Plan an Outdoor Adventure Winter Getaway to Kentucky!

Kentucky was once the edge of the American frontier, and this adventurous outdoor spirit lives on – especially during the winter. Whether it’s descending into the depths of the Earth at Mammoth Cave or off-roading across the Appalachians, Kentucky has something for everyone.

The largest cave system in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mammoth Cave National Park(link is external) has over 400 miles of underground passageways mapped and explored. Located in the heart of Kentucky, these cave tours unveil the hidden world and stories of the underground caverns year-round. Above ground, the park offers free admission and limitless adventure, from hiking and camping to ziplining and horseback riding. Consider staying overnight at The Lodge at Mammoth Cave(link is external), located next to the visitor center and featuring a mix of modern hotel rooms in addition to historic cottages nested in a woodland setting, all within walking distance to cave tours and park trails.

Not far from Mammoth Cave is the National Corvette Museum(link is external) in Bowling Green. The home of America’s sports car features over 70 Corvettes ranging from mint-condition classics, prototypes, rare finds and racing champs. Families will enjoy the KidZone with hands-on activities. The museum also recently became a sensory certified attraction, making sensory bags available to those who may suffer from sensory processing disorders with items such as noise-cancelling headphones, fidget tools, visual cue cards and more. After you tour the museum, head over to the NCM Motorsports Park(link is external) and take a hot lap or Corvette touring lap or visit the NCM Kartplex for high-speed go kart racing! Stay overnight at one of the modern, affordable hotels in Bowling Green(link is external).

Spend a fun few days in Kentucky’s biggest city, Louisville, while exploring above and below ground. Walk, jog or bike across the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge(link is external) – the two-mile roundtrip journey offers breathtaking views of the Ohio River, the city and Waterfront Park. Take a relaxing stroll at the Waterfront Botanical Gardens(link is external), a free community attraction with flowering trees, shrubs and wildflowers that opened in 2019. Take your adventure underground at Louisville Mega Cavern(link is external), with zip lines, a fully underground aerial ropes challenge course and more! Stay overnight at the newly renovated Galt House(link is external) (and be sure to try the revolving Swivel restaurant) or one of Louisville’s other fabulous hotels(link is external).

In eastern Kentucky, explore the outdoors with an off-road vehicle! Black Mountain Off-Road Adventure Area(link is external) in Harlan County is Kentucky’s highest point, and is known for its ATV off-road adventures. The 7,000-acre park offers easy, moderate and extreme trails that can be accessed year-round thanks to Kentucky’s mild winters. Camping, RV sites and cabin rentals are all available nearby. Pine Mountain State Resort Park(link is external) is only about an hour’s drive from Black Mountain, and offers a historic stone and wood crafted lodge as well as cabins for overnight stays.

Before visiting Kentucky attractions and businesses, please check businesses’ websites and social channels for the latest COVID-19 information.

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