28 Best & Fun Things to Do in Elizabethtown (KY)

In search of the best and fun things to do in Elizabethtown, KY?

Elizabethtown, also known as E’town to the locals is a historic and charming city in Kentucky established back in 1793.

This city is a cynosure located off I-65, just outside Louisville, and is home to plenty of attractions for day-trippers.

Luckily, this town has many green spaces where tourists can spend the whole day relaxing and enjoying happy times with family and friends, there are also some amazing Elizabethtown restaurants for a fun mealtime.

If you want to learn about the history of Elizabethtown and Hardin County, get down to the Hardin County History Museum and the affable Brown-Pusey House Museum. You can check out the State Theatre Complex, stop by the Wicked Eyed Woman Public House for lunch or dinner, or take a walking tour of the historic downtown.

Also, visit the Vietnam Veteran’s Memorial Wall to honor the men and women of the armed forces who fought bravely to protect the people’s liberty.

Let’s explore the best things to do in Elizabethtown, KY.

Things to Do in Elizabethtown, KY

1. Step back in time at Hardin County History Museum

Hardin County History Museum
Credits: Brent Moore / Flickr
Hardin County History Museum

The Hardin County History Museum invites everyone to come on a tour of learning about the early days in Hardin County.

Established in 2003, the museum collects, preserves, and displays a wealth of documents, artifacts, and memorabilia, showcased in several permanent and rotating exhibitions.

Join other visitors in stepping back in time where you will see how ancient settlers lived their day-to-day lives in isolated wilderness areas of the Kentucky frontier over 200 years ago.

You can learn about Abraham Lincoln’s ties to the county, the Civil War in Hardin County, and James Hunt Morgan Raid in 1862.

Hardin County History Museum is free and open for everyone to visit. Do well to add this place to your bucket list of things to do in Elizabethtown.

Address: 201 W Dixie Ave, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

2. Walk the Greenspace Trails

Greenspace Trails
Credits: MilanMarkovic78 / Shutterstock

The first great news is that Elizabethtown has so many green spaces where visitors and locals can do everything without leaving town.

Greenspace Trails are scenic trails preserved and managed by Greenspace Inc. They meander between creeks, wooded areas, and small parks within the town.

These trails are ideal for walking and running, and they are also well known for birdwatching. The trails fit visitors of all age categories, ranging from the 4.9-mile Freeman Lake Trail (which stems from the perimeter of Freeman Lake) to the ¼-mile Cave Spring Trail.

You won’t want to miss out, especially if you love hiking. Get a map from the Greenspace Inc. website to learn about the various trails.

Address: Elizabethtown, KY 42702

3. Visit the Historic State Theatre Complex

Historic State Theatre Complex
Credits: Pitchayaarch Photography / Shutterstock

The Historic State Theatre Complex was originally opened to the public in 1942 in downtown Elizabethtown. This complex is one of the top things to do in Elizabethtown, KY, and it is affectionately referred to as The State by locals.

Almost exactly 40 years after opening, The State closed down, much to the dissatisfaction of the Elizabethtown community.

However, the 1990s marked the start of something new as the community started a fundraising project that resulted in the reopening of the old historic theatre in 2009, with full restoration to its original 1940’s Art-Deco splendor.

Visit The State to take a walk down memory lane as you can enjoy a concert or comedy show, watch a classic movie, or thrill to a live theatre production.

Address: 209 W Dixie Ave, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

4. Compete in the balance beams at Sky’s the Limit

Sky’s the Limit
Credits: v74 / Shutterstock

Are you looking for a place to visit with your family for maximum entertainment in Elizabethtown?

If yes, Sky’s the Limit is that place to be. Packed with action, this indoor family entertainment center will keep children (and even adults) in the time of their lives all through the year.

The center provides all kinds of fun jumping activities. At the supersized Main Court are a series of connected trampolines which cover both the floors and walls for boundless safe jumping.

You would also see a series of trampolines leading to the Foam Pit. This area is ideal for jumpers of all ages to sharpen their skills.

