Kentucky is one big treasure of a state. From unique museums and massive roadside monoliths to world-famous attractions, and entire hidden underworlds, you’ll find all sorts of hidden gems in Kentucky. We’ve put together the following Hidden Gems Road Trip to explore some of the most unique and little-known places in Kentucky. Check it out and get ready to embark on a big Bluegrass adventure!
Our Hidden Gems Road Trip in Kentucky spans 316 miles through the south-central region of the state. It’s a little over six hours, start to finish, but we’ve designed it to be taken over the course of two days, stopping for the night at a family-friendly campground in Cave City!
Google Maps View a full Google Map of the trip here.
The first stop on our road trip brings us to a place that sort of doesn’t exist at all.
Anthony/Flickr Blue Heron Mine is Kentucky’s very own ghost town. Blue Heron, also known as Mine 18, is an abandoned coal mining town and was a part of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company’s historic operation. The Blue Heron mines ran from 1937 until 1962, when operations ceased being profitable. Today, this mining ghost town is run by the National Park Service, and they offer guided tours along its abandoned railroad. Blue Heron Mining Community, Blue Heron Rd, Stearns, KY 42647, USA
We’ve visited a ghost town, so it’s only fitting that the next destination on our road trip is also paranormal.
International Paranormal Museum and Research Center/Facebook Have you ever wondered about life on Mars? Or alien encounters? UFOs? Bigfoot? Conversations with the other side? Embrace your curiosity with a visit to the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center in Somerset, Kentucky! International Paranormal Museum and Research Center, 107 N Main St, Somerset, KY 42501, USA
How do you top a ghost town and a paranormal museum? Dinosaurs!
Casey McCown/Google Local If you’re a fan of dinosaurs in Kentucky, look no further: Dinosaur World is the place for you. The park is mostly located outdoors (so dress accordingly!), making it a great opportunity to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. This real-life Jurassic Park has hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs on display, sure to please dino lovers young and old! Dinosaur World, 711 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
Another place of the past is Historic Wigwam Village No. 2.
Wigwam Village No 2/Facebook Around since 1937, you can actually stay in one of these unique structures! Historic Wigwam Village No. 2, 601 N Dixie Hwy, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
It’s time to break for the night, and we’re super excited about these accommodations!
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave/Facebook There are lots of unique places where you can spend the night in Kentucky, but there’s nothing quite like this attraction in Cave City; it really is the Disneyland of Kentucky campgrounds! Jellystone Park™ Mammoth Cave, 950 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
New day, new adventures! Pop quiz: Did you know Duncan Hines was an actual person? And that he was from Kentucky? Or that, at the Kentucky Museum, “Recommended by Duncan Hines” is an eight-section exhibit celebrating the life and work of the boxed cake king?!
Visit Bowling Green/Google Local The exhibit is a look into Hines’s own Kentucky kitchen, complete with retro appliances, mid-century decor, and a rather uncanny wax figure of Mr. Hines himself. Kentucky Museum, 1444 Kentucky St, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
Next we’re visiting one of the most wondrous waterfalls in Kentucky… and it might be one you’ve never heard of.
Lake Cumberland - Visit Russell County, KY/Facebook One of Lake Cumberland’s most surprising treasures, 76 Falls is a lesser-known spot that makes for a great swimming hole in the summer, a relaxing oasis to admire in the winter, and an epic place for fall leaf peeping. A stunning natural spectacle, this cascade’s moniker refers to its 76-foot stature, and it really is one of the state’s most glorious hidden gem waterfalls. Seventy Six Falls, Kentucky 42602, USA
Next, we’re going to visit one of the most beautiful overlooks in the state: Buzzard Rock.
Brennanbooth89/Google Local The Buzzard Rock Trail is a straightforward, 1.3-mile out-and-back trek that’s super scenic and also accessible for all levels. While the scenic vista is the main attraction, the trail itself is also quite lovely. You’ll be glad you stretched your legs along this hidden gem in Kentucky. Buzzard Rock, Kentucky 40033, USA
As our adventure winds down, it’s time to fuel up and reminiscence about our journey.
