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A One Week Kentucky Itinerary for History and Nature Lovers

By waitingforrain28

On August 15, 2022

In U.S. Travel

Kentucky is a land of caves, culture, spectacular river gorges, and more. While people might stop by for the Kentucky Derby, or the state’s other big events, I’d suggest at least trying to spend a week here exploring across the state. This is a good place to start, if you’d like to get a good taste of what Kentucky has to offer. I’ve designed this Kentucky itinerary to include key historic and natural sites, and while it is only scratching the surface, it includes some spectacular places and paints a nuanced picture of the story of this place. If you are wondering what to do in Kentucky for a high-energy week, this is the post for you.

I would suggest this active itinerary for spring or fall, as summers can get hot and winters can be snowy. My plans here do not account for either, although I think summer would be somewhat doable with planning for hydration and staying cool.

This is also designed as a road trip so you will need a vehicle and a safe driver(s) handy for this trip.

• 1 Day 0: Arrival
• 2 Day 1: Land Between Two Lakes and Lost Cave
• 3 Day 2: Mammoth Cave National Park
• 4 Day 3: Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace and Louisville 
• 5 Day 4: Louisville
• 6 Day 5: Camp Nelson and Lexington
• 7 Day 6: Red River Gorge
• 8 Day 7: Start Heading Home

Day 0: Arrival

I flew into Nashville, Tennessee when I traveled to Kentucky, because it was much cheaper from my home airport. Depending on where you are coming from you might fly into Nashville, Louisville, or Lexington. You can just adjust this itinerary to fit your starting airport, and consider driving in a clockwise (or counterclockwise!), circular route. I also like building travel days into my itineraries in case of delays or long travel days. You will also want some energy for this itinerary, so it’s good to get some rest.

STAY: In the city of your arrival.

Day 1: Land Between Two Lakes and Lost Cave

(c) ABR 2022

Since I got started in Nashville, which is south of Kentucky, I started my journey in the lower southwestern corner of the state. Take a peek at a map with rivers and terrain, and you will see why I wanted to visit the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area when considering what to do in Kentucky. It just looks cool! And it is! There are tons of recreational activities in this area. Of course, I went hiking, and I discuss the trail that I explored in detail in my hiking in Kentucky post . But you can hike, fish, boat, and learn about nature at the park’s visitor centers.

It will take about 2 hours to drive from Nashville to the Woodlands Nature Station, which is in the northern section of the park.

Honestly, for nature lovers, you could spend an entire day enjoying this area on your Kentucky itinerary. I include it in mine for the hiking, but you could easily walk in the morning, have a picnic lunch and then spend a lazy afternoon out on the water and/or fishing. Just make sure you check out the official website for information on fishing and hiking permits. If you have any questions, you can always stop by the visitor center as well.

Lost River Cave (c) ABR 2022

For me, I spent about half a day here and then I headed east to Bowling Green. Being the kind of person who loves riding boats through caves, I was super excited to head up to the land of caves. The small city of Bowling Green has you covered with Lost River Cave . This is a great way to end the day, as their tours are pretty relaxed. You will just walk down into the preserve with your tour group and then take a short boat ride in and out of the cave.

It takes about two hours to drive from Woodlands Nature Station to the Lost River Cave. Check Lost River Cave’s tour times to make sure that you arrive there before they close!

Stay the night in Bowling Green, KY.

Day 2: Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Caves (c) ABR 2022

It is about a 40 min drive from Bowling Green to Mammoth Cave National Park, and this is probably my favorite part of my Kentucky itinerary.

Plan to spend AT LEAST one full day in Mammoth Cave National Park . There is so much to do in this park. Top of your list, unless you are scared of caves, is to go on a cave tour. There are several different options in the park, and if you like caves you can try to do a couple. Mammoth Cave is so large that if you do two (or more!) tours you can see different parts of its depths. Just plan ahead, because you will likely want to get reservations. Check out Recreation.gov to plan out your tour reservations .

There is also hiking at Mammoth Cave National Park! So, you can tour the cave and explore the forested lands above. If you want some more details on the park, check out my Caves in Kentucky Post . Caves are essential to one week in Kentucky.

There are a few options of places to stay tonight. Bowling Green is a great option for a second night or staying in Cave City is a good alternative; you might also consider camping at Mammoth Cave NP if that is something you would enjoy.

Day 3: Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace and Louisville  

Day 3 could be a bit of a down day for your Kentucky itinerary, depending on your energy level. But if you’d like a little more to do, you might consider revisiting Mammoth Cave National Park for the morning.

Either way, definitely plan on stopping by Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace . This is a small, historic national park unit, and it is free. Spend some time visiting the monument, learning about Abe’s life, and walking the grounds. It could take anywhere from 1-2 hours to thoroughly explore. You can learn a bit more about this spot in my post on History in Kentucky .

After that, drive up to Louisville and consider relaxing in the city for the evening. When considering what to do in Kentucky there is tons of good food here and plenty of places to stay. It’s about an hour from Bowling Green to Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace, and an hour from Birthplace to Louisville.

Stay in Louisville.

Day 4: Louisville

Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky, and it is full of history and culture to be explored. So, it is a must-visit for any Kentucky itinerary. I would suggest making sure that you do two things while you are there. (1) Walk through one of the city’s beautiful parks, and (2) visit some of the city’s museums.

For us, we wanted to explore the Waterfront Park so that we could walk across the Big Four Bridge to Indiana. This park had a lot of different amenities. These included some bathrooms (which were not in full operation when we visited because they had been overloaded by a huge event the night before). There are playgrounds for the kids to frolic in, bikes for rent, and swings for adults. The Big Four Bridge is also a pedestrian bridge, so it is really nice to walk across. On the other side, in Indiana, there are restaurants and biking paths as well. You could easily spend half a day just exploring and enjoying the park.

There are also LOADS of museums in Louisville, so really when planning one week in Kentucky, you likely won’t be able to visit them all. We visited the Muhammad Ali Center , which I would highly suggest and which I talk about more in my Exploring the History of Kentucky post. But there is also a bourbon museum, and plenty of great museums for kids.

After you’ve spent a day exploring the city, spent another night here.

Day 5: Camp Nelson and Lexington

Camp Nelson (c) ABR 2022

Camp Nelson might not be at the top of most people’s what to do in Kentucky lists, but for me it is essential. I am trying to visit as many national park units as possible, and it also covers history that you won’t see in many others places. I would suggest getting an early start to this day, so that you can arrive at Camp Nelson as soon as the visitor center opens at 9a. It is about a 1.5 hours drive from Louisville to Camp Nelson National Monument .

