Small towns in Kentucky may be quiet, but they aren’t boring. Mind you, it isn’t like visiting a big city with different entertainment opportunities at every block, but what they lack in variety they make up for in charm. Our little communities with a population ranging from 1,000 to 7,500, are filled with good people, southern pride and surprising attractions. Here are 12 surprising things to see or do at small town attractions in Kentucky:

12. Cadiz

There are only 2,609, but it is home to one of Kentucky’s most renowned recreation areas, Lake Barkley, at 3500 State Park Road. It is part of the famed Land Between the Lakes area, which is a popular tourist attraction. The lake has some fantastic fishing opportunities, plus there are cabin rentals, camp sites, boat rentals, and hiking trails. There is also a nice variety of water fowl and wildlife for those who like to watch our furry and feathered friends in their natural habitat.

11. Cumberland

Though there are only 2,171 residents in this small town, in Kingdom Come State Park, you will have fun. It is at 502 Park Road. This is an absolutely gorgeous state park featuring natural bridges, miles of trees, rivers and a variety of wildlife. It is not uncommon to see the evidence of bear, as they make their home in the woods here. You can rent a cabin or do primitive camping, but if you go primitive, make sure and abide by the rules so as not to invite the wildlife to dinner. The serenity of this area is a special part of Kentucky.

10. Eddyville

The population in this town is 2,572 and some people might automatically relate the area to the penitentiary. The Venture River Water Park on 280 Park Avenue is a much more pleasant attraction, and well worth the visit. You can spend your afternoon sliding down water slides, floating in the pool or playing in the other water activities. It is amazing how much just floating in a pool can put you at ease on a hot Kentucky day.

9. Falmouth

This small town has 2,154 residents and is home to the beautiful Kincaid Lake State Park at 565 Kincaid Lake State Park Road. Kincaid Lake offers visitors the opportunity to rent boats, fish, swim, camp, hike or walk trails and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the 850 acre lake. If you are looking for more modern entertainment, there is a 9 hole golf course within the woodland paradise. Some cabin rentals are also available if tents or RVs are not your thing.

8. Jamestown

This small town has only 1,792 residents, but it holds the beautiful Lake Cumberland State Resort Park at 5465 State Park Road. This is a perfect spot to get away from the city and relax in Mother Nature. There is an abundance of activities for any age, including fishing, primitive or cabin camping, horseback riding, hiking and boat rentals. It is a perfect getaway for water enthusiasts of any age.

7. Raccoon

The human population is 4,347, but the actual raccoon population is unknown. These adorable little trash pandas tend to hang out near the beautiful Fish Trap Lake State Park on State Route 194 though, as fishing is good. This is not one of Kentucky’s biggest parks. In fact, it is actually more of a hidden gem that is often over looked in favor of the more commercialized tourist spots. It is a wonderful place to visit to escape the rest of the world and focus on nature for a while.

6. Whitley City

Three are only 1,170 residents here, but perhaps that is what has helped to preserve the beauty of the area. The gorgeous Yahoo Falls on Yahoo Falls Road is a serene place to visit, relax and enjoy a picnic. Our state doesn’t have a lot of waterfalls, but the ones we have are breathtaking. Not because of their size, but because of the surrounding beauty, serenity and peaceful ambiance.

5. Pineville

Population 1,845 in humans, but trees thrive here. This is home to the beautiful Pineville Mountain State Park at 1050 State Park Road, which is the first state park in Kentucky, opened in the 1920s. It has a lodge, rental cabins, gorgeous lands to hike, fish and relax in nature. This video shows you a variety of scenic areas and provides historic information about the area. Chained Rock is also located in this park, which is a huge boulder that hangs over the town. It was chained so it wouldn’t fall down and destroy said town.

4. Olive Hill

With a population of only 1,580, It is home to the beautiful Carter Caves State Resort Park at 344 Caveland Drive. Having only 20 magical caverns, this cave system is a fraction of the size of Mammoth Cave, but it does have some beautiful formations and exciting gem mining. You can camp, take a trail, try your luck with the gems, or even play golf at this beautiful area in the Bluegrass State.

3. Horse Cave

This small community has only 2,331 residents, but is home to two major attractions. The American Cave Museum and Hidden River Cave at 119 E Main Street, which offers a enlightening history of the area’s cave system and a cave tour. You can check out the unique species underground, like salamanders, and learn about the wondrous world of Kentucky’s underground. You can also go zip lining.

2. Horse Cave again

This small town is also home to the fantastic Australian experience, Kentucky Down Under, at 3700 L and N Turnpike. You can take a walk in the Outback without catching a plane here. Visitors get to experience a variety of Australian wildlife, including petting some very docile and adorable kangaroos.

1. Corbin

Corbin has 7,308 residents and is home to the beautiful Cumberland Falls State Park, at 7351 KY=90. This is the Niagara of the South and features the renowned moonbow. It is one of two places where the conditions are right for the moonbow to appear quite often. The serenity of the Falls is a perfect spot to relax and enjoy Mother Nature in all her glory. This video offers some nice photos of some amenities and a short clip of the moonbow forming:

These attractions in small town Kentucky are pretty big when compared to the population of the communities. If you love the charm of a small town but also want a little excitement or serenity, these places are worth a visit. Our list is just a portion of what Kentucky has to offer. What other small towns (with populations less than 7,500) with big attractions would you recommend?