On October 19, National Kentucky Day recognizes the 15th state to be granted statehood.

The Bluegrass State became the first to enter the union west of the Appalachian Mountains. Home to the Kentucky Derby, Fort Knox and the birthplace of one the nation’s most beloved presidents, Kentucky is bordered by rivers on three of its four boundaries.

Musical roots run deep in Kentucky.  There’s opportunity from ancient history to modern day to explore all variety of music the state holds dear.  Of course, it’s called The Bluegrass State for a reason!

When it comes to athletic pursuits, Kentuckians are skilled both on and off the court.  The Kentucky Derby, one of the jewels of the Triple Crown, takes place in May every year in Louisville. Founded in 1875, the derby holds many traditions, including serving mint juleps.

On the court and the field, they keep up a fierce rivalry with their Hoosier neighbors.  Basketball, in particular, has held a strong tradition in the state.

Daniel Boone blazed trails through Kentucky, and several state parks and sites bear his name.  Along those paths are all the natural wonders of Kentucky. From the Mammoth Caves (they are mammoth because they’re the longest in the world) to the national forests, crystal clear lakes and magnificent waterfalls.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalKentuckyDay

Join us as we recognize Kentucky’s hidden treasures and natural beauty. Uncover tucked away places and find all Kentucky has to offer! Use #NationalKentuckyDay to share on social media.

For a complete list of Kentucky State and National Parks & Historic Sites visit www.parks.ky.gov and www.nps.gov.  Check out a few of the featured sites around the state below. 

Abraham Lincoln Birthplace – Hodgenville

Cumberland Gap – Middlesboro

Mammoth Cave – Mammoth Cave

Boone Station State Historic Site – Lexington

Carter Caves State Resort Park – Olive Hill

E.P. Tom Sawyer State Park – Louisville

Perryville Battlefield – Perryville

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site– Wickliffe

MUSEUMS

Kentucky Derby Museum – Lousiville

Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory – Louisville

KMAC Museum – Louisville

Muhammad Ali Center – Louisville

Creation Museum – Petersburg

Kentucky Museum – Bowling Green

Civil War Museum – Bardstown

General George Patton Museum of Leadership – Fort Knox

Bluegrass Heritage Museum – Winchester

Kentucky Music Hall of Fame and Museum – Mt Vernon

The Lincoln Museum – Hodgenville

African American Heritage Center – Franklin

Notable People

Abraham Lincoln – President – (February 12, 1809 – April 15, 1865)


Kit Carson – Frontiersman – (December 24, 1809 – May 23, 1868)


Isaac Burns Murphy – Jockey – (January 1, 1861 – February 12, 1896)


Patty & Mildred Hill – Educator & Composer – (March 27, 1868 – May 25, 1946 & June 27, 1859 – June 5, 1916)

Patty & Mildred Hill - Educator & Composer

Garrett Morgan – Inventor – (March 4, 1877 – July 27, 1963)


John Scopes – Educator – (August 3, 1900 – October 21, 1970)

John Scopes - Educator

Cliff Hagan – Basketball Player – (December 9, 1931 – )



Loretta Lynn – Singer/Songwriter – (April 14, 1932 – )



Hunter S Thompson – Journalist – (July 18, 1937 – February 20, 2005)


Tyson Gay – Olympian – (August 9, 1982 – )

Tyson Gay - Olympian

Harriette Simpson Arnow – Author – (July 7, 1908 – March 22, 1986)