The visitor center is only open from May 30 th to September 5 each year. Unfortunately, we visited outside of their season, so we missed learning as much about this site as we could have. Camp Nelson, however, is an important site related to the Civil War and the fight for African American freedom in Kentucky, which had a complicated relationship with the Union.

It is then an hour drive from Camp Nelson to the International Museum of the Horse, which would be my number one suggestion for a place to visit in Lexington, KY. The museum is open 9-5p every day EXCEPT Mondays and Tuesdays, when it is closed. This is easily a half day experience at least, so make sure to plan for this when timing out your day.

I talk more about this museum in my Exploring the History of Kentucky post, but you have the opportunity to learn about the history of horses in Kentucky in an indoor museum. There is also an outdoor section of the museum where you can visit with real horses. I think this museum should be on everyone’s Kentucky itinerary; horses are a major part of Kentucky culture and they are also amazingly cool animals.

Stay this night in Lexington.

Day 6: Red River Gorge

There are days worth of activities in the Red River Gorge area for folks who like hiking and camping. But in this Kentucky itinerary, I will suggest two activities for a single day. It is an hour drive from Lexington to Red River Gorge.

First, I would suggest visiting the Natural Bridge State Resort . Here, you can do a variety of things including plenty of hiking, or riding a cable car up to the natural bridge there. We hiked up to arch from the river and I cover the details of the trail that we took in my Hiking in Kentucky post.

Second, I would suggest taking the 715 loop. You can just do this drive and stop to see some breathtaking views along the way. There are deep gorges, beautiful rivers and natural arches, and a very cool tunnel that the road passes through. When we visited this area, we took the driving tour, and coupled it with an easy hike to a suspension bridge. That Hiking in Kentucky post covers that trail in more detail.

Along with hikes and beautiful views, there are lots of little outdoor communities in this area with food and cool shops. I’d suggest spending the night in this area in a town like Campton, or in one of the more remote hotels. There are also campsites in this area if that is something you like doing.

Alternatively, you could use part of your day to drive back to where you will be flying out of. It is 4 hours to Nashville and 2 hours to Louisville.

Day 7: Start Heading Home

Start your journey home on this final day of the Kentucky itinerary, whether that is by car, plane, or both. After your one week in Kentucky, I hope you will think about coming back to learn more and explore more in this fascinating state.

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A Traveler’s Guide to Exploring Kentucky History

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The Ultimate Kentucky Travel Guide

Kentucky: The “horse country” offers a unique blend of southern charm, rich history, and natural beauty through its several world-renowned museums, historic sites, awe-inspiring panoramic mountain vistas, several complex cave systems, wildlife, and obviously some of the World’s best racecourses & bourbon! Kentucky, a land of pure amazement with spell-bounding spectacles both above and under the ground, is unquestionably one of the top destinations in the US! Here is my Kentucky travel guide featuring all of the top Kentucky attractions, trip planning information, and a Kentucky attractions map.

To make it easy for you to navigate the content, I have organized my Kentucky travel guide into two sections. (1) A brief introduction to Kentucky, a little history, some geography, commute, and weather. (2) Major Kentucky attractions, if you wish, you can skip the introduction and move on to the next section, Kentucky Attractions .

History: On June 1, 1792, Kentucky officially became a US State becoming the first US state situated west of the Appalachian Mountains. The name Kentucky originated from the Wyandot Indian name for “plain,” referring to the central plains of the state. The state’s nickname, the Bluegrass State, is because of the vast expanses of Bluegrass, a grass species found across the state. Kentucky is famous for breeding horses, tobacco farms, and, of course, the Kentucky Derby.

Geography: Located in the southeastern region of the US, Kentucky is bordered by seven other states, including Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio in the north, Tennessee in the south, West Virginia and Virginia in the east, and Missouri in the west. Interestingly, Kentucky Bend is an area surrounded by Missouri and Tennessee but is still considered a part of Kentucky. Kentucky’s geography is incredibly diverse, primarily characterized by its vast expanses of rolling hills dotted with small towns and farms, but also home to several large lakes, including Lake Cumberland and Kentucky Lake, many complex cave systems, wetlands, and forestland, including the Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky and Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in western Kentucky.

Getting There

Flight: Louisville International Airport (SDF), Lexington Blue Grass Airport (LEX), and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Intl (CVG) are the major airports in Kentucky.

Drive: If you live in any of the neighboring states, you could drive to Kentucky. However, if you’re coming from far, it’s better to fly into Kentucky since the attractions in Kentucky are scattered all around the state and entail a significant amount of driving.

Train: Amtrak offers two rail services (1) City of New Orleans connecting Chicago, Memphis, and New Orleans, stopping at Fulton, KY (FTN), and (2) Cardinal connecting New York, Washington, DC, Charlottesville, Charleston, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, and Chicago, stopping at Ashland, KY (AKY), South Shore, KY and Maysville, KY (MAY)

Climate: Kentucky experiences hot, humid summers with temperatures frequently exceeding 95°F. Winters are cold and bitter, with nightly temperatures dipping below 23°F. Spring is pleasant, and Autumn is primarily sunny and enjoyable. To make the most out of your trip to Kentucky, it’s recommended you plan your trip between April and October, considering that summers can be too hot in the Bluegrass State.

Time zone: It’s worth noting that Kentucky has a peculiar characteristic of being split into two distinct time zones. The Eastern part of the state falls under Eastern Time, whereas the Western part follows Central Time. This is particularly imperative to keep in mind when planning or traveling within the state of Kentucky.

Getting around: I highly recommend renting a car in Kentucky, as public transportation is sparse and found only in a few major cities, including Lextran in Lexington, TARC in Louisville, and TANK in a few parts of northern Kentucky.

Things To Do in Kentucky

Kentucky Attractions Map

Kentucky, known over the globe for its horse racing and bourbon, is home to a plethora of spell bounding attractions, including some of the Nation’s best museums, historic sites, wildlife viewing opportunities, waterfalls, unmatched scenic mountain vistas, several complex cave systems, and obviously, some of the World’s best racecourses!

To simplify and make it easy to follow, I have grouped and arranged the attractions in Kentucky into four primary regions – Northern, Western, Southern, and Eastern Kentucky!

Northern Kentucky, where the major cities and the state’s capital are located, features several internationally acclaimed museums, including the Ark Encounter, Creation Museum, Kentucky Dery Museum, Kentucky Horse Park, Muhammad Ali Center, and many others.

Western Kentucky is home to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area, 170,000 acres of picturesque forest & wetland, offering great outdoor experiences, including camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing!

