Hustonville KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hustonville, Kentucky.
1. Hustonville Christian Church
HISTORIC COMMUNITY WORSHIP CENTER
Hustonville Christian Church stands as a significant religious landmark in the small town of Hustonville. The church serves as both a spiritual gathering place and a historical point of interest for visitors to the area. Its architecture and community significance make it worth a visit for those interested in local culture and history.
2. Hustonville Baptist Church
FAITH IN RURAL KENTUCKY
Hustonville Baptist Church represents an important part of the religious heritage in this Kentucky community. The church building offers visitors a glimpse into local architectural styles and community values. Its presence in the town center makes it an easy stop on any walking tour of Hustonville.
3. Hustonville Haunted House
TERRIFYING SEASONAL ATTRACTION
Hustonville Haunted House has been delighting and terrifying visitors for over 30 years with its spine-chilling adventures. The attraction features three exhilarating experiences including The Final Exorcism, Creepers Corn Maze, and The Junction City Chainsaw Mascara. Open seasonally in the fall, this haunted house offers special events like the after-hours blackout night for those seeking an extra dose of horror.
4. Abraham Lincoln Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Abraham Lincoln Museum offers visitors a comprehensive look at the life and legacy of America's 16th president. Exhibits trace Lincoln's journey from his humble Kentucky beginnings to his presidency during one of the nation's most turbulent periods. The museum houses an impressive collection of artifacts, documents, and multimedia displays that bring Lincoln's story to life.
5. Stanford L&N Railroad Depot
HISTORIC RAILWAY STATION
The Stanford L&N Railroad Depot represents an important piece of transportation history in central Kentucky. This preserved station offers visitors insight into the crucial role railways played in the development of the region. Its historical architecture and exhibits make it a worthwhile stop for history enthusiasts and railroad buffs alike.
6. Wilderness Trail Distillery
CRAFT BOURBON EXPERIENCE
Wilderness Trail Distillery invites visitors to experience the art and science of Kentucky bourbon making in a picturesque setting. Tours guide guests through the entire distilling process, from grain to barrel, with opportunities to sample their award-winning spirits. The facility combines modern production techniques with time-honored Kentucky bourbon traditions, making it a must-visit for spirits enthusiasts.
7. Pioneer Playhouse
HISTORIC OUTDOOR THEATER
Pioneer Playhouse holds the distinction of being Kentucky's oldest outdoor theater, operating since 1950 in a charming rustic setting. Each summer season brings a variety of theatrical productions performed under the stars on warm Kentucky evenings. Visitors can enjoy dinner before the show and explore the theater grounds, which include historic buildings and memorabilia from the playhouse's storied past.
8. Centre College
PRESTIGIOUS LIBERAL ARTS CAMPUS
Centre College stands as one of the nation's premier liberal arts institutions, with a beautiful campus featuring Greek Revival architecture and modern facilities. Visitors can stroll through the historic grounds, view art exhibitions at the college's gallery, or catch sporting events and performing arts productions throughout the year. The college's Norton Center for the Arts regularly hosts nationally renowned performers and exhibitions open to the public.
9. Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL GROUNDS
Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site preserves the location of Kentucky's largest and most destructive Civil War battle. The 745-acre park features well-maintained walking trails with interpretive signs guiding visitors through the events of October 8, 1862. The on-site museum houses artifacts, interactive displays, and detailed information about the battle that helped keep Kentucky in the Union.
10. Constitution Square Historic Site
BIRTHPLACE OF KENTUCKY STATEHOOD
Constitution Square Historic Site commemorates the birthplace of Kentucky's journey to statehood, featuring reconstructed and original 18th-century buildings. Visitors can explore the courthouse where Kentucky's first constitution was drafted, the post office, and the governor's circle that together tell the story of early Kentucky governance. The beautifully maintained grounds in downtown Danville offer a peaceful setting to connect with the state's founding history.
11. McDowell House Museum
PIONEER MEDICAL HISTORY
The McDowell House Museum preserves the home and office of Dr. Ephraim McDowell, who performed the world's first successful abdominal surgery in 1809. The meticulously restored house and apothecary showcase medical practices and daily life from the early 19th century. Tours provide fascinating insights into frontier medicine and the groundbreaking procedure that saved Jane Todd Crawford's life and revolutionized surgical practice.
12. Penn's Store
AMERICA'S OLDEST COUNTRY STORE
Penn's Store claims the title of America's oldest country store continuously operated by the same family, dating back to the 1850s. The rustic wooden building sits along a creek and remains much as it was in the 19th century, offering visitors a genuine step back in time. The store hosts the annual Great Outhouse Blowout race each spring, a quirky event that draws visitors from across the region.
13. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
LIVING HISTORY COMMUNITY
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill encompasses 3,000 acres of preserved land and 34 original Shaker structures, making it the largest restored Shaker community in America. Visitors can explore meticulously restored buildings, observe demonstrations of Shaker crafts and farming techniques, and learn about the religious group's commitment to simplicity, equality, and innovation. The site offers immersive experiences including riverboat tours, hiking trails, and farm-to-table dining featuring ingredients grown on the property.
14. Great American Dollhouse Museum
MINIATURE HISTORICAL DISPLAYS
The Great American Dollhouse Museum showcases hundreds of meticulously crafted miniature buildings and scenes depicting American social history from the 1700s to the present. Visitors marvel at the incredible detail in the tiny furnishings, figures, and accessories that populate the museum's neighborhoods, businesses, and fantasy lands. The unique attraction appeals to art lovers, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates the extraordinary craftsmanship involved in creating these miniature worlds.
15. Old Fort Harrod State Park
KENTUCKY'S FIRST SETTLEMENT
Old Fort Harrod State Park features a full-scale replica of the fort that housed Kentucky's first permanent European settlement in 1774. Costumed interpreters demonstrate pioneer skills like blacksmithing, spinning, and weaving, bringing the challenging frontier life to vivid reality for visitors. The park also includes a museum of pioneer artifacts, the Lincoln Marriage Temple, and the George Rogers Clark Federal Monument honoring the Revolutionary War hero.