9 Must-Visit Small Towns in Kentucky
Kentucky is a gorgeous natural state dominated by bluegrass fields, woodlands, and the Appalachian Mountains. It is home to several incredible parks, with Mammoth Cave National Park being one of the best places to visit, as it is the most extensive known cave system in the world. Additionally, the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers flow near and around the state, giving it majestic natural beauty.
Tourists traveling to this southern state will surely experience the community's warmth and welcoming spirit. Its welcoming and laid-back culture allows guests to escape the hustle of other states and enjoy the natural splendor of the region.
Maysville
Maysville is a rustic little town nestled along the banks of the Ohio River in northern Kentucky. The town’s origins began with the establishment of a saloon owned and operated by none other than the great frontiersman Daniel Boone and his wife. However, it wasn’t until 1792 that the town’s borders were laid out, and it gained the name Maysville thanks to one of the surveyors, John May.
Folks hoping to enjoy the local history should stop by one of the town’s many museums that showcase the early history of the community. The Harriet Beecher Stowe Slavery to Freedom Museum is an excellent location to visit. This site once housed the famous author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin and served as a monument to the town’s movement towards a freer world.
The Cummins Nature Preserve is a spectacular place to hike, bike, and explore the lovely area. It’s 110 acres of pristine woodland and nature preserve that is an idyllic site to spend the afternoon. After a long day exploiting the community, drop in Mi Camino Real for some delicious authentic Mexican cuisine.
Berea
Berea is a small town located approximately two hours south of Maysville and just under an hour outside Lexington. Berea’s roots trace back to a small group of passionate abolitionists who named their town for a Biblical community. Although the fierce abolitionists were unfortunately banished during the Civil War, they returned after the war to establish a racially diverse city in Berea.
The town’s an ideal location for anyone who loves history (especially Civil War history) and nature. The Cabin Of Old Town Artisan Gallery sits on the site of a family from 1813 who had 14 members. It's a charming location that speaks to the rustic heritage of the pioneers who shaped the community's future. Not far from this site is the Berea Welcome Center, which sits in a refurbished railway hub for the L&N Train Station built in 1917.
Those seeking to spend a few days in town should book their stay at the Historic Boone Tavern. This stunning structure was built in 1909 and serves as a high-end hotel and dining location today. It’s not far from John B. Stephenson Walking Trail, which takes travelers down the same route where Daniel Boone once trod.
Danville
Approximately 45 minutes west of Berea is the Boyle County town of Danville. This site once served as the capital of the Kentucky district of Virginia until it became an independent state in 1792. A notable site that’s a must-see location for history buffs is Constitution Square and the surrounding area. This site memorializes the drafting and passing of the Kentucky state Constitution and is the perfect spot to learn more about the town’s history.
The community is also a charming natural landscape that hikers, bikers, and outdoor enthusiasts will surely enjoy. The Dix River flows just outside town and is a beautiful waterway with woodlands and natural charm surrounding it. The Waterfall On Dix River, Herrington Lake, is one of the best spots along the course of the river. The High Bridge to Herrington Lake Dam Paddle Route is a trail just under 8 miles long that affords some of the best views of this area.
Millennium Park, one of the largest community parks in town, is a better choice for anyone seeking a stroll rather than a nature hike. It still has some gorgeous views and a respite from the hustle of life. Just a couple minutes from the park is the Great Dollhouse Museum, a one-of-a-kind location displaying all kinds of miniature homes and structures.
Shelbyville
Shelbyville is just over an hour north of Danville, a few miles south of the Kentucky-Ohio border. The town traces its roots back to its official establishment in 1792, with the early settlers mainly subsisting on farming. In 1864, the city experienced an attack by the Confederate Army, where they attempted to take their capital building. Fortunately, the brave town residents fought off the invaders and saved their capital.
The town’s a naturally charming community, with several lakes and streams running through it, including Clear Creek. There are a few parks along the banks of this creek, with Shelbyville Country Club offering fun golfing experiences in a quiet and secluded environment. They cater to their members, but visitors can also book time on the golf course with a guest pass.
The Lake Shelby Campground in the north of town is a great place to spend a few nights while visiting. The campground offers different sites with electricity and certain paved areas, making travel easier. Clear Creek Park Family Activity Center is not far from the campground, just outside the town’s borders, which is an excellent place to bring kids.
