Top day trips from Louisville

We know, Bourbon City has so much to do — who would ever want to leave? But if you’re looking to explore more of Kentucky outside city limits, here’s a list of one-, two-, and three-hour day trips you can take to see the cultural wonders and attractions that make the Bluegrass State so special.

Red Fern Riding Center | Simpsonville, KY

The quickest trip on this list, sitting just over 30 minutes from the heart of Louisville, is the Red Fern Riding Center in Simpsonville. Experience Kentucky's Horse Country by taking a guided tour on horseback. Explore the equestrian center and nature preserve as you and your trusty steed saunter down the trail with a seasoned guide. The tour includes a safety training and short introductory lesson, followed by a one-hour ride out on the trail.

Claudia Sanders Dinner House | Shelbyville, KY

Opened in 1968 by Colonel Sanders and his wife Claudia, the Claudia Sanders Dinner House stands as a local landmark attracting visitors from far and wide. The menu boasts an array of classic Southern dishes, including crispy fried chicken, collard greens, and cornbread. The property once served as the Sander’s residence and the headquarters for Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), eventually helping KFC grow into a world-wide organization.

Buffalo Trace Distillery | Frankfort, KY

One of the most visited Bourbon distilleries in the world, Buffalo Trace is about an hour drive from downtown Louisville. Choose from five different tours, all of which are complimentary and include a tasting. Advanced reservations are highly recommended as they fill up quickly.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Park | Hodgenville, KY

For over a century, people from around the world have come to rural Central Kentucky to honor the humble beginnings of America's 16th President. The site is the first memorial to President Lincoln and is just a one-hour drive from downtown Louisville. As Kentucky's only native U.S. President, Lincoln's early life on the state's frontier shaped his character and prepared him to lead the nation through the Civil War. Choose from a variety of tours that showcase Lincoln's birthplace, childhood home, and the surrounding forest.

The Kentucky Castle | Versailles, KY

Located on a 100+-acre property outside of Lexington, this truly one-of-a-kind estate offers Southern hospitality within the walls of a Medieval-style stone castle, which doubles as a hotel. Visitors can sign up for a tour of the castle and its grounds to appreciate the beautiful architecture and learn about the history of the castle. Make a reservation for breakfast, lunch, or dinner at its farm-to-table restaurant, or check the event calendar for things like themed afternoon tea parties, rooftop yoga, and Murder Mystery dinner parties.

Ark Encounter | Williamstown, KY

Sitting at 510 feet long and 51 feet wide, this life-size Noah's Ark replica is just the beginning of this theme park near Cincinnati. Inside are three decks of beautifully crafted exhibits showcasing how Noah and his family lived on the ship and the animals they transported. The Creation Museum, animal encounters, zip lines, and a playground are also available to add to the experience.

Mammoth Cave | Mammoth Cave, KY

Explore the world’s longest cave system at Kentucky’s only National Park, located in the south-central part of the state. Choose from a variety of tours that explore the 426-mile cave system, which includes sinkholes, domes, dripstones, and more. The park also offers hiking, biking, horseback riding, canoeing, and camping.

Newport Aquarium | Newport, KY

Discover the wonder of an underwater world to see thousands of aquatic creatures, playful penguins and a rare white alligator. Encounter adventures like the first-in-the-world Shark Bridge, where you can cross inches above a tank full of sharks. Step up to the touch tank at the Shore Gallery and get hands-on as you touch a variety of animals living in a tide pool, including anemones, sea stars, sea urchins, rays and more.

National Corvette Museum | Bowling Green, KY

Not far from Mammoth Cave National Park, learn about America's sports car through captivating exhibits and over 70 Corvettes on display. The museum also features the McMichael Family Education Gallery, simulators, and Skydome.

Perfect North | Lawrenceburg, IN

Spend your day on the snowy slopes complete with five chairlifts, seven carpet lifts, 23 trails, two terrain parks and 25 tubing lanes. With a great mix of diverse terrain and activities, there is something for both first timers and pros alike. Return to the cozy Lodge after a long day in the snow, to eat at the Chow Corral.

Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame | Owensboro, KY

Bluegrass music is a key component to Kentucky culture. Interact with the history of Bluegrass music at this immersive museum. Tour through limited-time exhibits, permanent features, and the Hall of Fame itself. Check the calendar to catch a live show or jam session and experience the true beauty of bluegrass.

Red River Gorge | Eastern Kentucky

Once home to indigenous peoples as far back as the Paleoindian era, the Red River Gorge region was shaped by millions of years of geologic activity. Visit the iconic Natural Bridge at Natural Bridge State Park, or one of the dozens of other trails, before eating lunch at Miguel's Pizza, a must for first-time visitors. The Gorge has plenty to do in addition to hiking, including ziplining, mini-golf, helicopter tours, and even underground kayaking through an abandoned limestone quarry.

Harland Sanders Cafe & Museum | Corbin, KY

See where Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) was born at Colonel Sanders’ original restaurant. Carefully restored and placed on the National Register of Historical Places, you'll get to visit the restaurant as it appeared in the 1940’s. Eat Kentucky Fried Chicken in the Colonel’s dining room and take in his innovative open-kitchen and model motel room. Also, view the exhibits featuring the Colonel’s artifacts and memorabilia from the early days of KFC.

Cumberland Falls | Corbin, KY

Known as the “Niagara of the South,” the 125-foot curtain of water falling into a boulder-strewn gorge is dramatic day or night. After viewing the epic Cumberland Falls, you can tour the 1937 Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower with one of our naturalists, hike the Eagle Falls Trail, gem mine for fossils in season and go horseback riding through the forest. Visit during a full moon and you can see the moonbow, a phenomenon not found anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere.

Get to know some locations closer to Louisville by exploring one of the city's diverse and upcoming neighborhoods.