There are some amazing places to visit in winter in Kentucky and each one is nothing short of exciting! The leaves have changed colors or fallen away, and the holly is bursting with red berries. Here are 11 spots brimming with an abundance of winter foliage and lovely scenes just waiting to be experienced:

  1. Old Louisville

Jack Heazlitt Old Louisville may not sound like a place to explore during the winter, but it becomes a winter wonderland path to the past. Visitors can see amazing architecture from the 1800s and early 1900s, along with some gorgeous holiday décor. The trees at Central Park offer some naturesque solitude in the midst of the Victorian architecture and one can almost envision couples in their finery strolling along the sidewalks. The entire area is a unique place to visit and seemingly step back in time during the winter. Old Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

  1. Cloverport

Nyttend/Wikimedia.org Today this is a sleepy little town north of Louisville via US 60. However, in its hay day, Cloverport was a happening place to be. It was an Ohio River port town during the 1800s, and in 1850, was home to a coal oil plant that shipped all the way to England. In 1816, the family of Abraham Lincoln, including Abe himself, one of the states most famous residents, crossed the Ohio on a simple log raft from Cloverport to Indiana. Cloverport, KY 40111, USA

  1. Hawesville along the Ohio

Nyttend/Wikimedia.org The great steamboat disaster of 1854 occurred along the banks of the Ohio River in Hawesville. The memory is captured in the sign, reminding visitors and residents of a time when motor boats weren’t available. Though it is the site of a horrible accident, the scenery itself is beautiful, and the gentle splash of the Ohio, quite relaxing. Hawesville, KY 42348, USA

  1. Guist Creek Lake

Travis Jager/Google Maps This 325 acre park has over 27 miles of shoreline and more Blue Herons then anywhere in Kentucky. This is a great place to fish, boat and enjoy nature. The view from the lake offers an abundance of surrounding woodlands and wildlife. The area itself will compel a feeling of inner peace due to the quiet, serene surroundings. Guist Creek Lake, Kentucky 40065, USA

  1. Land Between the Lakes State Park

Troy Miller/Google Maps Taking a ride out to Land Between the Lakes State Park is always nice, and the center at 238 Golden Pond Visitors Center Drive offers some unique winter activities. Visitors can not only enjoy the beauty of nature, but also experience special activities, such as the Eagle Tour. This allows us to see nesting spots of our beautiful national bird of prey. It is a unique experience that one can get from now till around February via this location. You can call,1-800-525-7077 to get specific event dates and times. Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA

  1. Black Mountain

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr It is hard to miss this Harlan County mountain when headed towards Virginia. It is the highest peak in Kentucky, reaching 4,145‘ above sea level. Black Mountain is a great place to go hiking and really get in touch with our own physical boundaries while being surrounded by beauty and nature. If you have never been to this mountain paradise, you will want to pencil it in at some point. Black Mountain, Kentucky 40843, USA

  1. Shaker Village

Timothy Brown/Flickr This unique community at 3501 Lexington Road in Harrodsburg gives visitors a wonderful holiday feeling, and some insight into what life was like for our ancestors. Shaker Village offers a rustic, yet friendly environment with a variety of simplistic means of entertainment. One of the most interesting things is the comfort the Shakers have without all the hustle and bustle of city life. This is a great get away to enjoy and remember simpler times. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, USA

  1. Wildcat Mountain Civil War Battlefield

Civil War album This is located about 7 miles north of London off US Hwy 25. It is accessible via a one lane gravel road, which was part of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Road. This was considered an important part of the Civil War, as the Union Troops could camp without being easily accessible to the Confederacy. A battle took place here in October of 1861. The hilltop provided a vantage point and the area itself is beautiful with an excellent view of the surrounding wilderness. A visit here is one of the most educational things to do in Kentucky in winter. Wildcat Mountain, Kentucky 40729, USA

  1. Banks of the Ohio River

William Alden/Wikimedia There is an abundance of history all along the Ohio from Stephensport to Hawesville and more. Regardless of direction, you will find some amazing historical sites and commemoration signs. Signs depict the significance of the areas, and the amount of surviving 1800s and early 1900s architecture is surprising, given the floods. Many of the old buildings still stand almost as solid as the days they were built. Touring the Ohio River is a great way to step back in time and experience the atmosphere our ancestors did along the “then thriving” river ports. Ferry and Steamboat rides are also not uncommon in most port towns to this day, though they offer modern conveniences as well. Ohio RIver, Kentucky 41005, USA

  1. Natural Bridge State Park

My camera and me/Flickr Take a hike up to Natural Bridge State Park via 2135 Natural Bridge Road in Slade. The sweet smelling pines and comforting woodland sounds of the winter will make you feel like you are in another world. It is a perfect place to go and escape traffic and city sounds, just absorbing the wonders of the surrounding nature. Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USA

  1. Red River Gorge

Karen Roussel/Flickr It doesn’t matter where you go in the Red River Gorge, you will find a peaceful environment and natural serenity. The park is so huge, it is not difficult to find a perfect spot that calls to you as an individual. The cool temps keep the insects down and allow for beautiful hiking and camping trips where you can just enjoy nature without worrying about mosquitoes. Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA

What is your favorite place to visit during the colder Kentucky months? Have you visited any of these Kentucky winter adventure spots? If so, which were your favorites? We’d love to see your winter in Kentucky photos and hear about your experiences in the comments section below!

