Central City KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Central City, Kentucky.
1. Muhlenberg Music Museum
CELEBRATING LOCAL MUSIC HERITAGE
The Muhlenberg Music Museum celebrates the rich musical heritage of Central City, including The Everly Brothers, Merle Travis, and Jim Walker. Located in the Central City Tourism Commission office at 214 N 1st St., this museum showcases the area's significant contributions to music history. Visitors can explore exhibits honoring the city that The Everly Brothers call home and the county made famous by John Prine's 'Paradise.'
2. Everly Brothers Monument
HONORING MUSICAL LEGENDS
The Everly Brothers Monument stands as a tribute to the legendary musical duo who called Central City home. This landmark celebrates Phil and Don Everly's contributions to music history and their connection to this Kentucky community. Visitors can pay homage to these rock and roll pioneers while learning about their impact on American music.
3. Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum
RACING HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Kentucky Motorsports Hall of Fame and Museum preserves the racing heritage of the state with exhibits featuring memorabilia, vehicles, and stories of notable racers. Racing enthusiasts can discover the contributions Kentucky has made to motorsports throughout history. The museum honors inductees who have significantly impacted the world of racing in Kentucky and beyond.
4. The Studio: Art For All
COMMUNITY CREATIVE SPACE
The Studio: Art For All serves as Central City's hub for artistic expression and creativity. This community art center offers workshops, exhibitions, and creative opportunities for residents and visitors alike. Art enthusiasts can engage with local talent and participate in various artistic endeavors in this welcoming space.
5. Lu Ray Amphitheater
OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Lu Ray Amphitheater hosts various performances and community events in an outdoor setting in Central City. Visitors can enjoy concerts, theatrical productions, and cultural events under the open sky. The venue serves as an important cultural gathering place for residents and tourists seeking entertainment experiences.
6. Central City Convention Center
COMMUNITY GATHERING SPACE
The Central City Convention Center provides a versatile venue for events, conferences, and community gatherings. The facility hosts a variety of functions throughout the year, from business meetings to cultural celebrations. Visitors and locals alike benefit from this central meeting place that serves the community's diverse needs.
7. Central City Spray Park
FAMILY WATER RECREATION
Central City Spray Park offers refreshing water fun for families during the warm months. Children can splash and play among various water features designed for safe outdoor recreation. The park provides a perfect cooling destination for local families and visitors seeking relief from summer heat.
8. The Big Twigs
UNIQUE OUTDOOR ART
The Big Twigs represent distinctive outdoor art installations found throughout Muhlenberg County. These creative sculptures showcase the artistic character of the region through natural materials. Visitors can discover these unique works while exploring the county's various communities and natural spaces.
9. Brizendine Brothers Nature Park
PEACEFUL NATURAL RETREAT
Brizendine Brothers Nature Park offers serene natural surroundings for outdoor enthusiasts in Muhlenberg County. Visitors can enjoy walking trails, wildlife observation, and peaceful moments in Kentucky's beautiful landscape. The park provides a welcome escape into nature for those seeking connection with the outdoors.
10. The Bard Distillery
KENTUCKY CRAFT SPIRITS
The Bard Distillery produces craft spirits with Kentucky tradition and local character in Muhlenberg County. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the distillation process and sample the unique spirits created there. The distillery represents the region's contribution to Kentucky's renowned spirits heritage.
11. Downtown Central City
HISTORIC TOWN CENTER
Downtown Central City features historic buildings and local businesses that showcase the community's character and heritage. Visitors can stroll through the streets to discover shops, restaurants, and landmarks that tell the story of this Kentucky town. The historic area provides a glimpse into Central City's past while supporting its present-day vitality.
12. Rails to Trails
HISTORIC RAILWAY PATH
The Muhlenberg County Rails to Trails offers a six-mile recreational path converted from former railway lines connecting Greenville, Central City, and Powderly. This extremely popular trail provides opportunities for walking, running, and cycling through the scenic Kentucky landscape. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy this well-maintained path that preserves the area's transportation history while providing modern recreation options.
13. Ray Jones Athletic Complex
PREMIER SPORTS FACILITY
The Ray Jones Athletic Complex spans 50 acres and features multiple recreational facilities for sports and leisure activities in Greenville. This $8.5 million complex serves as home to Muhlenberg County youth baseball and softball programs throughout the season. The park hosts more than 20 regional baseball and softball tournaments each year, making it a center for sports activity in the region.
14. Stellian's Restaurant
HISTORIC DINING ESTABLISHMENT
Stellian's Restaurant occupies a historic building that previously housed various establishments including Winnie's Grill, Tony Maroni's Pizza, and the Green Lantern. The restaurant serves as both a dining destination and a piece of Central City's commercial history. Visitors can enjoy a meal while appreciating the building's storied past that represents multiple eras of the town's development.
15. Central City Library
HISTORICAL KNOWLEDGE CENTER
The Central City Library occupies land that previously contained four separate storefronts including Bryson Studio, Wells's Dry Goods, and the Selba and State Theaters. This cultural institution serves as both a modern library and a landmark on the city's historical tour. Visitors interested in local history can appreciate the building's past while accessing the library's current resources and services.