Frankfort
Frankfort is a historically significant community located approximately a half hour east of Shelbyville. Despite having a smaller area and population than Kentucky’s larger cities, Louisville and Lexington, Frankfort retains its status as the capital of Kentucky. The city traces its roots back to 1786 when General James Wilkinson established the city along the Kentucky River and named it for a man who died by murder while attempting to ford the river.
The town has several magnificent old sites that are worth checking out. The Old State Capitol Building is the perfect place to begin your sightseeing. Built in 1830, the structure served as the state’s official capitol gathering from 1830 until 1910. It suffered in a fire twice in its history but still stands as a monument to the city’s early history and culture.
Tourists should also stop by the Kentucky Old Governor’s Mansion and Historical Society, which aren’t far from the Capitol Building. The Governor’s Mansion is a spectacularly preserved Federal-styled structure built in 1798 and is a great place to spend an afternoon touring.
La Grange
La Grange is a small town in northern Kentucky, about an hour from Frankfort and not far from the Indiana border. The Ohio River flows just a few miles from town, is one of the largest rivers in the area, and serves as a natural boundary between the two states. The town’s establishment began in 1827, and it's known as the kindness capital of Kentucky. The city’s most notable feature is the rustic railroad passing through downtown, which still carries passengers twenty times a day.
For anyone who loves trains and wants to understand better how railroads influenced the city, the La Grange Railroad Museum & Learning Center. It's the perfect place to spend a few hours and check out the many railroad displays, including a model railroad. Plenty of rural and open spaces are available in and around town. The best site is just west of the border, Wendell Moore Park, right along Reformatory Lake. It's an ideal place for a picnic or a nice hike in nature.
London
London gets its name from the famous city of England, although its culture and environment are quite different. The city played an essential part in the Civil War, with the main roadways between the north and south of the state passing nearby. Several Civil War battles were waged not far from London, with the most famous being the Battle of Camp Wildcat.
The Camp Wildcat Preservation Foundation is a memorial and historical site honoring this Civil War battle. The battlefield still stands as a local landmark of this heritage not far from the preservation center of town. Another fascinating location in the city is the London Children’s Museum. This interactive site is terrific for tourists traveling with kids who want to give them an exciting couple of hours of learning and fun.
The Levi Jackson Wilderness Road Park and the Mountain Life Museum are just south of town. These sites are immersed in nature, with seven authentic homes dotted throughout, demonstrating the early pioneer heritage.
Pineville
About an hour south of London, Kentucky is the southerly town of Pineville. It sits a few miles north of the border of Tennesee and isn’t far from the Cumberland Gap and the Kentucky Ridge State Forest. These wilderness sites are idyllic for anyone looking for time in the woods and mountains of Kentucky. The Kentucky Ridge State Forest consists of over 15,000 acres of mountainous rural forests and is an excellent spot for fishing!
However, there’s really no need to leave town to have fun in the wild since Pineville has plenty of nature sites to explore. Chained Rock is a gorgeous trail and one of the city’s most unique locations. The Chained Rock Trail Head takes trekkers on a stunning tour of the mountainous region and is just under a mile long.
The Cumberland River is also one of the largest waterways in town and a great place for a leisurely stroll or fishing. After a long day of hiking, climbing, cycling, and fishing, drop by SAUCED: Craft Pizza. Pasta. Salad for some delicious fresh pizza and more!
Horse Cave
Horse Cave rests about three hours west of Pineville and is a fantastic place to visit for anyone who enjoys a quiet time immersed in nature and a welcoming community. The city dates back to 1850, when it became one of the primary villages near the mouth of the Horse Cave. Although the town has few sites within its borders, it is surrounded by unique caverns, mountains, and wilderness areas.
The Mammoth Caves aren’t far from the town, and the Adventures of Mammoth Cave is the best way to see the caves. They have zip lines, boating, and much more, so everyone will have a wonderful time. Not far away is the Sand Cave Trailhead, which grants trekkers a unique view of Sand Cave.
However, don’t write Horse Cave off by only exploring the area outside the town. Visitors should check out Hidden River Cave & American Cave Museum. This is the best spot to learn all about the cave systems and see exhibits about what to expect when traveling the area.
Conclusion
Traveling to Kentucky opens up doors to explore the natural beauty of the South. It has a unique combination of refined city life, small-town charm, and rugged mountains that tourists will love. The state’s small towns are spectacular places to book a quiet stay away from the bustle of more industrialized states.
Anyone hoping to experience some of America’s earliest Western towns and cities will find Kentucky unforgettable. They have railroad museums, preserved homes from the 1800s, and more for visitors to see whenever they choose to visit.
