Away from the Crowds in Kentucky

Ark Encounter in Williamstown lets visitors see the Biblical creation Noah’s ark, and have a chance to explore it. The 51-foot-high, 85-foot-wide, and 510-foot-long ark allows access to three decks that, together, form the nation’s largest timber edifice.

In the ark, visitors can enjoy an animatronic representation of Noah and his family, several animals that are now considered non-existent, plaques describing how each animal has evolved into the species we see today, and other such representations. Personal residences, common living areas, a kitchen, and a food storage area is also displayed among the exhibition. In addition, there is a zip line, a cafe, and a petting zoo.

Castle Post in Versailles was formerly known as the Martin Castle. It was constructed by a wealthy couple who wanted to build an American fortress. In 2004, the property was bought by Thomas R. Post, who worked on the abandoned castle and added a ballroom, a garden, and a library. In 2008 it opened to the public as a bed and breakfast.

The Chained Rock is located near the town of Pineville, which is in a narrow valley towered by a high cliff and an enormous rock. The rock looks like it could just roll and crush the entire town. To make sure that visitors would not worry about a runaway rock, a town resident named Headley Cart suggested that a chain should be attached to the rock. As a result, a 100-foot-long and 1.5-ton-heavy chain was attached to the rock.

The Colonel Harland Sanders Monument and Grave Site in Louisville is the final resting place of the well-known Colonel Sanders and his Kentucky fried chicken. Most everyone got to know this man after his secret recipe, along with his signature white goatee, black, round glasses, long bow tie, and grandfatherly charm, had become a nationwide phenomenon. He now rests at peace in the Cave Hill Cemetery, and his grave is marked by a bust of him wearing his emblematic suit, goatee, and tie, all created by his daughter, Margaret.

Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is home to Cumberland Falls, a lovely waterfall. Every full moon a “moonbow” appears over the falls, enhancing its beauty.

A moonbow, or lunar rainbow, appears in the sky because of reflection or dispersion of light.

Dewey Lake is located in eastern Kentucky in the Jenny Wiley State Resort Park. It is a lovely lake upon which visitors can boat and fish. Other recreation here includes camping and hiking. Along the shore are designated picnic spots.

Dinosaur World in Cave City is the most unusual amusement park in the US. It is an outdoor museum that is home to more than 100 lifelike dinosaurs; each has a detailed explanation of its type and characteristics. (pictured above) A giant T-Rex stands along I-65, welcoming visitors to Dinosaur World.

Visitors walk along the designated trail and learn about dinosaurs. There are fossil digs and a playground for the kids to enjoy, and a souvenir shop sells themed toys, fossils, educational games, books, and a selection of eggs.

Mantle Rock in Smithland is situated in the Mantle Rock Nature Preserve. It is a huge natural sandstone formation in the shape of a bridge. The geological formation is covered in bluffs, fluorite deposits, honeycomb formations, and a spectacular biodiversity. Mantle Rock was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2004. This is the site where hundreds of Cherokees, an indigenous tribe, camped for two weeks waiting to cross the Ohio River in 1839. Managed by the Livingston County Nature Conservancy, the Rock is a part of the Trail of Tears National Historic Trail that commemorates the harsh winters of 1838-39 when around 4,000 Cherokee migrants, unable to bear the extreme weather conditions, succumbed to death. Several Cherokees visit the site each year to pay their respects to the dead ancestors.