The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Kentucky, United States

CRYSTAL ONYX Cave, one of Kentucky's premier show cave with beautiful formations throughout. Tour group sizes are small, with a slow pace. The steps, trails, handrails & lighting have recently been renovated. NOTE theirs another local cave using a similar name, we are CRYSTAL ONYX Cave, est 1960. We are family owned & operated with a laid back approach & unscripted tours. We allow plenty of time to take pictures, relax & enjoy our formation filled cave. NO reservations needed, 1 hour tours on approx. 35 minute departures. Seasonal open everyday March-Oct. 31. Check out our web site for off season tour availability & other useful information. Just 2 miles east of 65 on 90 to Prewitts Knob Road.

Come and visit Ashford Stud, international breeding giant Coolmore’s home in the Blue Grass. Coolmore also have large operations in Ireland and Australia, making us one of the biggest bloodstock players globally. Behind Ashford’s historic stone walls you will find some of the most sought-after horseflesh in the world as well as a storied history. Our iconic stallion barns are home to Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup Classic hero AMERICAN PHAROAH along with the likes of Kentucky Derby winner FUSAICHI PEGASUS and record breaking freshman sire UNCLE MO. Come and see why Coolmore’s farms around the world have earned the moniker of the Home of Champions. We do our best to let fans see American Pharoah and our other champions, however, no guarantees can be made for any particular tour - showings are pending the health and welfare of the animals. For the same reason, we're unable to allow feeding of the horses during tours. No pets are allowed on property.

The only park of its kind in the world, the Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm, educational theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse. Set on more than 1,200 acres in the heart of the Kentucky's famous Bluegrass region, the park is THE place to get close to horses! Featuring dozens of breeds of horse at work and at play, the park showcases the horse in daily equine presentations, horse drawn tours, horseback and pony rides, and an array of horse shows and special events throughout the year. The park's International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is the world's largest equestrian museum. Offering both the experienced horseman and novice an opportunity to explore the many facets of humanity's relationship with the horse, the museum is dedicated to all breeds and disciplines of horse and covers some 50-million years of equine history. State-of-the-art technology complements rare artifacts and scholarly research to present a unique, educational, museum experience for all ages. The American Saddlebred Museum, the Showplace for Saddlebreds, celebrates Kentucky's first native breed of horse. The museum features interactive exhibits and a movie. With the park's own tourist activities and the numerous additional horse shows that take place in the equine competition facilities throughout the year, there can be a fair amount of walking involved, depending on visitor interest level. Comfortable shoes and clothing is recommended, appropriate for Kentucky's seasonal weather. Dogs and other pets are permitted on park grounds, as long as they are on a leash or in an approved carrier, although they may not be permitted in some buildings.

The site of celebrated statesman Henry Clay's original 672-acre estate that once grew hemp, tobacco and grain is now a museum and National Historic Landmark, where visitors can tour the reconstructed 18-room mansion, grounds and beautiful gardens. *New for 2019: We now allow non-flash photography on all of our tours!*

Take an in-depth look at the fascinating world of caves as you journey through gigantic subterranean chambers made out of limestone.After you explore the underground, try out the aerial view from our new zip-line and rappel! Don't forget our 2 level museum featuring caves.

Boat, fish, hike and hunt to your heart's content in this scenic national forest.

Known as the "Niagara of the South," the 125-foot wide curtain of water is dramatic day or night. But it's only at night during a full moon that you can see the moonbow, a phenomenon not regularly visible anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere. The park's many lodging, dining, and recreational opportunities make Cumberland Falls State Resort Park the perfect location for a family vacation, business retreat, or weekend getaway to the beautiful mountains of southeast Kentucky. The DuPont Lodge features 51 rooms, the Riverview Restaurant, meeting spaces, and easy access to the park's extensive trail system. Twenty woodland rooms and 25 cottages provide guests a more secluded lodging option. The 49-site campground, gift shop, horseback riding stables, Moonbow Cafe, playgrounds, tennis court, Olympic-size swimming pool, 17 miles of trails, and much more await visitors to Cumberland Falls - one of the "Nation's Finest" state parks!

The largest largemouth bass in Kentucky once called this lake home.