Clark County: History, Trails, and Beer Cheese

At Civil War Fort at Boonesboro, the eastern and western walls and trenches remain. The grounds are open for hiking from sunrise to sunset. The moderately difficult to steep trail is half a mile long, features informational signs, and ends on a hill at a viewpoint overlooking the Kentucky River. Check the latest operating information before you go.

Historic Sites and Buildings

In Winchester, buildings and a commercial district represent different chapters of history. Holly Rood was built in 1813 by Governor James Clark as his private residence and is considered one of the city’s most significant historic buildings. The Winchester Downtown Commercial District is one of Kentucky’s more significant surviving commercial centers from the late 19th century. Strode’s Station was built in 1779 and was the largest and most significant fortified area in Clark County during early settlement and the bloody Indian wars.

The historical landmarks span from Strode’s Station in 1779 to Holly Rood in 1813 and the commercial district of the late 19th century. Together, they give an impression of the variety of historical themes in Clark County: from a fortification to a private residence to a surviving commercial center.

Museum and Trails

The Bluegrass Heritage Museum features changing exhibits in a renovated building on South Main Street in Winchester. The distinctive building is designed in the Romanesque Revival style, has an elevator, and is considered to have limited accessibility. The changing exhibits and architecture offer different points of focus; check the museum’s latest information before your visit.

Trail lengths also vary. The Holder Public Trail is 1.4 miles long; the round trip is 2.8 miles. At Civil War Fort at Boonesboro, the route is half a mile long and moderately difficult to steep. These distances provide a practical guide for planning, while the trail description at the fort also mentions informational signs and the viewpoint overlooking the Kentucky River.

The Daniel Boone Heritage Trail is a historic and scenic route that commemorates the travels and exploits of the famous American pioneer Daniel Boone. On the Kentucky River, Three Trees offers canoeing and kayaking; rentals are available seasonally. The river offers two different perspectives: as a view from the hill at the fort and as a waterway for on-the-water activities.

Beer Cheese and Other Ways to Savor the Area

The Beer Cheese Trail includes 15 stops in Clark County. Beer Cheese is served there in a variety of ways, including as an appetizer, dip, soup, lunch dish, and in other specialty recipes. Participating stops may change. Hall’s on the River is located at the site of the Driftwood Inn, considered the birthplace of Beer Cheese.

The Beer Cheese Festival takes place annually on the second Saturday in June; dates are subject to change. Check the latest event information before visiting. For a different taste of the beverage selection, Abettor Brewing Company offers 20 varieties of beer, cider, and seltzer, as well as seasonal selections that change throughout the year.

Wine is another possible experience: Harkness Edwards Vineyard offers wine tastings on a scenic patio and guided vineyard tours. Check current arrangements for tastings and tours in advance. You can tailor your stay to your interests—with historic sites, hiking trails, Beer Cheese, or an activity on the river.

Discover more destinations: Winchester, Owen County, Boyd County, Calloway County, Morgan County, Lyon County, Breathitt County, Mercer County.

For the broader travel overview: Kentucky.