A Guide to Spring Fun in Kentucky (2021)

There's plenty to do and see in Kentucky during the springtime.
We've put together a list of some of the top attractions that we believe everyone should see this spring!

The months of April, May, and June seem to breathe new life into Kentucky. The spring weather brings rain and warmer temperatures, tulips and daffodils start popping up in gardens across the state, and trees burst into pink and white blossoms.

The cold winter weather kept most people indoors, but spring in Kentucky means getting outside and enjoying nature once more.

Kentucky Derby & Thunder Over Louisville

When most people think of Kentucky, they probably think of the Kentucky Derby. It's one of the state's biggest and most popular events.

The fresh green grass, steady thump of hooves on dirt, and the breathtaking anticipation as horses and their jockeys push towards victory bring thousands of visitors from across the world to Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky.

If horse racing isn't your thing, you'll love Thunder Over Louisville, one of the largest annual fireworks displays in North America!

It marks the start of the Kentucky Derby, and to most Kentuckians, the unofficial start to spring. Visitors will enjoy fun, food, and family during Thunderfest at Waterfront park in Louisville.
(Photos courtesy of thunderoverlouisville.org)

Bernheim Arboretum and Forest

Located in Clermont, Kentucky, the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Kentucky during the spring.

Flowering Dogwoods and Eastern Redbuds are in full bloom and paint the green forest with lovely splashes or pink and white. As the weather warms up in April and May, this forest makes the perfect place to spend an afternoon with family and friends.

There's even an edible garden to teach visitors about sustainable farming. The best part might be Isaac's Cafe, a small restaurant that serves salads, soups, sandwiches, and desserts, all made with produce from the edible garden!
(Photos courtesy of bernheim.org)

There's more than just trees in this forest; The Bernheim Arboretum has an education center where visitors can learn about local flora and fauna, a firetown that brings guests over 900 feet above the ground, a canopy tree walk where visitors can stroll through the forest canopy 75 feet off the ground.

Kentucky State Capitol Building

Tours of both the interior and the grounds of the Capitol Building are available during normal business hours.

What makes this building such a great spring destination is the thousands of flowers that bloom on the grounds of the capitol building throughout spring.

Many varieties of flowers are found scattered throughout the grounds, but most stunning are the bright red and yellow tulips that open by the thousands in front of the Capitol Building.

Construction started on the State Capitol building in 1904 and finished in 1910.
Conspicuously absent from the construction was any place to park; legislators at the time believed the automobile to be a fad, and didn't expect cars to become the new way of life.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park

Named after the impressive natural stone bridge located in the park, the Natural Bridge State Resort Park is a great place to spend the day in May.

There's plenty of nature to explore while hiking through trails that wind their way over the natural bridge and through the vibrant forests of the park.

May is also a great month to spot some of the colorful birds that live in the forest including various species of woodpeckers, kinglets, nuthatches, wrens, and sparrows.

One of the most unique activities available at this park is Appalachian square dancing. The famous Natural Bridge Hoedowns have been a popular tradition for over 45 years! It's a great way to get outside and try something fun and new.

Natural Bridge State Resort Park is also home to Mill Creek Lake, a small lake with plenty of fish waiting to be caught.
Canoeing and kayaking is also a popular activity at Mill Creek Lake.
Rentals are available between Memorial day and Labor day.

John James Audubon State Park

As winter turns to spring, guests at the John James Audubon State Park can catch a glimpse of seven different woodpecker species as well as bald eagles and blue herons raising their young in the north part of the park.

There are over 6 miles of hiking trails ranging from a leisurely stroll along a gravel trail to vigorous back country hiking. There's also a trail where you can enjoy a hike with your furry friends (as long as they remain on a leash).

There's also several playgrounds for children throughout the park and a 28-acre lake where guests can catch bass, catfish, and bluegill. Don't miss out on the beauty of this Kentucky state park.

As this beautiful park comes to life in the spring, consider taking a picnic with your friends or family.
There are several covered pavilions and plenty of open grass to choose from. Pavilions are reservable up to a year in advance.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

As the weather warms up and nature comes alive once more, what could be better than touring Kentucky and visiting the distilleries that have made it a hub for bourbon lovers and distillers alike.

Thousands of visitors come from around the country (and the world) each year to tour the distilleries of famous companies such as Jim Beam, Maker's Mark, Wild Turkey and others.

The bourbon trail has 18 stops that will take visitors across the state, putting the full beauty and uniqueness of Kentucky on display.

There's biking, fishing, hiking, dining, shopping, and yes, plenty of bourbon!

Experiencing the Kentucky bourbon trail doesn't mean drinking all day, unless you want to...
The trail takes visitors close to some of the famous natural locations in Kentucky such as Red River Gorge and Mammoth Cave.

Come Stay with Us!

If you're planning a visit to Kentucky this spring, make sure to check out the local bed and breakfasts in the area. Their gardens are in full bloom, and between their flowers and homemade breakfasts, you won't find a more pleasant place in all the state!