Top 15 Must-Do Activities in Glasgow, KY

The seat of Barren County, Glasgow is situated on the outskirts of South Central Kentucky’s cave country, being the nearest sizeable town to Mammoth Cave National Park.

Mammoth Cave is recognized as the longest known cave system globally, captivating visitors since the initial days of Euro-American settlement in Kentucky.

While Mammoth Cave is undoubtedly a primary attraction, the sedimentary bedrock to the northwest of Glasgow is dotted with thousands of additional caves and sinkholes, many of which are accessible to the public.

This region is abundant with visitor attractions and operators providing outdoor activities such as horseback riding, canoeing, and zip-lining.

Regarding its name, Glasgow is located in an area settled by Scottish soldiers awarded land grants post-Revolutionary War. This heritage is commemorated on Memorial Day weekend with the Glasgow Highland Games.

1. Mammoth Cave National Park

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mammoth Cave National Park comprises rivers and verdant hills above a significant portion of this extensive cave system.

To date, over 420 miles of Mammoth Cave have been mapped, exceeding the next longest system significantly. It is evident why this is one of Kentucky’s foremost attractions, and partaking in a cave tour is vital for any visit.

These tours depart from the Visitor Center, with the only challenge being the selection from an extensive array of experiences, which include short and long walking tours, a fully accessible tour, lantern tours, and, for those seeking rugged adventure, specialized crawling tours.

Above ground, numerous activities await, including hiking, cycling, and horseback riding along 80+ miles of trails, paddling in the Green and Nolin Rivers, stargazing, or camping.

2. Diamond Caverns

If Mammoth Cave has piqued your interest in underground exploration, numerous other cave attractions are in proximity.

One such attraction is Diamond Caverns, discovered in 1859 by an enslaved individual near the road leading to Mammoth Cave.

The cave earned its name when the initial explorer likened the shining calcite formations found within to precious stones.

Since then, Diamond Caverns has remained on visitors’ itineraries, featuring thousands of magnificent and vibrant stalagmites, stalactites, and flowstone deposits embellishing the lofty chambers.

Your guide will respond to any geological inquiries you may have and will also highlight the unusual cave crickets inhabiting this extraordinary environment.

3. Crystal Onyx Cave

Continue with the subterranean theme at another stunning showcave located slightly closer to Glasgow on the southern side of Cave City.

Crystal Onyx resides on picturesque family-owned land encompassing Prewitt’s Knob, and a visit initiates with a trek to one of several sinkholes and caves dotting this landscape.

A descent down a steel and concrete stairway marks the commencement of an hour-long underground tour, providing you access to an astonishing variety of illuminated speleothems, offering ample opportunities for photographs and brief pauses.

Your tour guide will be engaging and full of fascinating facts and anecdotes.

4. Barren River Lake State Park

Located on Glasgow’s southwestern periphery is a reservoir exceeding 10,000 acres, constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1964.

Within every nook of Barren River Lake’s indented shoreline are campgrounds, recreational areas, marinas, and boat launches. Above all, this location serves as a prime destination for boating and fishing, replete with abundant stocks of bass, catfish, bluegill, and crappie.

Conveniently near Glasgow is Barren River Lake State Park, which features a marina with 100 slips, a well-regarded 18-hole golf course, picnic areas, playgrounds, hiking and biking trails, and various lodging and camping options.

5. Dinosaur World

This region, home to cave systems dating back millions of years, is fitting for a park featuring hundreds of life-sized dinosaur models.

Cave City’s Dinosaur World is an enjoyable experience for children, as they encounter velociraptors, massive sauropods, families of triceratops, and other prehistoric fauna, all set within a natural wooded environment.

These models adhere to recent scientific research and measure up to 80 feet in length. Each exhibit includes engaging informational labels, and many are interactive to inspire children’s imaginations.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food, and pets are welcome. Additionally, there’s a dinosaur-themed playground complete with slides and swings.

6. Brigadoon State Nature Preserve

Close to Barren River Lake is an exquisite expanse of old-growth forest that has never undergone commercial logging, with a history that dates back to the 1700s.

The preserve was officially dedicated by the Nature Conservancy in 1985 and has since expanded from 92 acres to 184 acres.

The primary habitats consist of mature maple, beech, and tulip poplar forests, providing a stunning display of wildflowers each spring, including several endangered and rarely observed species.

A variety of migratory and residential bird species have also been documented in this preserve. It features a well-marked trail that spans approximately a mile, showcasing interesting elevation changes and a picturesque stream crossing.

7. Ralphie’s Fun Center

A suitable venue for a family outing, Ralphie’s Fun Center offers a diverse array of attractions and activities all in one location. First, there is an 18-lane bowling alley, offering cosmic bowling on weekend evenings.

Furthermore, there is a nine-hole blacklight mini-golf course, a laser tag arena, a roller skating rink, virtual reality games, a bounce house, and various arcade and redemption games.

It is safe to say there is something for guests of all ages at Ralphie’s Fun Center, and a wristband provides unlimited access to various attractions for an economical price.

