A great place to learn about Noah's Ark, especially for me because I am not very familiar with the…read morestory. I'd been hearing about the Ark Encounter from friends for years, so we finally made the trip over the Fourth of July weekend. Ideally you can spend a half a day here... My pro tip: get there early, especially on weekends. There are huge crowds and while there's plenty of parking, it's $15 fee and you'll take a shuttle to the Ark. If you don't want a long walk in the full sun or long shuttle lines, arrive early or wait until a couple of hours before closing. Inside the venue there are plenty of clean bathrooms on every level. Be prepared to do a lot of reading and exploring. It's fascinating to see how they explain everything from food storage and waste to daily life aboard the Ark, along with exhibits covering the Ice Age and biblical history like Adam and Eve. I'd recommend this more for adults or older kids. Younger children might lose interest quick since many of the exhibits are reading based. We visited during a heat wave, so we skipped the zoo, restaurants, and zip lines outside. My only downside is that admission is a little pricey, especially since those attractions aren't included with the ticket but the park is well kept, so clean. The staff were amazing, super friendly and very knowledgeable.

I'm giving another review. Since my last visit was 4 years ago. I'm sticking with 3.5 stars…read more Again- staff was very friendly. Ark is jaw dropping and very awe inspiring. We felt like this attraction though is such a money grab especially for it being in the middle of nowhere. Many things are extra. And I didn't care for the amount of things that were about the man who built the Ark. I feel biblically - it shouldn't be about him. Many of his items were for sale in the gift shop, many movies were pertaining to him and lots of exhibits were about him and his opinion. I felt like there was almost less to do inside the Ark than my first visit but maybe I'm wrong. Buffet was good value for what you get. I'd recommend going a little before lunch. We didn't wait at all. The zoo was cute, you can pet a kangaroo- but was a bummer it's only on the path. So if a kangaroo doesn't cross the path you can't pet it. Zoo keeper was pretty abrupt about that. Eagle and barn animals were cool! Camel encounter costs extra. As well as gem mining and the Virtual Reality is extra too. Playground area was a hit for our kids. (This is free and included) We spent less than four hours here and we felt we did everything we could that was included in our ticket. We skipped the gift shops as it was very overpriced.

The Kentucky Military History Museum is an excellent source for those who wish to further their…read moreexegesis of Kentucky Civil War History. One prime example of this Civil War Kentucky History is to read my recently published Ky. Civil War historical fiction novel about the Ky. Battle of Mill Springs entitled, "The Parsons' Sons" (ISBN 978-1-946250-38-4). It has been approved and accepted into the Research Collections of The Filson Historical Society as well as The Battle of Mill Springs National Battlefield Center and Cemetery in Nancy, Kentucky. I wish to send a complementary copy of this Ky. Civil War novel to The Kentucky Military Historical Society and also to The Kentucky Military Historical Museum. Would you please advise as to whom I may send these two complementary copies to achieve my objective. Much Thanks, Dr. John Mark Carter, Professor Emeritus Kentucky Colonel, Listed in Multiple Editions of Who's Who Among America's Teachers Member of The Filson Historical Society Facebook for Other Universities and Public Libraries Now Carrying the Novel: John Mark Carter. E-mail: jmcarter1948@gmail.com Five Stars for The Kentucky Military Museum

The Kentucky Military History Museum admission is included with admission to the Old State Capitol…read morebuilding. Our family visited last week. The building, complete with turrets, served as the second state arsenal after fire destroyed the first building near the Old State Capitol. Architect Nathaniel Cooke designed the arsenal in the 1850s. The arsenal was captured by the Confederates during the Civil War but later reclaimed by Union troops. Today, the building serves as a museum of weapons, artillery and memorabilia from early U.S. wars through present. I found, of most interest, the stories and memorabilia of Kentucky residents that served in various wars. There are two floors of museum, which are accessible by elevator or stairs. The museum is immaculate. A curator is available to answer questions. Free parking is available in their dedicated lot. The museum is worth a visit if you like military history.

