Rolling Hills KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rolling Hills, Kentucky.
1. Mammoth Cave National Park
WORLD'S LONGEST CAVE SYSTEM
Mammoth Cave National Park features the world's longest known cave system with over 400 miles of explored passages. Visitors can take guided tours through stunning underground formations that showcase millions of years of geological history. The cave maintains a constant cool temperature year-round, making it a perfect destination regardless of outdoor weather conditions.
2. Red River Gorge Geological Area
NATURAL ARCHES AND CLIFFS
Red River Gorge Geological Area is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts featuring scenic hiking trails, rock climbing opportunities, and breathtaking natural arches. Its rugged beauty offers endless activities including photography, camping, and exploring over 100 natural sandstone arches. The gorge's unique geological formations make it one of the best places in Kentucky to escape and recharge.
3. Daniel Boone National Forest
VAST OUTDOOR WILDERNESS
Daniel Boone National Forest encompasses over 700,000 acres of rugged terrain offering outdoor adventures such as hiking, camping, and fishing. The forest stretches across 21 counties in eastern Kentucky, providing diverse ecosystems and numerous recreational opportunities. Visitors can explore scenic waterfalls, limestone cliffs, and abundant wildlife in this natural Kentucky treasure.
4. Churchill Downs
HOME OF KENTUCKY DERBY
Churchill Downs is the legendary racetrack that hosts the Kentucky Derby, the most famous horse race in America. Visitors can tour the Kentucky Derby Museum to learn about the rich history of thoroughbred racing dating back to 1875. The iconic twin spires of the grandstand have become a symbol of Kentucky's horse racing heritage and southern hospitality.
5. Kentucky Bourbon Trail
AMERICA'S NATIVE SPIRIT
The Kentucky Bourbon Trail offers visitors the chance to tour distilleries producing America's only native spirit. Guests can learn about the bourbon-making process, from grain to barrel, and sample various expressions of this iconic Kentucky product. The trail extends throughout central Kentucky, connecting historic distilleries that showcase generations of bourbon-making tradition.
6. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
HISTORIC COMMUNAL SETTLEMENT
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is the largest restored Shaker community in the United States, featuring 34 beautifully preserved buildings from the 1800s. Visitors can explore living history exhibits with demonstrations of traditional Shaker crafts such as woodworking, weaving, and broom-making. The 3,000-acre property includes scenic trails, working farmland, and farm-to-table dining at The Trustees' Table restaurant.
7. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
ICONIC SANDSTONE FORMATION
Natural Bridge State Resort Park features a magnificent 78-foot-long natural sandstone arch that stands as one of Kentucky's most recognizable landmarks. Visitors can hike to the top of the arch via several trails of varying difficulty, offering spectacular views of the surrounding Red River Gorge area. The park also offers lodging, dining, and seasonal activities like guided nature programs and stargazing events.
8. Old Friends Farm
THOROUGHBRED RETIREMENT SANCTUARY
Old Friends Farm provides a dignified retirement for former racehorses, including Kentucky Derby winners and other champion thoroughbreds. Visitors can take guided tours to meet these equine celebrities up close and hear stories of their racing careers and personalities. This unique attraction offers a heart-warming look at how these magnificent athletes live out their golden years in Kentucky's beautiful horse country.
9. The Ark Encounter
LIFE-SIZE BIBLICAL REPLICA
The Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah's Ark built according to biblical dimensions, stretching 510 feet long and standing 51 feet high. Inside the massive wooden structure, visitors find three decks of exhibits depicting Noah's family, animal kinds, and life aboard the vessel during the biblical flood. The attraction also includes a zoo, zip lines, and themed restaurants for a full-day experience.
10. Creation Museum
BIBLICAL HISTORY EXHIBITS
The Creation Museum presents biblical history through state-of-the-art exhibits that bring Genesis to life. Visitors can walk through a recreation of the Garden of Eden, view animatronic dinosaurs, and explore a planetarium that presents the universe from a biblical perspective. The museum's botanical gardens and petting zoo provide additional attractions for families seeking to understand biblical creation.
11. Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory
AMERICA'S BASEBALL BAT MAKER
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory is marked by the world's largest baseball bat leaning against its building, inviting visitors to explore America's baseball heritage. Guests can tour the working factory where legendary baseball bats are crafted for Major League players and amateurs alike. The museum showcases baseball history through interactive exhibits and offers visitors the chance to receive a miniature Louisville Slugger bat as a souvenir.
12. Kentucky Horse Park
PREMIER EQUINE ATTRACTION
Kentucky Horse Park celebrates the relationship between horses and humans through interactive exhibits, shows, and museums dedicated to equine history. Visitors can meet retired champion horses, watch riding demonstrations, and learn about different horse breeds from around the world. The 1,200-acre working horse farm also hosts major equestrian competitions and events throughout the year.
13. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
MOONBOW NATURAL WONDER
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park features a 125-foot wide waterfall known as the 'Niagara of the South,' one of the few places in the world where visitors can witness a moonbow. The mist from the 68-foot tall falls creates this rare lunar rainbow during full moon nights, drawing nature enthusiasts from around the globe. The park offers hiking trails, rafting, fishing, and comfortable lodging at its rustic DuPont Lodge.
14. Lexington's Historic Downtown
HEART OF HORSE COUNTRY
Lexington's Historic Downtown serves as the cultural centerpiece of Kentucky's second-largest city, blending southern charm with urban sophistication. Visitors can explore notable sites like the Mary Todd Lincoln House, Rupp Arena, and the vibrant Cheapside Park district with its restaurants and shops. The downtown area hosts regular events including farmers markets, concerts, and festivals that showcase the region's rich history and Bluegrass culture.
15. Muhammad Ali Center
LEGACY OF THE GREATEST
The Muhammad Ali Center honors the life and legacy of the boxing legend and humanitarian who was born and raised in Louisville. Interactive exhibits guide visitors through Ali's remarkable journey, highlighting his athletic achievements, principled stands on social issues, and global humanitarian work. The center's inspirational message encourages visitors to find their own greatness through Ali's six core principles: confidence, conviction, dedication, giving, respect, and spirituality.