Southern Kentucky, also called the Mississippi Plateau, is the “Cave Capital of the Nation,” featuring several caves, including Mammoth Cave National Park, the World’s longest cave system, Lost River Cave, and Diamond Caverns. The Southern region of Kentucky also features a few incredible museums and family-friendly attractions, including the National Corvette Museum, Historic RailPark & Train Museum, Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, and many others, which I have reviewed in detail below in my list of Kentucky attractions.

Eastern Kentucky, home to the Cumberland Plateau and Daniel Boone National Forest, offers unfathomably beautiful nature, including the majestic Cumberland Falls, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park, Sky Bridge Arch, and much more!

Here are the must-see places in Kentucky, starting in Northern Kentucky, followed by attractions in Western Kentucky, Southern Kentucky, and Eastern Kentucky, traversing the state in an anti-clockwise direction!

Creation Museum

Creation Museum, an Internationally acclaimed museum in Northern Kentucky, offers an incredible opportunity to experience the earth’s history as God has revealed it in the Bible. The museum features stunning life-size exhibits, botanical gardens, a planetarium, a zoo, fossils, captivating shows, and much more!  Read More >

Newport Aquarium

Located in Newport, Northern Kentucky, the Newport Aquarium  is among the top Aquarims in the US, popularly known for its variety of fascinating marine creatures and state-of-the-art exhibits, including Shark Bridge, Hatchling Harbor, many acrylic tunnels, Penguin Palooza, Gator Alley, interactive experiences, and several galleries.

Ark Encounter

The Ark Encounter, located in Williamstown, Northern Kentucky, is renowned the World over for its full-size replica of Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions stated in the Bible. The Ark, with three decks filled with spectacular exhibits, is also known to be one of the largest freestanding timber-frame structures on the planet.   Read More >

Kentucky Horse Park

The  Kentucky Horse Park , located in Lexington, is a working horse farm and a theme park celebrating and showcasing Kentuck’s rich history associated with horses and racing through its many museums, shows, horse parades, barns, and horseback trail and pony rides, and is unquestionably a must-visit on a trip to Kentucky! 

No trip to Kentucky is complete without visiting one of the state’s race courses!  Keeneland  is a race course & horse auction company that offers tours of its beautifully landscaped grounds & some of its facilities via its several guided tours, including Morning Works Tour, Backstretch Tour, and Behind-the-scenes Sales & Racing Tour.

Big Four Bridge

Big Four Bridge, a historic landmark in Kentucky built in 1895, served as a railroad bridge for cargo & passenger trains connecting Louisville & Indiana until 1969. The bridge was repurposed as a pedestrian bridge in 2013 with a one-of-a-kind LED lighting system that lights up the bridge every night & since then has become an icon of Louisville!

Frazier History Museum

Located in downtown Louisville,  Frazier History Museum  is a great place to learn about the rich history of Kentucky and the US through its world-class exhibits and collection of firearms, weapons, and artifacts. It’s also the home to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Welcome Center and the   official starting point of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, in downtown Louisville, is famous worldwide for its Slugger baseball bats, named after Kentucky’s legendary baseball player, Pete Browning, who scored several hits using the bats made at the Slugger Factory. The  Museum  offers factory tours and features the “Big Bat,” World’s largest baseball bat! 

Muhammad Ali Center

Muhammad Ali Center – Kentucky

Muhammad Ali Center, also located in downtown Louisville, is a museum and hall of fame dedicated to Louisville’s legendary boxer Muhammad Ali. The  Museum , through its several exhibits, historical videos, interactive displays, artifacts, and galleries, depicts the incredible journey of Muhammad Ali’s life, boxing career, and core principles. 

Speed Art Museum

Established in 1927, the  Speed Art Museum  in Louisville, adjacent to the University of Louisville Belknap campus, is Kentucky’s oldest and largest art museum that showcases a massive collection of artwork from all over the globe through its several galleries, events, talks, and exhibitions and ranks among the top finest art museums of the Nation. 

Kentucky Derby Museum

The Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville preserves & showcases the rich history of the Kentucky Derby, “America’s Greatest Race,” held annually at Churchill Downs since 1875. The  Museum  features two floors of exhibits & memorabilia, a short movie, “The Greatest Race,” in its state-of-the-art theater, and guided tours of Churchill Downs Racetrack. 

Louisville Mega Cavern

Located in Louisville, the Louisville “MEGA” Cavern is a former limestone quarry so large that it’s earned the title of the “Largest building in the State of Kentucky!” The massive 100-acre limestone cavern can now be explored and enjoyed through several  guided tours & activities , including Mega Tram, Mega Zips, Mega Quest, and others.

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace

Honoring the 16th President of the US, Abraham Lincoln, the  Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park  preserves two historic sites. The birthplace site, enshrined inside the memorial building, and the boyhood home site, the Knob Creek Farm, where President Lincoln lived with his family in his childhood. 

National Quilt Museum

Located in Paducah, Western Kentucky,  National Quilt Museum  boasts a massive collection of some of the finest fiber art collections from around the globe. Since 1991, the Museum has exhibited the work of many talented quilters and is home to more than six hundred quilts displayed in its several galleries and hosts several exhibitions annually. 

Land Between the Lakes

Kentucky is not just about horses! One of the best places to visit in Western Kentucky,  Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area  features 170,000 acres of scenic forest & wetland, offering great outdoor experiences, including camping, hiking, lake access, and wildlife viewing in its awe-inspiring Elk & Bison Prairie scenic drive! 

South Union Shaker Village

Dedicated to the preservation and exhibition of the rich history of the Shaker community, who lived in the area from 1807 through 1922, the  South Union Shaker Village  in Auburn, Southern Kentucky, offers insight into the lifestyle of the Shaker community, which was centered around principles of simplicity, communal living, and celibacy.

Chaney's Dairy Barn

Chaney’s Dairy Barn

Located in Bowling Green, Chaney’s Dairy Barn is a must-stop on your trip to Kentucky! Chaney’s Dairy Barn not only serves some of the best ice creams ever, but they also offer self-guided farm tours with a robotic milking demonstration, a playground, a gift shop, and their divine Moo-Pie, freshly baked cookie topped with homemade ice cream.

Aviation Heritage Park

Aviation Heritage Park, located on Three Springs Rd, Bowling Green, is a park celebrating the state’s distinguished aviators by displaying the historic aircraft flown by them, including a military helicopter, combat aircraft used by US Navy, a T-Bird jet fighter, the World’s first supersonic trainer, and several others.

Lost River Cave

While caves are not uncommon in Kentucky, the Lost River Cave in Bowling Green, Southern Kentucky, is a unique natural wonder where the “Lost River” literally disappears after entering the seven-mile-long cave.  Lost River Cave  offers guided boat tours of the cave and also features a gift shop, a few hiking trails, and a butterfly habitat.