If you are even remotely interested in American history, presidential families, or powerful women…read moreahead of their time, stop scrolling and just go. The Mary Todd Lincoln House is a beautifully preserved window into the early life of a complex First Lady and the turbulent times she lived through. We opted for the guided tour, and it was absolutely the right choice. Phillip was our guide, and he didn't just recite facts. He gave perspective. Thoughtful, objective, and deeply knowledgeable, he handled the complicated dynamics of a slave-owning border state with grace and clarity. He was also incredibly kind in his portrayal of Mary Todd Lincoln, helping us see her not as a caricature, but as a layered, resilient, and deeply human figure. Each room is meticulously curated. Not every item was original to the Todd or Lincoln families, but everything was period appropriate and helped tell the story. The artifacts weren't just on display. They became part of the narrative, which made it all the more engaging. What surprised me most was how much the visit made me reflect on grief ... her profound losses, her perseverance, and the emotional weight she carried as First Lady during the Civil War. It gave me a new respect for her. And even better? My wife, who is not a big history buff, was the one who suggested we go, and she loved it. That says a lot. The whole tour ran a little over an hour and was the perfect pace. Despite the unseasonably hot June day, the air conditioning kept us comfortable, and the staff were welcoming from start to finish. Bonus points for the gift shop, it's small, but full of genuinely cool and thoughtful items. Well worth the money. Perfect for history buffs, curious minds, and even the skeptics. Educational, immersive, and honest. This isn't just a house. It is a home full of stories. And thanks to Phillip, we walked out with a deeper understanding of the people and times that shaped a presidency and a nation.

We wanted to prove to ourselves that we were capable of doing something besides bourbon in…read moreLexington LOL, so we stopped here for a historical fix and were glad we did. For $15 each we could wander through the rooms as long as we didn't touch anything or sit on anything. No guided tour in the morning but there was someone downstairs who cheerily answered our questions. There's a small gift shop. Small but very pretty garden. And everything is nicely air conditioned. Parking lot is small and tight, with overflow parking available next door.

I went to the International Museum of the Horse to see the current exhibit on the history of the…read morehorse in Japan. It would be of interest especially to horse people as much of it honors Japan's great thoroughbred racehorses, including Kentucky bred Sunday Silence who became a sire of note in their breeding industry. There is memorabilia as well as replays of memorable races. This is a temporary exhibit and will be available until year end. 77

Went here on a field trip and it was pretty fun.It was pretty empty the day we went but still…read moreenjoyable. The real winning race horses that they brought out and showed us were cool. Overall an 8/10 would go again

This is not as big as other children's museums but is still fun and well kept. There were a range…read moreof activities for different ages and it's conveniently located to lunch places.

This is a wonderful place to bring your children. My 2.5 year old grand]daughter loved it. A hidden…read moregem in Lexington.

Very interesting little museum with lots of stuff. The owner was a joy to talk to as well.read more

This is a fascinating place right here in downtown Somerset. Absolutely fantastic experience. This…read moreis such a neat museum. Don't let the size fool you, there's plenty of stuff to look at. If you're a paranormal or cryptozoology fan, this place you should check out is in Somerset, KY. For those of you who are into merch, the gift shop has everything from shirts with rad designs, keychains, pins, stickers, etc. If you have questions the staff was incredibly knowledgeable and makes you feel so welcome. Fantastic addition and must stop place for any Kentucky road trip. There is a lot of local information in the Pulaski County area. Centered in the basement floor of the 100 yr. Old Carnegie Community Arts Center building ( old Pulaski Co. Library)Also, it's a great place to take the kiddos for a day trip.

