Kentucky
- Nickname:
- Bluegrass State
From handcrafted bourbon to culinary traditions, make memories in the Bluegrass State.
Heritage Spirits and Sports
Bourbon is known as “America’s Native Spirit” – not to mention Kentucky’s most famous export – and thoroughbred horse racing its most famous sporting event. The cultures surrounding both combine to create a unique and growing culture, especially when it comes to food and drink – from mint juleps served in silver cups at the Kentucky Derby to bourbon pairings with great food at restaurants. Kentucky’s delicious offerings stem from centuries of influence by Native American, English, Irish, Scots-Irish, German and African-American cultures. Add a dash of Amish, Asian and Latin influence, and you’re left with a wonderful combination of flavors and traditions to discover.
Trailblazing Fun in Kentucky
If you are looking for an escape, Kentucky has abundant wilderness and waters to explore, as well as the longest known cave system in the world (Mammoth Cave National Park). Kentucky is an angler’s paradise and home to Kentucky and Barkley lakes, two of the largest man-made lakes in the country. These vast waters are also great spots for boating, skiing and tubing. Visitors can trek through countless trails that wind through the state, including Sheltowee Trace National Recreational Trail, the state’s longest, stretching over 418 kilometers through Daniel Boone National Forest.
A People’s History of Kentucky
As the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln, Muhammad Ali and Bill Monroe, “The Father of Bluegrass Music,” Kentucky has played a big role in U.S. history. (And, of course, Colonel Sanders perfected his secret recipe for fried chicken and launched his global KFC empire here.) Visit the sites, museums and landmarks that capture the lives and stories of these influential Americans, then spend time exploring small historic towns, large urban cities, arts districts, horse farms and so much more.
Fun Fact
Home of legends: Kentucky is the birthplace of Abraham Lincoln and Muhammad Ali.
Kentucky makes 95 percent of the world’s bourbon, which equals 1.5 barrels of bourbon for every resident of the state.