~ Top 10 Attractions in Kentucky, USA ~

[MysteRy]

Top 10 Attractions in Kentucky, USA

The Bluegrass state, the home of bourbon, Abraham Lincoln, the Kentucky Derby and so much more, Kentucky is a great destination for those who seek the great outdoors, a whole load of history, high spirited towns and cities and beautiful natural landscape full of wonders. Head south and take in these top ten attractions that Kentucky has to offer.


1. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Hodgenville   



As a child, the quintessential president was born and lived with his parents at Sinking Spring Farm. Though he was born to lowly roots in a log cabin in 1809, he rose to become probably the most important leader of the US in history - the sixteenth president. Though the original cabin is long gone, now there is a memorial, a replica cabin and you can also visit Lincoln's childhood home at Knob Creek here at the national park. All year round, the park is open and - as well as visiting the memorial and home - you can walk, cycle and admire the forests and waterfalls of this pristine rural environment.

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2. Mammoth Cave National Park   



This is the longest cave system in the world - by far! It's an UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds amazing evidence of prehistoric occupation and is one site you cannot miss in Kentucky. Head for the centre of the south, in the valley of the Green River off I65 and the Mammoth Park Highway. Evidence shows that people lived in these caves as early as six thousand years ago. There are almost 400 miles of caves thus far discovered, though the limestone underground wonderland may stretch even further. The park service offers no less than sixteen different tours; whichever you choose, you will most certainly be wowed by the awesome structures, enormous caverns and underground rivers.

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3. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area   



The Cumberland River is a massive force for landscape change in Kentucky. Here, in 125,000 acres, you can explore the gorges, natural bridges, hoodoos, chimneys, forests, arches and cliffs of this beautiful plateau created by the river, and enjoy all manner of outdoor recreation. Explore a former coal mine at Blue Heron, taking the scenic railway from Stearns. In the park, you can camp, hike, ride horses and bikes or take to the river in your canoe or kayak. You can access the park west of I27, just north of the Tennessee state border near Stearns. It is open free of charge, all year round.

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4. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park   



The Appalachian Mountains have a natural, 26 mile-long break on the borders of Tennessee, Kentucky and Virginia. To the southeast of Middlesboro off Highway 25E is this geographically-formed pass through the mountains that has been used for the migration of native people and animals for millennia. Wagons and buffalo, pioneers and herds of deer have rolled through here, as does the mist almost every day. The forest is lush, the mountains tower above, the waterfalls cascade and beneath the hills is another world of caverns and caves. This is true wilderness, stretching for 24,000 acres.

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5. Cave Run Lake   



In the Daniel Boone National Forest is a fairly recent addition to the landscape - a 1970s reservoir that held back the flooding of the Licking River. This lake is a great place to fish, swim, go boating, camp, cycle, hike, navigate your canoe, picnic and all other types of recreational activities surrounding the 166 miles of shore along the water. Admire the wonderful sunsets, drop your line for musky, stay in a wood cabin or play a round of golf. The 33 square kilometre reservoir is located south east of I65 and Salt Lick, within 45 minutes of a regional airport and under sixty miles to the east of Lexington.

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6. Frankfort   



This is the state capital of Kentucky yet remains small, with a population under 28,000. On the banks of the meandering Kentucky River it has a rich history and is surrounded by trees, hills, wildlife preserves and parks. This makes the Forbes top twenty list for places to raise your children in the USA; maybe because it is so safe, green and friendly. There are many mansions to visit and explore from the 1790s onwards, including the Governer's executive mansion, the Old Governor's house and the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Zielger House. You can visit more than 12 museums and some age-old Bourbon distilleries! Daniel Boone, the world-famous pioneer and explorer, is buried with his wife right here in Frankfort and his grave is a regular stop on most visitors' itinerary through this great town.

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7. Louisville   



In the middle of the north of the state, in Jefferson County, is the biggest city in Kentucky. It's a buzzing, eclectic city, with a modern skyline yet beautiful old districts, of nearly three-quarters of a million people on the banks of the Ohio River. It's also one of the oldest cities to the west of the Appalachians, named after Louis the Sixteenth. It's a really unique blend of southern hospitality and midwest bustle and culture. Louisville is perhaps most famous as the home of the Kentucky Derby: a massive, fortnight-long party centred around a world-renowned horse race. In typical Kentucky style, they've created a massive festival at Churchill Downs around a race that lasts a little over two minutes! There are more than seventy events including North America's biggest firework display in this two-week celebration of all things equestrian, in early May each year. Just out of town is the Falls of the Ohio: a series of beautiful rapids that pretty much halted navigation for the early settlers, leading to many choosing to make a home here. The falls dropped by eight metres in just two miles, though now dams and canals have made the area much more navigable. This is now a state park with some great fossil hunting amongst the Devonian period sea beds. There is so much to do here, from art galleries to a Beatles festival, Shakespeare to hot air ballooning. There seems to be a celebration almost every week in summer ... so just get to Louisville and take it all in.

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8. Natural Bridge State Resort Park   



In the middle of the Daniel Boone National Forest near Slade is an incredible natural sandstone bridge; this forms the centrepiece of this lovely forest environment and a nine kilometre square resort park. The arch spans the Red River, over 24 metres long and some twenty metres high. Man could not have designed a better bridge and now, thanks to nature, you can walk across it,  admire the forces of erosion and take photos galore. There is a sky lift to enable those of all ages and fitness levels to get up to the bridge. But there is so much more to do when you've had the photo opportunity at the bridge. Twenty miles of trails are great for hiking through and to the scenic highlights that include two more arches, the Balanced Rock, Lover's Leap and a narrow passage, fondly named Fat Man's Squeeze. Because this is a resort park, there are facilities of excellent quality here including superb lodges and cottages, as well as camping. You can enjoy nature whilst having all the amenities you need for a great vacation: a family-friendly pool, free WiFi, pedalo river, golf, kayaking and more. Stay right in the park in comfort.

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9. Lexington   



After Louisville, Lexington is the second biggest city: the Bluegrass and horse racing hub on the central North, just 75 miles east of the state capital on Highway 64. It's been known for centuries as a cultured town; nicknamed the Athens of the West in the 1800s. It still retains some great architecture from the period, including for example the Memorial Hall of the university, Cheapside Avenue and Victorian Square in the downtown. Many important historical figures spent time in Lexington, including Lincoln, Breckinridge and Clay. It has under 300,000 residents and very sensitive planning laws, to prevent urban sprawl and the ravages of heavy traffic. Its arty heritage continues to flourish with several ballet companies, art galleries, museums and theatres. There are more than one hundred parks and gardens to explore. It's a very pleasant haven.

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10. Paducah   



Staying with the cities for a moment; where the great Ohio and Tennessee rivers meet is the tiny city of Paducah - just 25,000 people strong. This has more of a southern feel, being within easy striking distance of Nashville, Memphis and St. Louis. An area of twenty blocks has been placed on the register of historic places. The steam boats and railways brought early trade and wealth to the city yet it has retained its low rise appeal; never being over developed. It suffered from some flash floods, being a waterfront city. But careful controls mean you can stroll along the banks of four rivers in complete security and enjoy this laid back town, its museums and nightlife.