8. Plaza Theatre

Another noteworthy local entertainment venue is this charming historic movie palace located on Main Street in downtown. Styled in Spanish Revival architecture, it served as an Atmospheric theatre designed to evoke the sensation of a Moorish patio underneath the night sky.

The Plaza Theatre first opened its doors showcasing Harold Lloyd’s “The Cat’s Paw” in 1934 and closed in the 1990s, only to be acquired by the city in 2001 for renovation.

Today, it operates as a performing arts venue with a packed schedule, presenting local, regional, and national musical artists and comedians, along with performances from Glasgow’s Far Off Broadway Players professional theatre.

9. South Central Kentucky Cultural Center

In Glasgow, visitors can explore a local history museum representing five different counties within South Central Kentucky.

This location is particularly unique, housed in the old Kentucky Pants factory, constructed in the 1920s, and featuring three floors of exhibits across 30,000 square feet.

The museum chronicles the complete human history of the region, extending back 14,000 years, with particular emphasis on the 19th and 20th centuries.

On the first floor, patrons can view historic appliances and agricultural tools, including a smokehouse, log cabin, quilts, vintage lye soap, and much more.

The second floor concentrates on military history, showcasing artifacts from the Civil War through the Gulf War.

Visitors can also gain insights into a local townscape from the early 20th century, complete with a bank, post office, one-room schoolhouse, dry goods store, undertaker’s establishment, and a medical office.

10. Bell’s Tavern

An interesting stop to consider while en route to Mammoth Cave is the spectral ruins of an unfinished tavern, denoted by a historical marker.

The original Bell’s Tavern was established in the late 1820s by individuals enslaved by William Bell, a Virginian who acquired 3,500 acres in this region during the early 19th century.

Bell was the brother-in-law of Fleming Gatewood, who was the owner of Mammoth Cave at that time, and the tavern functioned as a rest stop for visitors.

Notable guests included Henry Clay and prominent Kentucky families like the Humphreys and the Marshalls. The tavern was destroyed by fire in 1858, and reconstruction attempts using stone were initiated but were interrupted by the Civil War and never completed.

11. Green River Canoeing

The Green and Nolin Rivers meander through Mammoth Cave National Park, and navigating these waterways is reminiscent of frontier days when this land was still uncharted.

Both rivers are gentle and suitable for paddlers of all skill levels, while the views, characterized by miles of dramatic bluffs, lush vegetation, and abundant wildlife, will create lasting memories.

Located in Cave City, Green River Canoeing offers a variety of canoe and kayak excursions, ranging from 8 to 12 miles in length.

Paddles and life jackets are included in the rental fee, and should you wish to explore something of interest, you are free to stop during your adventure.

12. Fort Williams

On the western side of Glasgow Cemetery lies the site of a short-lived Civil War fort. Fort Williams was constructed by the Union Army in 1863 to maintain control over Southern Kentucky during raids by Confederate General John Hunt Morgan (1825-1864).

On October 6, 1863, Fort Williams was attacked by Col. Hughes of the 25th Tennessee Infantry Regiment, resulting in the capture of numerous soldiers (142), horses (200), and supplies, which were then transported to Tennessee.

The earthworks of the fort remain clearly visible today, complemented by an historical marker providing context.

13. Fox Hollow Golf Course

Situated in the hilly terrain on Glasgow’s southern outskirts, Fox Hollow is an 18-hole public golf course that offers an affordable opportunity for a round of golf.

This course is relatively short, but challenges arise from its elevation changes, small greens, and an array of hazards, including streams, ponds, and natural wooded areas.

The second and fifth holes, in particular, present notable challenges and have been known to test even seasoned golfers.

Recently, several aspects of the course have been upgraded, including the addition of new concrete paths for electric carts, as well as the availability of a practice green and driving range.

14. Kentucky Action Park

Part of the array of tourist attractions on the verge of Mammoth Cave National Park, this outdoor family activity center offers a variety of experiences.

Among the activities is the classic Kentucky pastime of horseback riding, allowing visitors to traverse an expansive wooded trail for an hour.

Kentucky Action Park also features its very own impressive flowstone cave, romantically named The Outlaw Cave due to its historical connections with fugitives.

For a more rugged experience, you can investigate rarely seen passages on the Beyond Outlaw Wild Cave Tour. Other outdoor offerings include a zip line and the largest Western-themed mini golf course in the Cave Area.

15. Glasgow Highland Games

Glasgow’s Scottish heritage is prominently displayed at this festival, typically hosted at Barren River Lake State Park during Memorial Day weekend.

The Glasgow Highland Games originated in 1986 and attracts as many as 20,000 attendees to the city.

The festival features traditional Highland Games events, such as caber toss, weight throw, hammer throw, and tug-of-war.

Additionally, there are numerous activities spread over these three days, including marching bagpipe bands, Highland dancing events, craft vendors, livestock exhibitions, sheepdog demonstrations, and various entertaining contests like a ladies’ haggis toss.