Fort Knox Kentucky

Fort Knox Kentucky is perhaps most well known for the United States Bullion Depository, also known as the Gold Vault. A US army post located just south of Louisville, the army base at Fort Knox is used for US Army Basic Combat Training and is reputed to be impregnable, as depicted in films such as the 1964 James Bond movie, Goldfinger. Although some areas of Fort Knox Kentucky, such as the Gold Vault, are off-limits to the public, there are also several attractions in Fort Knox and in the nearby area that will be of interest to anyone interested in the military.

The Patton Museum at Fort Knox is one of the prime attractions of the area. Named after General George Patton of World War II fame, the museum features many of General Patton's personal belongings as well as exhibits about the First and Second World Wars. The Patton Museum also has an extensive armor and cavalry exhibit, which documents the development of American weapons and armor and also features several historical enemy army tanks. In addition to these permanent collections, this museum at Fort Knox also features visiting exhibits related to US military history. Outside the Patton Museum, tourists can visit the Armor Memorial Park nearby, which commemorates soldiers who were killed in service to their country during any of the wars of the twentieth century.

Another popular attraction at Fort Knox is the Bridges to the Past walking tour of the historic L&N turnpike. The walking tour allows visitors to experience area exactly as it was 150 years ago, with no electric lines, billboards, or other modern distractions. Visitors can also see three historic stone bridges, each more than 150 years old. The trail leads through certain areas in the Fort Knox military base that are used for army training, so it is off-limits to the public except during certain times when military training is suspended in the area. For more information on how you can take part in the Bridges to the Past tour, contact the Radcliff/Fort Knox tourism office.

Located north of Fort Knox Kentucky is Fort Duffield, Kentucky's oldest, largest and best-preserved Civil War fort. Visitors can hike the trail to the fort where they are treated to a glimpse of the Union Fort as it was in the days of the Civil War, as well as a spectacular view. Civil War reenactments bring the fort to life and educate visitors about its history.

Another worthwhile place to visit near Fort Knox is the Saunders Springs Nature Preserve, located in a hardwood forest, with easy trails that take visitors past waterfalls, caves, and a lake. It has several good picnic areas with views over the lake, and a few historical buildings provide some background information on the history of Saunders Springs. The main spring itself flows from the mouth of a cave, and the remains of an old mill can be seen along the stream.

Fort Knox is only about 30 miles from Louisville, so it can easily be reached for a day trip during a vacation in the state's largest city. There are also more options for hotels in Louisville than there are around the fort, making it simpler to find a place to stay that exactly suits your taste and budget. Fort Knox is 90 miles from Frankfort, so for travelers who don't mind the longer drive, it can also be a day trip from the capital city as well.

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Guntown Mountain Kentucky

Guntown Mountain Kentucky is one of the most popular family Kentucky attractions in the Mammoth Cave area and offers guests a chance to explore the re-creation of a Wild West town.

Activities at Guntown Mountain include recreation of gunfights on the streets of the Wild West town and a chance to learn about the history of the notorious Jesse James, who according to Kentucky history legends, robbed an area bank and then hid out in one of the nearby Kentucky caves. Stroll along one of the recreated streets and see what life was like back in the old days or marvel at one of the many magic shows that are put on by professional magicians.

Dancing to some live country western music in the theatre is also a good way to relax in Guntown Mountain Cave City.

The Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum is another point of interest at Guntown Mountain. The museum is home to some of the rarest animals in the world, including the Snow Leopard. Tourists are sometimes surprised to see deer and ox species living right at the Wildlife Museum. Just like the Louisville Zoo, another one of Kentucky"s great attractions, the animals enjoy being in environments that are similar to their natural habitats.

Smith’s Country store should also be on the top of your list of Cave City attractions. You can rest assure that the store isn’t just focused on the basics—visitors can attest to the variety of jams, jellies, and relishes that make for a delicious treat after a day of exploring. You can smell the famous Smoked Sausage from well outside of the store. You may want to indulge in some goodies right in the store and purchase some as a way to remember your Guntown Mountain Cave City trip.

There are so many other Cave City attractions worth exploring that visitors could spend an entire week exploring the attractions. A must see site on your visit to Guntown Mountain Kentucky is the nearby Mammoth Cave National Park, which is reportedly the largest cave system in the world with nearly 348 miles of paths and even more that haven’t even been discovered. The park is such a treasure that it is considered to be a United Nations World Heritage Monument.

The interior of the Kentucky caves are absolutely breathtaking. The limestone walls were shaped millions of years ago, and visitors can see evidence of earth’s changing landscape right before their eyes.

