Upton KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Upton, Kentucky.
1. The Lincoln Jamboree
CLASSIC COUNTRY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT
The Lincoln Jamboree is the longest running family show of country music and entertainment in Kentucky, boasting an impressive 4.7 rating from visitors. Guests can enjoy performances by some of the most talented singers and musicians in the region, creating an authentic Kentucky cultural experience. The venue provides a wholesome entertainment option perfect for all ages looking to experience traditional country music in a family-friendly setting.
2. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
PRESIDENTIAL BIRTH SITE
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park preserves the site where the 16th President was born on February 12, 1809, featuring an authentic 19th-century log cabin similar to his birthplace. The park offers visitors a glimpse into the humble beginnings of one of America's most revered presidents through its exhibits and memorial building. History enthusiasts can walk the grounds where Lincoln spent his earliest years before his family moved to Indiana, making it a significant landmark in American presidential history.
3. Side Track Shops
UNIQUE LOCAL SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Side Track Shops offers a delightful shopping experience in Upton with a solid 4.5 rating from visitors. The shops feature a variety of local goods, crafts, and unique items that showcase Kentucky's cultural heritage. Visitors can browse through the charming retail spaces while enjoying the friendly small-town atmosphere that characterizes this Upton gem.
4. Bennie's Barn Antique Mall
VINTAGE TREASURE HUNTING
Bennie's Barn Antique Mall delights collectors and casual browsers alike with its extensive selection of antiques and vintage items, earning a 4.3 rating. The spacious barn houses numerous vendor booths offering everything from furniture and housewares to toys and collectibles from bygone eras. Visitors can spend hours hunting for unique treasures and nostalgic items while experiencing the charm of this well-regarded Upton establishment.
5. Mammoth Cave National Park
WORLD'S LONGEST CAVE SYSTEM
Mammoth Cave National Park, located near Upton, houses the world's longest known cave system with more than 400 miles of surveyed passageways. Visitors can explore this natural wonder through various guided tours that showcase stunning formations, underground rivers, and vast chambers carved by water over millions of years. The park also offers abundant outdoor activities including hiking, camping, canoeing, and wildlife viewing in the beautiful Kentucky landscape surrounding the cave system.
6. Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo
AUSTRALIAN-THEMED ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo offers a unique Australian-themed experience where visitors can interact with animals from Down Under and around the world. Guests can feed lorikeets, pet kangaroos, and experience up-close encounters with various exotic and native species in this interactive zoological park. The attraction combines education and entertainment while providing memorable hands-on experiences with animals in a setting that recreates the Australian outback in Kentucky.
7. Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum invites visitors to explore a magnificent underground river system running beneath the town of Horse Cave. The cave features impressive formations, a subterranean river, and fascinating history including its use for hydroelectric power in the early 20th century. The accompanying American Cave Museum educates visitors about cave ecology, formation, and conservation with interactive exhibits that complement the underground adventure.
8. Freeman Lake Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Freeman Lake Park in Elizabethtown provides a beautiful setting for family outings with its expansive lake, scenic walking trails, and welcoming picnic areas. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, and wildlife watching in this well-maintained natural space just a short drive from Upton. The park serves as a peaceful retreat where locals and tourists alike can connect with nature while enjoying various recreational activities throughout the year.
9. Bourbon Barrel Tavern
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN BOURBON BAR
Bourbon Barrel Tavern is an old-style tavern located in historic downtown Elizabethtown featuring an impressive selection of over 400 bourbons and ryes alongside 28 craft beers on draft. Visitors can sample Kentucky's signature spirit in an authentic setting while enjoying live music and the tavern's warm atmosphere. The establishment offers a genuine taste of Kentucky's bourbon heritage in a charming historic building that captures the essence of the state's distilling tradition.
10. Birdy's Scooters and ATV's
ADVENTURE VEHICLE RENTALS
Birdy's Scooters and ATV's provides competitive pricing on ATV rentals and sales for those looking to explore Kentucky's countryside on off-road adventures. With over 22 years of experience serving the Upton area, they offer reliable equipment for outdoor enthusiasts wanting to experience the region's natural beauty. Visitors praise the reasonable prices and quality service that make this business a go-to option for recreational vehicle needs in the area.
11. The Lincoln Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Lincoln Museum, founded in 1989, is a community-supported nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Abraham Lincoln's legacy through extensive exhibits and artifacts. Visitors can explore displays chronicling Lincoln's life from his Kentucky birth through his presidency and tragic assassination. The museum complements a visit to the nearby birthplace site, offering deeper insights into the life and times of America's 16th president through dioramas, period items, and educational presentations.
12. Hart County Historical Society Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Hart County Historical Society Museum is housed in the historic 1893 Chapline Building at 109 Main Street in Munfordville, showcasing the rich history of the region. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Hart County's development and the people who shaped its identity. Visitors can step back in time while exploring the well-preserved historic building that serves as both a repository of local history and an architectural gem in its own right.
13. Hardin County History Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE EXHIBITS
The Hardin County History Museum is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting awareness of the county's rich and diverse historical heritage. Exhibits showcase artifacts, documents, and stories that highlight significant events and people who shaped the region from its earliest settlement to modern times. Visitors gain insight into local military history, pioneer life, and cultural developments that connect Hardin County to broader Kentucky and American historical narratives.
14. Saunders Springs Nature Preserve
HISTORIC NATURAL RETREAT
Saunders Springs Nature Preserve offers visitors a peaceful retreat with its beautiful walking trails, historic structures, and natural springs. The preserve features remnants of an old mill, stone walls, and other historical elements that highlight its significance as a water source for the region. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking through hardwood forests while observing local flora and fauna in this serene setting that combines natural beauty with historical significance.
15. Flywheel Brewing
CRAFT BEER DESTINATION
Flywheel Brewing offers craft beer enthusiasts a taste of locally-brewed Kentucky beverages in a welcoming atmosphere that's also dog-friendly. Visitors can sample a rotating selection of handcrafted beers while enjoying the taproom's casual vibe and frequent community events. The brewery represents the growing craft beverage scene in the region, providing both locals and tourists a place to gather and appreciate artisanal brewing techniques and flavors unique to Kentucky.