sitting) where the tour guide talks about the cave. There are other tours available to match your level of fitness and what you might to see there. Highly recommended.By Stuart Yancy (6 months ago)Tour was nice. Well organized, but the caves didn’t have a lot of natural formations. One part of our tour did, but the rest was a long walk through the cave. We took the Grand Avenue tour, very challenging for my wife and I (fairly decent shape for approaching 60). If you are here you kinda have to check out mammoth caves, but we enjoyed some one of the local privately owned caves much more. Crystal Onyx Caves where amazing. See my review on Google.By Don Konrath (A Day In the Life) (5 months ago)This was a great National Park. Quite large, but the sites are spacious and somewhat private. There are no amenities, such as water or electricity, so generators might be nice. We did well with just boondocks g and a pumpkin at the end. Very nice bathrooms everywhere. The small camp store is well stocked with basics and there was a laundry and post office. We took two tours, one we bussed to, and one was a walk to the original entrance and inside. Both were ranger led and our rangers were excellent and very well informed. So worthwhile. A great visitors center with gifts galore and it is here where you arrange your tours. Great experience.By Amy Del Prete (7 months ago)One of my favorite national parks to visit! We did the historic tour that was 2 hours long with two small children under 8. This tour was rated as a moderate hike but they were able to do it! There are more ideal hikes for smaller children but my youngest child of 5 was able to do this one. Make sure to visit this park in the fall when all the leaves are changing colors. It is a beautiful park!By Kenneth Giraldo (3 months ago)This is a very very beautiful, calm, family friendly park. We took the Mammoth Cave tour and it was a fabulous experience! Make sure you check ahead about times and you may want to book ahead. The tour guides (they refer to themselves as rangers, but they are definitely not full force Park rangers.. more like Yogi Bear rangers) are very knowledgeable and give useful information throughout the tour. Unfortunately there were some rowdy small children on our tour, so that impeded the enjoyment a bit unfortunately… so be mindful of the crowd you are taking the tour with. There are all kinds of Hands-On experiences to enjoy while waiting for tours to start.. as well as overpriced gift shops. Food concessions, hiking trails, picnic areas,.. just about everything you can think of is here. There are even cabin rentals, a hotel and a post office! Be mindful that the visitor center closes fairly early evening and they also close their restrooms. I would definitely plan to spend a few days but also a day trip is worth it if you are in the area. We do not have an rv, but I can say that there were dumb spots and ample parking spaces.By MicheLLe HoLLifieLd (8 months ago)
Churchill Downs
- Address: 700 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (9879)
- Phone: +1 502-636-4400
- Website: Link
- Opening hours:
Monday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PMTuesday: ClosedWednesday: 11:30 AM – 6:15 PMThursday: 11:30 AM – 8:00 PMFriday: 11:30 AM – 10:30 PMSaturday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PMSunday: 11:30 AM – 10:00 PM
- Reviews:
We paid $17 each for a 30 minute tour of the grounds as well as entrance to the museum. Our tour guide was extremely knowledgeable and encouraged us often to ask questions. As a childhood fan with very little knowledge of the history race, I was amazed with the history our tour guide was able to share in just the 30 minutes we were there. If you know more than me, you might ask questions and be pleasantly surprised to hear her explain Churchill Downs trivia. Since it was only a 30 minute tour, we didn’t go far from the museum, but we did get to see the track and the winners circle under the twin towers! The museum is quite large and holds of a lot of interesting facts as well as interactive and informative games for some of the younger (or young at heart) crowd. 10/10, must visit!By Anna H. H. (10 months ago)One of the coolest things I’ve ever done! If you have the chance, visit Churchill Downs. It’s an experience you’ll never forget! When we visited, they had a bunch of food trucks in the vicinity. It was neat because you could walk around to a couple of food trucks, purchase some drinks, dance to the live music, and then go watch the horse races. We just sat in a general admission area which worked out perfect because we were there during the week when it wasn’t crazy busy. Overall, we had an absolute blast!By Mackenzie Feeley (11 months ago)Great experience! This was my first visit. We took a tour of the city and this was one of our stops. Enjoyed seeing the horses race and exploring the grounds, which are very beautiful. The gift shop has a good variety of items, such as derby hats, shirts, magnets, and derby collector items.By Kristi U (6 months ago)How could you not give this 5 stars! Historic, beautiful, an absolute must for everyone. If you go on any weekend other than Derby weekend, it is affordable ($10-30 seat tickets) and not crazy crowded!
Keep in mind there is a dress code (not for basic admission) but for all of the restaurants inside the facility. It can all be found on their website. But there are plenty of food stands to buy food inside not connected to a restaurant.
It can get pretty hot here, so be prepared.
