In Shelby County, discoveries unfold along many different paths: unpaved trails wind through wooded areas, paved greenways run through parks, and in Shelbyville, historic buildings and a self-guided art walk tell the story of the area’s culture. There is also live theatre and Guist Creek Lake. Which of these sides you explore first depends on whether you prefer spending time outdoors, discovering history or planning a theatre visit.
Forest Trails, Water and Varied Terrain
At Shelby Trails Park, an expansion protects wooded areas around a creek corridor that carries water seasonally. The park has more than 15 miles of unpaved trails. They are suitable for hiking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing and trail running. This gives visitors several ways to use the trails, though not all activities offer the same view of the landscape.
The trails at Red Orchard Park are also unpaved and extend for two miles. Shelby Trails Park has more than 15 miles of unpaved trails, while Red Orchard Park has two miles. At Clear Creek Park Greenway, the creek takes center stage. It provides access to the water for wildlife viewing and also includes a narrow wooded buffer along the creek.
Greenways and Cycling Routes
The Shelby Greenway Trail is a six-mile paved path that winds scenically through Shelbyville’s parks. It is suitable for walking, running, cycling and roller skating. Unlike the parks’ unpaved trails, its defining feature is its paved surface. For those interested in cycling, Shelby County as a whole also offers guidance: twelve cycling routes cover a total of 346 miles, passing through gently rolling terrain, by parks and along paved country roads.
Shelbyville is located at the center of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour. This adds another point of interest to the area’s nature and cultural attractions.
Historic Downtown and Culture
Shelbyville’s historic downtown is characterized by late Victorian buildings, many of which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A self-guided walking tour takes visitors to eight art installations by local artists. Architecture and art can thus be experienced in the same downtown area, but in different ways: as a historic streetscape and as works by contemporary local artists.
The Shelby County Historical Society Museum was built in 1872. Another biographical connection leads to the grounds of the Lincoln Institute of Kentucky: Whitney M. Young Jr. lived there in a modest two-story wooden house until he was 15. The museum building and the residence point to different aspects of history, without one replacing the other.
The Shelby County Community Theatre in Shelbyville offers live theatre and divides its season into two distinct series. The theatre also offers intensive youth theatre workshops, acting classes for adults and seasonal holiday camps. Its programs therefore include both performances and opportunities for people who would like to try acting themselves.
Guist Creek Lake and Camping
Guist Creek Lake is the largest lake in Shelby County. The lakeside campground offers basic campsites and pull-through RV sites from March 1 through November. Since seasonal operating details may change, it is advisable to check the dates before traveling. Guist Creek Marina has a boat ramp and a well-stocked supply store. When planning your accommodations, you can consider camping at Guist Creek Lake as well as looking for hotels.
Explore more destinations: Shelbyville, Grant County, Montgomery County, Logan, Boone County, Kenton, Ohio County, Livingston.
For the main travel overview: Kentucky.
