Beechwood KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Beechwood, Kentucky.
1. Big Four Bridge
HISTORIC PEDESTRIAN CROSSING
Big Four Bridge is a former railroad truss bridge that now serves as a popular pedestrian and bicycle crossing between Louisville, Kentucky and Jeffersonville, Indiana. The bridge offers spectacular views of the Ohio River and the Louisville skyline, making it a favorite spot for photographers and sunset watchers. Visitors can enjoy the 1-mile journey across the bridge while taking in the scenery and often encountering street performers or vendors along the way.
2. Cherokee Park
SCENIC URBAN OASIS
Cherokee Park is a 409-acre public park in Louisville designed by renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. The park features a scenic 2.4-mile loop road that winds through rolling hills, open meadows, and wooded areas, perfect for walking, jogging, or driving. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, playgrounds, basketball courts, and even an archery range nestled within this beautiful urban green space.
3. Waterfront Park
RIVERSIDE URBAN RECREATION
Louisville Waterfront Park is an 85-acre urban park that stretches along the Ohio River in downtown Louisville. The park hosts numerous events throughout the year, including concerts, festivals, and the popular Thunder Over Louisville fireworks display. Visitors can enjoy walking paths, playgrounds, picnic areas, and the iconic Great Lawn offering stunning views of the river and skyline.
4. Beech Bend Amusement Park
HISTORIC FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
Beech Bend Amusement Park is a beloved family entertainment venue that has been providing fun for over 115 years. The park features thrilling rides, a water park called Splash Lagoon, and a campground for overnight stays, all in one convenient location. Located just an hour north of Nashville and less than two hours south of Louisville, this park offers affordable family fun with special pricing options for scout groups and other organizations.
5. Louisville Mega Cavern
UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE PARK
Louisville Mega Cavern offers a unique underground adventure with its extensive rope courses, ziplines, and electric bike tours through former limestone mines. The attraction features the world's only fully underground zipline course and transforms into an underground holiday light show during winter months. Visitors can challenge themselves on various obstacles while enjoying the cool, constant temperature of this massive human-made cavern system.
6. Ark Encounter
BIBLICAL-SCALE NOAH'S ARK
Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah's Ark built according to biblical dimensions, spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high. Inside the massive wooden structure, visitors can explore three decks of exhibits detailing how Noah might have cared for animals and survived the flood. The attraction also includes a zoo, zip lines, and themed restaurants, making it a full-day experience for families.
7. Mammoth Cave
WORLD'S LONGEST CAVE SYSTEM
Mammoth Cave is the world's longest known cave system with more than 400 miles of surveyed passageways located in south-central Kentucky. Visitors can choose from various guided tours ranging from easy walks to challenging crawls through this UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. The cave maintains a constant temperature of around 54°F year-round, making it a perfect destination regardless of outside weather conditions.
8. Cave Hill Cemetery
HISTORIC MEMORIAL GARDENS
Cave Hill Cemetery serves as the final resting place for notable figures including Muhammad Ali, Colonel Sanders, and Hollywood actor Victor Mature. This historic Victorian-era cemetery doubles as an arboretum and botanical garden, featuring ornate monuments and beautiful landscaping across its grounds. Visitors often spend hours exploring the cemetery's winding paths, admiring the craftsmanship of historic headstones, and paying respects to famous Kentuckians.
9. Oxmoor Country Club
PREMIER GOLF DESTINATION
Oxmoor Country Club is an upscale golf and social club located just 2.5 miles from Beechwood Village. The club features a beautifully maintained 18-hole championship golf course designed to challenge players of all skill levels. Members and guests can enjoy additional amenities including tennis courts, swimming pools, and fine dining in an elegant clubhouse setting.
10. Crescent Hill Golf Course
HISTORIC PUBLIC LINKS
Crescent Hill Golf Course is a historic 9-hole public golf course located just 3 miles from Beechwood Village. The course offers a challenging yet accessible golfing experience with tree-lined fairways and well-maintained greens at affordable rates. Golfers appreciate the convenient location, walkable layout, and friendly atmosphere that has made this course a Louisville staple for decades.
11. Kentucky Derby Museum
HORSE RACING HERITAGE
The Kentucky Derby Museum celebrates the history and tradition of America's most famous horse race through interactive exhibits and engaging presentations. Visitors can experience a 360-degree immersive film about Derby Day and take guided tours of the historic Churchill Downs racetrack. The museum houses an impressive collection of Derby memorabilia, including trophies, silks, and artifacts that tell the story of this iconic sporting event.
12. Kentucky Horse Park
EQUINE SHOWCASE EXPERIENCE
Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm and educational theme park dedicated to celebrating the relationship between humans and horses. Visitors can meet retired champion racehorses, watch daily parade of breeds demonstrations, and enjoy hands-on experiences at the interactive museum. The 1,200-acre facility also hosts major equestrian competitions throughout the year, drawing competitors and spectators from around the world.
13. Cumberland Gap National Park
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN GATEWAY
Cumberland Gap National Historical Park preserves the famous mountain pass that served as a critical gateway for thousands of settlers heading west into Kentucky and beyond. The park spans over 24,000 acres across three states (Kentucky, Virginia, and Tennessee) and offers more than 85 miles of hiking trails through diverse forests and mountain landscapes. Visitors can explore historic Hensley Settlement, tour Gap Cave, and enjoy spectacular views from Pinnacle Overlook, making it a must-see destination for any Kentucky traveler.
14. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
SANDSTONE ARCH WONDER
Natural Bridge State Resort Park features an impressive 78-foot-long natural sandstone arch that stands 65 feet high in the heart of the Red River Gorge. Visitors can access the arch via several hiking trails of varying difficulty, including the Original Trail that has guided tourists to this natural wonder since the 1890s. The park also offers accommodations at Hemlock Lodge, dining facilities, and numerous recreational activities including fishing, canoeing, and rock climbing in the surrounding area.
15. National Quilt Museum
FIBER ARTS SHOWCASE
The National Quilt Museum houses a world-class collection of contemporary quilts and fiber art in downtown Paducah, Kentucky. The museum displays over 600 quilts in rotating exhibitions that showcase extraordinary craftsmanship, artistic innovation, and the evolution of quilting from traditional craft to fine art. Visitors are consistently amazed by the intricate details, vibrant colors, and storytelling elements incorporated into these textile masterpieces that appeal to both quilting enthusiasts and art lovers alike.