Discover Scottsville

Scottsville, Kentucky, offers travelers several distinct points of interest: trails in Dugas Park, historic sites connected to the town’s history in different ways, and recurring events. If you’re looking for hotels in Scottsville, the purpose of your stay can help guide you: an interest in local history calls for a different focus than a festival date or time in the park.

Trails in Dugas Park

Dugas Park covers 346 acres and is a nonprofit park. It was founded in 2014 by the Dugas family in Scottsville. The Benjamin Harrison Trail is flat and paved; it runs through the center of Dumont Hill and forms a loop there. The Nature Trail is the longest hiking trail on Dumont Hill and connects with several other trails in the park.

Different features matter when comparing the trails: the Benjamin Harrison Trail is defined by its loop, while the Nature Trail stands out for its connections to other trails and its length relative to the other hiking trails on Dumont Hill. This makes it possible to understand the park not only by its size, but also by its variety of trail types.

Historic Sites in Scottsville

The Scottsville Public Spring was an important center of activity in Scottsville’s early days. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. The Scottsville Train Depot offers a different perspective on local history: it was built in 1886 and served as a passenger and freight depot for almost 90 years. The Spring represents its role in early Scottsville, while the depot illustrates the long history of passenger and freight transportation in this location.

The Allen County Rosenwald School adds the African American history of Scottsville and Allen County to these themes. The schoolhouse measures 36 × 23 feet. Its dimensions give the historic building a tangible architectural context; its connection to the history of Scottsville and Allen County broadens the perspective beyond the history of a single place. Together, the Spring, the depot, and the school represent different historical themes: early local life, rail transportation, and African American heritage.

Events and Dates

NorroFest is an annual music festival held in Dugas Park in Scottsville. During First Friday in downtown, the streets around the Square are closed on selected Friday evenings. Vendors, food trucks, musicians, and classic car enthusiasts are among those welcome to attend. The two events differ in location and format: NorroFest is a music festival in the park, while First Friday brings several participating groups to the area around the Square.

NorroFest dates and lineup may change; First Friday dates and program may also change. If you’re traveling for either event, check the latest event dates and program information in advance.

The Wider Regional Context

Barren River Lake in Allen County is also part of the regional context. Campgrounds there offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, biking, and birdwatching. This broader range of activities adds a regional perspective to the Scottsville themes: while the named trails are the focus at Dugas Park, Barren River Lake offers other outdoor activities.

For the broader travel overview: Allen County.