Day Trips in Kentucky
Day Trips in Kentucky are great for the whole family to enjoy. KY nicknamed the “Blue Grass State” because of the bluegrass found in many of its fertile soil pastures, is known for its horse racing, rolling hills, farms, music, and natural beauty. Experience the Kentucky Derby for yourself, or make a stop at one of Kentucky’s beautiful state parks, by planning a day trip with the entire family! Want to extend your trip? Hop on over to Tennessee to continue the fun!
Day Trips in KY
National Bridge State Park – Fall is just around the corner, and now is the perfect time to plan a trip to National Bridge State Park in Slade, KY, to take in the colorful changes of the season during this time of year. Enjoy numerous scenic trails, a 60-acre lake, two campgrounds, lodging, and dining in this 2,200-acre forested park and nature preserve. This beautiful park is surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest and is located adjacent to the Red River Gorge National Geologic Area, which are both great areas to visit to enjoy rock climbing, fishing, and hiking.
Big South Fork Scenic Railway- Enjoy a leisurely train ride through the scenic mountains of southern Kentucky on the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. Take a ride on the Blue Heron Ghost Train to visit the historic Blue Heron Mining Camp, which is the largest interpretive collection of historic coal mining in America. The ride is an exciting trip for all ages, as the train descends 600 feet into the Big South Fork Gorge and includes storytelling of coal mining life in the 1900’s. Be sure to also see the 13 “ghost structures”, mine entrance, and coal tipple at Blue Heron Coal Mining Camp. Extend your day trip with a stop to Stearns (on select Friday and Saturday morning trains) for hiking and bird watching. All day fares are $30 for adults and $15 for children between the ages of 3-12, and that even includes lunch!
Visit Oldham County, the farm tour capital of Kentucky- By foot or on horseback, experience up to 17 family-friendly farm tours in Oldham County, located just 20 minutes from downtown Louisville. The beautiful rolling farmlands are filled with rural animals like horses, buffalo, alpacas, sheep, and cows. At Acorn Lane Farm at Boone Gardiner, enjoy greenhouse petting zoos where you can hand-feed goats, pot-bellied pigs, Arabian horses, and miniature donkeys. Other fun festivities include climbing Wood Chip Mountain, which is a garden train exhibit, a butterfly habitat tour, and picking fresh vegetables from the garden greenhouse. If you prefer to visit the beautiful countryside on horseback, be sure to take an unforgettable guided trail ride at Little Big Horse Trails, which is available to adults and children 6 years-of-age and older.
Mammoth Cave National Park- Described by cave guide, Stephen Bishop, as a “grand, gloomy, and peculiar place,” Mammoth Cave National Park is the world’s longest known cave system. The preserve includes more than 400 miles of cave passageways! The breathtaking tour takes you through vast chambers and complex labyrinths, approximately 250 feet underground, enabling you to view the spectacular features within. Admission is $5-$25 depending on the tour, and reservations are not required, but are recommended.
The Kentucky Derby Museum- A must-see for all horse and history enthusiasts is the Kentucky Derby Museum located in Louisville. The Museum provides visitors with a first-hand look at the history of the derby, and with an interactive tour of the grounds to see where the action takes place. Admission also includes a 360-degree high-definition film explaining the history of the race and two levels of exhibits to enjoy. Access to the museum ranges from $6 – $14.
Make the most of the end-of-summer season by heading to Kentucky for one these affordable day trips the whole family will enjoy. Short on funds? Mariner Finance can help! We make loans for any reason, and will work with you to find a solution that best fits your budget and needs. Contact your local Mariner Finance branch today to speak with a knowledgeable member of our staff and get the money you need today!