Other fun activities here include the Wipe-Out platform, the Balance Beams, and Extreme Dodge ball (on trampolines).

You can also host children’s birthday parties at Sky’s the Limit – the jumpers are always under supervision, so parents can relax.

Address: 3024 Ring Road, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

 5. Hardin County Playhouse

Credits: WinWin artlab / Shutterstock

It would interest you to know that the Hardin County Playhouse is not a building you can visit.

Unlike what you would have thought, the Hardin County Playhouse is a set name used by a lovely merry band of thespians who have been entertaining residents and visitors of Elizabethtown for almost 50 years.

This business of staging live performances all over the town has seen the Playhouse members change their venues regularly over the years to accommodate their growing audience.

Lately, the Hardin County Playhouse has been located in the Science Auditorium of the Elizabeth Country Technical College, and your trip to Elizabethtown would be incomplete if you don’t attend one of their excellent stage productions.

Address: ECTC Science Auditorium, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

6. Pay your respect to fall heroes at Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall

Amongst the interesting things to do in Elizabethtown, KY, is seeing the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall – an 80% scale replica of the popular Veterans Wall in Washington DC.

Located in the Elizabethtown Nature Park, the wall was erected in 2018, just near the Hardin County Veterans Tribute monument.

A visit to the Veterans Memorial Wall and the Veterans Tribute monument leaves one with a stirring reminder of the devastation of war.

You will enjoy the serenity and calmness in the Nature Park. It is, in fact, an ideal location for guests to reflect and honor the thousands of men and women who served in the armed forces while some paid the ultimate price to protect their country.

Address: 1850 Rind Rd, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

7. Xtreme Cornhole

Xtreme Cornhole
Credits: Xtreme Cornhole Golf / Facebook
Xtreme Cornhole

Xtreme Cornhole is a brand new game that provides tons of fun for the entire family. It combines traditional cornhole and mini-golf and adds to our list of best things to Elizabethtown.

Their course is mapped out just the same way as a mini-golf course and has 14 stations (or cornholes).

Each of them has a unique theme and individual interferences that you have to clear to sink your bag in the hole.

One can play the game the same way as a mini-golf, using a score-card to add up your throws wherein the lowest score wins the game. Otherwise, you can play head-to-head using standard cornhole rules.

It is even more enjoyable on weekend nights as the entire course gets lit up thanks to Cosmic Cornhole fun.

8. Visit the museum at Brown-Pusey House

Brown-Pusey House
Credits: Brent Moore / Flickr
Brown-Pusey House

Constructed in 1825, the Brown-Pusey House is a dignified Georgian home containing a genealogy library and a small museum. one of the interesting things to do in Elizabethtown, KY.

For many years the house was a boarding establishment called Hill House and played host to many notable visitors, including General John Hunt Morgan of the Confederate Army and General Custer and his wife, the Swedish Nightingale Jenny Lind.

The house was beautifully restored in 1923 and then donated to the community. The museum accepts visitors from Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Guests are welcomed for free guided tours of the house and its beautiful formal gardens. The public can also use the Genealogy Library to research their ancestry.

Address: 128 N Main St, Elizabethtown, KY 42701.

Planning a road trip in Kentucky, check out our list of things to do in Richmond things to do in Somerset , and things to do in Bardstown for a memorable trip.

9. Dixe Town Lanes

Dixe Town Lanes
Credits: Boris Medvedev / Shutterstock

If you are considering fun family/friends activities, Dixe Town Lanes is what immediately springs to mind. The facility is a family-owned bowling center that has been recently restored to give bowlers the latest in bowling technology.

The center has 24 lanes, meaning that it is usually easy to reserve a lane for your group (up to 6 players per lane).

Whatever you need to have a fun night of bowling is available on site, including a Pro Shop and shoe rental. There is a spacious video game area in this facility.

You will get your favorite foods and snacks at the Tin Pin Grill. You can also host your birthday party or group event at the Dixe Town Lanes.

