X

Visit the USA and have a memorable holidayHelping you plan a memorable trip to the USA!

To make sure you receive Visit USA’s latest news, information and travel offers, sign up to receive our email updates below:

 


I would like to be contacted by Visit USA with updates and travel offers

By providing your email address and clicking “submit” you consent to be contacted by Visit USA with offers and updates which we feel may be of interest to you. To opt out, use the unsubscribe link or email info@visitusa.org.uk. Find out how Visit USA safeguards user information by reading our Privacy Statement.

 

States & Destinations

Explore Kentucky by...

| | | |

About Kentucky

Introduction  Facts

Find inspiration for Kentucky...

IDEAS
New Speakeasy Debuts On Louisville’s Historic Whiskey Row

Step inside a hidden chapter of bourbon history at The 1933 Society

IDEAS
Muhammad Ali’s Hometown Celebrates His Life & Legacy 10 Years Since Passing

From June 1-7, 2026, coinciding with tenth anniversary of Ali's passing, the Muhammad Ali Center will host the 10th annual “Ali Fest” taking place in various locations around Ali’s hometown.

IDEAS
11 Free Things to Do This Spring in Louisville

Some of the best things in Bourbon City are free.

IDEAS
Kentucky Derby Festival Adds New Events for 2026 Season

Ringling Circus Hype Crew and Water Lantern events make their debut

IDEAS
Louisville's Oldest Restaurants

From a 1920s horse-racing diner to one of the first Chinese-American restaurants in the city, take a bite out of these historic restaurants in Bourbon City.

IDEAS
Louisville Emerges as a Key River Cruise Destination

Louisville is seeing renewed interest from the river cruise industry, giving travellers a new way to experience the city — arriving by boat along the Ohio River.

IDEAS
10 things for under $10 in Louisville

Bookmark this guide to some of the best budget-friendly attractions in Bourbon City.

IDEAS
10+ Bourbon events and festivals to attend in 2026

If you are planning a trip to the heartland of America's only native spirit, you might want to center your visit around one of these high-proof events.

IDEAS
WhistlePig's Big, Bold Hospitality in a Transformed Kentucky Bank Building

WhistlePig Whiskey opened its doors near historic Whiskey Row on National Repeal Day

IDEAS
Louisville Unveils Fusion of Southern Soul and British Pub Culture

Louisville’s iconic Highlands neighbourhood starts a new culinary chapter

 1 2 3  

Kentucky

The Bluegrass State

Kentucky, known as The Bluegrass State, offers more than just famous fried chicken and fast horses. It’s a land of rich traditions, rolling countryside, world-class attractions, and some of the warmest hospitality in the USA. From Lexington’s horse farms to the deep underground networks of Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky is a state that surprises, delights, and invites you to explore both its famous highlights and hidden treasures.

Horse Country and Equestrian Heritage

Home to the legendary Kentucky Derby, the state’s equestrian culture runs deep. In Lexington, the self-proclaimed Horse Capital of the World, visitors can tour over 450 working horse farms, explore the Kentucky Horse Park, and even take part in guided horseback trails through scenic bluegrass landscapes. Live horse shows, pony rides, and family-friendly demonstrations make this area a must for any animal lover.

Neighbouring Ohio brings its own excitement with lakefront cities and a strong sports heritage, while Tennessee celebrates its world-famous musical legacy – Kentucky, in turn, offers travellers an experience grounded in tradition and the enduring spirit of the horse.

Bourbon, Food and Southern Flavour

If horses are Kentucky’s heartbeat, then bourbon is its soul. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail invites visitors to sip their way through historic distilleries, sample craft batches, and learn about the art of whiskey-making from local experts. With Bourbon Cooking Schools and regional culinary experiences, the food and drink scene blends bold Southern flavours with sophisticated heritage.

Both Kentucky and Tennessee share deep whiskey-making roots – Tennessee with its smooth charcoal-filtered styles and Kentucky with its long-established bourbon craftmanship. Each offers a distinct taste of Southern heritage worth experiencing.

Underground Wonders and Natural Attractions

For something unexpected, venture underground to Mammoth Cave National Park, home to the longest cave system in the world. This vast network of limestone tunnels offers guided tours for every level of adventurer.

Cities, Culture and Iconic Attractions

In Louisville, the state’s largest city, you’ll find vibrant arts, culture, and sports. Visit the Muhammad Ali Center, a modern museum celebrating the boxing legend’s legacy, or catch live music and events along the city’s revitalised waterfront. Louisville is also home to a growing food scene and a passionate love for sports cars. Visit the National Corvette Museum in nearby Bowling Green to dive into America’s premier performance vehicle history.

A State Built on Heritage and Heart

Whether you're sipping bourbon in Bardstown, saddling up in Lexington, or exploring ancient caves in the countryside, Kentucky promises a diverse and unforgettable American adventure. It blends the charm of small-town life with standout attractions and scenic escapes.

Come discover why Kentucky travel is all about heritage, heart, and a whole lot of horsepower.

Last Updated: 17/12/2025

 

Highlights

You can travel the world and not experience what you will find in Kentucky. There’s only one Bourbon Country and only one Horse Capital of the World – and that is Kentucky.

State Secret

The great outdoors comes alive in Kentucky with mountains, lush forests, caves, streams, rivers and lakes. The state has more than 12 million forested acres including Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world.

State Facts

Land Area: 39,485.4 sq miles

Water Area: 920.5 sq miles

Population: 4.5 million

State Capital: Frankfort

Largest City: Louisville

Local Time: 5 hours behind the UK

Climate: Summers can be very warm, but sometimes with cool evenings. For spring and autumn, it's a good idea to carry a light jacket as there can be a breeze. Snow falls vary widely from west to east across the Commonwealth. January has an average temperature of 30.5°F (-0.8°C); July's average is 75°F (23.8°C).

Ntl Parks:1 national park (Mammoth Cave), and 45 state parks

More Information

Kentucky Tourism
Tel: 01462 440766 |

Visit the USA - a guide to what the US has to offer
Blog

Travel tips and inspiring ideas for a memorable USA trip!

Explore the USA with our US State map and guide
Explore

Find out what each state has to offer and create your USA experience.

Experience the USA, places to visit, things to do
Experience

Find out more about activities, sights and events in the USA.

 
Sign up here to receive USA Travel News, the regular Visit USA e-mail newsletter with the latest news and information


By providing your email address and clicking “sign-up” you consent to be contacted by Visit USA with offers and updates which we feel may be of interest to you. To opt out, use the unsubscribe link or email info@visitusa.org.uk. Find out how Visit USA safeguards user information by reading our Privacy Statement.