By Denise Schoonhoven
Interesting Places in Kentucky
Kentucky may be known as the Bluegrass State, but there is far more than rolling grassy hillsides to see in the state. Sports fans, history buffs and nature lovers all enjoy Kentucky's heritage. Visitors are welcome to join natives of the state in appreciation of their legacy, National Parks and the appeal of these interesting places in Kentucky.
Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby finish line
Churchill Downs in Louisville is spotlighted annually the first Saturday of May, when the Kentucky Derby horse race is run. The grounds, with their famed Twin Spires, are open for tours all year. Start at the main gate with the Kentucky Derby Museum, where exhibits celebrate the Race for the Roses thoroughbreds, Derby fashion and even mint juleps.
Churchill Downs
700 Central Avenue
Louisville, KY 40208
(502) 636-4400
Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site
Visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park, 55 miles south of Louisville, to learn about Lincoln's boyhood and 19th century life in rural Kentucky. There is no entrance fee. The memorial opens at 8 a.m. daily, closing at 6:45 p.m. from Labor Day to Memorial Day and at 4:45 p.m. the rest of the year. The cabin on Knob Creek where the 16th president of the United States was born is open during daylight hours throughout the year.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site
2995 Lincoln Farm Road
Hodgenville, KY 42748
(270) 358-3137
National Corvette Museum
Classic Corvette
A mecca for Corvette enthusiasts, the museum in southern Kentucky celebrates this Chevy model's history with more than 50 cars, displays, videos and memorabilia. It is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily except holidays. The on-site Corvette Cafe serves breakfast and lunch. Tours are available at the Corvette Assembly plant (bowlinggreenassemblyplant.com) just 1/4 mile away.
National Corvette Museum
350 Corvette Drive
Bowling Green, KY 42101-9134
(800) 538-3883
Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave
Take a tour of the largest cave system in the world, but use the restrooms in the visitor center first because there are none as you hike through the underground caverns and mysterious formations. Guided tours range from 1 1/4 to 4 1/2 hours. Tour fees and directions are listed at the National Park Service website: nps.gov/maca/planyourvisit.
Muhammad Ali Center
Muhammad Ali Center
Explore the life and legacy of the boxing champ as you participate in the interactive exhibits of this modern urban structure. Spar with a shadow Ali in the training camp section, watch fight film and then relax in the galleries or public plaza. The center is closed on Mondays.
Muhammad Ali Center
144 N. Sixth Street
Louisville, KY 40202
(502) 584-9254
Resources
About the Author:
A seasoned business traveler, Denise Schoonhoven specializes in food, travel, landscaping, design and personal development topics. She has lived and worked in London, San Francisco, New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and the Pacific Northwest. Schoonhoven hails from the corporate writing world where she authored marketing material, catalogs, presentations and training documents.
Photo Credits:
Erin Pettigrew, Velo Steve, Joe Schlabotnik, Tom Romig, Amanda Anderson, Paul Joseph