Historic RailPark & Train Museum

Historic RailPark & Train Museum

Historic RailPark & Train Museum , once the Louisville and Nashville (L&N) Train Station in Bowling Green, Southern Kentucky, is now one of the state’s prominent museums featuring the history and heritage of the region’s railroads through its several exhibits accessible via self-guided tours of its two-storied museum building and railcar tours. 

National Corvette Museum

Drawing sports car enthusiasts from all over the globe,  National Corvette Museum , Bowling Green, celebrates and showcases the evolution of the iconic Chevrolet Corvette, “America’s Sports Car,” through its several galleries, annual events, car shows, and a massive collection of Corvettes, and is one of the must-see places in Kentucky!

Diamond Caverns

Diamond Caverns, located in Park City just a few miles south of Mammoth Cave, is often referred to as “Kentucky’s most beautiful cave,” which was discovered in 1859 and named after its several sparkling diamon-like calcite formations. The stunning cave formations at Diamond Caverns can be explored via guided tours offered year-round.

Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park, located in Southern Kentucky, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Kentucky’s most popular tourist attractions that preserves the Planet’s longest cave system. Mammoth Cave is home to over 400 miles of explored caves & stunning cave formations, accessible via guided cave tours.  Read More >

Dinosaur World

Dinosaur World, an outdoor dinosaur theme park with over 150 life-size dinosaur sculptures placed throughout a massive park in a natural setting, is a fun place in Cave City, Southern Kentucky, for kids and grown-ups alike! Dinosaur World is a chain of theme parks that offers similar parks in other locations, including Florida and Texas.

Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo

Located in Horse Cave, Southern Kentucky, Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo is an animal park featuring Australian animals and birds in its various sections, including Outback featuring kangaroos & emus, the Exotic Bird Garden, walk-in Aviary, and guided tours of Kentucky Caverns previously known as Mammoth Onyx Cave.

Natural Arch Scenic Area

One of Kentucky’s most stunning sandstone arches, the Natural Arch in Daniel Boone National Forest, Southeast Kentucky, is a towering natural arch measuring about 100 feet tall. The  Natural Arch Scenic Area  features an easily accessible overlook offering panoramic views of the arch and three other hiking trails for an up-close view of the arch.

Cumberland Falls

Cumberland Falls, located in  Cumberland Falls State Resort Park , is a majestic waterfall measuring 69 feet tall and 125 feet wide, which is the largest waterfall in Kentucky, popularly known as the “Niagara of the South,” and is among the rare places in the Planet to see a moonbow, a lunar rainbow formed during full-moon nights. 

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum

Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum, located in Corbin, Southeast Kentucky, is the birthplace of Kentucky Fried Chicken, where Harland David Sanders opened his roadside restaurant and motel, which soon became the World’s most famous chicken chain restaurant. The Museum features artifacts & memorabilia from the early days of KFC.

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Named after the Cumberland Gap, a mountain pass in the Cumberland Mountains between Kentucky, Tennessee, & Virginia, the  Cumberland Gap National Park  features spectacular natural scenery, including mountain vistas, waterfalls, caves, & wildlife. While there’s a lot to see, the Pinnacle Overlook & Gap Cave are the top attractions in the park.

Gorge Underground

Gorge Underground, a former limestone mine in Daniel Boone National Forest abandoned when a natural spring started flooding the mine, is now open to the public through guided boat & kayak tours. The tours through Gorge Grotto, part of the Gorge Underground, are very well narrated and adventurous, with history & tales about the quarry.

Sky Bridge Arch

Located in the Red River Gorge Geological Area in Daniel Boone National Forest, Sky Bridge Arch is the most popular and easily accessible sandstone arch formation in the region, which boasts over a hundred other arches. The arch is accessible via a 0.6-mile moderately strenuous roundtrip hike, including a flight of 75 stairs, but it’s worth it.

Natural Bridge

Natural Bridge is another massive spectacular sandstone arch in Daniel Boone National Forest, measuring about 75 feet long and 65 feet high. The Natural Bridge arch is located in the Natural Bridge State Resort Park and is accessible via a 1.5-mile roundtrip “Original Trail hike” or the Natural Bridge Skylift, which in itself is an adventure.

Planning Your Trip To Kentucky

Visiting outside the winter & scorching summer months, spending a minimum of two weeks or breaking down your Kentucky trip into multiple visits, and staying close to the attractions is the best way to explore Kentucky!

As you have seen above in my Kentucky attractions list, Kentucky is home to a plethora of breathtaking vistas and amazing experiences spread all over the state. Moreover, each attraction is unique and captivating, making choosing one over the other extremely difficult. If you’re unable to explore all the attractions in Kentucky on a single trip, I recommend splitting your Kentucky trip into multiple visits, focusing on one or two regions of Kentucky at a time.

Best Time To Visit Kentucky : While Kentucky’s diverse attractions can be enjoyed throughout the year, winters are bitterly cold and not the best time for enjoying the outdoors. Summers can also be scorching and humid, making Spring and Fall my favorite time of the year to visit Kentucky. Fall, especially October & November, is the best time to see the peak fall colors in Kentucky. However, if you are a horse racing fan, the Kentucky Derby is held annually in May, making it an exciting time to visit the “Horse Country.”

Time Required In Kentucky : With several remarkable experiences and attractions in Kentucky spread across its Southern, Northern, Western, and Eastern regions, and considering the long drives between these attractions, I highly recommend spending at least two weeks to see all that Kentucky has to offer. Or divide your Kentucky trip into multiple visits, exploring one region of Kentucky at a time. No matter how you plan your trip, I recommend spending a minimum of five days in Northern Kentucky, two days in Western Kentucky, four days in Southern Kentucky, and three days in Eastern Kentucky.

Hotels In Kentucky : While there are several campsites and vacation rentals available in many parts of Kentucky, but if you’re like me and prefer the comfort and convenience of a hotel room, here are my top picks for hotels in the different regions of Kentucky, strategically selected close to the major attractions of the area –

• Hampton Inn by Hilton Richwood Cincinnati South , located midway between Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter. 
• Hilton Garden Inn Louisville Airport , offers easy access to all downtown Louisville attractions.
• Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront , close to the National Quilt Museum. 
• Hampton Inn Kuttawa/Eddyville , located close to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area
• Hilton Garden Inn Bowling Green , located close to the area’s several museums & family-friendly attractions.
• Hampton Inn Cave City , conveniently located near Mammoth Cave National Park.
• Hampton Inn Corbin , located in Southeastern Kentucky, is a great place to stay near Harland Sanders Cafe and Museum, Cumberland Falls, and Cumberland Gap National Historical Park.
• Natural Bridge State Resort Park  is the best place to stay in the Red River Gorge Geologic Area, offering easy access to Gorge Underground, Sky Bridge Arch, Natural Bridge, and other hiking trails.