Jack Heazlitt

Old Louisville may not sound like a place to explore during the winter, but it becomes a winter wonderland path to the past. Visitors can see amazing architecture from the 1800s and early 1900s, along with some gorgeous holiday décor. The trees at Central Park offer some naturesque solitude in the midst of the Victorian architecture and one can almost envision couples in their finery strolling along the sidewalks. The entire area is a unique place to visit and seemingly step back in time during the winter.

Old Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA

Nyttend/Wikimedia.org

Today this is a sleepy little town north of Louisville via US 60. However, in its hay day, Cloverport was a happening place to be. It was an Ohio River port town during the 1800s, and in 1850, was home to a coal oil plant that shipped all the way to England. In 1816, the family of Abraham Lincoln, including Abe himself, one of the states most famous residents, crossed the Ohio on a simple log raft from Cloverport to Indiana.

Cloverport, KY 40111, USA

The great steamboat disaster of 1854 occurred along the banks of the Ohio River in Hawesville. The memory is captured in the sign, reminding visitors and residents of a time when motor boats weren’t available. Though it is the site of a horrible accident, the scenery itself is beautiful, and the gentle splash of the Ohio, quite relaxing.

Hawesville, KY 42348, USA

Travis Jager/Google Maps

This 325 acre park has over 27 miles of shoreline and more Blue Herons then anywhere in Kentucky. This is a great place to fish, boat and enjoy nature. The view from the lake offers an abundance of surrounding woodlands and wildlife. The area itself will compel a feeling of inner peace due to the quiet, serene surroundings.

Guist Creek Lake, Kentucky 40065, USA

Troy Miller/Google Maps

Taking a ride out to Land Between the Lakes State Park is always nice, and the center at 238 Golden Pond Visitors Center Drive offers some unique winter activities. Visitors can not only enjoy the beauty of nature, but also experience special activities, such as the Eagle Tour. This allows us to see nesting spots of our beautiful national bird of prey. It is a unique experience that one can get from now till around February via this location. You can call,1-800-525-7077 to get specific event dates and times.

Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 238 Visitor Center Dr, Golden Pond, KY 42211, USA

Jimmy Emerson, DVM/Flickr

It is hard to miss this Harlan County mountain when headed towards Virginia. It is the highest peak in Kentucky, reaching 4,145‘ above sea level. Black Mountain is a great place to go hiking and really get in touch with our own physical boundaries while being surrounded by beauty and nature. If you have never been to this mountain paradise, you will want to pencil it in at some point.

Black Mountain, Kentucky 40843, USA

Timothy Brown/Flickr

This unique community at 3501 Lexington Road in Harrodsburg gives visitors a wonderful holiday feeling, and some insight into what life was like for our ancestors. Shaker Village offers a rustic, yet friendly environment with a variety of simplistic means of entertainment. One of the most interesting things is the comfort the Shakers have without all the hustle and bustle of city life. This is a great get away to enjoy and remember simpler times.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, USA

Civil War album

This is located about 7 miles north of London off US Hwy 25. It is accessible via a one lane gravel road, which was part of the Daniel Boone Wilderness Road. This was considered an important part of the Civil War, as the Union Troops could camp without being easily accessible to the Confederacy. A battle took place here in October of 1861. The hilltop provided a vantage point and the area itself is beautiful with an excellent view of the surrounding wilderness. A visit here is one of the most educational things to do in Kentucky in winter.

Wildcat Mountain, Kentucky 40729, USA

William Alden/Wikimedia

There is an abundance of history all along the Ohio from Stephensport to Hawesville and more. Regardless of direction, you will find some amazing historical sites and commemoration signs. Signs depict the significance of the areas, and the amount of surviving 1800s and early 1900s architecture is surprising, given the floods. Many of the old buildings still stand almost as solid as the days they were built. Touring the Ohio River is a great way to step back in time and experience the atmosphere our ancestors did along the “then thriving” river ports. Ferry and Steamboat rides are also not uncommon in most port towns to this day, though they offer modern conveniences as well.

Ohio RIver, Kentucky 41005, USA

My camera and me/Flickr

Take a hike up to Natural Bridge State Park via 2135 Natural Bridge Road in Slade. The sweet smelling pines and comforting woodland sounds of the winter will make you feel like you are in another world. It is a perfect place to go and escape traffic and city sounds, just absorbing the wonders of the surrounding nature.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park, 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY 40376, USA

Karen Roussel/Flickr

It doesn’t matter where you go in the Red River Gorge, you will find a peaceful environment and natural serenity. The park is so huge, it is not difficult to find a perfect spot that calls to you as an individual. The cool temps keep the insects down and allow for beautiful hiking and camping trips where you can just enjoy nature without worrying about mosquitoes.

