Prestonsburg KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Prestonsburg, Kentucky.
1. Mountain Arts Center
MUSIC & PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Mountain Arts Center is a state-of-the-art performance venue in Prestonsburg that hosts concerts and cultural events throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy live music performances, theatrical productions, and various artistic exhibitions in this premier entertainment facility. The center serves as a cultural hub for Eastern Kentucky, showcasing the region's rich musical heritage and artistic talents.
2. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers visitors a complete outdoor experience with lodging, camping, boating, and hiking opportunities. The park features beautiful Dewey Lake, miles of scenic trails, and comfortable accommodations at May Lodge. Nature enthusiasts can spot diverse wildlife while enjoying recreational activities throughout all four seasons.
3. East Kentucky Science Center and Planetarium
EDUCATIONAL SPACE EXPERIENCE
The East Kentucky Science Center and Planetarium provides an immersive learning experience with interactive exhibits and spectacular celestial shows. Visitors can explore scientific concepts through hands-on displays and witness breathtaking projections of the night sky in the state-of-the-art planetarium. The center offers educational programs for all ages, making science accessible and engaging for the entire family.
4. Jenny Wiley Theatre
LIVE THEATER PRODUCTIONS
Jenny Wiley Theatre delivers professional theatrical performances in the heart of Eastern Kentucky. Audiences can enjoy a variety of productions ranging from Broadway musicals to classic plays in an intimate setting. The theater enriches the cultural landscape of Prestonsburg with its commitment to artistic excellence and community engagement.
5. Levisa Fork River
SCENIC PADDLING ADVENTURE
The Levisa Fork River provides an 8-mile paddle ride through the picturesque landscapes of Eastern Kentucky. Kayakers and canoers can navigate gentle waters while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding Appalachian Mountains. The river offers a peaceful escape into nature with opportunities to spot local wildlife along its tree-lined banks.
6. Elk Viewing Tour
MAJESTIC WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Elk Viewing Tours in Prestonsburg give visitors a chance to observe magnificent elk in their natural Appalachian habitat. Wildlife enthusiasts can grab their binoculars and witness these powerful herbivores walking through the thicket of the scenic mountains surrounding the city. These guided tours provide educational insights about the successful reintroduction of elk to Eastern Kentucky while offering unforgettable wildlife photography opportunities.
7. Bull Creek Flea Market - Trade Center
UNIQUE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Bull Creek Flea Market - Trade Center offers a diverse shopping experience with numerous vendors selling everything from antiques to handcrafted goods. Visitors can browse through a wide array of items including local crafts, collectibles, and unique treasures while interacting with friendly local merchants. The market showcases the entrepreneurial spirit of the region and provides a glimpse into Appalachian culture through its various offerings.
8. Appalachian Wireless Arena
PREMIER EVENT VENUE
Appalachian Wireless Arena in nearby Pikeville is Eastern Kentucky's premiere performance and event venue that can host everything from intimate gatherings to concerts seating 7,000 spectators. The multi-level facility features full-service food and beverage options ranging from quick snacks to gourmet dinners. Located in the heart of downtown Pikeville, this modern arena attracts major touring acts and events to the region, enhancing the entertainment options available to Prestonsburg visitors.
9. Country Music Highway Museum
CELEBRATING MUSICAL HERITAGE
The Country Music Highway Museum in Paintsville honors the rich musical legacy of Eastern Kentucky, showcasing memorabilia from famous artists who hail from the region. Visitors can explore exhibits dedicated to country music stars like Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, and Dwight Yoakam who got their start along this legendary highway. The museum preserves the authentic sounds and stories of Appalachian music, providing insight into how this cultural heritage has influenced American music.
10. Mountain Homeplace
LIVING HISTORY FARM
Mountain Homeplace is an 1850s working farm that invites guests to discover Eastern Kentucky's early history through interactive experiences. This 27-acre living museum features original buildings including a double-pen cabin, one-room schoolhouse, church, blacksmith shop, and barn with farm animals where costumed interpreters demonstrate daily life from the past. Visitors can explore Appalachian heritage while browsing the gift shop filled with locally crafted items and enjoying seasonal events at the 700-seat amphitheater.
11. Breaks Interstate Park
GRAND CANYON OF SOUTH
Breaks Interstate Park stretches across the Kentucky-Virginia border and features the spectacular gorge known as the 'Grand Canyon of the South.' Visitors can marvel at the five-mile gorge carved by the Russell Fork River and enjoy outdoor activities including hiking, mountain biking, and whitewater rafting. The park offers breathtaking overlooks, abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, and comfortable lodging options for those wanting to immerse themselves in the natural beauty.
12. Hatfield & McCoy Driving Tour
HISTORIC FEUD EXPLORATION
The Hatfield & McCoy Driving Tour takes visitors through the historic sites of America's most famous family feud which unfolded in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and West Virginia. Travelers can follow the self-guided route to discover authentic locations where significant events of the rivalry took place, complete with informative markers explaining their historical significance. The tour brings to life the compelling story that has become an integral part of Appalachian folklore and American history.
13. StoneCrest Golf Course
MOUNTAINTOP GOLFING EXPERIENCE
StoneCrest Golf Course offers an exceptional golfing experience atop a reclaimed mountaintop mining site with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Appalachian landscape. The challenging 18-hole championship course features dramatic elevation changes, strategically placed bunkers, and pristine greens that test golfers of all skill levels. Visitors can enjoy first-class amenities including a pro shop, driving range, and clubhouse while taking in the unique opportunity to play golf in such a remarkable setting.
14. Middle Creek National Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Middle Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of an important 1862 Civil War battle that helped secure Union control of Eastern Kentucky. Visitors can walk interpretive trails featuring informational markers that explain the strategies and significance of this conflict where future president James A. Garfield led Union forces to victory. The peaceful grounds now stand as a testament to the region's complex history during America's most divisive conflict, offering opportunities for reflection and historical understanding.
15. Samuel May House
HISTORIC BRICK MANSION
The Samuel May House is an impressively preserved brick mansion built in 1817 that stands as the oldest brick house in the Big Sandy Valley. Visitors can tour this Federal-style home which belonged to an influential early settler and politician, featuring period furnishings and architectural details that showcase early 19th-century craftsmanship. The historic house offers a glimpse into the region's pioneer past and the lives of prominent families who helped shape Eastern Kentucky's development.