The Bourbon, Horses & History Region of Kentucky is filled with beautiful places and settings for family-friendly hiking, paddling, boating, strolling, picnicking and enjoying the great outdoors.
Known for its bucolic rolling hills and pastoral bluegrass grazing fields and farmland, the Bourbon, Horses & History Region of Kentucky provides an active playground for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Rivers and Lakes
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Outdoor Play
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Caverns and Forests
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The Kentucky Garden Trail
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Frequently Asked Questions
Rivers and Lakes
The Ohio River forms the northern boundary for six counties of this cultural and history rich region. Three beautiful recreational lakes are also in this region. Other smaller rivers include the Salt River and its tributaries, including Floyds Fork River and Rolling River.
Rough River Lake is a 39-mile-long reservoir located in Breckinridge, Hardin, and Grayson counties about 70 miles southwest of Louisville. Known for the popular Rough River Dam State Resort, the lake features a lodge and cottages, and offers camping, boating, fishing, hiking, and other outdoor activities. Marinas and waterfront restaurants round out your lake experience.
Taylorsville Lake is the closest large lake to Louisville. Taylorsville Lake State Park offers boating, a unique waterskiing course, fishing, camping, and a 24-mile multi-use trail enjoyed by horseback riders, mountain bikers and hikers alike.
Nolin Lake is 5,795-acre lake, known for its unique blue green water. Nolin Lake is one of the top five lakes in Kentucky for catfish, bass, crappie, and walleye fishing. Enjoy boating, camping, fishing, picnicking, water sports and wildlife viewing. Be aware that Nolin Lake State Park is currently closed but other nearby campgrounds are available.
Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area in Meade County includes 2,340 acres of sprawling forest, scenic bluffs overlooking the Ohio River and the crystal-clear waters of Otter Creek. It is one of Kentucky’s most well-preserved fly-fishing retreats. The area offers a vast network of over 24 miles of trails, allowing guests to set their own pace. Nearby is the Riverfront Park that leads to Buttermilk and Emmert Falls that are reached by an accessible 2.5-mile trail.
Bluegrass Spring Quarry in La Grange, Kentucky was voted #1 in Top 5 Swimming Holes in Kentucky! This adults-only, 55+ foot deep, rock quarry is maintained solely through rain water. No ground runoff dumps into the quarry, meaning the water is clear, clean and natural, and is a great place to relax in the water! Come float, noodle, or be sure to visit this adult-only natural wonder!
Outdoor Play
In the area between Louisville and Shelbyville, the Parklands of Floyds Fork, a nearly 4,000-acre public parks system with four major parks and a connector, provides over 60 miles of hiking and biking trails, 22 miles of paddling trails, and mountain biking, playgrounds, and picnic areas.
- Beckley Creek Park
- Pope Lick Park
- Turkey Run Park
- The Strand, connecting the northern and southern parks
For the Disc Golf players try your skill at Red Orchard Park — it has an official PDGA Disc Golf Course that is considered to be one of the most challenging courses in Kentucky.
Shelby Trails Park in Shelby County is a great place for hiking and horseback riding at Red Fern Riding Center. Nearby outdoor attractions include Guist Creek Lake & Marina and the Lake Shelby Park and campground.
Caverns and Forests
The southern part of Kentucky is known for its iconic caves, but Louisville has its own cavern. Beneath the city, Louisville Mega Cavern boasts the title of the largest man-made cave system in North America. Once a working limestone mine, this 100-acre cavern offers a unique experience for underground ziplining, ropes courses, biking trails, and cave tours.
Louisville’s Jefferson Memorial Forest, is the largest municipal urban forest in the United States, spanning nearly 10 miles and over 6,600 acres of steep terrain covered with mature hardwood trees. A tribute to area Veterans, this massive woodland includes a variety of scenic backpacking trails, a fishing lake, outdoor recreational facilities, a conference center and a Welcome Center with trail maps, hiking supplies, nature related books and souvenirs and more.
Also located in Louisville, Cherokee Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, is part of the Olmstead Park System. The 2.4 mile trail loop provides trail running, road biking, picnics, and easy hiking set in a backdrop of dense tree cover and rolling hills.
