Perfect Spots for a Kentucky Picnic
Kentucky has some of the most beautiful places to throw down a picnic blanket and bust out the homemade fixings – Kentucky Proud and locally grown, of course. Here are 8 perfect locations for your next picnic!
#1 – Lake Cumberland
In addition to amazing boating and fishing opportunities, Lake Cumberland has picturesque spots for the perfect picnic. Picnic grounds have tables, grills, and playgrounds.
#2 – Columbus Belmont State Park
Located on the shores of the Mississippi River in far western Kentucky, this location was a strategic fort during the Civil War. Watch the barges float past along or marvel at the huge chain extended across the river during the Civil War to make it impossible to navigate for Union forces. After a devastating flood in 1927, the town of Columbus was destroyed except for the giant chain which remains today at the park. The park has picnic tables, grills and a playground as well as four picnic shelters.
#3 – High Bridge Park in Wilmore
High Bridge Park is a great spot to go get a breath of fresh air or take a picnic lunch. From vantage point of the park you can enjoy a view of the Kentucky River and the engineering landmark known as High Bridge. When built in 1877, High Bridge was the highest railroad trestle in the world. As part of the busiest north-south route in the nation, it is still used heavily today. The park features a Victorian style pavilion, picnic facilities and playground.
#4 – McConnell Springs – Lexington
This park is known as the “birthplace of Lexington” as explorer William McConnell’s party camped on this site in 1775 while venturing across Kentucky. The park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is an oasis in the middle of the city and the perfect picnic destination with a covered pavilion and nature center, amphitheater, wetlands and amazing wildflowers.
#5 – Louisville Waterfront Park
For another urban oasis, venture to the amazing Waterfront Park on the banks of the Ohio River in Louisville. The public park is an 85 acre green space with scenic walking and jogging paths, a playground and water splash park, and public art. The Big Four® Pedestrian and Bicycle Bridge is a converted railroad bridge connecting to southern Indiana which offers unparalleled views of the city, by foot or by Segway, available for rental.
#6 – Lincoln Homestead State Park
Pack a picnic lunch and find a quiet spot in the beautiful rolling hills of central Kentucky, where Abraham Lincoln’s parents were married at Lincoln Homestead State Park. The park features a replica of the 1782 cabin and blacksmith shop where his father learned his trade, split rail fences and interpretative information on pioneer life. Grounds are open year round with a picnic shelter, tables, grills, restrooms, playground and parking. Shelters are also available to rent.
#7 – Old Fort Harrod State Park, Harrodsburg
Bring a picnic and enjoy live music under the branches of the largest Osage orange tree in nation at Old Fort Harrod State Park, every Friday in June and July at noon. After your picnic, tour the recreated pioneer fort to learn the adventures of pioneer settlers Daniel Boone and James Harrod.
#8 – Berea Pinnacles
As a certified Kentucky Trail Town, Berea is a great place for hiking, biking and paddling. Indian Fort Trail at the Berea College Forest also known as the "Pinnacle Trails" has beautiful views and inviting, quiet spots just right for a picnic.