Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Ashland, KY

Quick Overview:

This industrial city on the Ohio River serves as the hub for the fifth-largest metropolitan area in Kentucky, and is part of the Tri-State Area, extending into West Virginia and Ohio.

Ashland experienced rapid growth in the late 19th century, driven by the pig iron industry and its role as a riverport facilitating the trade of goods in and out of the region.

While there are indications of prehistoric Native American habitation, the development of contemporary Ashland commenced in 1786, when the Scotch-Irish Poage family settled by the Ohio River, establishing the homestead known as Poage’s Landing.

The legacy of the Poage family continues to resonate in Ashland, commemorated annually during the Poage Landing Days festival in September, among several unique events celebrated in the city.

1. Downtown Ashland

Centered around Winchester Ave, Ashland’s vibrant downtown features a harmonious mix of historic architecture alongside numerous locally-owned establishments offering various goods and dining experiences.

The Ashland Commercial Historic District spans more than 20 acres and encompasses approximately 80 properties constructed between 1850 and 1940.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the most significant landmarks via the Historic Walking Tour, details of which will be specified later in this article.

A popular modern tradition is the First Friday event during the summer, where the community gathers for live music, classic car exhibits, and engaging activities for children along a closed segment of Winchester Ave.

2. Central Park

Central Park in Ashland, located at the base of a wooded ridge adjacent to the downtown area, was acquired by the city in 1900 from the Kentucky Iron, Coal and Manufacturing Company.

Much of this 47-acre park served as a horse racing facility until the 1920s. Currently, Central Park is a remarkable community asset featuring towering hardwood trees, a pond shaped like the State of Kentucky, along with several historical treasures.

Among these is a collection of six burial mounds left by the prehistoric Adena culture, which thrived in the area between 800 BCE and 100 CE, as well as the relocated log home of Ashland’s founding Poage family.

3. Paramount Arts Center

Extending for several blocks along Winchester Ave, the Paramount Arts Center is a significant cultural venue for the region, evident by its prominent sign and marquee.

This Art Deco facility debuted in 1931 and was initially one of the first cinemas designed for sound films, although it was scaled down due to the constraints of the Great Depression.

After its closure in the early 1970s, the Greater Ashland Foundation acquired the building, transforming it into a versatile performing arts center.

The opulent auditorium now hosts a wide array of concerts, including genres from classical to rock, as well as Broadway shows, dramas, ballet, and high-caliber performances by local groups such as the Paramount Players.

Notably, the music video for “Achy Breaky Heart” by Billy Ray Cyrus was filmed at this venue.

4. Highlands Museum & Discovery Center

This multifaceted attraction in downtown Ashland combines various museums to narrate the history of the Tri-State area, from the era of prehistoric Native Americans through the World Wars.

Additionally, it features a dedicated section for the region’s country music legacy, highlighting U.S. Route 23 (The Country Music Highway) and esteemed local artists such as Billy Ray Cyrus and The Judds.

Other compelling displays include medical artifacts from the past century, aviational history, an exploration of local subterranean chambers in the Discovery Cavern, and sections focusing on aerospace and satellite technology, in partnership with Morehead State University.

5. Port of Ashland

The Port of Ashland, a riverfront park, serves as a nod to the historical significance of the river to the city’s economy. Today, it offers a peaceful environment for reflection overlooking the Ohio River, ideal for picnics and fishing.

This venue has hosted notable artists during Ashland’s Summer Motion Festival, culminating in an impressive fireworks display. On an ordinary day, the park offers striking views of the sunrise and sunset.

In 2020, a striking collection of monumental sculptures designed by the acclaimed Spanish artist, Ginés Serrán-Pagán, was unveiled. The sculptures represent the following: Venus symbolizes the community and culture, Genesis embodies the river and Ashland’s resurgence, and Vulcan acknowledges the industrial past and the integral role of metals in the city’s history.

6. Historic Walking Tour

For those interested in delving further into Ashland’s rich history, a self-guided Historic Walking Tour has been established by Visit Ashland, providing an engaging route through the city’s historical landmarks.

This tour is particularly compatible with smartphones, featuring 30 designated stops, commencing at Central Park and concluding at the Paramount Arts Center.

At each stop, participants can read informative descriptions while passing by charming 19th-century residences on Lexington Ave and Bath Ave, as well as magnificent commercial buildings from the turn of the century along Winchester Ave in the downtown area.

7. Poage Landing Days

Taking place on the third weekend of September, Ashland’s annual Homecoming Festival spans three days of family-oriented entertainment and activities along downtown Winchester Avenue.

This event, revived in 1990, celebrates the arrival of the Poage family in Ashland in 1786, after their migration from the Shenandoah Valley via the Cumberland Gap.

The festival features a plethora of activities, including live musical performances on the 16th Street Stage, diverse food and beverage offerings from various vendors, an antique car show, the Southern Fried Cone Fest, carnival rides, skilled circus entertainers, and dedicated activity areas for children.

