From its ancient mountains in the east to its rolling hills in the west, Kentucky features more variety than expected. Sure, stereotypes do carry some truth; bourbon, bluegrass music and its billion-dollar horse industry can attest to that. But there are plenty of other attractions travelers won’t find anywhere else but Kentucky. From underground wonders and one-of-a-kind cultural gems to the state’s signature experiences, here are some of Kentucky’s most popular group attractions.
Mammoth Cave National Park
Kentucky’s only national park contains the world’s longest known cave system, Mammoth Cave. Totaling more than 400 miles, the caves drew nearly 750,000 visitors in 2024, making them one of the state’s top attractions. Inside, stalagmites and stalactites create stunning underground rock formations resembling cities, and the caves are also home to dramatic water features, like springs and waterfalls. Ranger-led tours are available at varying levels of difficulty; groups can indulge in a short walk through the cave’s most well-lit areas or take the accessible tour that’s completely wheelchair friendly. Active groups can challenge themselves on some longer, less trodden paths. Above ground, 52,800 acres of forests provide even more opportunities for outdoor fun.
Churchill Downs
Louisville
The Kentucky Derby is the most famous horse race in the world, and it takes place the first Saturday of May each year at Churchill Downs. This historic racing venue, easily recognizable from the twin spires on its roof, is one of the state’s signature attractions. While it may not be feasible for every group to attend the Derby itself (though they can attend if they wish), the adjacent Kentucky Derby Museum is a great option for groups to experience a close second to Derby Day, offering activities like hat making and track tours within Churchill Downs. They’ll get to see horses working out trackside and learn all about the “most exciting two minutes in sports.”
Newport Aquarium
Newport
Just across the Ohio River from Cincinnati, the Newport Aquarium is one of Northern Kentucky’s biggest draws for groups of all ages. The award-winning aquarium is home to thousands of species of marine life, from stingrays to sharks to penguins. Every visitor is bound to learn something from its 100,000 square feet of beautiful aquariums and exhibits. From long tunnels with marine life gliding overhead to a rope bridge with sharks swimming underneath, there’s plenty of excitement at this Newport treasure. Groups can enhance their visit with a meal at the aquarium, a lecture from an aquarium expert and a visit to the gift shop.
National Corvette Museum
Bowling Green
With its 130-foot-tall yellow and red Skydome easily recognizable from Interstate 65, the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green is as distinct as its architecture. As the nation’s only museum dedicated to a single car model, the building houses 115,000 square feet of exhibits devoted entirely to Corvettes, including more than 70 unique cars loaned by private donors. Groups can take guided or self-guided tours through the museum’s exhibits, which detail everything from the car’s manufacturing history to the sinkhole that swallowed up part of the museum — eight rare Corvettes included — in 2014. For a meal after their tour, groups can head to the museum’s Stingray Grill.
Woodford Reserve
Versailles
Surrounded by verdant horse farms and located on the banks of Glenns Creek — a source of iron-free water ideal for distilling spirits — Woodford Reserve is one of the state’s oldest operating distilleries. Formerly known as Labrot and Graham Distillery, it’s a National Historic Landmark and home to one of the most popular bourbon brands in the Bluegrass. Groups can take a guided tour through the picturesque campus to learn about all steps of the distilling process. No bourbon tour would be complete without a tasting of some of the brand’s boldest bourbons and a chocolate bourbon ball for a sweet finish.
Daniel Boone National Forest
Spanning over 700,000 acres and touching more than 21 counties in Eastern Kentucky, Daniel Boone National Forest provides endless opportunities for active groups to enjoy the state’s gorgeous scenery. Groups will find dozens of picnic sites and campgrounds throughout the park, but the area has plenty to offer for day trips and activities. They can hike the forest’s 600 miles of developed trails through scenic areas like Red River Gorge. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is located within the forest, and so is the popular Cave Run Lake, a perfect destination for boating, kayaking and other water recreation. Several lodges can provide accommodations for groups, though visitors may also stay in the many cabins and cottages throughout the forest.
