Explore the reconstructed fort and pioneer cabins made from heavy timbers. Enter the stockade and experience life as it was in the late 18th century. Costumed interpreters work at the same trades and crafts as the original settlers did in 1774 when Fort Harrod was founded as the first permanent settlement west of the Alleghenies.
Old Fort Harrod State Park
100 S. College St.
Harrodsburg, KY 40330
859-734-3314
parks.ky.gov/findparks/recparks/fh/
The salt springs have attracted visitors since prehistoric animals came many years ago. Indians and pioneers frequented the area long before it was fashionable in the 1800s to soak in the therapeutic waters. The last Revolutionary War battle fought in Kentucky took place at Blue Licks in 1782. Camp, hike, swim, bike or play mini golf. Walk the River Trail to the spot where Daniel Boone and his party were captured by Shawnee while on a salt collecting trip.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
Highway 68
Mt. Olivet, KY 41064
859-289-5507
parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/bl/
Tour the antebellum home that inspired Stephen Foster to write "My Old Kentucky Home," which became a classic tune along with his other compositions "Oh! Susanna," "Camptown Races" and "Old Folks at Home." A musical tribute to Foster is presented on the grounds from June to August. Stay overnight at the shady campground.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
501 E. Stephen Foster Ave.
Bardstown, KY 40004
502-348-3502
parks.ky.gov/findparks/recparks/mo/
Covering parts of 21 counties of eastern Kentucky, the forest is a natural playground of 707,000 acres on rugged terrain comprising sandstone cliffs, ravines and winding rivers. Bike, hike, horseback ride, canoe, kayak, swim, fish, camp and boat in the hardwood forest. Twelve campgrounds provide campsites, water and some amenities.
Daniel Boone National Forest
1700 Bypass Rd.
Winchester, KY 40391
859-745-3100
fs.fed.us/r8/boone/
The park's biggest attraction is the 365-mile-long Mammoth Cave, the longest known cave system in the world. Select one of 15 tours ranging from short and easy to the Wild Cave, where you climb rock walls and squeeze through 9-inch-tall passages on your belly. In the old method of traditional cave exploring, try the Violet City Lantern Tour lit with handheld oil lanterns that participants carry. Aboveground activities such as camping, hiking, biking, backpacking and ranger programs around a campfire are available. Bring your horse for day or overnight trail use. Swim, fish, boat, canoe or kayak on the Green River, which borders the park.
Mammoth Cave National Park
1 Mammoth Cave Pkwy.
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
270-758-2180
nps.gov/maca/index.htm
