Cutting through the rolling hills of horse country, the stretch of I-65 from Louisville to Nashville offers great natural features, good southern eats, fascinating history, and, of course, a nip or two of Kentucky Bourbon (seriously take a detour to check out the Bourbon Trail)- all just a step or two off the highway.
Whether you're starting or ending your I-65 trip in Louisville, it's worth stopping off to explore. Pick up a bourbon trail tour in Louisville (Mint Juelp Tours offers a good one) or explore the non-alcoholic side of the region at the Louisville Slugger Museum, the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft, or by picking up a souvenir at Joy Ley Antiques, or with Texas-style grub at Silver Dollar.
If your kid (or you) is always digging holes in the yard or watching Jurassic Park on repeat, they will love Dinosaur World! Take a step back in time along I-65 in Cave City, KY. See over 150 life size dinosaurs and even Mammoths! Dig for fossils at the Fossil Dig. Pan for real minerals and gems at the Dino Gem Excavation. And imagine what it was like when these majestic beasts ruled the Earth!
Not only is Mammoth Cave a totally epic National Park right off the route, but it's also the longest system of caves in the world. Whether you take one of the ranger-guided tours or poke around the visitor center to learn all about this impressive natural wonder, it's worth visiting and crossing off your bucket list!
via detour
Finally, you've reached Nashville! Of course, I-65 doesn't stop here, but there are so many attractions and things to do in Nashville that you should spend a day or two here exploring, if you can. From the full-scale Parthenon replica and the lush greenery of Shelby Park to the Country Music Hall of Fame and the live music venues up and dow Broadway, there's loads to see and do. Plus, it features some of the best dining in the region: Prince's Hot Chicken, Jack's BBQ, Rolf and Daughters, and more serve up delicious grub for any palate. As for hotels in Nashville, Union Station is in a breathtaking, old rail station, the Hermitage Hotel drips Southern charm, and the Gaylord Opryland Resort is so massive, it's something else entirely!
As I-65 winds its way South, there are tons of ways to make the drive fun. And, since cities along the way, like Louisville and Nashville in particular, have such distinctly individual personalities, take the time to experience as much as you can along the way!