Red River Gorge, Kentucky 40387, USA

If you like winter hiking, be sure to check out these 10 picturesque trails!

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Winter Fun in Kentucky November 18, 2022 Lysa Allman-Baldwin What are some other fun places to visit in winter in Kentucky? There are so many places to visit in winter in Kentucky that it would be difficult to mention one over another. Nevertheless, following are a few to get your cold weather exploration (and excitement) started:

My Old Kentucky Home Christmas Candlelight Tours in Bardstown Kentucky Horse Park in Georgetown Garden of Lights in Petersberg Light Up Louisville Festival in Louisville Christmas in the Park in Leitchfield

  We’re looking for romantic getaways for a cold Kentucky winter Romantic getaways for a cold Kentucky winter are plentiful, particularly if you enjoy curling up in front of a roaring fire with a hot beverage in hand. Check out these intimate places to help you get your romance on:

Louie B. Nunn Lodge, Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas May Lodge at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg Lewis Caveland Lodge at Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill Big Bear Resort on Kentucky Lake in Benton DuPont Lodge at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin

  Where are the best places to see Christmas lights during the holiday season in Kentucky? Enjoying Christmas lights during the holiday season is a pretty big deal in Kentucky! Big cities and small towns all across The Bluegrass State go all out to showcase their light displays and the best and the brightest. Grab your sunglasses and check out these fabulous explosions of holiday color and sparkle:

Light Up The Levee Grand Illumination at Newport on the Levee in Newport Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival in Ashland Grand Rivers Festival of Lights at Patti’s 1880 Settlement in Grand Rivers

The OIYS Visitor Center

Winter Fun in Kentucky

November 18, 2022

Lysa Allman-Baldwin

What are some other fun places to visit in winter in Kentucky? There are so many places to visit in winter in Kentucky that it would be difficult to mention one over another. Nevertheless, following are a few to get your cold weather exploration (and excitement) started:

My Old Kentucky Home Christmas Candlelight Tours in Bardstown Kentucky Horse Park in Georgetown Garden of Lights in Petersberg Light Up Louisville Festival in Louisville Christmas in the Park in Leitchfield

  We’re looking for romantic getaways for a cold Kentucky winter Romantic getaways for a cold Kentucky winter are plentiful, particularly if you enjoy curling up in front of a roaring fire with a hot beverage in hand. Check out these intimate places to help you get your romance on:

Louie B. Nunn Lodge, Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas May Lodge at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg Lewis Caveland Lodge at Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill Big Bear Resort on Kentucky Lake in Benton DuPont Lodge at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin

  Where are the best places to see Christmas lights during the holiday season in Kentucky? Enjoying Christmas lights during the holiday season is a pretty big deal in Kentucky! Big cities and small towns all across The Bluegrass State go all out to showcase their light displays and the best and the brightest. Grab your sunglasses and check out these fabulous explosions of holiday color and sparkle:

Light Up The Levee Grand Illumination at Newport on the Levee in Newport Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival in Ashland Grand Rivers Festival of Lights at Patti’s 1880 Settlement in Grand Rivers

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

There are so many places to visit in winter in Kentucky that it would be difficult to mention one over another. Nevertheless, following are a few to get your cold weather exploration (and excitement) started:

  • My Old Kentucky Home Christmas Candlelight Tours in Bardstown
  • Kentucky Horse Park in Georgetown
  • Garden of Lights in Petersberg
  • Light Up Louisville Festival in Louisville
  • Christmas in the Park in Leitchfield

 

We’re looking for romantic getaways for a cold Kentucky winter

Romantic getaways for a cold Kentucky winter are plentiful, particularly if you enjoy curling up in front of a roaring fire with a hot beverage in hand. Check out these intimate places to help you get your romance on:

  • Louie B. Nunn Lodge, Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
  • May Lodge at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park in Prestonsburg
  • Lewis Caveland Lodge at Carter Caves State Resort Park in Olive Hill
  • Big Bear Resort on Kentucky Lake in Benton
  • DuPont Lodge at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park in Corbin

Where are the best places to see Christmas lights during the holiday season in Kentucky?

Enjoying Christmas lights during the holiday season is a pretty big deal in Kentucky! Big cities and small towns all across The Bluegrass State go all out to showcase their light displays and the best and the brightest. Grab your sunglasses and check out these fabulous explosions of holiday color and sparkle:

  • Light Up The Levee Grand Illumination at Newport on the Levee in Newport
  • Southern Lights Holiday Festival at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington
  • Winter Wonderland of Lights Festival in Ashland
  • Grand Rivers Festival of Lights at Patti’s 1880 Settlement in Grand Rivers