Address: 4547 N. Dixie Highway, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

10. Fly Wheel Brewing

Fly Wheel Brewing
Credits: id-art / Shutterstock

Fly Wheel Brewing is owned and operated by a devoted band of beer lovers focusing on bringing first-class artisanal brewing to Elizabethtown.

The idea behind the brewery is to provide the locals and visitors of Elizabethtown with a relaxing atmosphere where they can stay back and enjoy a great brew and a better company.

Their taproom is built in an industrial style such that the views of the brewing tanks are visible, and there is a small outdoor seating area.

On tap, you can select from the 16 house and guest brews, including Hefeweizen, Belgian Ale, Porter, Ales, Stout and several IPA’s.

There is also have a local food truck that serves dinner. So do well to check in as it is one of the an amazing things to do in Elizabethtown, especially for beer lovers.

Address: 218 South Mulberry Street, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

11. Hardin County Clothesline of Quilts Trail

Hardin County Clothesline of Quilts Trail was created to encourage Hardin County tourists to ply the “roads less traveled” (rather than focusing on interstate highways).

It leads visitors through the lovely and historic countryside. It offers the opportunity to visit smaller, off-the-radar towns and villages, thereby learning about the culture and history of Hardin County.

Engaging residents are welcomed to place highly visible painted quilt squares on important buildings. Kentucky has this old quilting tradition, and it is still a well-known hobby in the state.

You will observe that each of the quilt squares along the trail has been designed by a local quilter, and it is believed that the trail will complement your journey through Hardin County.

Address: Elizabethtown, KT 42701

12. Elizabethtown must-visit: Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame

Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame
Credits: Torsak Thammachote / Shutterstock

Started up in 2009, the Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame recognizes and preserves the heritage of high school basketball in the Bluegrass State.

Since its establishment, 112 former players and coaches have been inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Kentucky sees basketball as more than just a game – it is the people’s way of life. Visitors are welcomed to visit the KHSBHS to learn more about how high school basketball breeds a culture of personal responsibility, hard work, and team play among the youth and their coaches.

Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame is open to the public from Wednesday through Saturday between 11 am and 4 pm.

Popular Kentucky basketball inductees include Al Prewitt, “King” Kelly Coleman (1952-1956), and Alfred Butch Beard.

Address: 212 W. Dixie Ave, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

13. Participate in a sports event in Elizabethtown Sports Park

Credits: topseller / Shutterstock

Elizabethtown Sports Park is the best place to go if you are a sports rookie or enthusiast. It hosts several athletic competitions and offers visitors the platform to do some workouts outdoors.

Spreading across 150 acres, the sports park has many covered seats, twelve soccer and field hockey turf fields, three baseball and softball fields, and space for outdoor activities.

This sports park promises a lot of amazing features thanks to the state-of-the-art designs, free WI-Fi, modern professional sports facilities, Hi-Cast streaming that are suiting for you.

Elizabethtown Sports Park is a perfect destination for all events as it features 12 cool-season ball diamonds. Go spend your day watching a sports game or doing recreational activities in this sports park.

Address: 1401 West Park Road, Elizabethtown, KY 42701, United States

14. Eat great at the Wicked Eyed Woman Public House

Wicked Eyed Woman Public House
Credits: The Wicked Eyed Woman / Facebook
Wicked Eyed Woman Public House

The Wicked Eyed Woman Public House is located in a ancient historic building rumored to have been a house of ill fame back in the day.

This restaurant welcomes all visitors to come and taste a relaxed lunch or dinner in a historic setting.

Its interior has been beautifully restored to unravel the best of the old skeleton of the building without extinguishing all traces of its antiquity, thereby creating plenty of atmospheres.

They have a menu that brings traditional British Pub Fare, with a twist of Southern treat to Elizabethtown, using the finest of locally sourced seasonal produce where possible.

Think delicious salads and burgers, lots of mouth-watering surprises, classic fish and chips, visit the Wicked Eyed Woman.

