Explore Kentucky
Do you know Kentucky’s nickname? It’s the Bluegrass State and a perfect state to explore along I-65. Our road trip began in Chicago and picked up the interstate in Gary, Indiana. We rolled through Indiana and forged to find things to do in Kentucky.
Kentucky is a southeastern state bound by the Ohio River in the north and the Appalachian Mountains in the east. It is home to over four million people. The largest city is Louisville, and the capital is Frankfort. Kentucky has many exciting places and points of interest.
The state is known as the Bluegrass Music Capital. Did you know President Abraham Lincoln and the World Champion Heavyweight Muhammad Ali were born in Kentucky? Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken perfected his fried chicken recipe in his home state. Kentucky is also the home of Churchill Downs, the Kentucky Derby, bourbon, and Mint Juleps.
Bowling Green, Kentucky
We have a few stops to make during the drive along I-65. The first stop is Bowling Green, Kentucky, a city of approximately 69,000 people. While visiting the city, we will visit the Downing Museum at Baker Arboretum. It covers 115 acres and is on the outskirts of the town near Western Kentucky University. Tourists can enjoy the landscape of trees and art collections year-round. The Downing Museum opened in 2009 to display the artwork of the world-renowned artist Joe Downing.Â
After visiting the Downing Museum, we can head to Chaney’s Dairy Barn and Restaurant. Chaney’s gets rave reviews for its homemade ice cream and delicious food. It is also located on a working farm. Visitors can take tours of the farm or participate in various events.
If you are a Corvette lover or fan, then the National Corvette Museum is the place to visit. Since 1981, General Motors has produced the iconic car in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The Corvette is known as America’s Car. Plant tours are available for those who want to see how the sports car is built. The museum has several ongoing exhibits for the Corvette enthusiasts. Many of the vehicles on display are on loan from private citizens.
Kentucky Cave Systems
It’s time to return to the road and continue the drive along I-65. Next, we want to see Mammoth Cave National Park. This beautiful park preserves the most comprehensive cave system in the world and consists of over 50,000 acres of gorgeous forests. Visitors can explore the caves below the ground. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore over 70 miles of nature trails or spend time on campgrounds or backcountry campsites.
Kentucky is known for its cave systems, such as the Hidden River Cave in Horse Cave. You can take a historical tour of Kentucky’s most prominent and scenic cave entrance. Two subterranean rivers flow at least 100 feet below ground during the tour. If you’re fearless, you can also walk across the world’s longest swinging bridge.
Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace
It is time to move on to the birthplace of the 16th President of the United States. The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is in Hodgenville, Kentucky. The first Lincoln Memorial was built to recognize his early life and humble beginnings in his home state. The park has two sites. The Sinking Spring site contains the 1911 memorial and has a visitor center museum, theater, and bookstore. The Knob Creek is where Lincoln lived until he was two years old. Both sites have hiking and picnic areas.
Bourbon and Mint Juleps
Click here for the Mint Julep Recipe
Next, it’s time to sip some bourbon. Did you know that 95% of the world’s bourbon is distilled in Kentucky? The perfect drink and Kentucky stable is the Mint Julep. It is a mixed alcoholic drink, or cocktail, consisting primarily of bourbon, sugar, water, crushed or shaved ice, and fresh mint. It’s perfect for a hot summer day or watching the famous Kentucky Derby.
A fun thing to do is visit the Jim Beam American Stillhouse to see how the bourbon is distilled, aged, and perfected. Take a guided tour and then head to a tasting room. The Beam family has been around for seven generations. Learn more about their history and how their bourbon became #1 globally. You can also visit other distilleries throughout the state.
Louisville, Kentucky
While in Louisville, take a ride on the Belle of Louisville. Experience steamboat cruising along the Ohio River. It is a great way to see Louisville. Step back into history upon the steamboat that was initially built in 1914. You can also cruise along the Ohio River and eat a delicious meal.
Continue exploring Louisville by accessing the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge links Louisville Waterfront Park to Jeffersonville, Indiana, and spans the Ohio River. Originally, the Big Four was a railroad bridge built in 1895, decommissioned in the ’60s, and re-opened as a pedestrian bridge in 2013.
City Taste Tours of Louisville is a fantastic choice if you love food. Choose from various tours, including sipping bourbon and beers and tasting local food. The tours begin on a bus and stop at Churchhill Downs and the Slugger Museum, passing by a display of Victorian mansions. Enjoy music, vivid descriptions, history, and some laughs during the time.Â
Remember to capture the memories in a travel journal!
Other Points of Interest
Drive along I-65 in Kentucky and see a variety of historical places. This post only highlights a small number of sites. Here are a few more sites: Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, Frazier History Museum, Wigwam Village #2, and Dinosaur World. For more information on places to visit, contact Kentucky Tourism.
Conclusion
Take a few days to explore Kentucky along I-65. Road trips are fun and allow you to drive, stop, explore, and rest. Remember to research safety tips and points of interest when planning your trip. We hope to see you on the road while we explore Kentucky.
I would love to visit the Muhammad Ali Center and the Kentucky Center for African American Heritage In Louisville!