End of Summer Outdoor Adventures

Cathy Peabody • July 24, 2024

Four ways to squeeze out the last bit of summer fun in Campbellsville, KY.

If you’re looking for a late summer vacation or planning your visit to Campbellsville for the beginning of the Campbellsville University academic year, make time for memorable Kentucky outdoor activities.


1. Late Summer Fishing

Anglers…get ready for the Kentucky Bass Federation State Championship,

September 6-8 at Green River Lake, one of the most popular Kentucky outdoor

attractions. With an average depth of 50 feet and one mile at its widest point, Green River Lake is a favorite among Kentucky fishing lakes. It’s some of the best Kentucky fishing for largemouth bass, rock bass, bluegill and rainbow trout. One of the expert fishing guide services can help you locate the best fishing spots on the lake. Green River Lake State Park and Campground is also a popular destination for boating, and water skiing, and a sandy swimming beach.


2. Take to the Trails

One of the most enjoyable ways to appreciate the environment, history and culture of an area is from the outdoors. Campbellsville is a designated Kentucky Trail Town, recognized for over 50 miles of trails in and around this vibrant historic city and nearby Green River Lake and Green River - including kayak and canoe paddling trails, horseback riding trails, and hiking trails.


Clay Hill Memorial Forest trails, with four trails and nearly six miles of hiking trails for every skill level, sits on an historic 1800’s farm just outside Campbellsville. Clay Hill is part of a regional center for education and research managed by Campbellsville University and includes Ken Weddle Learning Center for Sight-Impaired Children, as well as a wastewater purification wetland, a pond observation deck and five miles of trails perfect for birdwatching.


3. History and Heritage

Nature lovers and Civil War history buffs will enjoy hikes along the Tebbs Bend Green River Battlefield, the site of a significant Civil War battle in Kentucky which includes over seven miles of hiking trails, a museum and information stops. The trailhead continues to Homeplace on Green River.


Homeplace on Green River has been a working farm for over 200 years and is still treasured today as “Kentucky’s Outdoor Classroom”. The 227-acre Homeplace focuses on education, conservation and agritourism and sustainability. With programs directed to students, scout troops and other groups, Homeplace also hosts special events like the upcoming Fall Heritage Festival September 7. This festival is a family favorite among Kentucky Farm Tours with a look back to farm life in days gone by, and of course lots of food, music and fun for all.


Registration is open now for the upcoming Central Kentucky Third Annual Heartland Homesteading Conference on November 8-10 at Homestead at Green River. Hands-on workshops and lectures cover topics from gardening and orchard care to animal husbandry and food preservation and valuable knowledge about homesteading.


Homestead at Green River is also available for weddings, reunions, meetings and other special events…what a beautiful and memorable setting!


4. Enjoy the Charm of Historic Downtown Campbellsville.

In addition to a selection of Green River Lake cabin rentals, you’ll also find plenty of places to stay in Campbellsville, including vacation rentals, Airbnb’s, as well as a great choices for hotels and motels.


After a day outside on the water or trails, choose from an array of restaurants and places to eat to satisfy any appetite, from local favorites like Druthers serving up mouthwatering Southern cooking, to incredible barbecue at Brothers, the best fried chicken ever at Creekside Restaurant and even The Alley, a full-service bowling alley restaurant.


If you’re looking to wet your whistle, choose a craft beer at The East First Taproom and Microbrewery. For a relaxing, easy place to hang out, The Bourbon Boutique serves up a full bar for delicious cocktails, and of course a tempting selection of Kentucky bourbons.


Bourbon enthusiasts, don’t miss Oak & Match Cocktail Lounge and Tobacconists

Club, reminiscent of a 1920’s speakeasy, for cozy, relaxed ambience and an impressive collection of Kentucky bourbons, delicious cocktails concocted by talented mixologists, and for cigar lovers a visit to the well-stocked humidor. Check their calendar for a schedule of live music to complete this unique experience.


Conveniently located in Central Kentucky, Campbellsville/Taylor County and the

beautiful Green River Lake are a short drive from all directions:


Lexington KY – 83 miles

Louisville KY – 85 miles

Nashville, TN – 134 miles

Cincinnati OH – 163 miles

Indianapolis IN – 200 miles

Atlanta, GA – 320 miles


Put yourself in the middle of everything you love about

Kentucky!

Campbellsville!