Kentucky Tourism/Facebook Located right on Whitley City’s Main Street, a stone’s throw from Buzzard Rock, Dairy Bar is 1950s style diner known for its nostalgic vibes, delicious burgers, and classic, hand-dipped shakes. It’s a fun little detour that is quite literally a cherry on top of this epic road trip adventure! 198 Main St, Whitley City, KY 42653, USA
We hope this planned out road trip of hidden gems in Kentucky has inspired you to pack a bag, gas up your car and hit the road. So, what are you waiting for? Are you ready to see the Bluegrass State like never before? Let’s go!
Google Maps
View a full Google Map of the trip here.
Anthony/Flickr
Blue Heron Mine is Kentucky’s very own ghost town. Blue Heron, also known as Mine 18, is an abandoned coal mining town and was a part of the Stearns Coal and Lumber Company’s historic operation. The Blue Heron mines ran from 1937 until 1962, when operations ceased being profitable. Today, this mining ghost town is run by the National Park Service, and they offer guided tours along its abandoned railroad.
Blue Heron Mining Community, Blue Heron Rd, Stearns, KY 42647, USA
International Paranormal Museum and Research Center/Facebook
Have you ever wondered about life on Mars? Or alien encounters? UFOs? Bigfoot? Conversations with the other side? Embrace your curiosity with a visit to the International Paranormal Museum and Research Center in Somerset, Kentucky!
International Paranormal Museum and Research Center, 107 N Main St, Somerset, KY 42501, USA
Casey McCown/Google Local
If you’re a fan of dinosaurs in Kentucky, look no further: Dinosaur World is the place for you. The park is mostly located outdoors (so dress accordingly!), making it a great opportunity to get some fresh air and stretch your legs. This real-life Jurassic Park has hundreds of life-sized dinosaurs on display, sure to please dino lovers young and old!
Dinosaur World, 711 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
Wigwam Village No 2/Facebook
Around since 1937, you can actually stay in one of these unique structures!
Historic Wigwam Village No. 2, 601 N Dixie Hwy, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Mammoth Cave/Facebook
There are lots of unique places where you can spend the night in Kentucky, but there’s nothing quite like this attraction in Cave City; it really is the Disneyland of Kentucky campgrounds!
Jellystone Park™ Mammoth Cave, 950 Mammoth Cave Rd, Cave City, KY 42127, USA
Visit Bowling Green/Google Local
The exhibit is a look into Hines’s own Kentucky kitchen, complete with retro appliances, mid-century decor, and a rather uncanny wax figure of Mr. Hines himself.
Kentucky Museum, 1444 Kentucky St, Bowling Green, KY 42101, USA
Lake Cumberland - Visit Russell County, KY/Facebook
One of Lake Cumberland’s most surprising treasures, 76 Falls is a lesser-known spot that makes for a great swimming hole in the summer, a relaxing oasis to admire in the winter, and an epic place for fall leaf peeping. A stunning natural spectacle, this cascade’s moniker refers to its 76-foot stature, and it really is one of the state’s most glorious hidden gem waterfalls.
Seventy Six Falls, Kentucky 42602, USA
Brennanbooth89/Google Local
The Buzzard Rock Trail is a straightforward, 1.3-mile out-and-back trek that’s super scenic and also accessible for all levels. While the scenic vista is the main attraction, the trail itself is also quite lovely. You’ll be glad you stretched your legs along this hidden gem in Kentucky.
Buzzard Rock, Kentucky 40033, USA
Kentucky Tourism/Facebook
Located right on Whitley City’s Main Street, a stone’s throw from Buzzard Rock, Dairy Bar is 1950s style diner known for its nostalgic vibes, delicious burgers, and classic, hand-dipped shakes. It’s a fun little detour that is quite literally a cherry on top of this epic road trip adventure!
