Here in the Bluegrass State, we are blessed with countless beautiful parks of all kinds. We’re especially proud of our state parks and like to celebrate them when we can. E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park is turning 50 years old and it is such a wonderful place to visit when you’re taking a day trip in Kentucky.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park opened in 1974 on the outskirts of Louisville and was named after the father of journalist Diane Sawyer. Erbon Powers "Tom" Sawyer was a Jefferson County Judge who lost his life in a car accident and this park was dedicated to his memory.
Sprawling over 550 acres, this beautiful park is filled with fun and recreation for all ages, with playgrounds set among the trees and areas for various sports like tennis, pickleball, BMX biking, basketball, and much more.
Walking trails are interspersed throughout the park which are perfect for strolling, jogging, walking your dog, birding, or simply relaxing on a trailside park bench to take in the beauty of the park and enjoy the weather.
The park has several forested areas which contain a great deal of wildlife. It’s not uncommon to see deer wandering the park as well as ducks, squirrels, and other critters.
There is a massive pool area which is a wonderful place to bring the family during the summer months for a swim or to play on the splash pads. It’s the largest public pool and splash pad area in Louisville!
A unique feature of this park is a 400-foot-long and 35-foot-wide runway built especially for small-scale remote-controlled model airplanes and is for members of River City Remote Controllers which you can apply to join.
Whether you come for badminton, softball, soccer, hiking, or simply having a lovely picnic, be sure to visit this gorgeous park and celebrate its 50th anniversary this year!
A small town of about 18,000 people in southwestern Kentucky, Murray is the ideal place to spend a day. Case in point: Murray has been voted the "friendliest small town in America" by Rand McNally and USA Today five times! There's much to love about Murray beyond its friendly people. But what if you only have one day to spend in this treasured small town? We've compiled a list of four must-see attractions for a day trip to Murray, Kentucky:
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1. Murray's Historic Town Square
The first thing visitors must see is Murray's historic town square. The square is a great place to walk around, shop, and grab a bite to eat. Murray City Hall is on the corner of 5th and Main Street. Nearby are three bookstores: Bolin's Books, Newlife Christian Bookstore, and Bookmark. The Main Street Market, a boutique grocery store, is also on Main Street. Hungry day trippers can eat at Mugsy's Hideout, which serves Italian food, or Rudy's on the Square, which serves classic Southern food. If you love visiting local coffee shops, as I do, 5th & Main Coffees is near City Hall. If you visit on a Saturday morning, look out for the popular Downtown Farmer's Market, where local vendors sell crafts and produce.
A stately red-brick city hall building stands prominently at the corner of an intersection, framed by the lush green leaves of an overhanging tree. The architecture conveys a sense of authority and classical design, with large white columns flanking the entrance and the words “CITY HALL” engraved above the doors.500 Main Street Murray KentuckyPhoto taken on April 25, 2024
2. Wrather West Kentucky Museum
After getting acquainted with Murray's town square, the next place to visit is the Wrather West Kentucky Museum on Murray State University's campus. The museum is free and open to the public and shares historical information about West Kentucky and the Jackson Purchase through fixed and short-term exhibits. Interestingly, the museum is located in the university's first permanent building, which opened in 1924 and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
3. The Doran Arboretum
The next stop is a 15-minute walk from the Wrather West Kentucky Museum: the Doran Arboretum at Murray State University. The arboretum is open every day from dawn to dusk and is the perfect place to take a walk on a pretty day. It has a 0.8-mile track for walking and running, a butterfly garden, a sensory garden, and much more.
A quiet street is lined with a row of two-story brick buildings featuring various storefronts, including a law office and a cafe. Two large white arrows painted on the road indicate traffic direction in adjacent lanes under an overcast sky.Main Street Murray KentuckyPhoto taken on April 25, 2024
4. Kentucky Lake
Incredibly, Murray is about 30 minutes from Kentucky Lake. This 160,000-acre lake is the last attraction we chose for our list of things to do on a one-day trip to Murray. Visitors can hike, bike, boat, horseback ride, golf, and hunt at Kentucky Lake. Of course, it is difficult, and likely impossible, to do all of these things at Kentucky Lake in one day. For a short visit, we recommend taking the Kentucky Lake Scenic Drive, a three-mile drive with several photo-worthy overlooks and places to picnic.
What do you think about this list of must-see attractions in Murray, Kentucky? Is there anything you would add?
