Wurtland KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wurtland, Kentucky.
1. Our Lady of Fatima Shrine
PEACEFUL RELIGIOUS SITE
Our Lady of Fatima Shrine is a serene religious site in Wurtland that offers visitors a peaceful place for reflection and prayer. The shrine features beautiful religious artifacts and statuary in a tranquil setting that appeals to both religious pilgrims and those seeking a moment of calm. Visitors often comment on the spiritual atmosphere and well-maintained grounds that make this shrine a hidden gem in Greenup County.
2. Greenup Locks and Dam Park
RIVER ENGINEERING MARVEL
Greenup Locks and Dam Park offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the engineering that makes the Ohio River navigable for commercial traffic. The park provides excellent viewing areas where visitors can watch massive barges and vessels navigate through the lock system. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the riverside setting with opportunities for fishing, picnicking, and observing river wildlife.
3. Greenbo Lake State Resort Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park encompasses a beautiful 225-acre lake surrounded by the rolling hills of northeastern Kentucky. Visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor activities including fishing, boating, hiking, and swimming during the warmer months. The park also features comfortable lodging options, a restaurant with scenic views, and regular programming that highlights the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
4. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area
SCENIC WOODLAND RETREAT
Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area offers a pristine 143-acre lake nestled in the Wayne National Forest just across the state border from Wurtland. The recreation area features multiple hiking trails, including the 8-mile Lake Vesuvius Trail that loops around the entire lake through picturesque forests. Visitors can enjoy fishing, non-motorized boating, swimming at the public beach, and camping at one of the well-maintained campgrounds.
5. Virginia Point Park
RIVERSIDE URBAN PARK
Virginia Point Park sits at the confluence of the Ohio and Big Sandy Rivers, offering spectacular views of three states from one location. The park features walking paths, picnic areas, and informational displays about the region's history and ecology. Its convenient location makes it a perfect spot for watching river traffic or enjoying a peaceful sunset over the water.
6. Cooper-Hollow Wildlife Area
PRISTINE NATURE PRESERVE
Cooper-Hollow Wildlife Area encompasses over 5,400 acres of diverse habitat including forests, fields, and streams in neighboring southern Ohio. Nature enthusiasts can observe a variety of wildlife including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and numerous bird species throughout the changing seasons. The area offers excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing, hiking, and wildlife photography in a secluded natural setting.
7. Cummins Nature Preserve
WOODLAND HIKING TRAILS
Cummins Nature Preserve offers visitors over 900 acres of protected woodland featuring scenic hiking trails that wind through diverse Appalachian forest ecosystems. The preserve is known for its spectacular spring wildflower displays, including trillium, bloodroot, and numerous other native species that carpet the forest floor. Birdwatchers and wildlife photographers will appreciate the opportunity to spot numerous species in their natural habitat while enjoying the peaceful surroundings.
8. Kentucky Reptile Zoo
FASCINATING SERPENT SANCTUARY
The Kentucky Reptile Zoo houses an impressive collection of snakes and other reptiles from around the world in a facility dedicated to education and conservation. Visitors can witness exciting venom extraction demonstrations and learn about the important role these often-misunderstood creatures play in ecosystems and medicine. The knowledgeable staff provides informative presentations that transform fear into fascination through up-close encounters with these remarkable animals.
9. Malibu Jack's Ashland
INDOOR FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT CENTER
Malibu Jack's Ashland offers year-round family entertainment with attractions including go-karts, laser tag, mini-golf, and a 4D motion theater. The climate-controlled indoor venue provides a perfect escape regardless of weather conditions, making it a favorite destination for families and groups. Visitors appreciate the variety of activities that appeal to different ages, creating an ideal setting for birthdays, gatherings, or simply a fun day out.
10. McConnell House
HISTORIC RIVERTOWN MANSION
The McConnell House stands as a beautifully preserved example of 19th-century architecture and local history in the heart of Wurtland. This historic home features period furnishings and artifacts that tell the story of the region's development and the prominent families who shaped its growth. Guided tours provide visitors with fascinating insights into daily life during an earlier era in this riverside community.
11. Highlands Museum and Discovery Center
INTERACTIVE REGIONAL HISTORY
The Highlands Museum and Discovery Center offers an engaging exploration of eastern Kentucky's rich cultural and natural history through interactive exhibits and comprehensive displays. Visitors can step back in time with recreated historical settings, view artifacts from the region's industrial past, and learn about local aviation history on the top floor. The center's hands-on approach makes it especially appealing to families, with discovery areas designed specifically to engage younger visitors in learning through play.
12. Paramount Arts Center
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Paramount Arts Center occupies a beautifully restored 1931 art deco movie palace that now hosts a diverse calendar of live performances, from Broadway shows to concerts and dance recitals. The theater's ornate interior features stunning architectural details including an elaborate ceiling, vintage lighting fixtures, and classic movie palace design elements that transport visitors to a bygone era. Beyond performances, the center offers educational programs and backstage tours that highlight both the venue's architectural significance and its role in the cultural life of the region.
13. Lawrence County Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Lawrence County Museum preserves and displays artifacts and documents that tell the story of this historic Ohio River region just across from Wurtland. Housed in a beautiful Victorian-era building, the museum features period rooms, military memorabilia, and exhibits highlighting the area's industrial heritage. Visitors gain insight into the development of river transportation, iron production, and everyday life in this important Ohio River community.
14. Garden Roller Rink
CLASSIC SKATING EXPERIENCE
Garden Roller Rink offers a nostalgic roller skating experience that has been entertaining families in the tri-state area for over 28 years. The rink features themed skate nights, music events, and special programming that appeals to skaters of all ages and skill levels. Many visitors appreciate the well-maintained wooden floor and family-friendly atmosphere that has made this venue a beloved regional institution for generations.
15. Fox Lake
PEACEFUL FISHING DESTINATION
Fox Lake offers anglers and nature lovers a tranquil 32-acre fishing lake stocked with bass, catfish, bluegill, and other popular sport fish. The lake features convenient amenities including a boat ramp (electric motors only), fishing piers, and shoreline access points in a picturesque wooded setting. Visitors can enjoy the peaceful surroundings while watching for wildlife that frequently visits the lake, including herons, kingfishers, and occasionally deer coming to drink at the water's edge.