Address: 133 W. Dixie Ave, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

15. Play Retro Games in 3 Decade Arcade

3 Decade Arcade
Credits: iChzigo / Shutterstock

Located in Main Street, Downtown Elizabethtown, 3 Decade Arcade is a place that offers diverse selections of retro arcade games, pinball, and music from the 1970s and 1980s with sounds of 8-bit sound effects.

There are 15 standup arcade games, eight pinball machines (classic to modern), and an air hockey table.

If you have a few hours to play Super Mario and Tetris, win a pinball match or get a high score in Pac-Man, you can move to the 3 Decade Arcade and recall your favorite games in the past.

You can purchase snacks and bottled drinks on the arcade, so external food and beverages are not permitted.

There would be no need to reserve a slot or pay for entrance fees since quarter machines will release quarters for you. Just pay and play.

Address: 109 S Main St Suite 103, Elizabethtown, KY 42701, United States.

16. See vintage cars at Swope’s Cars of Yesterday Museum

Swope’s Cars of Yesterday Museum
Credits: PHOTOCREO Michal Bednarek / Shutterstock

Would you like to take a nostalgic walk down memory lane of automobiles while in the city? If yes, pay a visit to Swope’s Cars of Yesterday Museum as it makes the list of the best things to do in Elizabethtown.

This is a private museum owned by the Swope Family of Automobile dealerships, and it is open for any interested person to visit free of charge.

You can see the development, evolution, and advancement of automobiles over time – perhaps you would see the model owned by your family when you were a kid.

The extensive collection includes all models and makes from around 1900 to the 1960s. Some of these old treasures are placed for sale to accommodate newer museum additions.

Feel free to visit, and there is always a guide available to give you a tour.

Address: 1100 N. Dixie Avenue, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

For a fun road trip in Kentucky, do not miss exploring the top attractions and fun activities in Cave City and Williamstown.

17. Hike on the Buffalo Lake Walking Trail

Buffalo Lake Walking Trail
Credits: BalanceFormCreative / Shutterstock

Are you seeking a place to hike, walk, or run? Then you can check out this two-mile Buffalo Lake Walking Trail with lovely and lush scenery.

Listen to the birds singing, take a moment to admire nature, and gaze in the rock formations, wildflowers, and the creek-side vegetations.

The trail encompass Buffalo lake and were is called a “Wildlife Preserve” as you can see native flowers, shrubs, trees, and even hills.

While treading the scenic trails, you would observe the path meanders the southwest and then crosses Buffalo Creek until it reaches the main course that leads to a high dam.

You would see red markers for moving in one path and yellow markers for another direction. You can so go on bird-watching and angling in the area.

18. Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home at Knob Creek

Being a segment of the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park, the Boyhood Home at Knob Creek is where President Abraham Lincoln spent several years of his happy boyhood lifetime.

Lincoln and his family dwelled in this simple, single-storey home between 1811 and 1816, with the President holding loving memories of his boyhood on the family farm.

Do well to visit the park to see the simple, one-room log cabin where the president was born – it is situated only 10 miles from his boyhood home at Knob Creek.

There is also a Visitor’s Center in the Historical Park and a small theatre where you can see a short orientation video about the life and times of Lincoln.

Address: 7120 Bardtown Rd, Hodgenville, KY 42748 207

19. Check out the personal art collections in Emma Reno Connor Black History Gallery

Emma Reno Connor Black History Gallery
Credits: SeventyFour / Shutterstock

Emma Reno Connor’s arts collection is devoted to preserving the Black American’s history and is amongst the top things to do in Elizabethtown.

Her gallery is evidence of the perseverance and hard work put in to let the community learn the history of Black Americans in the United States.

As a school teacher, Emma Reno Connor collected pictures, articles, and other materials about African Americans and engaged in her classes.

She, however died in 1988, and since then, her family has been managing the museum in their childhood home.

To visit, you would have to book an appointment to view the variety of collections in this exciting gallery.

20. Elizabethtown must-see: The Cannonball

The Cannonball
Credits: Brent Moore/ Flickr
The Cannonball

If you would be exploring downtown Elizabethtown on foot, it’s essential you visit to the Public Square on the corner of West Dixie. There you will see an infamous cannonball embedded in a wall.