Restaurants In Kentucky : While popularly known for its bourbon and fried chicken, Kentucky offers many more exceptional culinary experiences! Here are a few restaurants and Kentucky delicacies you must try on your trip to Kentucky – Bourbon balls, bourbon-flavored candy at Rebecca Ruth Candy Factory, Frankfort, in Northwest Kentucky. Moo-Pie, freshly baked cookie topped with homemade ice cream, at Chaney’s Dairy Barn, Southern Kentucky. BBQ mutton at  Old Hickory Bar-B-Que  or Moonlite Bar-b-q Inn, both in Owensboro, Northern Kentucky. Rich and flavorful Kentucky Derby pie at  Kern’s Kitchen , available at several locations in Kentucky. Mint Julep, the official drink of the Kentucky Derby, is made with bourbon, fresh mint, syrup, and crushed ice, available at all bars in Kentucky. And delicious tart and sweet Shaker Lemon Pie at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill.

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These 6 Road Trips In Kentucky Will Lead You To Places You'll Never Forget

Jenn Shockley

I am somewhat a cliche'. I grew up running around barefoot on a farm in Kentucky. I love writing, art, sunshine, all animals and my incredibly patient husband, who tolerates my "crazy animal lady" side.

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Here in Kentucky, the wanderlust is real. Luckily, there are endless opportunities for unforgettable road trips in Kentucky! Why? Well, for starters, Kentucky is an absolutely beautiful state, brimming with forestry, rivers, lakes, wildlife, and an abundance of natural wonders, both natural and manmade. There’s a ton of history here, too, allowing for some of the best historical day trips in the country. So gas up the car and get ready to make some sweet, road trip memories in Kentucky!

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Each one of the above road trips in Kentucky will leave you with a new feel for the true beauty of The Bluegrass State. The scenic beauty you pass will be unforgettable, and the parks and other attractions are scrapbook-worthy experiences. There are countless serene drives and attractions like these all across the Bluegrass State — what is your favorite spot to go for a road trip in Kentucky?

For more unforgettable road trips in Kentucky, definitely check out these bucket-list worthy adventures !

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

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Unforgettable road trips in kentucky.

What's the most beautiful place in Kentucky?

While the above unforgettable road trips in Kentucky certainly lead to the state's most spectacular wonders, the award for "most beautiful place in Kentucky" would have to go to Red River Gorge. Located within the state’s Daniel Boone National Forest, Red River Gorge is the Holy Grail of outdoor recreation and adventure. And the adventures begin before arriving at the park itself. The 900-foot Nada Tunnel, known as the "Gateway to Red River Gorge," is former a railroad tunnel that offers a shortcut to the park. Red River Gorge is renowned for its outdoor recreation, offering next-level hiking, kayaking, fishing, climbing, and camping.  The park draws upwards of 750,000 visitors each year, from seasoned outdoor enthusiasts to neophyte nature lovers. There's truly something for everyone at Red River Gorge. The Gorge is perhaps best-known for its incredible hiking trails, offering drop-dead gorgeous views of waterfalls, canyons, caverns, and other splendid natural features. Red River Gorge truly is a bucket list-worthy adventure in The Bluegrass State. 

What are some scenic drives in Kentucky?

One of Kentucky’s favorite pastimes is an afternoon drive on a scenic back road . The Bluegrass State is full of these gems, some connect small towns, while others surround the perimeter of a natural wonder. No matter what type of scenery you prefer, you’ll find it on one of the very best scenic drives in Kentucky. One of our favorites is Mammoth Cave Parkway. In Mammoth Cave, Kentucky HWY 70 becomes Mammoth Cave Parkway and makes for an absolutely splendid scenic afternoon drive. But to add a little adventure to your drive, try out the tiny Green River Ferry. You can access it from the Parkway and it's free to use.

What are the best road trips in Kentucky?

If you're partial to waterfalls, this scenic road trip through a portion of the Bluegrass takes you to 6 of the best waterfalls in Kentucky. Some of them can be seen with just a few steps from your car, while others require a bit of hiking. But all of these stunning areas of Kentucky are worth a visit and you can turn this loop into an unforgettable weekend road trip. Fans of the macabre, meanwhile, will love our haunted road trip , which takes travelers to some of the absolute creepiest places in Kentucky.

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Itineraries

Experience the best of Kentucky Bourbon with our handcrafted travel itineraries. With 46+ distilleries to discover, adventure is waiting at every turn.

Get inspired. Plan your trip. It all starts here.

This is what you came here for! Learn how to tackle this 18 distillery adventure, or pick and choose experiences as they strike your fancy. Take our word for it – we’ve been there, done that, 5 stars, would highly recommend.

Want more? We thought so. That’s why we created the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour ® – a 28 distillery excursion broken into 4 easy regions. You’ll see Kentucky like you’ve never seen it before.

You told us to “make it a double” and we’re here to serve. This trip planner combines the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® and Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour ® experiences into one epic guide. Pack your bags and buckle up!

These four cities are the perfect place to start your journey. Access the world’s greatest distilleries. Try Bourbon-driven local eats. Uncover the story behind every bottle, one sip at a time.

Nestled in the rolling Kentucky hills lies the Bourbon Capital of the World ® and an Official Gateway to the Kentucky Bourbon Trail ™ . The tradition of distilling runs deep in historic  Bardstown , a vibrant community with all the small-town charm you’d expect in any Southern city. Bourbon, history, and mouth watering meals are calling – what are you waiting for?

Welcome to Lexington , or as we like to call it – Bourbonland! With an expansive culinary scene brimming with innovative bars and restaurants, hotels for every style and budget, eclectic shopping, plus a bustling creative culture that affords ample opportunities for entertainment, the Horse Capital of the World is the ideal spot to launch your Kentucky Bourbon Trail® adventure.

Start your Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® adventure in  Louisville – the city whose official drink is the Old Fashioned! Begin your journey at the official starting point, the  Kentucky Bourbon Trail ® Welcome Center  at the  Frazier Museum . Make time to peruse their Spirit of Kentucky ® Bourbon exhibition, get you picture taken in the bottle room, and look for the secret speakeasy entrance. Ask the helpful Bourbon concierge for trip info, and set out for Bourbon exploration!

Northern Kentucky – or NKY as the locals call it – is quite literally where the South begins! You’ll notice a mixture of north and south from German fusion in their culinary and brewing heritage, and their penchant for good ‘ol southern fried chicken and whiskey.

VISITING INFORMATION

Get ready for your visit to the Kentucky Derby with helpful tips and event information.

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FIRST TIME AT THE RACES?

