Plan your next spring road trip to Kentucky!

Springtime is gorgeous in Kentucky, with rolling green hills, new foals frolicking in the fields and the beautiful tulip gardens blooming in front of the State Capitol building. Plan your next spring road trip to the Bluegrass State.

In mid-to-late March, colorful tulips share the first glimpses of new spring growth. One of the best places in Kentucky to view tulips is in Frankfort(link is external), the capital city. Several round garden beds line the mall leading up to the State Capitol(link is external) building, all filled with tulips. It’s a popular spot for travelers and locals alike to pose for spring pictures and explore the beautiful flowering grounds. Also, be sure to check out when tours(link is external) are available of the impressive building – complete with a limestone and granite exterior, marble interior and rotunda.

After enjoying all the city of Louisville(link is external) has to offer, head out to enjoy nature at its finest! The Louisville Nature Center(link is external) is an urban forest area that features a wildflower garden and pond, a one-of-a-kind bird blind, wildlife exhibits and a Beargrass Creek watershed exhibit. Or keep exploring nature downtown at the newly opened Waterfront Botanical Gardens(link is external). Take a relaxing stroll or bike ride at this free community attraction with flowering trees, shrubs, wildflowers and more. If you’re up for a little more, 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.
Horse Country(link is external) in Lexington(link is external) is always a must-see in Kentucky, no matter the time of year, but in spring, it really shows off. New foals are on the ground what seems like almost daily, generating excitement at the area’s many horse farms delighting visitors.

Over in Owensboro(link is external), explore the Western Kentucky Botanical Gardens. With seven established gardens, ranging from butterfly, rose, daylily, iris, herb, fruit and berry and the Takahashi Japanese Memorial Garden – there’s sure to be something to delight all visitors! The garden provides a center for growth and displays hundreds of outstanding plant selections, and offers a place to appreciate the wonders of the environment. You can also relax in the butterfly garden at Panther Creek Park(link is external) in Owensboro. Located off of Highway 81 on Wayne Bridge Road, the park features seven winding walking trails that are handicap accessible, a fishing lake, and several baseball diamonds.

Down at Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area(link is external), take in the sounds of spring with birds chirping, blossoming trees and flowers. The Woodlands Trace(link is external) runs the length of the peninsula between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley, and is a beautiful, easy drive in rolling terrain with opportunities to pull off and explore on your own or at developed interpretive facilities.

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