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Find yourself under the spell of master magician Lance Burton Who will win the Bass Federation semi-finals Championship –Kentucky or Tennessee? Take a night ride in a hallowed Civil War battlefield, do you dare? Dig the past at Graveyard Relics Cruisin’ on Main The Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce is celebrating its 75th anniversary with a Black-tie Gala …a magical evening of dining, music and intrigue with a fabulous live show “Lance Burton & Friends” , Saturday, November 2 . World-famous Master Magician and Louisville native Lance Burton will entertain and amaze you with a mix of illusions, sleight of hand and audience participation – a Las Vegas show suitable for the whole family. Lance Burton is widely considered by peers and fans alike as one of the greatest magicians of the past century. Make your reservations now …you will not want to miss this special Campbellsville Ky event sponsored by Taylor Regional Hospital and benefiting the new Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber Foundation. If you’re coming from out of town, this is the perfect time to spend the weekend and visit the Campbellsville Ky attractions like Homeplace on Green River , an authentic homestead that has been a working farm for over 200 years, or immerse yourself in Campbellsville history at Tebbs Bend Battlefield . There are plenty of Campbellsville lodging choices and a tempting selection of Campbellsville restaurants – like Brothers, voted 1 st place for barbecue by Kentucky Living Magazine readers. The best fishing in central Kentucky is no mystery. Another Kentucky Living Magazine winner--beautiful Green River Lake State Park , voted the best of the best. 1 st place camping and RV sites 1 st place best public hunting and fishing area 1 st place water tourism spot Who will catch the biggest bass – Kentucky or Tennessee? Come see for yourself at the upcoming Bass Federation Championship semi-finals October 25- 27 . Anglers and spectators alike should mark your calendars for this Green River Lake event for the best bass fishing in Green River Lake. Whether you are participating in the fishing championship or coming from out of town as a spectator, be sure to reserve your spot at the campgrounds at Green River Lake now or choose one of the cozy cabins on Green River Lake and make it a Green River Lake Kentucky vacation! The spirit of Tebbs Bend Civil War Battlefield Imagine the cooling air, night sounds both real and not, maybe echoes of soldiers getting ready for battle on a July night so long ago. Gather your courage for a nighttime hayride through the historic Tebbs Bend Battlefield , where you will hear stories passed down through generations, learn about the Tebbs Bend Civil War history and see the final resting places of soldiers who lost their lives in battle. Hay wagons will depart and return at Homeplace on Green River , adjacent to the battlefield. Tickets can be purchased by calling 270-465-1709 and include coffee and hot cider, and soup. The proceeds will be used for the maintenance of historical sites and educational programs for the Battle of Tebbs Bend. Cruisin’ on Main – a motorhead’s not-so-scary dream Car enthusiasts, motorcycles too – start your engines and head for Cruisin’ on Main , presented by Graveyard Relics, Inc. on October 18. This Campbellsville car show is THE place to show off your pride and joy and have some fun. The show starts at 6 pm with Show N Shine at Hometown Wireless and cruisin’ on Campbellsville’s Main Street starts at 8. Stick around, there’s plenty to do in Campbellsville . Check out The Alley and its full- line restaurant Ponzi’s Pizza . Or grab a craft beer or wine at East First Brewery and enjoy its relaxed atmosphere. If you’re looking for sophisticated but cozy ambience, settle into Oak & Match for a talented mixologist and a great selection of Bourbons-- Kentucky or other. For cigar aficionados, be sure to visit The Humidor and join The Tobacconist Club at Oak & Match. Membership is included with the purchase of any cigar in their selection. Have fun and be safe! You’ll find a variety of Campbellsville hotels and restaurants to suit your liking and budgets. Make Campbellsville Your Next Magical Destination Welcome to a charming small town with a bustling college campus, surrounded by historic sites and many opportunities for outdoor adventures. Campbellsville is a designated Trail Town with many hiking, walking and horse-riding trails winding through historic sites and along the beautiful Green River Lake State Park . And we’re just a short drive away: Conveniently located in Central Kentucky, Campbellsville/Taylor County and the beautiful Green River Lake are a short drive from all directions: Lexington KY – 83 miles Louisville KY – 85 miles Nashville, TN – 134 miles Cincinnati OH – 163 miles Indianapolis IN – 200 miles Atlanta, GA – 320 miles Put yourself in the middle of everything you love about Kentucky! Campbellsville, Kentucky
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