It’s the quest that has adventurers crisscrossing Kentucky in search of nearly a dozen unique claims to fame. Not only that, but a collection of curiosities ranging from a wee fairy forest hidden within a Serpentine Garden in Oldham County to little green men from outer space in Hopkinsville to small works of art in bejeweled baitcasting reels in Frankfort.
Featuring uniquely designed stickers collected at 11 destinations, this passport program gives questers a unique way to explore the Bluegrass Music Capital of the World, the Muskie Capital of the South and the Cycling Capital of Kentucky along with eight other “capitals” without ever leaving the state . . . to seek out the epic and unusual in each of these capitals, find their hidden treasures, tap into the local culture—all while enjoying the charm and rich heritage of the Bluegrass State. It’s a quest that nets some great swag, too, including a branded blanket.
From the largest known Sassafras tree in the world in Owensboro and the shortest and deepest river in the world (according to Ripley’s Believe It or Not) in Bowling Green to the beginning of a national recreation trail right on Main Street in downtown Morehead and the final resting place of Emmy Award-winning character Ernest P. Worrell (Jim Varney) in Lexington, the curiosities pile up across the Bluegrass along the Kentucky Capitals Quest.
And there’s more. Scenic flights for bird’s-eye views of Cumberland Falls in London. A humongous dulcimer musical instrument you can climb on, in and around in Winchester. A towboat you can captain in a pilothouse simulator in Paducah. A waterpark with 40-foot tower and water slides that turns into a winter wonderland with ice skating rink and fire pits in Somerset depending on the season.
Curious? Click into the 11 destinations on the Kentucky Capitals Quest passport program to learn more about their curiosities and claims to fames:
Bowling Green – Corvette Capital of the World
Frankfort – Historic Heartbeat of Kentucky
Hopkinsville – Batter Capital of the World
Lexington – Horse Capital of the World
London-Laurel Co. – Cycling Capital of Kentucky
Morehead-Rowan Co. – Muskie Fishing Capital of the South
Oldham Co. – Farm Tour Capital of Kentucky
Owensboro –Bluegrass Music Capital of the World
Paducah – Quilt Capital of the World
Somerset-Pulaski Co. – Houseboat Capital of the World
Winchester – Beer Cheese Capital of the World
Not sure where to begin? Choose among Kentucky Capitals Quest itineraries, each showcasing the claims and curiosities of these decidedly distinctive destinations.
Pick up a passport at any of the 11 visitor centers along the Capitals Quest route and collect a sticker for each destination visited. Collect three custom stickers for an air freshener for your vehicle. Collect six stickers for a curated offer from the community you’re in for your sixth Quest stop. When you collect ALL eleven stickers, cozy up with a branded blanket—perfect for impromptu picnics or cool nights.
This quest is not just a trip . . . it’s an adventure and an achievement in a memorable expedition through Kentucky’s vibrant landscapes and cultural tapestry . . . making you an honorary Kentucky Capitals Quest Ambassador.