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Tourist Attractions in Kentucky
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Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park, with more than 350 miles of explored
passageways, is the longest known cave system in the world! This
World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve supports
several species of rare animal life and many types of cave
formations, with the formative process still active today. Cave
tours are offered year round (except Christmas Day); and
reservations are recommended during summer, holidays and
weekends. Call the park for cave tour details, 502/758-2328,
then call Biosperics for reservations, 800/967-2283. The cave
temperature remains around 54 degrees, so dress appropriately.
Above ground, there are 52,830 acres of scenic protected forest
lands for camping, hiking, biking, fishing and horseback riding.
Mammoth Cave is between Louisville and Nashville off I-65 at
Exit 48 or 53. For information call: (502)758-2328
Land Between the Lakes
Land Between The Lakes (LBL) is the 40-mile-long peninsula that
lies between Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. It was developed by
the Tennessee Valley Authority as a national recreation area and
is now a World Biosphere Reserve. This vast outdoor playground
is a great vacation spot for the entire family. There is
fishing, boating, waterfront tent and RV camping, swimming,
hiking and unlimited chances to enjoy and learn about nature.
With more than 300 miles of undeveloped shoreline there are
plenty of places to "come outside and play." Begin at the Golden
Pond Visitor Center & Planetarium located midway along The
Trace, LBL's major north-south artery. Stargaze in the
planetarium and stop in the exhibit room to learn more about the
history of the people and traditions of the area. For
information call: (800)884-6558
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom
Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom is located in Louisville at the
intersection of I-264 and I-65 adjacent to the Kentucky Fair &
Exposition Center. It features Mile High Falls; Thunder Run,
ranked the "world's most terrifying roller coaster;" The Giant
Wheel; and T2- Terror to the Second Power - a suspended looping
roller coaster that will turn you upside down and inside out!
Then challenge yourself to Chang, the world's longest, tallest,
fastest and most inverted stand-up roller coaster, and the
largest vertical loop and the largest dive for any coaster!! And
for a different thrill, step to the rear and drop to the bottom
on Hellevator, a 15-story freefall ride! Or attempt two maniac
rounds of pure coaster adrenaline on Twisted Sisters, the
world's first dueling coasters. Tropical Hurricane Bay is a
7-acre water park including a 750,000-gallon wave pool,
children's activity area, water slide complex and an action
river tubing adventure. New to the park is The Batman Thrill
Spectacular, a heart-pounding action-packed stunt show featuring
state-of-the-art pyrotechnics, motorcycle madness and daredevil
stunts. Batman's arch nemesis, The Penguin has crafted a
chilling new white water adventure that includes waterfalls,
waves and the mysterious Penguin's Lair. Along the way, this
criminal mastermind has sprinkled in a few chilling surprises
for those who dare to ride The Penguin's Blizzard River. In all,
there are more than 70 rides and attractions for all ages. The
park is open weekends only in April, May, Sept, Oct and daily
June-August. For information call: (800)-SCREAMS
Churchill Downs Race Track
Churchill Downs Race Track is Louisville's best-known and
most-visited attraction. On the first Saturday of every May,
America's best three-year-old Thoroughbreds assemble at historic
Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. What has become known
as "the greatest two minutes in sports" is now one of the major
sporting events of the year. Millions watch on television while
over a hundred and twenty-five thousand watch in the shadows of
the famous Twin Spires. The Kentucky Derby is a race whose
format and purpose have not strayed far from the original
intentions of its founder, Meriwether Lewis Clark, in 1875. Col.
Clark, generally taking his lead from the famous English Derby
at Epsom Downs, established the Kentucky Derby as a race for
three-year olds at one mile and one-half, a distance later
reduced to the mile and one- quarter run today. Today the
Kentucky Derby is more than just a race; it is a season of the
year. Two weeks before the Derby, events become reasons for
various kinds of entertainment. From the Great Balloon Race, to
riverbank picnics enjoyed while the steamboats are racing down
the Ohio River, the fantastic fireworks display Thunder Over
Louisville and the Pegasus Parade, the people of Kentucky enjoy
entertaining long before the actual day of the Derby. The track
also hosts a two-month spring meet and a month-long fall meet.
The Kentucky Derby Museum, next to Churchill Downs, captures the
thrill of the Kentucky Derby every day in an exciting 360-degree
multi-image show. The museum has exhibits, computerized hands-on
displays, memorabilia and art to delight all ages. For racing
dates and further information call Churchill Downs,
502/636-4400. For information call: (502) 637-1111
Kentucky Horse Park
Located in Lexington, Kentucky, the Kentucky Horse Park is like
no other in the world. At the Park entrance, visitors are
welcomed by the majestic Man o' War memorial. One of the
greatest race horses to ever live, Man o' War symbolizes the
courage, strength, and magnificence of all horses. The Visitor
Information Center, introduces guests to the fascinating world
of horses with the spectacular film "Thou Shalt Fly Without
Wings." In the International Museum of the Horse, the largest of
its kind in the world, visitors learn about the 58-million year
history of the horse. The ring of the farrier's hammer and the
smell of new leather from the harness shop welcome visitors to
the Walking Farm Tour. From April through October, the color,
sound, and excitement of the show ring is captured twice daily
in the Parade of Breeds. This half-hour presentation highlights
the unique characteristics of some of the park's 40 different
breeds. After the show, visitors have an opportunity to meet and
pet their favorite horses, and talk with riders. At the Hall of
Champions, legendary horses representing Thoroughbred,
Standardbred, and Quarter Horse racing are presented in three
daily presentations, April through October. A relaxing way to
see and learn about the park is aboard a covered wagon pulled by
a team of gentle draft horses. Surrey rides, guided trail rides,
and pony rides are also available. For information call:
(606)233-4303
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