Explore Kentucky: A 7-Day Family Road Trip Through Bluegrass Country, Caves & Historic Sites
Arrive in Louisville & Explore
Fly into Louisville International Airport (SDF).
Top Things to Do in Louisville
- Visit Churchill Downs & the Kentucky Derby MuseumHome of the famous horse race!
- Tour the Evan Williams Bourbon ExperienceA great intro to Kentucky bourbon.
- Walk Through Old LouisvilleSee historic Victorian mansions.
- Stroll Across the Big Four BridgeA scenic walk over the Ohio River.
- Dinner at Feast BBQ or Jack Fry'sTry some authentic Kentucky flavors!
Overnight in Louisville.
Bourbon Trail - Bardstown & Maker's Mark
Drive from Louisville to Bardstown (45 minutes).
Top Things to Do in Bardstown
- Tour the Maker's Mark DistilleryDip your own bottle in wax!
- Visit My Old Kentucky Home State ParkA historic mansion with ties to the song.
- Try Local Bourbon at Willett or Heaven Hill Distillery.
- Take a Ride on My Old Kentucky Dinner Train (Optional).
Overnight in Bardstown.
Horse Country & Lexington
Drive from Bardstown to Lexington (1.5 hours).
Top Things to Do in Lexington
- Tour the Kentucky Horse ParkLearn about Thoroughbreds & equestrian history.
- Visit Keeneland RacecourseA historic and beautiful horse racing track.
- Stop by Woodford Reserve DistilleryOne of the oldest bourbon distilleries.
- Walk Around the University of Kentucky Campus.
- Dinner at Carson's or Tony's Steak & Seafood.
Overnight in Lexington.
Red River Gorge & Natural Bridge State Park
Drive from Lexington to Red River Gorge (1.5 hours).
Top Things to Do in Red River Gorge
- Hike to Natural BridgeA stunning rock arch in Daniel Boone National Forest.
- Explore Sky Bridge or Auxier Ridge TrailsIncredible views!
- Try Rock Climbing or ZipliningThe Gorge is famous for adventure sports.
- Eat at Miguel's PizzaA legendary post-hike stop!
Overnight in Slade or back in Lexington.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Drive from Red River Gorge to Mammoth Cave (2.5 hours).
Top Things to Do in Mammoth Cave
- Take a Cave TourThe longest cave system in the world!
- Kayak on the Green River.
- Hike the Sinkhole Trail or Echo River Springs.
- Lunch at Mammoth Cave Hotel or a local BBQ spot.
Overnight near Mammoth Cave or in Bowling Green.
Bowling Green & Corvette Museum
Explore Bowling Green before heading back toward Louisville.
Top Things to Do in Bowling Green
- Visit the National Corvette MuseumSee iconic sports cars!
- Take a Tour of the Corvette Assembly Plant (If available).
- Explore Lost River CaveA boat tour through an underground river.
- Dinner in Downtown Bowling Green.
Overnight in Bowling Green or Louisville.
Return to Louisville & Depart
Drive from Bowling Green to Louisville (1.5 hours).
Optional Stops Along the Way
- Visit Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace in Hodgenville.
- Stop by Bernheim Arboretum & Forest for a Scenic Hike.
Fly out of Louisville (SDF).
Ready to plan your Kentucky trip?
Dave will build a custom itinerary and find the best options for your budget and travel style.
Tell Me About Your TripHeader photo: Navin75, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.