198 Main St, Whitley City, KY 42653, USA
Have you been to the hidden gems in Kentucky listed in this article? What are some other lesser-known places in Kentucky you think people should know about? Let us know in the comment section below. We would love to hear from you!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
Places To Visit In Kentucky November 16, 2022 Katie Feldkamp What are some other hidden gems in Kentucky? Kentucky has no shortage of hidden gems. No matter the type of secretive place you are seeking, there’s little doubt you can find it within the Bluegrass State. How many of the following hidden gems in Kentucky have you experienced?
These hidden gems in Kentucky are simply enchanting. Have you been to any of these hidden gem restaurants in Kentucky? Go on a road trip to these scenic countryside hidden gems in Kentucky. With high gas prices, you can explore all of these hidden gems in Kentucky on one tank of gas!
For more ideas, check out this list of hidden gems in Kentucky that you will want to make time to see! What should be on your Kentucky bucket list? There are certain items that should be on your Kentucky bucket list. Whether you are passing through the state or call Kentucky home, see if you agree with the following.
Feel like a kid again with this Kentucky Kid bucket list. Feeling hungry and not sure where to go? Choose from this Kentucky dining bucket list. When the weather turns warm, check out this Kentucky summer bucket list. As the leaves begin to change, time to get out your Kentucky fall bucket list. Experience the great outdoors with this Kentucky natural wonders bucket list.
Check out this ultimate Kentucky bucket list for even more ideas!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Places To Visit In Kentucky
November 16, 2022
Katie Feldkamp
What are some other hidden gems in Kentucky? Kentucky has no shortage of hidden gems. No matter the type of secretive place you are seeking, there’s little doubt you can find it within the Bluegrass State. How many of the following hidden gems in Kentucky have you experienced?
These hidden gems in Kentucky are simply enchanting. Have you been to any of these hidden gem restaurants in Kentucky? Go on a road trip to these scenic countryside hidden gems in Kentucky. With high gas prices, you can explore all of these hidden gems in Kentucky on one tank of gas!
For more ideas, check out this list of hidden gems in Kentucky that you will want to make time to see! What should be on your Kentucky bucket list? There are certain items that should be on your Kentucky bucket list. Whether you are passing through the state or call Kentucky home, see if you agree with the following.
Feel like a kid again with this Kentucky Kid bucket list. Feeling hungry and not sure where to go? Choose from this Kentucky dining bucket list. When the weather turns warm, check out this Kentucky summer bucket list. As the leaves begin to change, time to get out your Kentucky fall bucket list. Experience the great outdoors with this Kentucky natural wonders bucket list.
Check out this ultimate Kentucky bucket list for even more ideas!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Kentucky has no shortage of hidden gems. No matter the type of secretive place you are seeking, there’s little doubt you can find it within the Bluegrass State. How many of the following hidden gems in Kentucky have you experienced?
- These hidden gems in Kentucky are simply enchanting.
- Have you been to any of these hidden gem restaurants in Kentucky?
- Go on a road trip to these scenic countryside hidden gems in Kentucky.
- With high gas prices, you can explore all of these hidden gems in Kentucky on one tank of gas!
For more ideas, check out this list of hidden gems in Kentucky that you will want to make time to see!
What should be on your Kentucky bucket list?
There are certain items that should be on your Kentucky bucket list. Whether you are passing through the state or call Kentucky home, see if you agree with the following.
- Feel like a kid again with this Kentucky Kid bucket list.
- Feeling hungry and not sure where to go? Choose from this Kentucky dining bucket list.
- When the weather turns warm, check out this Kentucky summer bucket list.
- As the leaves begin to change, time to get out your Kentucky fall bucket list.
- Experience the great outdoors with this Kentucky natural wonders bucket list.
Check out this ultimate Kentucky bucket list for even more ideas!
