2020-01-02 12:15:16
Put pedal to the metal and get “mud in your blood” on colossal adventures both above and beneath your feet.
Wonders Above & Below
Yeah, you’ll get “mud in your blood.” That’s what caving does. Once you’ve belly-crawled along a tunnel or squeezed through ancient rock formations deep in the earth, you may become a spelunking junkie. But never fear, casual visitors can take more leisurely guided walking tours that are every bit as exciting.
Described as “a grand, gloomy and peculiar place” by Stephen Bishop, a former enslaved cave guide, Mammoth Cave is an underground journey into the marvelous and mysterious. Curiosity brings visitors into the shadows of this subterranean labyrinth, as well as other nearby caves: Hidden River, Crystal Onyx, Mammoth Onyx and Outlaw (once a hideout for Jesse James).
History, Thrills & Cake
In a land marked by caves and valleys, it’s not surprising to find prehistoric creatures. Lumbering amidst the trees at Cave City’s Dinosaur World are replicas of hundreds of these great beasts, plus a museum with prehistoric fossils – both cast and real. Then, soak up exquisite beauty in a tree-filled garden and a museum of fine and decorative arts at the Baker Arboretum and Downing Museum in Bowling Green.
You’ll find even more fun at amusement parks, zip lining adventures and a museum to learn about pioneering food critic (and cake mix maker) Duncan Hines. Plus watch robotic milkers at two dairy barns, sip at wineries, visit a nationally recognized raceway and take a “real scary tour” connected to villain Michael Myers of Halloween movie fame.
Regional Highlights
Mammoth Cave National Park: In the world’s longest known cave system, crawl along undeveloped passageways, explore chambers by lantern light and canoe nearby Green River.
National Corvette Museum, Bowling Green: Learn how the earth split apart and swallowed thousands of pounds of America’s classic sports car at this facility showcasing them.
Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, Horse Cave: Walkabout with kangaroos and emus in the “outback.” Let lorries alight on your shoulder, then mine for gemstones.
Dueling Grounds Distillery, Franklin: Come visit this gem that was recently added to the Kentucky Craft Bourbon Trail.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Glasgow: Take a boat out, dig your toes into a sandy beach and saddle up for a horseback-riding adventure.
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