Take our guided experience tour and learn more about planning your trip. Complete your check list to get ready to attend the Kentucky Derby!

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What to Expect at the Kentucky Derby

It’s easy to forget about your comfort when you are planning to look as fabulous as possible.

The Kentucky Derby is a rain or shine event be prepared as a large number of seatings are outdoors and uncovered.

The track attendance expects to be over 150,000 people, which is significantly larger than comparable sporting events.

Safety and security of all of our guests is taken very seriously. Your bag may be searched, and you may be wanded by security upon entry.

Tickets are non-refundable and all tickets are accessed digitally.

We will do our absolute best to accommodate persons with disabilities. We are unable to provide wheelchairs for rent or storage.

If you see something, say something. Text the word DERBY to 69050 and you will be placed in touch with Guest Services.

There is no public Wi-Fi available on Oaks and Derby Days.

WHAT TO EXPECT

WHAT TO WEAR

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TRAVEL: PARKING & TRANSPORTATION

There is limited on site parking some. See more information on when to purchase and directions to specific lots.

Frontside Reserve Seating tickets can park for free at the Kentucky Exposition Center and take the shuttle over to the track.

Taxi or rideshare pick-up and drop-off will take place at the Bronze Lot at L&N Federal Credit Union Stadium.

There will be ADA-accessible parking & shuttles available from the Kentucky Exposition Center.

EXPLORE TRAVEL INFORMATION

EVENT INFORMATION

Arrive early to accommodate search procedures at all admission gates.

Get all of the information surrounding the races on Derby Week.

Review the list of items that are permitted and those that cannot be brought into the racing facility.

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VISITING US FAQs

Our goal is to make sure you have a memorable experience at the Kentucky Derby.

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What are some other events and activities during the lead up to the Kentucky derby?

There is a full week of daily events at the track during Derby Week. See the full list of Derby Week Events and activities.

How do I access my tickets?

Tickets can be accessed through the Churchill Downs app and connecting your Ticketmaster account to the app. You MUST have your tickets in order to get through the gates.

Is there an App I can use to bet on the Kentucky Derby?

Yes, TwinSpires is the official betting partner of the Kentucky Derby. Download their app and begin wagering on all of the races. Pro tip: download the app and sign up prior to arriving at the facility to avoid connectivity issues at the track.

Your Expert Guide to Louisville

Make the most of your visit to Churchill Downs home of the Kentucky Derby by exploring Louisville Kentucky.

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Kentucky Governor to Speak Out Against Strict Abortion Ban in Neighboring Tennessee

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is planning a trip to Tennessee next month to speak out against the neighboring state's sweeping abortion ban

Timothy D. Easley

FILE - Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear responds to a question during an interview, Dec. 19, 2023, in Frankfort, Ky. Beshear — who campaigned against his state's near-total abortion ban in winning reelection last year — will speak out against the neighboring state's sweeping abortion ban at an event in Nashville. It's the latest sign that Beshear is looking to improve his party's prospects in Republican territory and build up his own name recognition. (AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear's upcoming trip to neighboring Tennessee to speak out against that state's sweeping abortion ban is the latest sign that the Democrat known for defeating Donald Trump-backed rivals is looking to improve his party's prospects in GOP territory and build up his own name recognition.

Beshear — who campaigned against his state's near-total abortion ban in winning reelection last year — will speak next month at an event called “Championing Reproductive Freedom.” He will be joined by Hadley Duvall , a college student featured in a TV ad that linked Beshear's GOP challenger last year to Kentucky's strict abortion law, which bans abortions except when carried out to save the mother’s life.

Beshear's reelection — in a state that otherwise has trended toward the GOP — burnished his image as a rising national Democratic star. The governor said Monday that abortion looms as a powerful issue for his party, provided “it is grounded in a rejection of extremism.”

“Like Kentucky, Tennessee has some of the most extreme laws in the country, where victims of rape and incest don’t have the necessary options," Beshear said in a phone interview. "I think that the voters in Tennessee, just like in Kentucky, have enough basic empathy to believe that goes way too far.”

Tennessee bans abortion at all stages of pregnancy. The law includes narrow exceptions to save the mother's life, but many advocates and medical officials have warned ever since the ban went into effect in 2022 that the language is vague and confusing on what's legally allowed. Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who signed the ban, has defended it and argued it’s working as intended.

Out of 14 states that ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy, six have exceptions in cases of rape and five have them for incest.

Since his reelection, Beshear has received stacks of invitations to speak at Democratic events around the country but has limited his political trips while focusing on his job. Beshear has pledged to serve his entire second term, which ends in late 2027. He defeated a Trump-backed Republican incumbent to win the governorship in 2019. Last year, he defeated another Trump-endorsed candidate.

In March, Beshear spoke to Montana Democrats at a state party dinner there, where he made a pitch for the reelection of Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. Tester's race is one of several in November that will determine which party controls the Senate.

At the start of 2024, Beshear formed a federal political action committee to support candidates across the country, with a focus on helping elect more Democrats in swing states and Republican strongholds.

“A lot of people help out candidates that are already going to win," Beshear said Monday. “We’re not interested in just running up the score. We’re interested in middle-of-the-road public servants that wake up every morning thinking about jobs, public education, health care, infrastructure and public safety.”

Beshear downplays talk that he might be laying the groundwork for a possible presidential run in 2028.

“I'm supporting President Biden here in 2024 and that's the next election,” he said, adding that “2028 is a long way away" and that his focus is to “push Kentucky forward as much as I can.”

“In the future, I'll look at any opportunity the same way I looked at running for governor,” he added. “If I believe that I can bring people together, lessen the noise, push away the divide and truly move either a country or families forward, then it's something I consider.”

At the June 21 event in Tennessee, Beshear will share the stage with Duvall, who revealed her childhood trauma in a Beshear campaign ad that went viral last year. Duvall, now in her early 20s, talked about having been raped by her stepfather when she was 12 years old. Duvall became pregnant as a seventh grader but miscarried. The stepfather was convicted of rape and sentenced to prison.

Duvall stepped forward again this year to call on Kentucky's GOP-dominated legislature to relax the state’s abortion ban. But legislation to allow abortions when pregnancies are caused by rape or incest, or when pregnancies are deemed nonviable, made no headway in the legislative session that ended last month.

Duvall's story underscores the real-world implications of abortion bans, Beshear said Monday.

“When they hear stories like Hadley’s, someone who has gone through the worst of the worst, they get out of being pro-this or pro-that, are willing to push back against the extremism and have the basic empathy to believe these victims and survivors deserve options,” the governor said.

