From caves and caverns to parks, trails and fields, the outdoors are indeed great in Glasgow and Barren County.

Mammoth Cave National Park

The much-visited Mammoth Cave National Park is the world’s longest surveyed cave, with 400 miles of mapped passageways that draw millions of people each year. Its sheer size – hence Mammoth – accommodates vast chambers that allow visitors to embark upon 16 cave tours led by trained guides. Tours include Introduction to Caving, Mammoth Passage Tour, Historic Tour, and Frozen Niagara Tour. In November 2012, a $6 million renovation was completed at the Mammoth Cave Visitor Center, which now features a variety of exhibits.

Diamond Caverns

Diamond Caverns is in nearby Park City, adjacent to Mammoth Cave National Park. Many people consider Diamond Caverns to be Kentucky's most beautiful cave because it features state-of-the-art lighting that especially highlights the naturally colorful calcite that lines the cave walls. Tours are available to explore the cathedral-like chambers.

Barren River Lake State Resort Park

The park spans 1,500 acres and welcomes activities like hiking, cycling, horseback riding, tennis, volleyball, golf, fishing and swimming. Barren River Lake State Resort Park has a 99-site campground and a 51-room Louie B. Nunn Lodge, plus there are 22 contemporary cottages equipped with tableware, cooking utensils and linens. At the park’s Driftwood Restaurant, diners enjoy hot meals featuring salmon, trout, crab clusters and juicy burgers.

Softball, Baseball and Trails

Beaver Trail Softball Complex has four lighted ball fields and a playground as well as a half-mile trail for walking or jogging. Weldon Park is equipped with a Little League baseball field, and the 23-acre park also has rustic nature trails of one mile and a half mile. Meanwhile, walkers and joggers can also exercise on Glasgow’s Renaissance Trail, a two-mile path through town that highlights historic sites. It connects to the Liberty Street Walking Trail, a lighted half-mile trail that circles the historic Liberty Street Campus downtown.

The Club Scene

Golfers have plenty of courses to choose from in Barren County at affordable rates. Barren River Lake State Resort Park has an 18-hole course that runs along the lake and through the park’s woodlands, and is known for its large greens and excellent landscaping. Fox Hollow Golf Club is another 18-hole course in Glasgow that features the front nine holes winding through gently rolling hills, while the back nine are flatter. Guests are permitted to accompany members for a round of golf at the Glasgow Golf and Country Club.

Nearby Park City has two courses – Cave Valley Golf Club and Diamond Caverns Golf Course.

Discover more recreation opportunities in Glasgow, KY.