There are many more things to do and places to eat in Murray than we could include in this list. Murray is home to the best Dairy Queen in the world. It also has the Calloway County Barn Quilt Trail, a collection of more than 60 colorful quilt patterns on barns scattered around the county. Each quilt has a special significance and is often associated with a family story or tragedy.
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If you'd like to spend more than one day in Murray, Kentucky, this two-bedroom cabin Airbnb near Kentucky Lake may be the perfect place to stay!
There are many reasons to love September and October in Kentucky, and one of them is the wide variety of activities that are perfect for a lovely autumn day. During these few short months of cooler temperatures and vibrant color, we want to be outside, soaking it in before winter creeps into the Bluegrass State. If you're looking to explore our beautiful state this season, check out our list of picture-perfect fall day trips in Kentucky.
If you're looking for what to do in Kentucky in October, Bernheim Arboretum is a picturesque retreat any time of the year, but in the fall the 15,625 acres of land come to life with stunningly brilliant color. There are many events held at the Arboretum throughout the season and more than 40 miles of trails available to take in the gorgeous scenery. The best way to soak up all this glorious scenery is on one of Bernheim's numerous trails. In addition to its paved walking paths, the park invites visitors to, quite literally, take to the trees. On its acclaimed canopy walk, a boardwalk extends straight into the forest canopy, suspending visitors an astonishing 75 feet above the forest floor. The experience truly feels as though you're floating in a dreamy, fairy tale forest!
Bardstown is hailed as Kentucky's most enchanting small town; a place that is filled with history, lovely restaurants and cafes, shops, and My Old Kentucky Home State Park. There's plenty to do here to keep you busy for an entire day, or better yet, stay in one of the delightful B&Bs nearby and make a fall weekend of it.
Speaking of Bardstown, the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is one of the best Kentucky day trips any time of year, but it has certain appeal in the fall. As the weather cools, the bourbon seems to taste even better and the properties of these beautiful distilleries come to life with vibrant fall color.
What would fall be without a trip to a haunted house? And why not go to one of the most terrifying places for the ultimate experience? The Waverly Hills Sanatorium is one of the most haunted places not only in Kentucky, but in all of America. Waverly Hills Sanatorium is a historic former hospital in Louisville that came close to being demolished. A historical society saved it and has offered tours, ghost hunts, and other events for several years.
5. Country Pumpkins - 1835 Sherman Mt. Zion Road, Dry Ridge, KY, 41035
Country Pumpkins is the ultimate "fall on the farm" experience, located in Northern Kentucky's Dry Ridge. Although it's just minutes from the highway, you'll love your time on this peaceful, working dairy farm where the staff is extremely friendly and the activities are festive and authentic. It's the perfect family day trip to find that one-of-a-kind pumpkin in the patch, take a hayride, and try your luck at a massive corn maze.
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6. Belle Of Louisville Riverboats - 401 W. River Rd. Louisville, KY, 40202
You may not think of taking a riverboat cruise in the fall, but now is actually an excellent time to hop aboard one of these historic boats. The Belle Of Louisville Riverboats has cruises through October, so you can still enjoy the sightseeing, history, and food while also taking advantage of lovely autumn scenery.
7. Big South Fork Scenic Railway - 66 Henderson St. Stearns, KY, 42647
Enjoy the brilliant fall foliage in Kentucky aboard the Big South Fork Scenic Railway. The 14-mile trip is full of scenic vistas, lush vegetation and mountain streams as the train descends 600 feet into the Big South Fork River Gorge. It's an unforgettable fall excursion.
8. Natural Bridge State Resort Park - 2135 Natural Bridge Rd, Slade, KY, 40376
All of the Kentucky State Parks are favorite fall destinations, but Natural Bridge State Resort Park holds a special charm this time of year. Witness one of our state's spectacular natural wonders and through October, take a trip up the skylift for the best views of the colorful foliage in Kentucky in the fall.
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If only we could fit in all of these fun day trips in Kentucky in one short season -- the weeks in September and October fill up fast! Luckily, there's always next year, too. How many of these fall day trips have you taken? Do you have another favorite spot in Kentucky to explore during the fall? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
Wondering when fall foliage will peak in your next of the woods? Kentucky in October is generally prime fall foliage season, and you can learn more about what and when to expect the best leaf-peeping conditions in this article.
Hitting the road on a day trip in Kentucky? Take a look at our Ultimate Road Trip Packing List for all the things you need for a comfortable car ride.
