Dip into lake life in Breckinridge County, Kentucky

Tucked along the upper border of the Bluegrass State, Breckinridge County is a place where river bluffs meet farmland, where small towns brim with local pride, and where sunsets over the water slow down time.

Immerse yourself in lake life at the sprawling Rough River Lake, a wonderful weekend destination for the family. This 5,000-acre lake is a great spot for kayaking and swimming, and it’s popular among anglers for its abundance of fish.

On the shoreline, Rough River Dam State Resort Park is packed with so many amenities that visitors may not even want to leave the property! Rent a lakefront lodge room or a private cottage and enjoy the on-site restaurant and pool, playgrounds, mini-golf and disc-golf courses, tennis and volleyball courts, nature trails, and an orienteering course. The resort also hosts live bluegrass music on the second Friday evening of each month.

If unplugging from the world is just what the doctor ordered, Breckinridge County doesn’t disappoint. Pitch a tent or hook up your RV at one of several lakeside campgrounds in the area. There are hundreds of sites to choose from—pick your spot in the shade, in the sun, or near the beach at Axtel Campground, Cave Creek Campground, Laurel Branch Campground, or North Fork Campground.

Exploring nature and fun in the sun will work up an appetite! There are several local spots dishing up delicious options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Have the quintessential cozy diner experience at Drane’s Kurv Inn, grab a bubbling hot pizza at Little Dave’s Restaurant and Pizza, stretch your culinary imagination by ordering a PB&J hot dog at Porgie’s Chow Wagon, or be treated like royalty at The King’s Table.  

Then, venture out into the county for some live entertainment! The century-old Randall Barn is known for occasionally hosting musical performances in their barn, which was thoughtfully restored by a local artist and musician. With its original beams, heirlooms, and wide-open farm views, the space offers a truly one-of-a-kind backdrop for intimate shows. Similarly, bring your own chair and unwind at Happy Jack’s Winery during their regularly scheduled Sippin’ & Songs series. Looking for a little more of a thrill? Feel the excitement of some good old-fashioned drag racing at US 60 Dragway, where the adrenaline is contagious. Roaring engines fill the air on most warm-weather weekends at this popular 1/8th mile race strip. Click this link to view their full schedule of events.

Before leaving the area, be sure to visit the Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Markets located in Breckinridge County. Glory Goods in Irvington is a farm stand and floral shop. The owner takes pride in local Kentucky products and grows seasonal flowers and vegetables, pumpkins, and other ornamentals. The Henning Family Market, located in Hardinsburg, is an honor-system farmstand with annual flowers, vegetables, pumpkins, and seasonal décor items. 

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For your convenience, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance has an insurance agency located in Breckinridge 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.