Knox County combines the mountain landscapes of southeastern Kentucky with historic landmarks and attractions along the Cumberland River. When planning your trip, it’s worth distinguishing between these different highlights: Barbourville’s architectural and museum history, the route of Boone Trace, and activities around the river landscape each offer a different focus.
Mountains, the Cumberland River and Boone Trace
Knox County is located in the mountains of southeastern Kentucky. The Cumberland River flows for about 34 miles through the center of the county, adding another geographic point of reference to the landscape. At the Thompson Park access point, there is a boat ramp, parking and camping. Check the facilities before your trip.
Boone Trace also shapes the region’s historical landscape. It was established in 1775 and was one of the first roads through southeastern Kentucky. Its route runs through the center of Knox County, generally from south to northeast along U.S. 25E. The Boone Trace Trails are located in Knox County and the surrounding counties. Barbourville also has sections along the Wilderness Road Heritage Highway, a National Scenic Byway.
Cultural history in Barbourville
The Knox Historical Museum in Barbourville was founded in 1987 to preserve artifacts from southeastern Kentucky’s past. Its exhibits on Native American and pioneer history also cover Boone Trace. To help visitors explore the historic route, the museum provides maps and videos for a Boone Trace driving tour, as well as directions to preserved sections of the original Boone Trace.
Those researching family history will find an extensive genealogical collection at the museum, available for public use in the new genealogy center. The museum therefore brings regional history and resources for personal research together under one roof. Barbourville’s Street View Murals also depict the history and culture of Appalachia and its people.
The Barbourville Commercial District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1984. Notable buildings include the First State Bank Building, built around 1910 and considered the best example of the Romanesque Revival style in Barbourville. On the Union College campus, the Old Classroom Building is the focal point. Speed Hall, built from 1903 to 1905, is the oldest building on campus; its exterior has remained nearly unchanged. The Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Gymnasium is considered an outstanding example of Colonial Revival architecture in southeastern Kentucky.
Festival and historic sites
The Daniel Boone Festival takes place every year during the first full week of October. Knox County describes it as the longest-running festival in the history of the State of Kentucky. If the festival is the reason for your trip, plan around this recurring time frame and check the specific event dates before traveling.
Dr. Thomas Walker State Park in Knox County features a replica of the first house in Kentucky, built by Dr. Thomas Walker in 1750. The Civil War Interpretive Park documents the first battle of the Civil War in Kentucky. These sites focus on different aspects of history: early settlement at one, and the Civil War at the other.
Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site offers mini golf; operations are seasonal, so check the season before your visit. The site also has two primitive group campsites that can be reserved in advance. Check their availability before basing your overnight plans on them.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: Barbourville, Allen County, Fayette, Mercer County, Grayson County, Scott, Montgomery County, Jessamine County
For the main travel overview: Kentucky.
