Worth the Drive: 8 museums across Kentucky to visit this spring
It's no secret that there are many things to do and places to explore in Kentucky, including parks and monuments, but the commonwealth is also home to some memorable museums, including right here in Louisville.
From cars to sports, Kentucky's museums have plenty to offer, covering not only the history of the commonwealth, but exhibiting the impact the Bluegrass State has on the entire country.
While some great places like the Kentucky Derby Museum and the Louisville Slugger Museum are right here in town, if you're making plans to try a road trip this spring, here are some special sites to add to your list:
1. National Corvette Museum
350 Corvette Drive, Bowling Green; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Central daily
If you are a fan of cars, the National Corvette Museum is for you.
Along with seeing Corvettes from across the decades on display, people can take pictures inside the classic cars and there's even an activity area for children, according to the Kentucky Tourism page.
For an additional price, people can take a ride in a historic Corvette or drive a C6 Corvette in a racing simulator.
People visiting can enjoy go kart racing at the NCM Kartplex, located near the museum in the Motorsports Park.
More: From Corvettes to caves: Bowling Green is the perfect Kentucky getaway
2. Kentucky Railway Museum
136 S. Main St., New Haven; 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Tuesday-Friday, 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Saturday, 12-4:30 p.m. Sunday during the spring season.
The Kentucky Railway Museum offers a unique experiences by taking visitors on a 22-mile ride through Rolling Fork River Valley, according to the Kentucky Tourism webpage.
There are several trains for children and adults, including the Dinner Train, Mystery Train and Day Out With Thomas, according to the museum's website.
More: Kentucky Derby Museum named among top sports attractions in US in reader's choice awards
3. Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum
409 Happy Valley Road, Cave City; 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Central daily
This one is for animal lovers.
The Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum features 1,600 species of rare and exotic animals including tigers, bears and marine life, according to its website.
Dozens of species of rare insects are also on display at the museum's butterfly house, which is part of its 14,000 square foot facility.
More: Explore Mammoth Cave: Your guide to a unique Kentucky attraction, world's longest cave
4. The Lincoln Museum
66 Lincoln Square, Hodgenville; 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 12:30-4:30 p.m. Sunday
The best way to learn about the 16th President of the United States is in his home state of Kentucky.
The Lincoln Museum “brings to life the major events in Abraham Lincoln's life” through dioramas, artifacts and wax figures, according to the Kentucky Tourism website.
5. Great American Dollhouse Museum
344 Swope Drive, Danville; 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
Travel to Danville where you will see with more than 200 dollhouses and buildings that show the country’s social history in miniature form.
“Unlike the traditional museum configuration, the (Great American Dollhouse Museum) unfurls its exhibits in a vast, continuous landscape representing an American yesteryear,” the Kentucky Tourism website states. “Hundreds of antique and artisan-sculpted, historically-dressed citizens interact with family, friends and business associates in neighborhoods, rural lands and forests.”
6. Kentucky Military History Museum
128 E. Main St., Frankfort; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday
“The State Arsenal for more than 100 years and a Civil War-era munitions factory, this Gothic Revival style building houses the exhibits Kentucky Military Treasures and George M. Chinn: Sights Set on Innovation and 19th-century war records (available for use by appointment),” the museum’s website states.
People can enjoy a guided tour of the State Arsenal at 1 p.m. on the days the museum is open.
7. Kentucky Museum
1444 Kentucky St., Bowling Green; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday
There's much more to Kentucky than bourbon and horses and the Kentucky Museum at Western Kentucky University is a great road trip destination to do learn about it.
The museum features rotating exhibits so there's always something new to discover, but it also has permanent exhibits including the Jonesville Buon Fresco Mural, Lego Big Red (yes, THE Big Red) and Basketmaking: Our Handmade Heritage.
Some exhibits are closed or seasonal, therefore it is recommended to look online before making a trip.
8. International Museum of the Horse
4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington; Seasonal hours vary.
Both a museum and a research center, the International Museum of the Horse is a great destination for horse fanatics.
“The largest and most comprehensive museum in the world dedicated to exploring the important history of all horses and their impact on human civilization,” its website states.
Some of its current exhibits are the Legacy of the Horse, Black Horsemen of the Kentucky Turf and Draft Horse in America. The nearby Kentucky Horse Park also allows visitors to see and even pet live horses.
More: The Babe's special order and Ted Williams' returns: Dive into Slugger's private records
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Road trip ideas: 8 museums only found in Kentucky