Kentucky Faith Trail Unveiled: A Spiritual Sojourn Through Iconic Sites

December 4, 2023

Covington, KY, December 1, 2023 -- Kentucky, a state deeply rooted in faith, proudly unveils its newest treasure, the Kentucky Faith Trail, a transformative self-guided journey through some of the state’s most sacred and significant sites of faith, culture, and history.


Embarking on a curated series of 11 faith-based experiences, visitors will discover the profound impact of faith on the state's identity. From quaint historic sites to grand cathedrals, the Kentucky Faith Trail invites travelers to explore the diverse religious heritage that has shaped the Bluegrass State. It is also an invitation to linger in the towns along the Kentucky Faith Trail to explore the best of the Commonwealth.


In collaboration with local religious communities, historians, and tourism experts, the Kentucky Faith Trail offers a unique blend of sacred sites, each narrating a compelling story of faith, resilience, and unity. The Kentucky Faith Trail collaboration is a partnership of meetNKY, Northern Kentucky’s tourism organization, Bardstown/Nelson County Tourism, Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourism, Logan County Tourism, Monticello/Wayne County Tourism, Grant County Tourism and Monroe County Tourism.


Highlights of the Kentucky Faith Trail include:


Abbey of Gethsemani: Nestled in the serene hills of Kentucky, the Abbey of Gethsemani stands as a haven of contemplation. Visitors can partake in guided meditation sessions, explore nature trails, and take home some of the brothers’ handmade gifts and baked goods.


Ark Encounter: A modern engineering marvel, the Ark Encounter features a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, the Ark Encounter draws visitors from around the nation and the world, providing a modern-day expression of the biblical narrative of courage, faith, and salvation.


Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral: The first (Proto) Cathedral in the United States was built to serve the spiritual, physical, and intellectual needs of Kentucky’s pioneers, a mission it still fulfills for visitors today.


Cathedral Basilica of the Assumption: Situated in Covington, this cathedral is an awe-inspiring symbol of the Catholic faith. Explore the intricate architecture, take in the world’s largest homemade stained-glass windows, and engage in spiritual reflection within its sacred walls.


Creation Museum: The state-of-the-art Creation Museum welcomes guests on a journey through biblical history, offering a unique perspective on the origins of life through stunning exhibits, botanical gardens, a planetarium, a zoo, speaker presentations, workshops and more.


Mother of God Catholic Church: The architecture is inspiring. The environment is joyful, compassionate, respectful, reverent, and welcoming.


Old Mud Meeting House: The first “Dutch Reformed Church” west of the Allegheny Mountains, this site has served as a place of worship for various denominations for centuries.


Old Mulkey Meetinghouse State Historic Site: It was here that John Mulkey stepped out in faith to lead Mill Creek Baptist Church toward “New Testament” Christianity. That step of faith in 1809 led to a series of events that changed the face of religion in South-Central Kentucky forever.


“Raccoon” John Smith's Cabin: “Raccoon” John Smith left the Baptist church to become an iconic leader in the Restoration Movement. Learn more about Smith and his journey of faith by visiting his historic home.


Red River Meeting House: The Red River Meeting House is a replica on the site of the first religious camp meeting in the United States, held June 13–17, 180. It marked the start of the Second Great Awakening, a major religious movement in the United States in the first part of the nineteenth century. The meeting was organized by the Presbyterian minister James McGready (also spelled M'Grady) in Logan County, Kentucky, and several preachers took part.


South Union Shaker Village: Immerse yourself in the utopian world of the Shakers at the South Union Shaker Village. Pilgrims can explore the preserved buildings, learn about Shaker lifestyle, and appreciate the community's commitment to simplicity and spiritual devotion.


The launch of the Kentucky Faith Trail is a testament to the state's commitment to promoting religious tolerance, understanding, and cultural appreciation. The trail is designed to be inclusive, welcoming people of all faiths and backgrounds to embark on a shared journey of discovery and reflection.


For more information and to plan your trip visit www.kentuckyfaithtrail.com, follow us on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook, and join the conversation on social media using #KentuckyFaithTrail. Stay tuned for our upcoming digital passport where you can earn prizes for checking in to stops along the Kentucky Faith Trail.


Contact: info@kentuckyfaithtrail.com 

Two Hundred Years of Kentucky History: The Revival of 1800 and South Union Shaker Village

May 14, 2025
Kentucky boasts a rich and unique faith history, and past communities of faith reveal the state’s legacy even into the present day. One such group is the Kentucky Shakers, a regional religious community that could once be found across the United States, and another is the revivalists of the Second Great Awakening. These faithfuls set the tone for hundreds of years in Kentucky and continue to inspire a legacy of unity and harmony among visitors exploring faith today. South Union Shaker Village Shaker communities believed in simplification. Their progressive theological practices emphasized communal living, pacifism, gender equality, withdrawal from worldly things, and sustainable living. In Kentucky, it was no different! The South Union Shaker Village was a 6,000-acre farm in southern Kentucky where the South Union Shaker community lived from 1807 to its closure in 1922. The massive complex — which became known as the village of South Union — contained over two hundred buildings, including dormitories, shops, barns, and stables. It even has a mill complex that was unrivaled in the area at the time. Shakers were known throughout America to craft spectacular material goods, like furniture. You can see such furniture, textiles, tools, and other household items at South Union thanks to efforts in the 1960s to preserve Shaker culture through the Shaker Museum at South Union, found in the 1824 Centre House on the property. Today, you can visit some of the original Shaker architecture on 500 acres of the original village. While only nine of the 200+ remain, these buildings offer a fantastic glimpse into the past and daily lives of the Shakers at South Union. Learn more about the community in the museum — part of the South Union Shakertown Historic Trail and included in the US National Register of Historic Places.

Spend Your Summer Adventuring on the Kentucky Faith Trail

April 10, 2025
Summer is the perfect time of year to plan a getaway and have some fun, and we don’t think there’s anything better than spending a few days exploring the Kentucky Faith Trail. There’s so much to see, from quaint revival meeting houses to towering cathedrals. The Kentucky Faith Trail boasts a rich and beautiful history of faith, perseverance, and pioneering spirit that acts as an enduring legacy for generations to come. Here are a few of our top locations that you simply can’t miss. The Ark Encounter Have you ever wondered how big Noah’s Ark was? At the Ark Encounter, you can actually walk on board and explore all three decks of a full-size replica in person! Through this immersive experience, you can learn more about what life would've been like on the Ark and even interact with animals at the zoo. Educational experiences with a biblical lens are available for all ages. When learning is this fun, you’ll want to spend all day at the Ark Encounter. 
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