Spend Your Summer Adventuring on the Kentucky Faith Trail
Summer is the perfect time of year to plan a getaway and have some fun, and we don’t think there’s anything better than spending a few days exploring the Kentucky Faith Trail. There’s so much to see, from quaint revival meeting houses to towering cathedrals. The Kentucky Faith Trail boasts a rich and beautiful history of faith, perseverance, and pioneering spirit that acts as an enduring legacy for generations to come. Here are a few of our top locations that you simply can’t miss.
The Ark Encounter
Have you ever wondered how big Noah’s Ark was? At the Ark Encounter, you can actually walk on board and explore all three decks of a full-size replica in person! Through this immersive experience, you can learn more about what life would've been like on the Ark and even interact with animals at the zoo. Educational experiences with a biblical lens are available for all ages. When learning is this fun, you’ll want to spend all day at the Ark Encounter.
Creation Museum
At the Creation Museum, you can discover an interpretation of the biblical account of the six days of creation as found in the book of Genesis. With fascinating exhibits, animatronics, and multimedia presentations, the museum has an interactive and engaging display for everyone. You can even buy combo tickets with the Ark Encounter for double the entertainment.
Abbeys, Basilicas, & Cathedrals
The Kentucky Faith Trail is home to two beautiful cathedrals: the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown and the Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption in Covington. St. Joseph’s is the first cathedral in the US west of the Allegheny Mountains, making it a popular pilgrimage spot. The Basilica is a stunning ode to Gothic architecture, stone carvings, and stained glass. Alongside their beautiful construction, both cathedrals offer space for reflection, prayer, and worship. You can also visit the Abbey of Gethsemani, a Trappist Catholic monastery. All their liturgies are open to the public, so no matter what time you find yourself there, you may have the opportunity to pray and worship with the brothers.
Meeting Houses from the Great Revival
Step into a season of renewal by exploring some of Kentucky’s famous sites and meeting spaces from the Great Revival of 1800. This historic movement influenced not only Kentucky but the entire nation, and you can still explore the grounds where religious history took place.
The Red River Meeting House is a replica of the site of the first religious meeting camp in the U.S. in June of 1800. This meeting marked the start of the Second Great Awakening in America and was organized by Presbyterian minister James McGready.
The Old Mud Meeting House was built in 1800 and was the first low Dutch Reformed Church west of the Allegheny Mountains. Revolutionary War soldiers who moved there after the war are buried in the nearby graveyard.
While these meeting houses aren’t the only two places to experience Kentucky’s part in nineteenth-century revivals, they’re a fantastic place to start!
Explore Kentucky’s Rich History of Faith
Ready to feel inspired this summer? We hope to see you soon on the Kentucky Faith Trail whether you’re here to explore for a whole week or just a few days. Don’t forget to download your free Kentucky Faith Trail Passport to keep track of your adventures!