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, just off Interstate 65 in Clermont in Bullitt County, is a 16,346-acre arboretum, forest, and nature preserve dedicated to conservation and visitor experience. The arboretum features a unique 2.4 acre Edible Garden, a 17-acre natural Playcosystem playground, a loop through 40 miles of trails, a canopy walk, sensory garden and artistic garden sculptures.
Don’t forget to look for the Heart of the Forest Tin Man and sculptor Thomas Dambo’s Forest Giants in a Giant Forest, three bigger than life trolls made entirely from repurposed and natural materials, including scraps from The Louisville Slugger Factory. If this day of outdoor play makes you hungry, stop by Isaac’s Cafe and grab a bite.
The Kentucky Garden Trail
Kentucky is fortunate to showcase more than twelve inspiring botanical garden and arboretum tours near Louisville. The Kentucky Garden Trail was created to knit together an easy-to-follow journey of gardens, forests, and experiences in this region, including display gardens, educational programs, and family-oriented events.
Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, near Interstate 71 in Crestwood and Oldham County, sits on the historic Yew Dell Farm, the family home of Theodore Roosevelt Klein. This unique horticultural center is a nationally recognized center of gardening and sustainable horticulture, with extensive display gardens, a diverse slate of educational programs and events. Yew Dell is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Preservation Partner of the Garden Conservancy.
Be sure to see the unique Yew Dell castle that sits atop the gardens! This is a fantastic garden tour either on your own or with a pre-reserved guide.
Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve in Goshen and Oldham County is a 170-acre, family-friendly destination with over 9 miles of wooded trails that weave through open grasslands, four year-round springs and waterfalls, a frog pond, a 2-acre woodland garden, an ADA-accessible playground and a nature center.
Waterfront Botanical Gardens in Louisville is a newer garden. The Waterfront Botanical Gardens site lies within the boundaries of one of Louisville’s oldest city areas, known as “The Point.” It offers outdoor plazas with sweeping skyline views and the Gardens’ natural beauty and modern amenities to create an unforgettable experience.
Pick up your Kentucky Garden Trail passport journal at any participating botanical garden or arboreta or at their local tourism office and collect stamps along the way as your personal souvenir. Kentucky’s beauty and great outdoors are calling. The Bourbon, Horses & History Region of Kentucky invites you to go out and play!
For more information about outdoor experience sites located in these cities and counties:
- Bardstown
- Breckinridge County
- Bullitt County
- Grayson County
- Louisville
- Meade County
- Oldham County
- Radcliff
- Shelby County
FAQs
What are good activities for families visiting these outdoor experiences?
There are many family-friendly trails, campgrounds and lake activities in this region. Some are accessible for mobility impaired visitors. And there are fun activities in the nearby communities.
Where to stay near these outdoor experiences?
There are branded hotels, short term vacation rentals, unique hotels and romantic bed and breakfasts (B&Bs) depending on your itinerary or length of stay. Some areas offer tent and RV camping locations.
What are some good restaurants near these outdoor experiences?
The local communities where they are located and near their locations offer a mix of restaurants, diners, fine dining and fast food.
For more information about staying and eating near outdoor experiences check out these cities and counties:
Bardstown
Breckinridge County
Bullitt County
Lebanon
Louisville
Oldham County
Radcliff
Shelby County
Do we need a reservation to visit these outdoor experiences?
During tourism season, April to November, most are open. You may want to call in advance to ensure that they are open when you are planning to visit and if you are planning to camp.
How do we get to this area coming from Nashville?
Traveling north about two hours from Nashville on I-65 and State Route 88 you will arrive at Nolin Lake. And from Elizabethtown on I-65 take the Western Kentucky Parkway to Taylorsville Lake.
How do we get to this area coming from Cincinnati?
Traveling south on I-71 about an hour from Cincinnati you will find 13 farm tours and other outdoors activities in Oldham County and around LaGrange. Continuing on I-71 you can visit Louisville and then take I-265 South and I-64 to Shelby County to access more outdoor experiences to the East, South and West of Louisville.
