Kentucky’s New African American Heritage Trail: A Journey Worth Taking

A new cultural trail is shining light on Kentucky’s untold stories – and it’s one that’s well worth the journey.

The Kentucky African American Heritage Trail, launched in 2025, connects more than 50 sites across the state, honouring the legacy, resilience, and creativity of Black Kentuckians. From vibrant cities to quiet rural corners, this self-guided route is a powerful way to explore the heart of Kentucky – through its people, its places, and its past.

It’s not just a history lesson. It’s a celebration of culture, courage, and community—best explored by road and rich in meaningful stops.

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Many visitors begin their journey in Northern Kentucky, just across the river from Cincinnati, where direct international flights make it a natural starting point. While staying in Covington, don’t miss a visit across the bridge to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center – a compelling museum that sets the tone for what’s to come.

Then follow the Ohio River southeast to Maysville, where the National Underground Railroad Museum occupies a preserved 1800s rowhouse that once hid freedom seekers. It’s a deeply personal, evocative place to begin your road trip.

Next, head to Lexington, home to the Lyric Theatre and Cultural Arts Center, a venue that once hosted jazz greats like Ray Charles and Count Basie. Just a short distance away, the African Cemetery No. 2 offers a solemn tribute to generations of Black Kentuckians, with graves dating back to the early 19th century.

Travel south to Danville, where the Isaac Scott Hathaway Museum honours the life of the trailblazing sculptor and educator who became the first African American to design a U.S. coin. Not far away in Simpsonville, visitors can learn about civil rights leader Whitney M. Young Jr. at his birthplace, set amid peaceful rolling countryside.

Continue west to Louisville, a cultural cornerstone of the trail. The Muhammad Ali Center is a stunning modern museum that celebrates the global impact of Louisville’s most famous son – not just as a boxing legend, but as a humanitarian and civil rights icon. Nearby, Roots 101 African American Museum adds personal and local context to the wider Black experience in America, from African ancestry to Kentucky heroes.

As you head toward western Kentucky, the stories shift to music, movement, and memory. In Bowling Green, the Mount Zion Baptist Church—established in the 1800s—remains one of the state’s oldest African American congregations.

Further west in Paducah, the Hotel Metropolitan stands as one of the most poignant stops on the trail. Though no longer operating as a hotel, it has been preserved as a museum and cultural site. During segregation, it was proudly listed in the Green Book—the travel guide used by African American motorists to navigate safe places in the Jim Crow South. Legends such as Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and B.B. King stayed here while touring the Chitlin’ Circuit. Today, visitors can tour the building, explore memorabilia, and hear stories that bring its golden era to life.

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The Kentucky African American Heritage Trail is more than a single route – it’s a growing, evolving celebration of Black history and heritage. From the Appalachian foothills to river towns and urban centres, it offers travellers an inspiring way to understand Kentucky’s past and present.

For those continuing on to neighbouring states, the trail connects naturally with broader Southern heritage routes. But even within Kentucky alone, the experience is rich, rewarding, and deeply human.

Many sites along the trail are free to visit, while others offer guided tours or events throughout the year. The route is flexible, making it ideal for a self-drive holiday – whether you follow it in full or dip into highlights along the way.

To start planning your trip, including maps, itineraries, and the full list of stops, visit the official Kentucky Tourism website.