These are three of the Most Treasured Views in Kentucky: Here's where to find them
[ Most Treasured Views in America: National | West | South | Middle America | Northeast ]
Looking for a way to celebrate summer the Kentucky way?
We have some ideas for you, including three of our state's most treasured views.
From that iconic racetrack in Louisville's backyard to two enchanting nature areas perfect for a day trip, check out these ideas for enjoying a summer day (or two) while staying in Kentucky.
This place might host the most beautiful and beloved two minutes of the year during the Kentucky Derby, but Churchills Downs is a sight to see beyond the first Saturday in May. Along with Spring Meet live racing in June, including Downs After Dark races on June 21, the summer is a great time to schedule a tour of the iconic racetrack via the Kentucky Derby Museum. And you'll likely learn something new even if you're a lifelong Kentucky resident. A variety of tour options offer up-close looks at this Louisville tradition, from viewing the barns on the backside of the track and seeing Millionaire's Row to tasting bourbon and watching horses workout railside. Tickets start at $20.
Details: 700 Central Ave., Louisville, Kentucky, 502-636-4400, churchilldowns.com
Known as the 'Niagara of the South,' the main attraction of this Kentucky State Park promises to wow with its 125-foot whirling wall of water. Along with viewing the grand Cumberland Falls, there's plenty to see at this natural wonderland just three hours from Louisville. Popular activities include a tour of the 1937 Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower, 17 miles of hiking trails, gem mining for fossils, and horseback riding. Here's an extra tip: Plan your trip around the park's 'moonbow' schedule, which is posted online. Cumberland Falls regularly offers a view of a lunar rainbow, of which only a few places in the world can say.
Details: 7351 KY-90, Corbin, Kentucky, 606-528-4121, parks.ky.gov/parks/find-a-park/cumberland-falls-state-resort-park-7786
Much like the Colorado River shaped the Grand Canyon, the Red River helped form the Red River Gorge. Unlike that other world-famous attraction, this majestic canyon system inside the Daniel Boone National Forest is just a two-hour drive from Louisville. With no admission fee, you could spend many days exploring the National Natural Landmarks' 29,000 acres, which includes 70-plus miles of hiking trails, 150 natural arches, and scenic waterfalls. Among many activities to try, from zip-lining to kayaking, at this Kentucky gem, start with walking across the Natural Bridge, the mighty formation of sandstone rock that stands 65 feet high and spans 78 feet in length. Several lodging options are available, including camping, cabin rentals, treehouse and yurt stays, as well as nearby hotels.
Details: 30 L&E Railroad Pl, Slade, Kentucky, 606-663-1161, redrivergorge.com
Reach Courier Journal reporter Amanda Hancock at ahancock@courier-journal.com.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Best scenic views in Kentucky: Our top picks
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Washington Post
24 minutes ago
- Washington Post
White House tours canceled indefinitely because of Trump's ballroom
Public tours of the White House have been suspended indefinitely because of planned construction on the massive ballroom President Donald Trump expects to start building next month. About a half-million people tour the White House every year, and while cancellations happen frequently, a hiatus that could stretch months or years is rare.
Forbes
24 minutes ago
- Forbes
Sweat Home Chicago: How To Stay Active And Fit In The Windy City
Millennium Park, where Cloud Gate ("The Bean") is located, is a great place to run around and get your steps in while in Chicago. getty Chicago is a gritty city with midwestern charm. There's plenty to do, see, and eat here. But it's not all deep dish and Chicago-style hot dogs. Whether you're a local who likes to be healthy and fit, or you're just blowing through yet you want to maintain your active lifestyle while on the road, here are fun things to do to sweat in the city. Kayaking on the Chicago River is a fun way to explore the city. getty Few things can beat a nice summer day along the Chicago River, a popular locale for fun happenings like Chicago Architecture Center's river cruise aboard the First Lady; strolling along the paved Riverwalk, where you'll find oodles of eateries, bars, and cafes—not to mention excellent people watching; and private boat rentals from the Chicago Boat Company. But one activity allows you to get a duck view of the city's most famous buildings: kayaking. There are multiple outfitters that lead tours, however, if you have your own kayak, you can launch your own vessel at a public launch site. Pro tip: make sure you wear a personal flotation device; be mindful of the traffic, including big boats and water taxis; and be sure to give yourself plenty of time to cross the river, always staying to the right and out of the way when possible. Many of Chicago's best hotels permit access to their gyms, spas, swimming pools, and fitness studios. getty Of course, there are no shortages of yoga studios, rock climbing facilities, or gyms throughout the city that will help you increase your cardio and break a sweat. ResortPass can give you day access to some of the city's best hotel gyms, swimming pools, and fitness studios, including at the InterContinental Chicago, JW Marriott Chicago, Waldorf Astoria Chicago, the Ritz-Carlton Chicago, and many more. But it's also worth noting that the Chicago Park District has a full lineup of classes via their wellness division. From aerobics to yoga to walking to nutrition, there's much to take advantage of here. Explore The 606 The 606 Bloomingdale Trail in Humboldt Park is a great way to spend time in the outdoors. getty The 606, or The Bloomingdale Trail, is open every day from 6:00 a.m.