Associated Press writer Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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Tags: Associated Press , politics , elections , Kentucky , Tennessee , abortion

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Kentucky governor to speak out against strict abortion ban in neighboring Tennessee

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is planning a trip to Tennessee next month to speak out against the neighboring state’s sweeping abortion ban

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s upcoming trip to neighboring Tennessee to speak out against that state’s sweeping abortion ban is the latest sign that the Democrat known for defeating Donald Trump-backed rivals is looking to improve his party’s prospects in GOP territory and build up his own name recognition.

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Nashville's local news and NPR station

Kentucky governor to speak out against strict abortion ban in neighboring Tennessee

May 14, 2024

FRANKFORT, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear’s upcoming trip to neighboring Tennessee to speak out against that state’s sweeping abortion ban is the latest sign that the Democrat known for defeating Donald Trump-backed rivals is looking to improve his party’s prospects in GOP territory and build up his own name recognition.

Beshear — who campaigned against his state’s near-total abortion ban in winning reelection last year — will speak next month at an event called “Championing Reproductive Freedom.” He will be joined by Hadley Duvall, a college student featured in a TV ad that linked Beshear’s GOP challenger last year to Kentucky’s strict abortion law, which bans abortions except when carried out to save the mother’s life.

Beshear’s reelection — in a state that otherwise has trended toward the GOP — burnished his image as a rising national Democratic star. The governor said Monday that abortion looms as a powerful issue for his party, provided “it is grounded in a rejection of extremism.”

“Like Kentucky, Tennessee has some of the most extreme laws in the country, where victims of rape and incest don’t have the necessary options,” Beshear said in a phone interview. “I think that the voters in Tennessee, just like in Kentucky, have enough basic empathy to believe that goes way too far.”

Tennessee bans abortion at all stages of pregnancy. The law includes narrow exceptions to save the mother’s life, but many advocates and medical officials have warned ever since the ban went into effect in 2022 that the language is vague and confusing on what’s legally allowed. Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who signed the ban, has defended it and argued it’s working as intended.

Out of 14 states that ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy, six have exceptions in cases of rape and five have them for incest.

Since his reelection, Beshear has received stacks of invitations to speak at Democratic events around the country but has limited his political trips while focusing on his job. Beshear has pledged to serve his entire second term, which ends in late 2027. He defeated a Trump-backed Republican incumbent to win the governorship in 2019. Last year, he defeated another Trump-endorsed candidate.

In March, Beshear spoke to Montana Democrats at a state party dinner there, where he made a pitch for the reelection of Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. Tester’s race is one of several in November that will determine which party controls the Senate.

At the start of 2024, Beshear formed a federal political action committee to support candidates across the country, with a focus on helping elect more Democrats in swing states and Republican strongholds.

“A lot of people help out candidates that are already going to win,” Beshear said Monday. “We’re not interested in just running up the score. We’re interested in middle-of-the-road public servants that wake up every morning thinking about jobs, public education, health care, infrastructure and public safety.”

Beshear downplays talk that he might be laying the groundwork for a possible presidential run in 2028.

“I’m supporting President Biden here in 2024 and that’s the next election,” he said, adding that “2028 is a long way away” and that his focus is to “push Kentucky forward as much as I can.”

“In the future, I’ll look at any opportunity the same way I looked at running for governor,” he added. “If I believe that I can bring people together, lessen the noise, push away the divide and truly move either a country or families forward, then it’s something I consider.”

At the June 21 event in Tennessee, Beshear will share the stage with Duvall, who revealed her childhood trauma in a Beshear campaign ad that went viral last year. Duvall, now in her early 20s, talked about having been raped by her stepfather when she was 12 years old. Duvall became pregnant as a seventh grader but miscarried. The stepfather was convicted of rape and sentenced to prison.

Duvall stepped forward again this year to call on Kentucky’s GOP-dominated legislature to relax the state’s abortion ban. But legislation to allow abortions when pregnancies are caused by rape or incest, or when pregnancies are deemed nonviable, made no headway in the legislative session that ended last month.

Duvall’s story underscores the real-world implications of abortion bans, Beshear said Monday.

“When they hear stories like Hadley’s, someone who has gone through the worst of the worst, they get out of being pro-this or pro-that, are willing to push back against the extremism and have the basic empathy to believe these victims and survivors deserve options,” the governor said. ___ Associated Press writer Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville contributed to this report.

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Kentucky governor to speak out against strict abortion ban in neighboring Tennessee

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear is planning a trip to Tennessee next month to speak out against the neighboring state's sweeping abortion ban

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear's upcoming trip to neighboring Tennessee to speak out against that state's sweeping abortion ban is the latest sign that the Democrat known for defeating Donald Trump -backed rivals is looking to improve his party's prospects in GOP territory and build up his own name recognition.

Beshear — who campaigned against his state's near-total abortion ban in winning reelection last year — will speak next month at an event called “Championing Reproductive Freedom.” He will be joined by Hadley Duvall, a college student featured in a TV ad that linked Beshear's GOP challenger last year to Kentucky's strict abortion law, which bans abortions except when carried out to save the mother’s life.

Beshear's reelection — in a state that otherwise has trended toward the GOP — burnished his image as a rising national Democratic star. The governor said Monday that abortion looms as a powerful issue for his party, provided “it is grounded in a rejection of extremism.”

“Like Kentucky, Tennessee has some of the most extreme laws in the country, where victims of rape and incest don’t have the necessary options," Beshear said in a phone interview. "I think that the voters in Tennessee, just like in Kentucky, have enough basic empathy to believe that goes way too far.”

Tennessee bans abortion at all stages of pregnancy. The law includes narrow exceptions to save the mother's life, but many advocates and medical officials have warned ever since the ban went into effect in 2022 that the language is vague and confusing on what's legally allowed. Republican Gov. Bill Lee, who signed the ban, has defended it and argued it’s working as intended.

Out of 14 states that ban abortion at all stages of pregnancy, six have exceptions in cases of rape and five have them for incest.

Since his reelection, Beshear has received stacks of invitations to speak at Democratic events around the country but has limited his political trips while focusing on his job. Beshear has pledged to serve his entire second term, which ends in late 2027. He defeated a Trump-backed Republican incumbent to win the governorship in 2019. Last year, he defeated another Trump-endorsed candidate.

In March, Beshear spoke to Montana Democrats at a state party dinner there, where he made a pitch for the reelection of Democratic U.S. Sen. Jon Tester. Tester's race is one of several in November that will determine which party controls the Senate.

At the start of 2024, Beshear formed a federal political action committee to support candidates across the country, with a focus on helping elect more Democrats in swing states and Republican strongholds.

“A lot of people help out candidates that are already going to win," Beshear said Monday. “We’re not interested in just running up the score. We’re interested in middle-of-the-road public servants that wake up every morning thinking about jobs, public education, health care, infrastructure and public safety.”

