If you were a resident of Sinking Spring, Kentucky, on February 12, 1809, you might have congratulated your neighbors Thomas and Nancy Lincoln on the birth of their new baby boy, Abraham. While he would only spend two years living in the small log cabin at this site, his family would move to nearby Knob Creek, where the boy would live until he was 7 years old. Of course, this boy who roamed across the gently rolling hills with his family would one day grow up to reunite a nation during the Civil War. In order to commemorate the great things that he accomplished, the residents of this area banded together to create two memorials, one at each place, to celebrate the time he and his family spent there. Today, that site is the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park.
The rolling hills of the Bluegrass State, located about two hours south of Indianapolis, are a fun place to explore, so bring your RV. If you do not have an RV, renting one on RVshare.com is the way to go thanks to the easy rental terms and outstanding roadside assistance.
There are short paths with fantastic scenery to visit at both Sinking Spring and Knob Creek. Tour the museum at the Knob Creek location to see the cabin where Abraham Lincoln was born. Enjoy seeing the first Lincoln monument that nearby residents raised the money to build.
Hiking TrailsYahoo Arch Trail in Daniel Boone National Forest begins at the Yahoo Overlook off Kentucky 700 and continues until it intersects with the Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail. The beginning of this hike follows an old roadway. It then runs down a cliff where you can see the 17-foot-tall Yahoo Arch. There is also a smaller arch on your left.
Daniel Boone National Forest KY 700 Whitley City, KY 42653
1 Mile
Moderate
The Shelltowee Trace National Recreation Trail runs through deep hemlock gorges and up piney, craggy summits in the Daniel Boone National Forest and Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area. The trail also passes through Cumberland Falls and Natural Bridge State Resort parks and the Big South Fork National Recreation Area before ending at Pickett State Park.
Starts off KY 377 near Morehead, KY 40351
319 Miles
Strenuous
Gray’s Arch Trail is a moderately used trail in the Red River Gorge Geological Area. It starts from the Gray’s Arch Picnic Area and follows the Tunnel Ridge Road for about 0.4 miles before cutting through the gorge to the arch. The natural stone arch is one of the biggest in this location.
Red River Gorge Geological Area Robbie Ridge Road, Stanton, KY 40380
1 Mile
Easy
SightseeingWith its more than 53,000 acres, you can find a lot to do at Mammoth Cave National Park. Start by taking a tour of the main cave. There are many miles of hiking and biking trails, and you can bring along your fishing rod so that you can see what is biting in the river. There are also several historic churches and cemeteries to explore.
Mammoth Cave, KY 42259
Take the 45-minute guided cave tour to see this cave’s fabulous stalactites and stalagmites. Once back above ground, visit the Kentucky Down Under Adventure Zoo, where you can pet a kangaroo. Rent a golf cart to explore this scenic property or try your hand at gem mining.
L&N Turnpike Road, Horse Cave, KY 42749
MuseumsYou will feel like you went on a trip around the world as you tour the Mammoth Cave Wildlife Museum. Start with your tour group by seeing the insects and butterflies before moving on to seeing taxidermied animals from around the world. Each of the animals in this 14,000-square-foot museum sits in a diorama depicting their natural habitat.
409 E Happy Valley Street, Cave City, KY 42127
See many cars from the 1900s to 1960s at the free Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum. Check out the unique Dodge Bradesh, which the company built as a hunting vehicle for the ruler of Bradesh, a small kingdom in India. Other cars in the extensive collection include a 1933 DeSoto Airflow sedan, a 1930 Humpmobile Victoria, and a 1910 Brush.
1080 N Dixie Highway, Elizabethtown, KY 42701
Nearby Shops and RestaurantsIf primitive and farmhouse are your favorite décor styles, check out Stacy’s Simple Stuff. You can browse in this small store for several hours because of the amount of merchandise displayed. They often carry seasonal décor.
1025 Main Street, Shelbyville, KY 40065
If you are a woman looking for new comfortable clothing, peruse the selection at Carolyn Janes. This store has been in business since 2017 and is owned by a mother and daughter team who hope to make finding clothes for casual wear easier.
110 North Lincoln Boulevard, Hodgenville, KY 42748
Get your favorite Southern comfort foods at Hodgenville Grill, or try their outstanding ribeye steaks. You will love the laid-back country décor at this restaurant.
704 South Lincoln Boulevard, Hodgenville, KY 42748
If you want barbecue ribs or brisket, head to Arrowhead BBQ. They also make outstanding hamburgers with grilled onions, jalapeños, and cheddar cheese. You will also want to try their delicious house-made desserts like German chocolate cake and peanut butter pie.
621 Tanner Road, Hodgenville, KY 42748
It is easy to get to Abraham Lincoln National Historical Park from Hodgenville. Head north on Lincoln Boulevard. Once you get to the traffic circle, exit on US-31E South/South Lincoln Boulevard. Continue for about three miles and turn right on Park Main Entrance where you will arrive at the park.
2995 Lincoln Farm Road Hodgenville, KY 42748
Fee: Entry Fee (Per Person)
There is no entry fee.
See a recreated cabin like the one that Abraham Lincoln was born in at the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park. The area residents gathered the funds to build the first memorial here before one honoring him was constructed on the National Mall. While the Knobs Creek Unit only has a park ranger available during the summer months, you can visit this site year-round. There is plenty to do in the area, including hiking, sightseeing, and dining. Be sure to bring your RV so that you can enjoy camping in this beautiful area of the Bluegrass state. If you do not have an RV, then rent one on RVshare.com.
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