—11:00 p.m. This 2.7-mile elevated mixed use trail is car-free, offering a safe and fun way to spend time in the outdoors. Experience the city alongside the people who live here through art installations, green spaces, and organized activities that are all perfect for families. Rollerskate or rollerblade, run, walk, or ride your bike—this former railway has something to offer everyone. Run, Walk, or Cycle on the Lakefront Trail Chicago's Lakefront Trail offers some of the best views of the city. getty Chicago's 18-mile Lakefront Trail is well maintained and paved, making it easy to run, cycle, or walk—separate pedestrian and bicycle paths help with overcrowding and safety. You'll enjoy the outdoors while taking in the views of Lake Michigan and the Windy City's skyline. Plus, you'll love wandering past the marinas, parks, and sandy beaches. There's much to see here to propel you on your workout. Pro tip: Bring plenty of water and sunscreen as the trail is mostly exposed to the sun. For cycling, you may want to invest in a well-made gear organizer to hold everything you need, like the on-bike storage system from Mission Workshop. Plus, if you need hardwearing padded bike shorts, a new jersey, or any other high-performing cycling accessories, there's a great selection at PEARL iZUMi. Stay Fit the Chicago Way The skyscrapers in contrast to the lake create quite the backdrop at Oak Street Beach. getty Soak up the sun and move your body through water sports like paddle boarding, kayaking, or swimming at one of Chicago's famous beaches like North Avenue Beach, 31st Street Beach, Oak Street Beach or Montrose Beach. You can also organize a volleyball game, rent bicycles, or even romp around at a dog-specific (Montrose Dog Beach). Either way, you'll have fun in the outdoors while the Chicago skyline looms large in the backdrop.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
There's an antique tractor, giant cow, many flowers in this Ottawa Lake sunflower maze
You know about fall corn mazes. But, have you heard of a summer sunflower maze? A few summers ago, Jake Gust, owner of Gust Flower and Produce Farm, started cutting a maze/trail into his farm's sunflower patch. Today, his Sunflower Trail draws a couple thousand people for the Monroe and Adrian region each summer. It's open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. This year's season ends Aug. 31. The farm is at 11998 Rodesiler Highway in Ottawa Lake. Admission is $5 a person and provides access to the Sunflower Trail, the sunflower cutting field and the verbena and zinnia fields. There is an additional fee to cut flowers. Gust's Sunflower Trail The farm's sunflower trail/maze dates back to 2018. 'I started the maze because I thought people might enjoy it. Corn mazes have been around a long time and are popular in the fall season. Maybe people would like to walk through sunflowers?" Gust said. The trail started out small. 'I only had one variety and a ½ acre. Now, it's 20 varieties and five or six acres,' Gust said. He cuts a random pattern into the flower field each year. 'Some use GPS. I have no real pattern," he said. Later, he added props to the trail, like an antique tractor and a giant cow on a trailer that he bought from the former Borchardt Brothers Market in Blissfield. Visitors also can swing on swings. The Sunflower Trail is a popular destination for photographers and families, Gust said. "People just like being out in nature and to walk through the flowers. In the mornings, we get a lot of families. They can see the pollinators, bees and butterflies and take pictures," Gust said. New this year is a scavenger hunt inside the trail. 'It's for really little kids, under 5. They get a card and get a paper punch at the props (on the list). At the end, they get a popsicle. They get excited about it," Gust said. 'People like something a little different each year. Every year we try to make some changes." Other Gust Farm attractions Gust Flower and Produce Farm has more than three acres of cutting flowers. The cost is $11. "We provide the Mason jar, scissors and water," Gust said. There's also a pen of goats on the farm and a country store featuring picked and you-pick-produce. Among the offerings is you-pick strawberries, even in August. "It's new this year to the farm. It's a flowering strawberry that is producing fruit now. I picked 30-40 quarts this morning," Gust said on Aug. 18. He also sells peaches, cantaloupes, sweet corn and tomatoes. Watermelons are coming soon. Gust gets melons from Andy Stahl, son of his mentor, Tom Stahl. Gust met Tom Stahl years ago, through Dundee High School's FFA program. Growing sunflowers A 2005 graduate of Whiteford High School, Gust has been a WHS agriculture teacher for about 11 years. He also leads Whiteford's FFA progran. 'My senior year, I (also) went to Dundee (High School) to take agriculture and FFA," Gust said. After earning an agriculture degree from Michigan State University, Gust taught in Hillsdale County for three years before coming to WHS. 'FFA started (at Whiteford) in 2014. We have over 100 (students) in high school and about 50 in eighth grade. Every year, at least two to three go into agriculture (fields), like animal and plant science, greenhouse and landscaping," Gust said. He and his wife, Jessica, have four children, ages 9, 7, 5 and 2. When school's out for the summer, Gust and the kids works on the farm. In the fall, Gust helps at his dad's business across the street from his. Gust Brothers Pumpkin Farm is at 13639 Mulberry Road in Ottawa Lake. 'They open on Labor Day. That's when I close," Gust said. Related Coverage: This gardener offers $5 bouquets at her roadside stand Gust is self-taught in sunflower farming. 'It was a lot of online reading. I like to do that in the winter when you can't be in the fields and digging the ground. The next best thing is reading up on different varieties and looking at catalogs," Gust said. Support local news: Subscribe for all the latest local developments, breaking news and high school sports content. To ensure a summer full of sunflowers, he plants several times each summer. The first crop usually emerges in mid-July. In one summer, he'll get at least 250,000 blooms. 'Sunflowers tend to bloom after 60 to 70 days. There can be 10 to 20 blooms on a good branching plant. We always have fresh sunflowers," Gust said. Gust said there are hundreds of varities of sunflowers. He plants about 20 types. 'Branching ones, single-headed, tall, short, puff balls, double flowers. Sunflowers of all kinds," Gust said. "We have a good climate (for sunflowers). They can (handle) drier field conditions. They are a tough plant." — Contact reporter Suzanne Nolan Wisler at swisler@ This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Walk amid thousands of flowers, see props on Gust Farm's Sunflower Trail Solve the daily Crossword