I went home for Christmas and took my great nieces and nephews to the Highland Museum & Discovery…read moreCenter. This museum wasn't open when I lived in the area, so I was excited to check it out. We first walked through the section of country music artists from Kentucky. Some popular ones on exhibit included the Judd's, Loretta Lynn and Billy Ray Cyrus. We learned about the early civilization of native Americans in Kentucky. There was a Kentucky clothes exhibit that dated pretty far back and up through the 80's. Then we checked out the basement, which was a total kid's zone. They loved it! There was a McDonald's, an old phone booth, dark tunnels for exploring. They all loved the boat cockpit which included all the controlles. There was a front porch with a swing. A puppet area and even an old piano. I was impressed with the museum. We went in December, and there were lots of beautiful Christmas trees and ginger bread houses on display in the atrium that were created and donated by local businesses. There was an area for the kids to write letters to Santa. This is a perfect place for kids to learn and play. And yes, the adults can learn too;)

What a cool place in the middle of ....Ashland?!?! Not far from WV in Ashland, KY lies this place…read more It is where my children got to be: astronauts, tree huggers, scientists, supermarket clark, bankers, archaeologists, and a McDonald's cashier. By looking through the front window, you would never know that this place has a bottom floor filled with a ton of things that will help a child's mind run wild with creative ideas. Some of the local schools and companies donated towards this project and it is great. My favorite part was the space shuttle area where we could talk into microphones and make our voices sound different. I was talking from the "headquarters" and my children were responding from the space shuttle in space. They loved digging for the dinosaur bones too in the rubber pit (which is very shallow--maybe 4 inches deep). So with every great experience, I like to point out something that needs improvement. For this place, the bathrooms need to be updated/worked on/fixed. In the men's room the toilet was broken (not that I went in there). In the woman's bathroom, 1 stall was out of order and the other toilet leaked from the base when you flushed it. This is gross! On the main floor of the building they had some Christmas trees displayed and well as a gingerbread house contact. Oh, they also have this amazing sound wall where you touch the different shapes in order to make different noises. They also have a country music exhibit. Who knew that my man, Billy Ray, shook his achy breaky heart in this town. same with the Judd's. I wonder if this is where Miley comes to visit too. Anyways, when you have nothing to do when visiting this area...now you do!

Advice and Caution: $7 Cash only per Adult admission. No Toilets, No Drinking Water, No AC, Very…read morehot in Summer, Not handicapped accessible. Allot of stairs and walking. Be prepared ahead of time by getting a bottle of water and using a bathroom in Georgetown downtown beforehand. Tour was over an hour long. Don't let that discourage you, I had an incredible time! Arrived 5 minute drive outside of Downtown and parking is in the Lawn. Extremely impressive Greek Revival Mansion - took my breath away Architecture wise. My husband and I thought we would see if there were any tours available and there was nothing scheduled. Basically when you arrive some one will immediately take you on Tour which was nice. Tour Guide was very lovely and was very knowledgeable. I fell inlove with the ornate plaster moldings and medallions. The Oval Staircase is 1 of 2 in the US and is an amazing experience to go down from the top! 99% of all the Gorgeous Antiques are not original to the house owners, but are Extremely Fine rare pieces found in Museums and high end Galleries. Ward Hall is privately run and is in great need of donations for its Upkeep. It's still one of the Most Beautiful Mansions I've ever visited and I highly recommend touring. Check their website for Dates and Times they are open!

Ward Hall is one of the most beautiful examples of Greek revival architecture. The double…read moreelliptical staircase is not to be missed! A chance to glimpse into another time. The grounds were being tended by volunteers who were doing a great job. The lawn is attractive and fairly flat around the house and easy to navigate. There are a few interesting outbuildings and a slave grave yard. The house is filled with period antiques and reproductions. This is a definite must see!

This is a hidden jewel--or perhaps just a rather isolated one. Even if you live in Cincinnati or…read moreCleveland, this is so worth the drive. The contemporary exhibitions are excellent and the collection of artifacts from nearby Indian mounds is extraordinary! Admission is free. I spent ages looking at things. Fascinating. Sorry I'm not posting more pictures of the modern gallery--just go see for yourself, those exhibitions change all the time.

Excellent free museum. Rotates some exhibits with other centers. Kid friendly, great air…read moreconditioning, immaculate restrooms. Walking distance from Loft coffeehouse (do them together!)