There are 14 different tours offered at Mammoth Cave, ranging from tours that focus on how Kentucky history relates to the cave to Kentucky tours for geology enthusiasts. Visitors should be sure to bring their hiking shoes and note that some of the terrain you will climb can be tiring.

If you aren’t in the best shape of your life, there is no need to worry. The Travertine tour is less strenuous than some of the other Kentucky hiking cave tours, but is just as informative. Visitors will be taken through ¼ of a mile of the cave and will learn about the natural processes that formed the cave formations.

Be on the lookout for bats during your tour, but don’t worry, they won’t make contact with you. Most visitors don’t realize that so many species of bats, such as Eastern Small-footed, Gray, and Indiana bats, have made their home in the caves for years.

Don’t spend all of your time down in the Mammoth caves while at Guntown Mountain Cave City. There is a lot going on above ground as well. The park land of Mammoth National Park covers 52,000 acres of wilderness that is considered one of the best Kentucky vacation spots for Kentucky hiking and wildlife viewing.

Consider spending your next Kentucky trip visiting Guntown Mountain. You won’t be disappointed with Cave City attractions and the many things to do at Guntown Mountain Kentucky.

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Churchill Downs, Kentucky

Churchill Downs is known as one of the most famous horse racing tracks in the world. The reason for its world wide fame is because it is the annual host to the Kentecky Derby Thoroughbred horse races. The Kentucky Derby is deep rooted in tradition and has been going on for over 100 years. Whether you"re visiting Louisville for business or pleasure, take a trip to the Kentucky Churchill Downs Race track for a fun family outing.

Churchill Downs has two racing seasons per year, during the spring and the fall. The famous Kentucky derby takes place during the spring meet, on the first Saturday in May. If you"d like to obtain Churchill Downs tickets that will guarantee you a reserved seat, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time, as tickets are hard to come by because of the international popularity of the event. Guests must apply for seats an entire year in advance, and even if that is done, there are no guarantees on securing Churchill downs tickets.

If you"re new to horse racing, betting on a horse is easier than ever thanks to optional tip sheets that will help you determine which horses to bet on. Attendants are standing by at the wagering windows to help you place your bets, otherwise self-service betting machines are available if you know what you are doing.

Once you purchase your Churchill Downs tickets, be sure to check out the events and festivals going on during the two weeks prior to the Kentucky Derby. Thousands of people gather at the banks of the Ohio River, enjoying the vibrant scene of Louisville by listening to live music and sampling the offerings of street vendors.

The Great Balloon Glow and the Great Balloon race are two events taking place a week before the Derby that visitors to Churchill downs will not want to miss. "The Glow" refers to the magnificent glow that can be seen in the sky the night before the hot air balloon race, when hot air balloon owners take their balloons out for a test run in preparation for the race the next morning. The next day, the balloon owners compete in the balloon race where the goal is to race to a location and then retrieve a bag from a marker on the ground without tipping their balloons.

Visitors should be aware that hotels are very hard to find in the Louisville area during the meets, so booking a hotel far in advance is recommended. Look for Louisville hotel deals online or call around for the best options. Sometimes staying in the outskirts of Louisville will be your best option if you plan to visit Louisville for the Kentucky Derby.

Dazzling fireworks displays, an active bar and restaurant scene, as well as wine tasting are just some of the other reasons to visit Churchill Downs prior to the big event at the Kentucky Churchill Downs race track.

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Beech Bend Raceway Park, Kentucky

Beech Bend Park ranks among the favorite activities of tourists who visit the lovely city of Bowling Green Kentucky. Out of all Bowling Green attractions, Beech Bend Park is the one known for Kentucky racing and fun amusement park rides. There is also a huge water park to enjoy. You may want to consider staying at one of the many hotels near Beech Bend Raceway Park.

Beech Bend Raceway Park is right next to the Barren River, one of many Kentucky rivers in the area. The park got its name because of the abundance of Beech trees that grow on its grounds.

Besides learning about Kentucky racing, a trip to Beech Bend Raceway Park wouldn’t be complete without enjoying the rides in the amusement park. On the “Shock Drop,” guests will experience free fall as they are dropped from hundreds of feet in the air. The thrill of this ride does not compete with the Kentucky Rumbler, an all wooden Roller coaster that was ranked as one of the top 5 new rides in the world by Amusement Today magazine.

