Riverwood KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Riverwood, Kentucky.
1. Churchill Downs
HISTORIC HORSE RACING TRACK
Churchill Downs is Kentucky's most iconic horse racing venue and home to the prestigious Kentucky Derby. Visitors can explore the informative museum, watch an incredible movie about the greatest race, and experience the rich history of thoroughbred racing. The historic track offers tours that provide insight into Kentucky's deep connection to horse racing culture.
2. Kentucky Horse Park
EQUESTRIAN THEME PARK
Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm and educational theme park dedicated to the relationship between humans and horses. Visitors can interact with different horse breeds, watch equine presentations, and learn about Kentucky's profound horse heritage. The park features museums, horse shows, and recreational activities for horse enthusiasts of all ages.
3. Conrad-Caldwell House Museum
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is a stunning example of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture in Louisville's historic district. This meticulously preserved Victorian mansion offers guided tours showcasing original furnishings, intricate woodwork, and the lifestyle of Louisville's upper class during the Gilded Age. Visitors can step back in time to experience the opulence and craftsmanship of the late 19th century.
4. Claiborne Farm
LEGENDARY THOROUGHBRED NURSERY
Claiborne Farm is a historic thoroughbred horse breeding operation with a legacy spanning over a century in Kentucky's Bluegrass region. Visitors can tour the farm with knowledgeable guides who share in-depth information about horse breeding, training, and racing, including personal stories about the farm's operations. The experience includes visiting the modest grave of legendary racehorse Secretariat and interacting with current champion stallions who each display distinct personalities.
5. Floodwall Murals
RIVERSIDE ART INSTALLATION
The Floodwall Murals in Paducah transform the city's protective floodwalls into an impressive outdoor art gallery depicting local history and culture. Visitors can walk along the Ohio River while viewing these detailed paintings that tell stories of the region's past, present, and connection to the waterways. The murals not only serve as beautiful public art but also as educational tools about the significance of the rivers and the engineering that protects the city.
6. General George Patton Museum Of Leadership
MILITARY HISTORY SHOWCASE
The General George Patton Museum of Leadership honors the legacy of one of America's most famous military commanders while exploring the principles of leadership. Exhibits showcase Patton's personal artifacts, military vehicles, and interactive displays that chronicle the evolution of American military leadership. Visitors gain insight into not only Patton's career but also the broader history of the U.S. Army and its role in major conflicts.
7. Buffalo Trace Distillery
HISTORIC BOURBON PRODUCER
Buffalo Trace Distillery stands as the oldest continuously operating distillery in America with a rich history dating back more than 200 years. Visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark to witness traditional bourbon-making processes while learning about the distillery's role in Kentucky's signature industry. The guided experience includes sampling award-winning bourbons and exploring historic buildings that have survived Prohibition, floods, and fires.
8. Cave Hill Cemetery
HISTORIC VICTORIAN NECROPOLIS
Cave Hill Cemetery serves as both a Victorian-era cemetery and an arboretum with stunning landscaped grounds spread across 296 acres. Visitors can explore this peaceful sanctuary that serves as the final resting place for notable figures including Muhammad Ali and Colonel Harland Sanders of KFC fame. The cemetery's ornate monuments, serene lakes, and extensive collection of trees and plants make it a destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
9. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park preserves the humble beginnings of America's 16th president who was born in a one-room log cabin in 1809. A neoclassical memorial building houses a symbolic reconstruction of Lincoln's birthplace cabin, representing his rise from frontier poverty to the presidency. Visitors can explore hiking trails, a visitor center with exhibits, and gain insight into how Lincoln's Kentucky roots influenced his character and leadership.
10. Mammoth Cave National Park
WORLD'S LONGEST CAVE SYSTEM
Mammoth Cave National Park protects the world's longest known cave system with more than 400 miles of surveyed passageways beneath Kentucky's rolling hills. Visitors can choose from a variety of guided tours ranging from accessible routes to challenging adventures that showcase dramatic formations, underground rivers, and unique ecosystems. Above ground, the park offers hiking trails, camping, and paddling opportunities in a preserved natural landscape that's been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve.
11. Belle of Louisville
HISTORIC STEAMBOAT ICON
The Belle of Louisville is the oldest operating Mississippi-style steamboat in the world and a designated National Historic Landmark. Launched in 1914, this authentic steamboat offers cruises along the Ohio River where passengers can enjoy the rhythmic churning of the paddlewheel while learning about riverboat history. The meticulously preserved vessel features Victorian-inspired decor, live entertainment, and provides a glimpse into America's golden age of river transportation.
12. Maker's Mark Distillery
ICONIC BOURBON EXPERIENCE
Maker's Mark Distillery welcomes visitors to its picturesque campus recognized by its distinctive red wax-sealed bottles and status as a National Historic Landmark. Tours guide guests through the complete bourbon-making process from grain to bottle, including the opportunity to hand-dip a souvenir bottle in the signature red wax. The beautifully maintained grounds feature historic buildings, limestone water sources, and artistic touches that reflect the brand's commitment to craftsmanship and tradition.
13. Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park
CIVIL WAR HISTORY SITE
Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park preserves one of the largest Union Army recruitment and training centers for African American soldiers during the Civil War. This National Historic Landmark tells the powerful story of transformation from military supply depot to a refugee camp for soldiers' families seeking freedom from slavery. Visitors can explore interpretive trails, reconstructed buildings, and a museum that documents Kentucky's complex Civil War history and the path to emancipation for thousands of enslaved people.
14. Harland Sanders Café and Museum
KFC FOUNDER'S LEGACY
The Harland Sanders Café and Museum preserves the original location where Colonel Sanders perfected his secret recipe and cooking method for Kentucky Fried Chicken. Visitors can see the restored kitchen, dining area, and living quarters where the global fast-food empire began in the 1940s. The site showcases original artifacts, memorabilia, and the story of how a 65-year-old entrepreneur with a pressure cooker and spice blend created one of the world's most recognizable food brands.
15. Kentucky Craftsman Center
APPALACHIAN ARTS SHOWCASE
The Kentucky Craftsman Center celebrates the rich tradition of handmade crafts and folk art that has flourished in Kentucky's Appalachian region for generations. Visitors can watch artisan demonstrations, shop for authentic locally-made products including woodwork, pottery, textiles, and jewelry created by Kentucky's finest craftspeople. The center serves as both a cultural repository and marketplace, connecting contemporary artists with traditional techniques while supporting the regional creative economy.