If you are traveling to Morehead, KY, and don’t know what to do in the city, I have created a list of the best things to do in Morehead KY. Make sure you stop by as it is a lovely and interesting little city.
About Kentucky and Morehead
The state of Kentucky is one of the Commonwealth states in the United States. It is located in the south of the other three states, which also call themselves the Commonwealth. On June 1, 1792, the 15th state of the Union was formed and named Kentucky. Although it has many names such as “State of Blue Grass” due to the presence of bluegrass in the area.
A very popular product that has made the area known is bourbon. Whiskey distilleries also contribute to the fame of the place, along with the musical genre “bluegrass”
The largest cities in Kentucky are Louisville and Lexington, while the capital is at Frankfort. Another popular city is Cincinnati, a city located across the Ohio River. It is a dynamic commercial metropolis with a well-defined European flavor. Its well-kept center, rich in architecture and culture, is a few minutes walk from the Mount Adams neighborhood.
Morehead is among the smaller cities in Kentucky, with a population of just over 6,800, and is situated in the center of Rowan County. The city was founded by Europeans that arrived here in 1783 from Virginia.
In 1869 Morehead, named after the legislative leader of Kentucky James Morehead, was officially recognized after John Hargis, a Colonel at the time, purchased land in the region. In 1856, Morehead became the seat of Rowan County despite the closest city, Farmers, which was larger and more developed.
As far as shopping in Morehead, KY goes, there are a few shops in the city. The best-rated shops in the city of Morehead, KY are:
- Walmart Supercenter
- Morehead Peddlers Mall
- Blessed Mama
- Quilter’s Candy Shop
- Gordmans, Holbrook Drug
- CoffeeTree Books
- Allens Iga
- Midway Antique Mall & Variety
- Kentucky Folk Art Center
Things to do in Morehead KY
I have prepared a list of the best things to do in Morehead KY. These are my personal favorite tourist attractions in the city. Although there are a lot of great outdoor places that you can visit, I have highlighted to most popular ones.
The Kentucky Folk Art Center
The Kentucky Folk Art Center is a special place for Morehead. The center is part of Morehead University and was built in 1985. Although it is a museum in the true sense of the word, the experience that tourists live, is unique and different from other museums or art galleries.
The collection hosted by the museum exceeds 1,300 exhibits. Each work in the museum’s collection was made by artists who studied and learned the art on their own. With such a large number of works, they are exhibited through a rotating system.
As a tourist, if you visit the galleries for the first time, the exhibits will seem unusual and eccentric. Whatever feelings the works convey to you, you must treat them with joy and cheerfulness, because this is what the authors intend to convey.
On the upper floor of the gallery, the exhibits are more refined and include fine art, portraits, photography collections, documents, and historical objects, as well as folk art.
If you want a souvenir from KFAC, do not hesitate to visit the souvenir and gift shops. These are some of the best and most original souvenirs you can find.
Eagle Lake and the Hiking Route
The next landmark on our list of things to do in Morehead KY you should not miss is Eagle Lake. This impressive lake was named after the symbol of Morehead University, namely the Bald Eagle. The surface of the lake is about 30 acres, and the entire surface belongs to the university.
Around the lake, there is a route called the Eagle Lake Trail. It is a relatively easy route, with a total length of 1.9 km. You can follow the route even if you are a beginner. If you are accompanied by a dog, do not forget that you must keep him on a leash. On some parts, it is possible to meet fallen trees that block the route but do not worry, they can be easily bypassed.
So, if you are in the mood for a hike, you should try out the Eagle Lake Trail.
Photo by Morehead History & Railroad Museum Facebook
Morehead History and Railroad Museum
If you want to know more about the history of the city and the railways, take the time to visit Morehead History and Railroad Museum. Certainly, the information you will receive will enrich your general culture and knowledge about the city and its beginnings.
The museum was founded in 2016 and contains a series of exhibits from Morehead, the surrounding area, and the eastern part of the state. Among the exhibits, you can see the various types of railroads that ran through Rowan County, as well as evidence of the floods that occurred in 1939.
The museum’s headquarters are on old cargo depot construction. The building was completed in 1881 and later restored in 2014. The depot is part of the National Park Service’s Register of Historic Places.
Among other things, you can find information and details about the history of the station, about the alcohol store, and even about the shootings that took place in the Tolliver-Martin altercation.
Are you ready to find out more about the history of the area and the railway infrastructure in the county? Then pay a visit to Morehead History & Railroad Museum.
Cave Run in Morehead KY – photo by Pattye77
Fishing and Paddling at Cave Run Lake, Morehead, KY
Last, but not least on our list of things to do in Morehead KY is Cave Run Lake. Fishing and canoeing enthusiasts can have a great time at the lake. A lake that covers an area of 3,237 hectares and is located on the outskirts of the city.
If you decide to fish, Cave Run Lake has you covered too. Keep in mind that the record for the largest catch is held by a 14-year-old child. He caught a fish weighing 22.6 kilograms. Fish species in the lake include muskie, bass, or catfish.
In the Cave Run camping area, there are two areas: for swimming and for paddle boats. These two areas allow you to cool off on hot days.
Are you ready for a day of relaxation and fishing? Then visit Cave Run lake.
Places to eat in Morehead, KY
Although it is a small city, there are a lot of great places to eat in Morehead. You can find a lot of steak restaurants, cafes, fast foods, and even restaurants that focus on foreign dishes such as Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and even Japanese. You don’t have to worry, you won’t stay hungry for too long in Morehead.
Are you ready to visit Morehead KY?
If you like to travel to the smaller cities that are not so popular on the travel maps, then you should visit Morehead KY. It has a lot of history and a lot of great places to spend your time. One of the best things that you can do while in Morehead KY is to spend as much time as you can outdoors. You’ll really feel closer to nature.
If you are interested in other tips, check out our travel tips section.