Kentucky is home to several national parks that offer visitors and residents alive a chance to explore the state’s unique landscapes and history. From the depths of Mammoth Cave to the scenic beauty of the Cumberland Gap, these national parks in Kentucky are a must-see for anyone visiting state.
You can learn a lot by visiting these parks. These parks have rich history which tells the story of the civil war and other past events embedded in them. In this article, I show some of the prominent national parks in Kentucky that you might consider visiting.
List of 7 Popular National Parks in Kentucky
Below are 7 prominent national parks in Kentucky that you may consider visiting soon:
1. Mammoth Cave National Park
Mammoth Cave National Park in central Kentucky has the world’s longest known cave system. Among the national parks in Kentucky, Mammoth Cave National Park is where visitors can get a glimpse of what caves looked like and how people in the past made use of them as shelter. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave, hike the park’s trails, or explore the Green River, which flows through the park.
2. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park
Located in the southeastern corner of Kentucky, Cumberland Gap National Historical Park is one of the national parks in Kentucky that preserves the history of the early pioneers who traversed the gap on their way west.
This park with its rich history allows visitors to take a walk around while learning about it’s wonderful past. Visitors can explore the Cumberland Gap National Historical park’s hiking trails, tour historic buildings, and take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. There are also other fun activities and exhibits that can be viewed at the park.
3. Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area
Located on the Kentucky-Tennessee border, Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area is a scenic wilderness area that offers visitors a chance to explore some of the most rugged landscapes in the region.
This national park in Kentucky offers a great view and it is a perfect place to use as a recreational area for families to enjoy picnics. Visitors can also participate in fun activities while at the park. Visitors can hike the park’s trails, go horseback riding, or take a scenic drive along the Big South Fork River.
4. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Located in central Kentucky, Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is one of the national parks in Kentucky which serves as a tribute to the life and legacy of one of America’s greatest presidents; Abraham Lincoln.
Visitors can take a walk around and tour the park’s historic buildings while viewing exhibits about Lincoln’s life. Visitors can also take time to explore the park’s hiking trails while hiking and engaging in other fun activities.
5. Camp Nelson National Monument
Camp Nelson national monument is one of the prominent national parks in Kentucky that you should consider visiting soon. This park allows visitors to learn and understand the travails of the civil war. The grounds of the camp Nelson national monument was once used as a base or supply depot.
It was also a ground which served as refugee camp and training centre for African American soldiers. Visitors can walk round the park while viewing different monuments of the civil war.
Visitors can learn about how the soldiers loved in the barracks and how the era of slavery was necessary to be put to an end. There is just so much to learn about the history of the country in this park.
6. Fort Donelson National Battlefield
This is another national park in Kentucky that was formerly home to soldiers during the civil war. This park harbors the rich history of what transpired during those times.
Today, the park is well designed and beautiful to behold which now perfectly hides the dark side of its former self. The civil war battle in 1862 ensured bloodshed and a majority of the activity occurred here at this place which gives it the name Fort Donelson national battlefield.
The remains of Fort Heiman and Fort Donelson can still be seen today in the park where it was used to commemorate the war veterans.
7. Mills Springs Battlefield
Mill Springs Battlefield is a national park in Kentucky which has a fascinating rich history. A visit to Mill Springs Battlefield National park tells the story of one of the most significant early victories for Union forces during the Civil War.
The battle took place on January 19, 1862 and over 150 Confederates and 50 Federal soldiers were killed. The park is open to visitors to learn about this fascinating history of war victories and also view the different monuments and exhibitions at the museum situated inside the park.
In conclusion, the national parks in Kentucky offer visitors a chance to explore some of the most unique and beautiful landscapes in the country. Whether you’re interested in history, hiking, or simply taking in the stunning natural scenery, these parks are a must-see for anyone visiting the Bluegrass State.
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