Kentucky in Movies and TV: Famous Filming Locations You Can Visit
Just outside Louisville, the sprawling grounds of the historic Locust Grove estate offer a quiet glimpse into a time capsule that captured the attention of filmmakers. Located about 15 minutes east of downtown Louisville, this 55-acre site served as a filming location for the movie Elizabethtown. Walking the estate’s nature trails or touring the preserved 18th-century mansion, visitors can imagine the pastoral scenes that set the backdrop for the film’s poignant moments. The blend of rolling hills, picturesque gardens, and the Ohio River nearby gives this site a natural charm that’s hard to find so close to a major city. Spring and fall are especially magical here when the gardens are in full bloom or dressed in autumn hues, heightening the cinematic ambiance.
Traveling east into the heart of the Bluegrass region near Lexington, Keeneland Race Course stands as an iconic Kentucky landmark immortalized in films such as Secretariat. About a 15-minute drive from downtown Lexington, Keeneland is not just a working thoroughbred racetrack but also a museum of Kentucky’s equestrian heritage. Visitors can stroll through the paddocks where champion horses have paraded before races, or visit the Keeneland Sales Pavilion, rich with history and stories brought to life on screen. The vibrant spring and fall racing seasons bring Keeneland to life, offering the thrill of live races and a sense of the drama that made it a perfect setting for the famous horse racing film.
Nestled in the foothills of Appalachia, Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, roughly 90 minutes south of Lexington, showcases one of Kentucky’s most stunning natural wonders and a filming location for several nature documentaries. Known as the “Niagara of the South,” the park’s 68-foot waterfall creates a thunderous spectacle, particularly dramatic during spring runoff or after heavy rains. The park’s hiking trails, such as the Eagle Falls Trail, offer moderate hikes with rewarding views of the falls and the surrounding gorge. Visitors can experience the rare lunar rainbow phenomenon at night—a surreal natural effect that adds a magical quality to any visit and has drawn filmmakers seeking ethereal landscapes.
In the eastern part of the state, the quaint town of Bardstown, about 40 minutes south of Louisville, is often called the “Hollywood of the South” for its frequent role in period films and TV shows. The historic downtown district features well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture that has served as the perfect backdrop for productions needing authentic small-town Americana. Visitors can meander the charming streets, explore the Civil War Museum, or enjoy local bourbon distilleries, which also tie into the town’s on-screen portrayals of Kentucky’s storied distilling traditions. Fall, with its gentle light and crisp air, provides the ideal conditions for strolling and snapping photos reminiscent of classic film scenes.
About 30 minutes north of Louisville, the Ohio River town of New Albany, Indiana, just across the bridge, has hosted scenes from numerous movies, notably The Green Mile. But back in Kentucky, the nearby Falls of the Ohio State Park offers a quieter, rugged filming locale set against the ancient fossil beds along the river, which have appeared in documentaries and independent films. Visitors can walk interpretive trails revealing 390 million-year-old fossil beds exposed at low water levels, making it a unique intersection of natural history and cinematic interest. Early morning or late afternoon light enhances the textures of the limestone formations, ideal for photographers and fans of natural beauty.
In the central Kentucky town of Danville, about an hour south of Lexington, the historic Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill provides a meticulously preserved 19th-century community that has been featured in historical dramas. Touring the village’s restored buildings, gardens, and mills immerses visitors in the peaceful, simple lifestyle of the Shakers, a perfect setting for period films needing authentic Americana. The village hosts craft demonstrations and farm animals, creating a living history experience that transforms with the seasons—summer blooms and winter snows each add a distinctive mood that filmmakers have captured wonderfully on screen.
Further west, the Mammoth Cave National Park, roughly 90 minutes south of Louisville, has intrigued filmmakers with its mysterious underground passages. This UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous as the world’s longest known cave system, has appeared in adventure documentaries and is ripe for exploration. Guided cave tours vary in difficulty and length, from easy walks through Grand Avenue to more challenging spelunking routes. The park’s combination of above-ground hiking trails and subterranean wonderland has inspired many scenes of suspense and discovery. Spring and early fall provide the most comfortable conditions for exploring, with mild temperatures and lush forest surroundings complementing the eerie cave interiors.
Finally, the quaint river town of Paducah, located about two hours west of Nashville along the Ohio River, has gained fame as a hub for the arts and as a shooting location for indie films. The Lower Town Arts District is a colorful neighborhood where visitors can view vibrant murals, galleries, and artist studios that have appeared in various creative projects. Walking this historic downtown, especially during the mild autumn months or on weekend art walks, gives a sense of the town’s dynamic visual culture, which filmmakers have embraced for its authentic, small-city charm and vibrant community spirit. The district’s lively ambiance offers a refreshing contrast to Kentucky’s rural film settings, showcasing the state’s versatility as a filming locale.