Wilmore KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wilmore, Kentucky.
1. High Bridge Park
HISTORIC RAILROAD MARVEL
High Bridge Park is home to the iconic High Bridge, which was the highest railroad trestle in the world when built in 1877. The park features a restored Victorian pavilion that extends beyond the cliff, offering panoramic views of the railroad trestle, limestone Palisades, and the Kentucky River. Visitors can enjoy picnicking facilities, a playground, and a museum while taking in the breathtaking scenery of the Kentucky River Gorge.
2. High Bridge
ENGINEERING MARVEL VIEWPOINT
High Bridge extends 275 feet above the Kentucky River and continues to be part of the busiest north-south railway route in the nation. This jaw-dropping engineering marvel offers Instagram-worthy photo opportunities from various vantage points in the park. Interestingly, there's a model of this impressive structure in the Smithsonian Institute, highlighting its historical and architectural significance.
3. The Family Center
CREATIVE ARTS HUB
The Family Center in Wilmore offers paint and pottery studios along with various creative workshops for visitors of all ages. Guests can participate in hands-on artistic activities and take home unique, self-made souvenirs of their time in Kentucky. The center provides a perfect indoor activity option for families looking to express their creativity while visiting the Wilmore area.
4. Wilmore Railside Museum
HISTORY IN A CABOOSE
The Wilmore Railside Museum is housed in a 1950s-era Southern Railway caboose filled with fascinating local artifacts. Visitors can learn about the lives of early settlers who made their homes in the region in the late 1700s through engaging exhibits. The unique museum setting adds an authentic touch to the historical experience, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
5. High Bridge Boat Ramp
RIVER ACCESS POINT
High Bridge Boat Ramp provides year-round, 24-hour access to the Kentucky River for boating enthusiasts. The facility features a paved surface and single launch lane suitable for any light trailerable recreational boat. For a small fee of $4 for canoes/kayaks or $5 for boats, visitors can enjoy a day on the water exploring the scenic Kentucky River.
6. High Bridge Homecoming Festival
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
The High Bridge Homecoming Festival takes place each August at the beautiful High Bridge Park. This annual celebration brings together locals and visitors to enjoy community activities, food, and entertainment against the backdrop of the historic bridge and Kentucky River gorge. The festival offers a perfect opportunity to experience local culture and traditions while enjoying the natural beauty of Wilmore.
7. Camp Nelson National Monument
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Camp Nelson National Monument was the third-largest African-American recruitment center during the Civil War and offers visitors a journey through this significant period in American history. The site features reconstructed army barracks and museum exhibits highlighting recreations of the post office, camps, and battle artillery. Visitors can explore five miles of interpretative trails that wind through the former encampment, providing both historical education and outdoor recreation.
8. Camp Nelson Cemetery
HISTORIC MILITARY BURIAL GROUND
Camp Nelson Cemetery serves as the final resting place for more than 2,000 Union soldiers who fought in the American Civil War. The solemn grounds offer visitors a chance to pay homage to the fallen while reflecting on the sacrifices made during this pivotal time in American history. The cemetery's peaceful setting provides a contemplative space for honoring those who served in the military during the nation's most divisive conflict.
9. Kentucky Wine Country
LOCAL VINEYARD EXPERIENCE
Kentucky Wine Country in Jessamine County offers visitors the chance to sample fine Kentucky wines in picturesque vineyard settings. Guests can tour the vineyards, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy tastings of locally produced varieties. The wineries provide a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere for experiencing Kentucky's growing reputation as a wine-producing region.
10. Horse Tours
BLUEGRASS EQUINE EXPERIENCE
Horse Tours in Jessamine County provide visitors with an authentic Kentucky horse country experience in the heart of the Bluegrass region. Guests can get up close with magnificent equines, learn about Kentucky's famous horse breeding industry, and possibly even enjoy horseback riding opportunities. These tours showcase why Kentucky is world-renowned for its equestrian heritage and offer memorable interactions with these majestic animals.
11. Hiking and Biking Trails
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Jessamine County's network of hiking and biking trails winds through the picturesque Kentucky landscape, offering outdoor enthusiasts miles of scenic pathways to explore. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Bluegrass region while enjoying activities ranging from casual strolls to challenging hikes or bike rides. The trails provide access to diverse ecosystems, panoramic viewpoints, and the chance to spot local wildlife in their natural habitat.
12. Shopping Districts
LOCAL RETAIL THERAPY
Jessamine County's shopping districts invite visitors to 'shop until you drop' with a variety of unique local stores and boutiques. Shoppers can find everything from Kentucky-made crafts and souvenirs to antiques and specialty items not available elsewhere. These charming retail areas combine shopping with local character, providing a more authentic alternative to generic mall experiences.
13. Local Restaurants
AUTHENTIC KENTUCKY CUISINE
Jessamine County's local restaurants offer visitors the chance to 'Eat & Drink Like a Local' with authentic Kentucky cuisine and regional specialties. Diners can sample traditional Bluegrass dishes prepared with locally sourced ingredients in establishments ranging from casual eateries to fine dining venues. The county's food scene provides a delicious way to experience Kentucky culture through its diverse and flavorful culinary traditions.
14. Kentucky River Palisades
DRAMATIC LIMESTONE CLIFFS
The Kentucky River Palisades feature dramatic limestone cliffs towering above the Kentucky River, creating one of the most spectacular natural landscapes in the region. Visitors can view these impressive geological formations from several vantage points, including the overlook at High Bridge Park in Wilmore. The ancient limestone walls, carved by millennia of river erosion, showcase Kentucky's fascinating geological history and provide habitat for unique plant and animal species.
15. Golf Courses
BLUEGRASS GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Jessamine County's golf courses offer players the opportunity to enjoy the sport amid the rolling hills and lush landscapes of Kentucky's Bluegrass region. Golfers can test their skills on well-maintained fairways and greens while taking in panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. These courses combine challenging play with scenic beauty, providing an excellent recreational option for visitors looking to spend time outdoors.