Caves, kayaks, and quirky roadside stops: Adventures abound in Barren County

Outdoor enthusiasts, young families, and roadside stop aficionados will adore the versatility of Barren County, Kentucky.

The county’s extensive karst geology makes it a hot spot for caves. No matter the weather, a cave tour is a great option—the temperature remains around 58°F, a welcome reprieve from the sweltering heat of Kentucky’s summers and a bit of a warm-up on a freezing winter day. There are several unique underground worlds to discover in Barren County. Explorers have been visiting Diamond Caverns for more than 165 years. These caverns are known for their dazzling array of glittering formations, thus the name. Guided one-hour tours are offered year-round, but be warned: This tour is considered strenuous! If you’re looking for something a little more easygoing, the folks at Jesse James Riding Stables & Outlaw Cave host 30-minute, non-strenuous cave tours that are wheelchair accessible. Crystal Onyx Cave, established in 1960, is family-owned and operated, and their passion shines through! Visitors rave about the dedicated guides and fun experience. The area’s most well-known underground attraction, Mammoth Cave, spans several counties, with the majority of the National Park located right over the county line in Edmonson County.

Back above ground, lake lovers will enjoy Barren River Lake State Resort Park. The 10,000-acre Barren River Lake serves as the centerpiece for a 51-room lodge, complete with a restaurant, pool, tennis courts, 18-hole golf course, and more. Rent a pontoon or a kayak from Barren River State Dock and explore the lake by boat, or relax on the beach, cast a line, or bike along the two-and-a-half-mile paved loop. Nearby, the old growth forests of Brigadoon State Nature Preserve are home to rare wildflowers and more than 120 bird species.

Barren County is a mecca for making memories with kids. At Mammoth Valley Park, you can take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of a mountain and then ride an alpine slide back down. Zipline through lush woodlands and over open meadows or tackle an aerial challenge course at Adventures of Mammoth Cave. Meander among giants and pose for epic family photos at Dinosaur World, which features more than 150 larger-than-life replicas in a natural setting. In warmer months, rent a cabin or pitch a tent at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park ™,  a kid-centric campground with an inflatable waterpark, two swimming pools, and daily activities such as dance parties, movie nights, and tie-dye workshops. For a unique overnight stay, sleep in a wigwam at Historic Wigwam Village No. 2, an eye-catching roadside attraction. The village is one of only three surviving Wigwam Villages of seven built around the country before 1950. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is undergoing renovation to bring it back to its 1930s splendor and authenticity. 

While Barren County’s natural offerings are aplenty, there’s a lot of fun to be had in town, as well. Before your big day of adventure, grab some caffeine and a bite on the square at Fine Arts Bistro or The Hive Coffee & Bakehouse. Locals love Ritter House and Gale n Dale’s, and for good reason! Enjoy southern cooking served up with a side of southern hospitality at one of these buzzing diners, both serving breakfast and lunch only. For dinner, stop into A Little Taste of Texas, known for its ribeye sandwiches and pecan cobbler, or grab a specialty hot dog at The Dog Pound Restaurant and Smokehouse.

For entertainment, check the events calendar at the well-preserved Plaza Theatre, a downtown Glasgow mainstay since 1934. The Grove is an outdoor venue that hosts live music among the cedar trees every Friday and Saturday night, and Yancey’s Gastropub & Brewery is a lively little spot in a historic building, complete with a rooftop amphitheater. 

Of course, while you are in the area, be sure to visit one of the Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets in Barren County: Britt’s Orchard, Kenny’s Farmhouse Cheese, and Sidden Farms Beef.

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For your convenience, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance has insurance agents located in Barren County. Click here for more information.

The 120 is a blog series produced by Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance highlighting each of Kentucky's 120 counties—because we're well-known for knowing Kentucky well.