Russell KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Russell, Kentucky.
1. Great Wolf Lodge Water Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY AQUATIC ADVENTURE
Great Wolf Lodge Water Park offers an exciting indoor water park experience that's perfect for families looking to escape regardless of the weather outside. Visitors can enjoy numerous water slides, wave pools, and interactive water play structures in a temperature-controlled environment. The lodge also features themed rooms, restaurants, and various entertainment options beyond the water park.
2. Zoombezi Bay
THRILLING WATER RECREATION
Zoombezi Bay is a premier water park featuring numerous thrilling water slides, a wave pool, and lazy river for visitors of all ages. The park offers various dining options and private cabanas for those seeking a more luxurious experience. Adjacent to the Columbus Zoo, visitors can often purchase combo tickets to enjoy both attractions in one day.
3. Land of Illusion Adventure Park
SEASONAL THEMED ENTERTAINMENT
Land of Illusion Adventure Park transforms throughout the year to offer seasonal entertainment experiences including haunted attractions in fall and water adventures in summer. The park features Aqua Adventures, a floating water park with inflatable obstacles, slides, and climbing walls on a natural lake. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food vendors, and special events throughout the operating season.
4. Kentucky Splash WaterPark and Campground
OUTDOOR WATER RECREATION
Kentucky Splash WaterPark and Campground combines aquatic fun with overnight accommodation options for a complete family vacation experience. The water park features multiple water slides, a lazy river, wave pool, and dedicated areas for younger children. The adjacent campground offers various sites for tents and RVs, along with cabin rentals for those seeking more comfort.
5. Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
NATURAL WONDER DESTINATION
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park is home to the magnificent 68-foot waterfall known as the 'Niagara of the South' and is one of the few places in the world where visitors can witness a moonbow. The park offers extensive hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and horseback riding through beautiful forest landscapes. Visitors can stay at the rustic DuPont Lodge or in one of the park's cabins to extend their wilderness experience.
6. Natural Bridge State Resort Park
ICONIC SANDSTONE FORMATION
Natural Bridge State Resort Park features a spectacular natural sandstone arch that spans 78 feet and stands 65 feet high, formed over millennia by weathering and erosion. Visitors can hike to the top of the arch via several trails of varying difficulty, with the Original Trail providing the most direct route to this natural wonder. The park also offers accommodations at Hemlock Lodge, dining options, and seasonal recreational activities like canoeing and guided nature programs.
7. Red River Gorge
WORLD-CLASS CLIMBING DESTINATION
Red River Gorge is an internationally renowned rock climbing and hiking destination featuring dramatic sandstone cliffs, natural bridges, and unique geological formations. The area contains over 1,600 established rock climbing routes, attracting climbers from around the world who come to test their skills on the high-quality sandstone. Beyond climbing, visitors can explore more than 100 natural arches, dense forests, and scenic overlooks through an extensive trail system.
8. Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
LAKESIDE MOUNTAIN RETREAT
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park offers a serene escape nestled in the mountains of Eastern Kentucky along the shores of Dewey Lake. The park features comfortable lodging at May Lodge, with rooms offering beautiful lake views, along with cottages for more private accommodations. Visitors can enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, hiking trails, and seasonal entertainment at the park's amphitheater.
9. Kentucky Folk Art Center
UNIQUE CULTURAL SHOWCASE
The Kentucky Folk Art Center houses a remarkable collection of self-taught art that showcases the creative spirit and cultural heritage of the Appalachian region. The museum displays over 1,400 pieces of folk art, primarily created by Kentucky artists, reflecting the state's rich traditions and diverse perspectives. Visitors can explore changing exhibitions, educational programs, and a permanent collection that includes whimsical sculptures, intricate carvings, and vibrant paintings.
10. Breaks Interstate Park
GRAND CANYON OF SOUTH
Breaks Interstate Park straddles the Kentucky-Virginia border and features the deepest canyon east of the Mississippi, often called the 'Grand Canyon of the South.' The park offers breathtaking views of the Russell Fork River gorge, with overlooks providing spectacular vistas of the 1,600-foot deep canyon. Visitors can enjoy whitewater rafting, hiking trails, mountain biking, and lodging options that include a lodge, cottages, and campgrounds.
11. Pine Mountain State Resort Park
KENTUCKY'S FIRST STATE PARK
Pine Mountain State Resort Park, Kentucky's first state park, offers stunning mountain scenery and a rich variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. The park features the Chained Rock, a massive boulder seemingly chained to the mountainside, which can be reached via a moderate hiking trail that rewards visitors with panoramic views. Guests can stay at the rustic Herndon J. Evans Lodge, dine at the Mountain View Restaurant with its spectacular vistas, or enjoy golfing at the 9-hole course nestled in the mountain valley.
12. US 23 Country Music Highway Museum
CELEBRATING MUSICAL HERITAGE
The US 23 Country Music Highway Museum celebrates the rich musical heritage of Eastern Kentucky, honoring famous performers who were born or lived along this corridor including Loretta Lynn, Crystal Gayle, and Chris Stapleton. Exhibits feature memorabilia, instruments, costumes, and interactive displays that tell the stories of these influential musicians and their impact on country music. Visitors can enjoy regular live performances, special events, and a gift shop offering unique music-related souvenirs.
13. Kingdom Come State Park
LITERARY-INSPIRED MOUNTAIN PARK
Kingdom Come State Park, named after the novel by John Fox Jr., offers dramatic mountain scenery with massive rock formations, dense forests, and sweeping views of the Cumberland Plateau. The park's highlight is the awe-inspiring Raven Rock, a massive rock outcropping that soars 290 feet into the air, providing a stunning backdrop for photographs. Visitors can explore numerous hiking trails, enjoy picnic areas, and experience the natural beauty that inspired the famous novel set in this region.
14. Pikeville Historic District
CHARMING DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE
Pikeville Historic District showcases the city's rich heritage through well-preserved architecture, historic sites, and cultural attractions in a walkable downtown area. Visitors can explore the Hatfield-McCoy Feud sites, which provide insight into the infamous rivalry that captivated national attention in the late 19th century. The district features unique local shops, restaurants serving Appalachian cuisine, and regular community events that celebrate the region's mountain culture.
15. Kentucky Mine, Mill, and Railroad Museum
COAL MINING HERITAGE
The Kentucky Mine, Mill, and Railroad Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into the coal mining industry that shaped Eastern Kentucky's economy and culture. Guests can tour a genuine coal mine portal, see authentic mining equipment, and learn about the challenging lives of the miners who worked in these dangerous conditions. The museum includes exhibits on railroad history, company towns, and the social aspects of mining communities, providing a comprehensive understanding of this important regional industry.