We had the time of our lives and would do it again in a heartbeat. If you’re considering but not sure, just go, you will not regret it! It’s Churchill Downs!!
By Josh Kaz (7 months ago)Churchill Downs is THE American horse racing experience. Steeped in tradition and lore, reverence for ‘The Sport of Kings’ abounds. From the murals of Kentucky Derby winning jockeys and horse owners, the history of ‘The Fastest Two Minutes in Sports’ is on full display. Placards of past Derby winners adorn the paddock and entryway to Churchill Downs. Crowning Kentucky’s bourbon country, guests may sip on a mint julep from the sheltered pavilion while watching horse trainers warm up their equine charges. Of course, betting is available from numerous windows available inside the pavilion. And even if your horse doesn’t win, the spectacle of the surroundings and its pageantry make the experience memorable.By Tim Smith (6 months ago)
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
- Address: 800 W Main St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (9009)
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
- Address: 7351 KY-90, Corbin, KY 40701, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (7098)
Louisville Mega Cavern
- Address: 1841 Taylor Ave, Louisville, KY 40213, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.5 (7035)
Kentucky Horse Park
- Address: 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (4295)
Kentucky Derby Museum
- Address: 704 Central Ave, Louisville, KY 40208, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.7 (3733)
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
- Address: Middlesboro, KY 40965, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.8 (2891)
Dinosaur World
- Address: 711 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.4 (2786)
The Waverly Hills Sanatorium
- Address: 4400 Paralee Dr, Louisville, KY 40272, United States
- Map: Click here
- Rating: 4.6 (2774)
Kentucky is a world-famous tourist destination, and it’s no wonder why. Here is our list of the top 12 best place to visit in Kentucky – based on expert opinions and customer reviews. Did your favorite spot make the cut? Let us know in the comments above!
Pros: beautiful, much bigger than expected, informative, interesting, lots to see and do.
Wheelchair, walker and stroller friendly. Staff is friendly and helpful.
Cons: take your own drinks unless you want to pay $3.17 for a soda and $2.50 for water. Parking is $15,
Went Memorial Day weekend and naturally it was very crowded. Things to buy there are too expensive.
But experience was great! Glad we made the trip to go.
You’ll spend a good 3-5 hours there and not even mean to. There are 3 levels, multiple snack shops, restroom on every floor, gift shop on ground floor. There are little cafes outside the Ark with seating on the outside, the zoo is next to the Ark as well. You park, then you are bussed up to the Ark.
highly recommend going.
Awesome experience! We took our 9 year old grandson and we had a great time. The amount of reading in the displays is overwhelming but great, great information. The camel ride and Virtual Reality experience were our grandson’s favorites. The food at the all you can eat buffet was all very good and at a reasonable price. Everything was reasonably priced, especially compared to Disney or other major attractions. The quality of everything was on the level of a Disney experience but for a lot less!
What an awesome experience! Great for all ages. My 2.5 year old loved it, my husband and I loved it, and my parents loved it. Really puts it in perspective from your childhood thought process of a big boat. The ark held all the animals! This ark encounter sure gave you a real life feel for what is believed to be as accurate as possible. Play areas for kids. A zoo connected to it with some interesting animals! Allow the entire day for fun….we had to cut ourselves short unfortunately. We will definitely be back!
They offer stroller rental. Only $10!!!! Worth it, especially without the hassle of bringing your own.
This was amazing! I’m so thankful that we were finally able to see this! Very well done, so lifelike! This was well researched and very informative. They answered any question you could think of about the Ark, the animals, what it must have been like, and how could it all have been done. We also saw the virtual encounter that took us back in time to the Ark & the flood! We loved it all! We bought a ticket bundle with the creation museum and saved a little bit. We went to creation museum the day before, then a full day at the ark.
First time visiting the ark and it was AMAZING!!! What a great experience. Very biblical oriented and You’re immediately overtaken in awe and admiration of the ark. It was bigger than I thought!!! Gives you a whole different view about how catastrophic the flood was and how much work it took not only to build but to maintain the animals and carry the food. It answers a lot of questions and gives you perspective on possible ways things got done. You walk a lot and it has 3 or 4 levels that gradually go all the way up, there’s elevators too and chair you can rent for handicapped people and also strollers for toddlers, please wear comfortable shoes. It takes around 4 to 5 hours seeing everything at a moderate pace The ark gets really packed so try getting there early. We purchased tickets in advance and drove 6 hours but it was well worth it!! I highly recommend the buffet on site and also the 3D experience and petting zoo for children. Lots of souvenirs at the end. I recommend the beverage bottle with unlimited refills as well!
We got the ark encounter tickets along with the creation museum and it saved us some money!