Kentucky Tourism-Visit the Bluegrass State

Kentucky, the Bluegrass State, was admitted into the United States on June 1, 1792. With an area of over 40,000 square miles, Kentucky’s highest point is Black Mountain at 4,145 feet above sea level. Rivers running through Kentucky include the Ohio River, the Mississippi River, and the Green River. Among the famous who have called Kentucky home are the boxer Muhammad Ali, President Abraham Lincoln, temperance and women’s rights leader Carry Amelia Nation, writer Hunter S. Thompson, and train engineer Casey Jones. Industry in Kentucky includes tourism, manufacturing, food processing, and tobacco products. You and your family will enjoy visiting Kentucky any time of the year.

The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – Louisville

The origins of the Louisville slugger are actually with wooden bed posts, bowling balls, and swinging butter churns, the products that J. Fredrich Hillerich’s J. F. Hillerich, Job Turning started offering after opening1859. The name “Louisville Slugger” was trademarked in 1894., although bats had been manufactured since 1884. In 1905, Honus “the Flying Dutchman” Wagner, baseball star for the Pittsburg Pirates, became the first baseball player and first professional athlete to ever endorse a product when he signed a contract to endorse the company’s baseball bat. Today, you can watch baseball bats actually being made, see the largest bat in the world, and visit interactive exhibits at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory.

Admissions to the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory are $9 for adults, $8 for seniors, $4 for children, and free for children five and under. The Factory & Museum is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Years Eve, and New Year’s Day. Hours vary. Please see website for more information.

For more information, please see:

http://www.sluggermuseum.org/

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site – Hodgenville

Learn about the area in which Lincoln was a child when you visit the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace. You can watch a video about how Lincoln grew up in Kentucky and visit a pioneer log cabin similar to the one in which Lincoln lived. Take a hike along the Knob Creek, just like Lincoln did many times. Make sure that you check for special events before your visit and do not forget about the Junior Ranger Program.

Admissions are free. See website for more information on hours.

For more information, please see:

http://www.nps.gov/abli/

The Frazier International History Museum – Louisville

Trace America’s history back through its British and European roots at the Frazier International History Museum. See live performers enact historical events. Permanent exhibits include Daniel Boone’s Bible, General George Custer’s pistols, and a 19th century gunsmith’s workshop.

Admissions vary. See website for more information. Hours vary. Please see website for more information.

For more information, please see:

http://www.frazierarmsmuseum.org/

The Hatfield –McCoy Feud Driving Tour – Pikeville

The origins of the Hatfield-McCoy feud are somewhat murky. The McCoy family lived in Kentucky while the Hatfield family lived across the river in West Virginia. Both families made moonshine, although the Hatfields were wealthier than the McCoys. When the Hatfied-McCoy feud erupted, the violence between the families lasted for thirteen years. Visit ten Hatfield-McCoy feud sites on this drive-it-yourself tour. If you happen to be in Pikesville during the annual Hatfield-McCoy Festival in June, bus tours are available to take you to the sites.

Admissions: Cost of tour is a $15 CD. Hours are at your convenience.

For more information, please see:

http://www.tourpikecounty.com/things_to_do.htm

Mammoth Cave National Park – Mammoth Cave

There are a multitude of activities awaiting you at the Mammoth Cave National Park. Take one of the many cave tours offered or go horseback riding. Hike along some of the seventy miles of trails. Learn about the threatened or endangered species and the cave systems at the Park. You can even take an introduction to caving lesson.

Admissions vary. Please see website for more information. Hours vary. Please see website for more information.

For more information, please see:

http://www.nps.gov/maca/