This specific cannonball is traced back to 1862 when Elizabethtown experienced its one and only Civil War battle causing it to have an intriguing history.

The story has it that the Confederate Army attacked the Union-occupied town to destroy the railway which went through Elizabethtown.

As the battle progressed, a cannonball was lodged in the Depp building. The cannonball was rescued after the destruction by fire in 1887 and returned to its initial position many years later, where it stands as a familiar landmark.

Address: 40 Public Square, West Dixie, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

21. Shop for Antiques Items in Elizabeth Town Peddlers Mall

Elizabeth Town Peddlers Mall
Credits: Nicholas Eckhart / Flickr
Elizabeth Town Peddlers Mall

If you are looking to purchase some antiques, collectibles, and souvenirs, Elizabethtown Peddlers Mall is the go-to place.

It is a flea market that features extensive furniture, clothing, decorations, toys that you can buy to add variety to your house vibes or add to your collections.

Browse through the items because you may find something of value or even vintage items that will capture your heart or are rare to see these days.

Elizabeth Town Peddlers Mall is open from Monday to Saturday (10 am to 8 pm) and Sunday (11 am to 6 pm).

You can take advantage of great deals in over 18 retail stores when you visit the mall.

Address: 1111 N Dixie Hwy, Elizabethtown, KY 42701, United States.

22. Learn about Sarah Bush Johnson Lincoln Memorial Cabin

Built in 1992, the Sarah Bush Johnson Lincoln Memorial Cabin aims to preserve the history and memories of the early days of the Lincoln family.

It would amaze you how this memorial cabin is constructed using hand-hewn timber logs which existed for 122 years.

The style and dimensions of this simple log are a replica of the actual cabin in which the widow Sarah Bush Johnson lived with her three children before she got married to Thomas Lincoln in 1819.

The cabin is very original and provides visitors with a glimpse into the past – housewares, décor, and furnishings have been meticulously selected to reflect life during the Johnson-Lincoln era.

Address: 1030 N. Mulberry St, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

23. Aim for the clouds in Skydive Kentucky

Skydive Kentucky
Credits: Erik Eckel / Flickr
Skydive Kentucky

Skydiving is another activity you must try if you want something unusual for your vacation trip, and for sure, it promises a thrilling experience.

If you are a first-timer in skydiving, do not fret because Skydive Kentucky offers a fun, safe, and cinch skydiving experience, with safety precautions put in place for you to follow for this kind of activity.

You will have veteran jumpers as teachers, ready to teach and guide you on what to do, and if you are looking for a Parachute Association License, do well to embrace and complete their training classes.

Book an appointment now and be available at your designated time to learn about skydiving, be fully equipped, and start training to take that long-awaited jump

Address: 1824 Kitty Hawk Dr, Elizabethtown, KY 42701, United States.

24. American Legion Park

American Legion Park
Credits: Eric Cote / Shutterstock

The American Legion Park offers visitors the opportunity to spend a few recreational hours on a lovely day. It adds to our teeming list of best things to do in Elizabethtown.

The park pays respect to all Hardin County soldiers who lost their lives in any war. Amongst the amenities in the park is the ever-popular American Legion Water Park, and it is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day every year.

Admission is only for a token, and everyone is welcome to have hours of fun enjoying the lazy river, the splash pad, 2 water slides, and a play station for children.

Other attractions in the park include Funtopia, an outdoor children’s playground, a mini-nature trail for children, and a 9-hole par 3 golf course.

You would also find a massive picnic shelter that is perfect for hosting children’s birthday parties.

Address: 801 N. Miles Street, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

25. Have family fun at Freeman Lake Park

Freeman Lake Park
Credits: Brian Koellish / Shutterstock
Freeman Lake Park

For the residents of Elizabethtown, Freeman Lake Park exists as a true asset.