8. Camayo Arcade

For those with an interest in historic architecture, the Camayo Arcade stands out as a must-see destination in downtown Ashland. This twin-level shopping arcade resembles a European shopping passage.

When it opened in 1926, it became the first indoor shopping mall in Kentucky.

A restoration of the building was completed a little over a decade ago, allowing visitors to admire period architectural features such as the terrazzo flooring, vaulted stucco ceilings, and Art Deco railings and lighting.

The arcade houses a fast-food venue at the entrance and a variety of offices and service businesses occupy the adjoining retail spaces.

9. Ashland Town Center

Located northwest of downtown, Ashland Town Center, which opened in 1989, continues to operate successfully with over 70 tenants.

In contrast to many malls facing challenges, Ashland Town Center boasts a strong occupancy rate and features well-known brands such as JCPenney, TJ Maxx, rue21, Kay Jewelers, GameStop, Victoria’s Secret, Claire’s, and American Eagle.

Additionally, there are thriving small businesses, including the popular Superhero Creamery, which merges ice cream and yogurt with a wide selection of collectibles, toys, comics, and custom t-shirt printing.

Dining options are plentiful, with familiar eateries like Sbarro, Charley’s Cheesesteaks, and China Max, alongside several chain restaurant locations on Winchester Ave. For leisure, the Cinemark Movies 10 provides an excellent spot for family outings or date nights.

10. The Charles and Betty Russell Park Hiking Trail

This tranquil network of hiking trails, spanning approximately 2.5 miles, traverses the wooded ridge situated behind the city.

The 50 acres of land were generously donated to the City of Ashland by the Russell family to preserve this serene natural area for both residents and visitors.

Access to the main trailhead is easily facilitated from Central Park, featuring newly installed stairways for elevation gain.

Once on the trail, you may explore eight different marked paths, including loops and point-to-point trails, none exceeding 1.2 miles in length. The lush deciduous trees provide ample shade in summer, and the barren branches in winter offer expansive views from this elevated area.

11. Malibu Jack’s Ashland

For a family-friendly outing, Malibu Jack’s, a regional chain of entertainment centers, is conveniently located just outside the city in the Camp Landing Entertainment District.

This expansive facility includes an exhilarating karting track, a laser tag arena, an 18-hole miniature golf course, an arcade, inflatables, a 16-lane bowling alley, an indoor playground for younger children, and several indoor rides.

Entry to Malibu Jack’s is free; visitors can load funds onto a “Play Card” for use on various attractions and games, with discounts available based on the quantity of “Malibu Bucks” purchased.

12. Summer Motion

Concluding on July 4, Summer Motion is an annual festival held in Ashland since 1989, with its origins tracing back to the 1977 Tri-State Fair & Regatta.

The event is renowned for offering an excellent roster of free concerts spanning diverse musical genres, including rock, country, Motown, contemporary Christian music, and much more.

Notable past performers include Billy Ray Cyrus, Grand Funk Railroad, Kool & the Gang, Micky Dolenz, Kenny Loggins, and Styx.

The festival typically commences at Central Park, featuring food vendors, games, music, inflatables, and automotive exhibitions. As July 4 approaches, festivities continue with consecutive evenings of live performances on the spacious stage at the Port of Ashland, complemented by food vendors, carnival rides, and culminating fireworks.

13. Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area

Situated across the river in Ohio, the Lake Vesuvius Recreation Area serves as the principal visitor destination within the Wayne National Forest, covering much of the southern portion of the state.

The lake itself spans 143 acres, surrounded by steep wooded hills that provide stunning viewing points.

Recreational opportunities include a beach and swimming area, several picnic locations, and both family and group campgrounds situated along the lakeshore.

The boat dock features Kountry Kayaks, which offer a fleet of kayaks, canoes, and paddle wheelers from May through September for water-based excursions on the lake.

14. Festival of Trees and Trains

A truly heartwarming annual event, the Festival of Trees and Trains takes place over ten days during the holiday season in Ashland.

This festival raises funds for the Paramount Women’s Association, which supports the educational initiatives of the Paramount Arts Center.

Inside the auditorium, visitors can enjoy numerous beautifully decorated Christmas trees competing for various awards, sure to infuse the atmosphere with festive cheer.

The event also features a schedule of children’s activities (including a visit from Santa), engaging entertainment, delectable food, and promotions from local retailers.

15. Tri-State Escape

Located across the street from the Paramount Arts Center, Tri-State Escape is a well-regarded escape room attraction, recognized as the largest in Eastern Kentucky.

For newcomers, each group is allocated an hour to solve a series of intricately designed puzzles, necessitating teamwork, logic, and creative thinking to decipher the clues for a successful escape.

Tri-State Escape features six themed rooms, each offering a unique immersive experience, ranging from mild horror (“The Haunting at Winchester Manor”) to Western (“Jail Break”) and adventure (“Escape from Egypt”).