Kentucky’s offerings across its arts and culture, history, culinary and entertainment scenes are ever-expanding. The state’s substantial investment in tourism in the past five years has yielded dozens of new tours, trails and attractions, as well as expansions and renovations to its existing tourist hotspots.
From new developments for niche interests to inclusive offerings designed to appeal to everybody, here’s a handful of new and upcoming experiences around Kentucky to keep an eye out for.
Kentucky African American Heritage Trail
Officially launched in June 2025, the Kentucky African American Heritage Trail features more than 50 sites across the Bluegrass region that honor and commemorate African American history. From sites honoring Black individuals of note, such as the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, to Civil War sites like the Perryville Battlefield, trail locations are spread across the state. Some spots offer a new perspective on other historical sites, like the Abraham Lincoln Memorial at Waterfront Park in Louisville or the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, while other trail sites are newer attractions exploring Black history, like the Roots 101 African American Museum in Louisville.
The Dot Experience
Louisville
The American Printing House for the Blind is set to open a new, inclusive museum in 2026 known as The Dot Experience, a name paying homage to the braille system. The museum, in line with the organization’s mission of changing perspectives about blindness and promoting inclusivity, is set to offer an accessible experience for all visitors. It will house artifacts like Helen Keller’s desk and a rare 1829 braille text, while other exhibits will highlight the experiences of blind or visually impaired people. All exhibits will feature braille, ASL interpretations, alternative text and captions, and its doorways will be wide enough to accommodate a range of mobility devices.
Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland in 2026
Lexington
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships, a series of annual Thoroughbred races, occurs each year at a site in the U.S. While they’re not quite as famous as the Kentucky Derby or the other Triple Crown races, these races end the horse-racing season with a bang and bring Thoroughbreds from around the world to the U.S. for a highly competitive series of races. In 2026, the Breeders’ Cup will be held at Lexington’s racetrack, Keeneland, from October 30–31. If numbers from the past three years are any indicator, attendance for the event could be as high as 100,000.
Owensboro Racing & Gaming
Owensboro
Opened in February 2025, Owensboro Racing & Gaming is a gaming and entertainment complex in Western Kentucky. The $100 million facility features more than 600 historical racing machines, simulcast wagering, a retail sportsbook and several food and beverage options. The Starting Gate Bar & Lounge serves rib-sticking meals, like a bourbon glazed cheeseburger and pulled pork sliders, while The Track Kitchen offers small plates and on-the-go bites. It’s open all day, every day, promising visiting groups limitless entertainment and delicious food as they roll the dice and test their luck.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park Renovation
Prestonsburg
One of Eastern Kentucky’s most scenic parks is Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, named for a pioneer woman whose legendary tale of bravery and survival has been told for centuries. The park is home to Dewey Lake and the Sugarcamp Mountain Trail System, both of which provide outdoor fun for visitors. In 2025, it was announced that $5.5 million had been allocated to renovate the park’s lodge. May Lodge, which includes the dining room, meeting rooms and lodge rooms, closed September 1 and will remain closed for construction until summer 2026. During this time, a dining room will operate out of the conference center. In addition to funding for the lodge renovations, $1.45 million has been allocated for a new archery center, which will break ground this fall.
Wenzel Distillery
Covington
At the end of July 2025, Wenzel Distillery opened a brand-new space in a historic building in downtown Covington. It’s the town’s first distillery since Prohibition, housed in a 1916 building that was once the Packard Auto dealership. The brand itself is one of the state’s newest additions to the bourbon scene, but it’s already winning recognition from bourbon lovers. The new distillery offers a blending experience for visitors that lets them craft their own signature blend of bourbon. It’s also an event venue and features an on-site bar for sampling some of the brand’s top spirits. Groups can head to the distillery for a look around and a blending experience of their own.