This park is very massive, and it is home to 140-acre Freeman Lake, where visitors can engage in all kinds of recreational activities, including fishing, paddling, and boating (rentals are available on-site).

You can enjoy pickleball, disc golf, volleyball, and tennis (there are 10 courts) if you would prefer to keep your feet dry.

There are many beautiful walking/hiking trails to explore and numerous picnic areas. You are permitted to bring along your hairy pet on a leash to have fun in the dog park.

You can make the most of your day in the park by visiting the Lincoln Heritage House, the Sarah Bush Johnson Log Cabin, and the One-Room Schoolhouse.

This answers what to do in Elizabethtown for a fun outdoor time, do add to your bucket list of things to do in in Elizabethtown, KY.

Address: Blue Heron Way, Elizabethtown, KY 42701

26. Unlock Elizabethtown

Unlock Elizabethtown
Credits: Fer Gregory / Shutterstock

Shawn Decker founded Unlock Elizabethtown in 2017. Unlock Elizabethtown offers real escape room adventures for groups to challenge their wits and abilities to complete a mission. 

This real-life escape game is designed for small groups ranging from 2 to 10 people depending on the nature of the game. It is an exciting, novel, and interactive entertainment concept.

All the escape rooms enthrall the players with a unique storyline and theme. They must figure out clues, find objects, unravel puzzles, and work together to overpower the challenge within the time frame. 

Your goal is to work together as a team and find objects, figure out clues, and solve the puzzles. 

Unlock Elizabethtown is undoubtedly one of the best places to visit in Elizabethtown, KY.

Address: 909 N Mulberry St Ste 200, Elizabethtown, KY 42701, United States

27. Elizabethtown Nature Park

Elizabethtown Nature Park
Credits: Brian Koellish / Shutterstock
Elizabethtown Nature Park

The Elizabethtown Nature Park features 104 acres of gently balling old pasture land. 

The Freeman creek winds through the park as it flows to Freeman Lake, the city’s largest lake. 

Locals and tourists can admire the community’s natural beauty in Elizabethtown Nature Park

A tunnel linking Nature Park and the north end of Freeman Lake Park was built under Ring Road. 

The Elizabethtown Nature Park also has a pavilion and walking trail, which connects with the Freeman Lake Park trail system. 

Additionally, Nature Park houses the Hardin County Veteran Tribute, a star figure with granite monoliths and bronze sculptures commemorating all five chapters of the military and civil service. 

When you go to this park, you will realize why it is one of the best places to visit in Elizabethtown. 

Address: 1900 Ring Rd, Elizabethtown, KY 42701, United States

28. Kentucky Craft Beer Festival

Kentucky Craft Beer Festival
Credits: DisobeyArt / Shutterstock

Kentucky Craft Beer Festival was established to bring other craft beer lovers and craft breweries from the state for a one-day event. 

The Kentucky Craft Beer Festival is a yearly event that takes place every summer, so tourists visiting during this time can partake in the festival.

This fun indoor event, which takes place at Haycraft, helps to promote the festival atmosphere for craft beer lovers. 

Kentucky Craft Beer Festival features 25 to 30 breweries and 750 to 1,000 guests. 

The guests come from far and wide for the opportunity to taste the offerings of Central Kentucky. 

Not only will you enjoy the beer produced in this state, but you can also sample experimental beers that barely make it out of the brewery’s taproom. There’s also a plethora of food and live music. 

The Kentucky Guild of Brewers hosts Kentucky Craft Beer Festival.

Address: Elizabethtown, KY, United States

Are you planning a trip to Kentucky and wondering what to do here? check out our guide on things to do in Lexingtonthings to do in Paducah, and fun things to do in Owensboro for a memorable vacation.

Plan your trip to Elizabethtown

Just like you have seen, Elizabethtown is about nature, history, parks, and museums,, so make the most out of your trip in this exciting community.

Ensure that you plan what places to visit and the kind of activities you would like. Feel free to check back here when you need some guide

Elizabethtown has many things to offer to you, so enjoy your vacation with your family, friends, or loved ones.

Safe travels!