The 10 Largest KY Cities and Their Most Popular Attractions

If anything I write leads to even ONE person or family taking a road trip I've suggested, I will consider it a win. If you love the road, we can be friends. So let's hit, why don't we?

Ever since I planned a vacation for my 8th-grade history teacher for extra credit--it was a selection of historically significant locations in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania--I've enjoyed random road trip concepts. So why not go the easy route (no pun intended) and check out the most popular attractions in each of Kentucky's 10 largest cities, according to TripAdvisor?

Louisville

If you have a gigantic cave under your metropolis, you should do something with it. And the Louisville Mega Cavern never sees a dull moment. When special events during holidays aren't luring visitors in droves, year-round ziplining fills in the gaps.

Lexington

On days when the Kentucky Wildcats are playing at Rupp Arena or Kroger Field, Keeneland might not be Lexington's number one. But on the whole, folks love this legendary race track more than any other attraction in the city.

Bowling Green

Hop on a boat and take a tour of one of the many caves that lie beneath south central Kentucky. But I do want to throw in an honorable mention. TripAdvisor consumers rank Lost River Cave JUST ahead of the National Corvette Museum. If you only do two things in Bowling Green, make it those two.

Owensboro

The first stop on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, Green River Distilling Company is also the 10th-oldest distillery in the Commonwealth. Kentucky and bourbon go hand in hand, and Green River will really educate you, as well as let you taste the magnificent goods on a tour.

Covington

St. Mary's Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption is among the most beautiful structures in the world. When you visit Northern Kentucky, there IS a lot to do. Make sure you put a visit to this magnificent cathedral on your list.

Georgetown

It makes perfect sense that there's a sanctuary for retired thoroughbreds in Kentucky. Where else would you put it? Old Friends at Dream Chase Farm offers interactive tours. Guests can feed horses, immerse themselves in equine history, and meet former Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners.

Richmond

Believe it or not, it is NOT Buc-ee's that tops the list, although I'm sure you'll visit if you go. No, the top Richmond KY attraction is Fort Boonesborough State Park. Founded by Daniel Boone and dubbed a "living history museum," Fort Boonesborough is a working fort featuring blockhouses, cabins, furnishings, and employees in full period costume.

Elizabethtown

If you're a classic car aficionado, I may not HAVE to tell you about Swope's Cars of Yesteryear Museum. But if that description fits you, and you're new to Kentucky, then I'm happy to help. These vintage rides are in pristine condition. Vehicles today are necessary equipment. Back in the day, they were that AND works of art. The Swope's Museum celebrates that artistry.

Florence

Sherlock's Escape Rooms offer six mind-bending chambers for your puzzle-solving enjoyment--The Attic, Wizard's Curse, Cabin in the Woods, The Shipwreck, Bank Heist, and Graveyard Escape.

Nicholasville

Family-owned-and-operated Taylor Made Farm used to just BOARD horses. Today, it's the global leader in thoroughbred sales and marketing. Guests will get an extensive education on breeding and what it takes to create a champion thoroughbred.

So...is your road trip planned yet? On your mark, get set, go.