Beshear downplays talk that he might be laying the groundwork for a possible presidential run in 2028.

“I'm supporting President Biden here in 2024 and that's the next election ,” he said, adding that “2028 is a long way away" and that his focus is to “push Kentucky forward as much as I can.”

“In the future, I'll look at any opportunity the same way I looked at running for governor,” he added. “If I believe that I can bring people together, lessen the noise, push away the divide and truly move either a country or families forward, then it's something I consider.”

At the June 21 event in Tennessee, Beshear will share the stage with Duvall, who revealed her childhood trauma in a Beshear campaign ad that went viral last year. Duvall, now in her early 20s, talked about having been raped by her stepfather when she was 12 years old. Duvall became pregnant as a seventh grader but miscarried. The stepfather was convicted of rape and sentenced to prison.

Duvall stepped forward again this year to call on Kentucky's GOP-dominated legislature to relax the state’s abortion ban. But legislation to allow abortions when pregnancies are caused by rape or incest, or when pregnancies are deemed nonviable, made no headway in the legislative session that ended last month.

Duvall's story underscores the real-world implications of abortion bans, Beshear said Monday.

“When they hear stories like Hadley’s, someone who has gone through the worst of the worst, they get out of being pro-this or pro-that, are willing to push back against the extremism and have the basic empathy to believe these victims and survivors deserve options,” the governor said.

Associated Press writer Kimberlee Kruesi in Nashville contributed to this report.

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Boeing is on the verge of launching astronauts aboard new capsule, the latest entry to space travel

Boeing’s Starliner capsule atop an Atlas V rocket is rolled out to the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 41, Saturday, May 4, 2024, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will launch aboard to the International Space Station, scheduled for liftoff on May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Terry Renna)

NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore exit the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a mission dress rehearsal on Friday, April 26, 2024. The first flight of Boeing’s Starliner capsule with a crew on board is scheduled for Monday, May 6, 2024. (Frank Micheaux/NASA via AP)

Boeing Crew Flight Test crew members Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore work in the Boeing Starliner simulator at the Johnson Space Center in Houston on Nov. 3, 2022. The first flight of Boeing’s Starliner capsule with a crew on board is scheduled for Monday, May 6, 2024. (NASA/Robert Markowitz)

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CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — After years of delays and stumbles, Boeing is finally poised to launch astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA.

It’s the first flight of Boeing’s Starliner capsule with a crew on board, a pair of NASA pilots who will check out the spacecraft during the test drive and a weeklong stay at the space station.

NASA turned to U.S. companies for astronaut rides after the space shuttles were retired. Elon Musk’s SpaceX has made nine taxi trips for NASA since 2020, while Boeing has managed only a pair of unoccupied test flights.

Boeing program manager Mark Nappi wishes Starliner was further along. “There’s no doubt about that, but we’re here now.”

The company’s long-awaited astronaut demo is slated for liftoff Monday night.

Provided this tryout goes well, NASA will alternate between Boeing and SpaceX to get astronauts to and from the space station.

A look at the newest ride and its shakedown cruise:

NASA’s Boeing Crew Flight Test astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore exit the Neil A. Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida during a mission dress rehearsal on Friday, April 26, 2024. (Frank Micheaux/NASA via AP)

THE CAPSULE

White with black and blue trim, Boeing’s Starliner capsule is about 10 feet (3 meters) tall and 15 feet (4.5 meters) in diameter. It can fit up to seven people, though NASA crews typically will number four. The company settled on the name Starliner nearly a decade ago, a twist on the name of Boeing’s early Stratoliner and the current Dreamliner.

No one was aboard Boeing’s two previous Starliner test flights. The first, in 2019, was hit with software trouble so severe that its empty capsule couldn’t reach the station until the second try in 2022. Then last summer, weak parachutes and flammable tape cropped up that needed to be fixed or removed.

Veteran NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams are retired Navy captains who spent months aboard the space station years ago. They joined the test flight after the original crew bowed out as the delays piled up. Wilmore, 61, is a former combat pilot from Mount Juliet, Tennessee, and Williams, 58, is a helicopter pilot from Needham, Massachusetts. The duo have been involved in the capsule’s development and insist Starliner is ready for prime time, otherwise they would not strap in for the launch.

“We’re not putting our heads in the sand,” Williams told The Associated Press. “Sure, Boeing has had its problems. But we are the QA (quality assurance). Our eyes are on the spacecraft.”

THE TEST FLIGHT

Starliner will blast off on United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. It will be the first time astronauts ride an Atlas since NASA’s Project Mercury, starting with John Glenn when he became the first American to orbit the Earth in 1962. Sixty-two years later, this will be the 100th launch of the Atlas V, which is used to hoist satellites as well as spacecraft.

“We’re super careful with every mission. We’re super, duper, duper careful” with human missions, said Tory Bruno, CEO of ULA, a joint venture of Boeing and Lockheed Martin.

Starliner should reach the space station in roughly 26 hours. The seven station residents will have their eyes peeled on the approaching capsule. The arrival of a new vehicle is “a really big deal. You leave nothing to chance,” NASA astronaut Michael Barratt told the AP from orbit. Starliner will remain docked for eight days, undergoing checkouts before landing in New Mexico or elsewhere in the American West.

STARLINER VS. DRAGON

Both companies’ capsules are designed to be autonomous and reusable. This Starliner is the same one that made the first test flight in 2019. Unlike the SpaceX Dragons, Starliner has traditional hand controls and switches alongside touchscreens and, according to the astronauts, is more like NASA’s Orion capsules for moon missions. Wilmore and Williams briefly will take manual control to wring out the systems on their way to the space station.

NASA gave Boeing, a longtime space contractor, more than $4 billion to develop the capsule, while SpaceX got $2.6 billion. SpaceX already was in the station delivery business and merely refashioned its cargo capsule for crew. While SpaceX uses the boss’ Teslas to get astronauts to the launch pad, Boeing will use a more traditional “astrovan” equipped with a video screen that Wilmore said will be playing “Top Gun: Maverick.”

One big difference at flight’s end: Starliner lands on the ground with cushioning airbags, while Dragon splashes into the sea.

Boeing is committed to six Starliner trips for NASA after this one, which will take the company to the station’s planned end in 2030. Boeing’s Nappi is reluctant to discuss other potential customers until this inaugural crew flight is over. But the company has said a fifth seat will be available to private clients. SpaceX periodically sells seats to tycoons and even countries eager to get their citizens to the station for a couple weeks.

Coming soon: Sierra Space’s mini shuttle, Dream Chaser, which will deliver cargo to the station later this year or next, before accepting passengers.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.