If you prefer something milder for small children or elderly people in your group, take a ride in some antique cars or compete with your family in a game of miniature golf. A petting zoo complete with small goats and pigs is a favorite of children. A large go cart track is fun way to get some racing out of your system before visiting the speedway at the park.

If you visit Beech Bend Raceway Park in the summer, you’ll probably want to cool off in the water park. Splash Lagoon’s three water slides are over 400 feet long. Children will enjoy their own personal children’s leisure pool where they can splash and play. There is also an adult sized leisure pool available for park guests. There is no need to wear your swimming suit to the park since there are separate men’s and women’s locker rooms right in the water park.

Beech Bend Raceway Park is one of several Kentucky sights that caters to people who love the fast paced sport of car racing. Perhaps the main highlight of Beech Bend Raceway Park is the raceway itself. The “Oval Raceway” is where the main drag racing action is located. There are different types of stock car classes that race and the class that the car is categorized in has to do with the ways that the car is modified.

Hotels in Bowling Green near Beech Bend Raceway Park include the Comfort Inn, Baymont Inn, and Continental Inn. If you are interested in Kentucky camping, there is a comfortable campground located right on the premises of Beech Bend Park.

Watch a race taking place at one of the best Kentucky racing facilities in the country at Beech Bend Park. There is so much to do at the park that you may want to consider looking for hotels near Beech Bend Raceway Park so you can spend an entire week watching Kentucky racing, riding amusement park attractions, and playing in the water park.

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Corbin Kentucky

Corbin Kentucky is a small and lovely town near the border of Tennessee. It is situated in the Cumberland Plateau part of Appalachia. This part of southeastern Kentucky is renowned for its awe-inspiring natural beauty, which includes the Cumberland Gap and Lake Cumberland, a variety of rivers and other lakes, miles of mountain and forest trails, and several breathtaking state and national parks. Corbin also features a variety of interesting museums, as well as places to dine and shop, but the primary reason most people visit this city is to enjoy the great outdoors.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is perhaps the most exciting of all the attractions near Corbin Kentucky. It is located less than twenty miles to the southwest and most notably features one of the world’s only regularly occurring moonbows. This happens when a full moon reflects off of the mist of what is known as the “Niagara of the South” on a clear night. And Cumberland Falls is just one of the natural attractions in the state park. There are some seventeen miles of pristine hiking trails where you can traverse some of the most beautiful terrain in the state. Campers will find everything they need here, including a campground with over 50 campsites with all necessary utilities (water, electricity, etc.) The park also features a visitor center and a nice restaurant. A few of the activities include hiking, horseback riding, and white water rafting on the surging Cumberland River.

Daniel Boone National Forest is another highly regarded destination in Corbin. It is located less than ten miles from the center of town and also provides a veritable paradise for lovers of the outdoors. This national forest is a source of pride for natives in that it is the only national forest contained completely within the state boundaries of Kentucky. Guests will enjoy unrivaled access to Laurel River Lake, Buckhorn Lake, Cave Run Lake, and breathtaking hiking trails such as Sheltowee Trace Trail.

There are also several interesting cultural attractions in the city of Corbin Kentucky. One of the most distinctive is the Harland Sanders Museum and Café. Most people know Harland more affectionately by his nickname Colonel Sanders. This museum, originally built as a café, was built in 1937, and now has a position on the National Register of Historic Places. It is located at 688 U.S. Highway 25 West. The Corbin Railroad Museum is also well worth a visit. It is housed inside an old train depot building and now houses a range of interesting items and artifacts related to the railroad industry.

You may want to book your Corbin Kentucky hotels early if you are planning a visit during the middle of August. This is when the most popular annual even in Corbin, the NIBROC Festival takes place. The name of the festival is simply Corbin spelled backwards. It takes place in the center of town on Main Street and features three days of entertainment, rides, games, and vendors. It is an event that is highly anticipated by people all over southeastern Kentucky. Other notable annual festivals and events include Moonbow Nights (which is held in the spring, summer, and fall) and the Cumberland Valley Cruise-In.

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Paducah Kentucky

Paducah Kentucky is a medium sized city that offers a warm weathered atmosphere full of attractions, all in a small town environment. Paducah travel guides often point out the city’s summer festivals and unique art galleries as some of the fun things to see on Paducah vacations.

Visit downtown and lowertown Paducah Kentucky to shop in interesting antique shops, unique clothing stores, and find the perfect Paducah travel souvenir. Small art galleries also line the streets and add to the visual interest of the town. You won’t see generic looking buildings and anonymous strip malls in downtown Paducah Kentucky. Rather, many of the buildings are historical and each has a character of their own.

