Kentucky County Map

The state of Kentucky is situated in the southeastern region of the United States. It is well-known for its horse racing, bourbon distilleries, and Southern hospitality. The state is divided into 120 counties, each with its unique history, culture, and landmarks. In this essay, we will take a closer look at the top 20 counties in Kentucky, as ranked by population, and explore their geography, economy, and tourist attractions.

But before we delve into the individual counties, let’s first take a look at the Kentucky County Map. The map is divided into five distinct regions: the Eastern Mountains, the Bluegrass, the Western Coal Fields, the Pennyroyal Plateau, and the Jackson Purchase. The Eastern Mountains are situated in the eastern part of the state and are characterized by the Appalachian Mountains. The Bluegrass region, located in the central part of the state, is known for its fertile soil and horse farms. The Western Coal Fields are in the western part of the state and are known for their rich coal reserves. The Pennyroyal Plateau is located in the south-central region and is known for its karst topography. Finally, the Jackson Purchase is situated in the far western part of the state and is known for its proximity to the Mississippi River.

1. Jefferson County is located in the north-central part of the state and is home to Louisville, the largest city in Kentucky. The county is known for its cultural diversity, bourbon distilleries, and horse racing. Some of the top tourist attractions in Jefferson County include the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, the Kentucky Derby Museum, and the Muhammad Ali Center.
2. Fayette County is situated in the heart of the Bluegrass region and is home to Lexington, the second-largest city in Kentucky. The county is known for its thoroughbred horse farms, bourbon distilleries, and historic landmarks. Some of the top tourist attractions in Fayette County include the Kentucky Horse Park, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, and the Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate.
3. Kenton County is located in the northern part of the state and is known for its proximity to Cincinnati, Ohio. The county is home to several large corporations, including Fidelity Investments and Citi. Some of the top tourist attractions in Kenton County include the Ark Encounter, the Newport Aquarium, and the Devou Park.
4. Boone County is located in the northern part of the state and is known for its high quality of life and growing economy. The county is home to the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport and the Florence Mall. Some of the top tourist attractions in Boone County include the Creation Museum, the Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, and the Rabbit Hash General Store.
5. Warren County is situated in the south-central part of the state and is home to Bowling Green, the third-largest city in Kentucky. The county is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Some of the top tourist attractions in Warren County include the Mammoth Cave National Park, the National Corvette Museum, and the Lost River Cave.
6. Hardin County is located in the north-central part of the state and is home to Elizabethtown, the 10th-largest city in Kentucky. The county is known for its rich history, military heritage, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Some of the top tourist attractions in Hardin County include the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, Fort Knox, and the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest.
7. Daviess County is situated in the western part of the state and is home to Owensboro, the fourth-largest city in Kentucky. The county is known for its thriving arts and culture scene, beautiful riverfront, and culinary offerings. Some of the top tourist attractions in Daviess County include the Owensboro Museum of Fine Art, the International Bluegrass Music Museum, and the Smothers Park.
8. Campbell County is located in the northern part of the state and is known for its stunning natural beauty, vibrant downtown areas, and historic landmarks. Some of the top tourist attractions in Campbell County include the Newport Southbank Bridge, the Bellevue Beach Park, and the Highland Cemetery.
9. Christian County is situated in the western part of the state and is home to Hopkinsville, the seventh-largest city in Kentucky. The county is known for its military history, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural events. Some of the top tourist attractions in Christian County include the Trail of Tears Commemorative Park, the Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, and the Pennyroyal Area Museum.
10. Bullitt County is located in the north-central part of the state and is known for its rich history, scenic countryside, and small-town charm. Some of the top tourist attractions in Bullitt County include the Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest, the Jim Beam American Stillhouse, and the Shepherdsville City Park.
11. Madison County is situated in the eastern part of the state and is home to Richmond, the fifth-largest city in Kentucky. The county is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural events. Some of the top tourist attractions in Madison County include the Daniel Boone National Forest, the Kentucky River Palisades, and the EKU Center for the Arts.
12. Pulaski County is located in the south-central part of the state and is known for its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and historic landmarks. Some of the top tourist attractions in Pulaski County include the Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, the Mill Springs Battlefield Museum, and the Somerset Community College Theatre.
13. Laurel County is situated in the southeastern part of the state and is home to London, the ninth-largest city in Kentucky. The county is known for its scenic beauty, outdoor recreation opportunities, and cultural events. Some of the top tourist attractions in Laurel County include the Levi Jackson Wilderness Road State Park, the London Dragway, and the Wildcat Harley-Davidson.
14. Henderson County is located in the western part of the state and is known for its riverfront, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Some of the top tourist attractions in Henderson County include the John James Audubon State Park, the Henderson Riverfront, and the Ellis Park Race Course.
15. Oldham County is situated in the north-central part of the state and is known for its rich history, horse farms, and small-town charm. Some of the top tourist attractions in Oldham County include the Yew Dell Botanical Gardens, the Oldham County History Center, and the Crest wood Golf Club.
16. Jessamine County is located in the central part of the state and is known for its scenic beauty, horse farms, and historic landmarks. Some of the top tourist attractions in Jessamine County include the Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park, the High Bridge Park, and the Asbury University Equine Center.
17. McCracken County is situated in the western part of the state and is home to Paducah, the largest city in the region. The county is known for its riverfront, cultural events, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Some of the top tourist attractions in McCracken County include the Paducah Riverfront, the National Quilt Museum, and the Paducah Wall to Wall Mural Project.
18. Hopkins County is located in the western part of the state and is known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Some of the top tourist attractions in Hopkins County include the Madisonville City Park, the Dawson Springs Nature Trail, and the Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park.
19. Nelson County is situated in the central part of the state and is known for its rich history, bourbon distilleries, and natural beauty. Some of the top tourist attractions in Nelson County include the Maker’s Mark Distillery, the Bardstown Civil War Museum, and the My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
20. Warren County is located in the south-central part of the state and is home to Bowling Green, the third-largest city in Kentucky. The county is known for its vibrant downtown, educational institutions, and outdoor recreation opportunities. Some of the top tourist attractions in Warren County include the National Corvette Museum, the Lost River Cave and Valley, and the Bowling Green Hot Rods baseball team.

In conclusion, Kentucky is a beautiful state with a lot to offer. The Kentucky County Map is an excellent tool for exploring the state and planning your next adventure. The top 20 counties in Kentucky offer a wide variety of experiences, from historic landmarks to outdoor recreation opportunities, and from small-town charm to vibrant downtowns. Whether you’re interested in bourbon distilleries, horse farms, or scenic landscapes, there’s something for everyone in Kentucky.