Paducah vacations are especially fun to take over the weekend. Two of the downtown streets are blocked off every Saturday to accommodate an event called “Downtown After Dinner.” This street dance event is the perfect way to let lose after a day of Paducah travel and sightseeing.

Visiting museums and historical Paducah attractions are great ways to spend your Paducah vacations. The River Heritage museum is worth a visit. Visitors will learn about the history of four Kentucky rivers in the Paducah Kentucky area and see how a model steamboat works.

Recreation is valued by residents of Paducah. This is reflected in the 14 different public parks located in the city. Noble Park is the largest and isn’t your average run-of-the mill park. Walk around the five acre lake or challenge your opponent to a game of tennis. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, playgrounds, and a skateboarding park designed specifically with teenagers in mind.

Paducah vacations are full of fun summer Kentucky festivals. The four-day Paducah Summer Festival ranks among the top pick of Paducah attractions. Some of the activities that are fun for children include a Hot Wheels race and an Oreo Cookie Stacking Contest. Learn how to quilt and do crafts at the activities that the National Quilt Museum has set up. There is also a swimming race across the Ohio River.

Local Bluegrass bands can be heard every night of the summer festival. Even if you aren’t a fan of this particular type of music, the laid-back atmosphere of the festival guarantees a good time for all.

You definitely won’t go hungry at the festival because of the variety of food vending option, ranging from BBQ spare ribs to sweet frozen treats. Be sure to browse the offerings of unique jewelry, handicrafts, and other accessories sold at the festival.

Paducah travel is a unique experience for Kentucky tour groups and families. Paducah attractions and festivals are perfect to visit all year because of the warm weather and friendly small town atmosphere.

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Louisville Kentucky

Louisville Kentucky is the known around the country as a vibrant city which hosts fun events and attractions all year round. Many people take a Louisville vacation in the spring to watch the Kentucky Derby or the “Run for the Roses.”

Louisville Vacation packages are popular for baseball enthusiasts since Louisville Kentucky is the manufacturing site of the Louisville Slugger, which is the official bat used in Major League Baseball. The Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory is located in the city and allows visitors to follow the history of Major League Baseball and learn why the bat was picked as a favorite among baseball players. After touring the museum, visitors will receive a miniature bat to keep as a souvenir of their Louisville vacation.

History enthusiasts will enjoy seeing the Belle of Louisville, which is the oldest Mississippi River stem wheel steamboat still in operation. A Louisville vacation wouldn’t be complete without a ride on this boat, which is on the list of National Historic Landmarks.

Louisville Kentucky enjoys a unique location on the banks of the Ohio River. Visiting the Louisville waterfront park is a great way to take in the views of the water. There are events and festivals taking place at the waterfront all year long, including ethnic heritage festivals and pre-Kentucky Derby events.

The city is perhaps best known for the famous Kentucky Derby horse races held at Churchill Downs. The racing season in Louisville Kentucky starts at the end of April and runs until early July and the famous Kentucky Derby occurs during the first weekend in May.

The most popular time to purchase Louisville vacation packages is in late April and early May because of all of the pre-derby events going on in the city.

Louisville offers great attractions all year long including famous museums. Science enthusiasts should check out the Louisville Science Center. The “World Around Us” exhibit teaches visitors young and old about the atmosphere, terrasphere, and aquasphere in an interactive exhibit that engages all of the senses. An ancient Egyptian mummy is also on display.

The Louisville Zoo is another attraction that is worth checking at any time of the year. The zoo is home to over 1,300 animals ranging from the largest of gorillas to the tiniest of fish. Animals can enjoy the freedom to roam on acres of habitats that are designed to imitate their natural habitats. Zoo conservation specialists and museum volunteers are available to give talks on the animals and answer any questions that visitors may have. Daily events such as “Elephant Aerobics” provide unique educational experiences that teach visitors about the habits of animals.

If there’s a thrill seeker in your family, head over to Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom. Among the top thrill rides at the amusement park are the “Chang,” which is a rollercoaster where visitors are required to stand for the duration of the ride and the speedy “Greezed Lightnin.” If thrill rides aren’t your idea of fun, Six Flags at Louisville Kentucky also features several fun filled family events every day, such as parades with amusement park characters and plays. Louisville vacation packages often include a trip to the amusement park, which is certainly one of the most popular activities included in Louisville vacation packages.

With a great variety of attractions on a scenic river front setting, a Louisville vacation will provide a fun filled vacation for the entire family.

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