Livingston: Nature, History and Trails by the Water

Livingston is a destination for travelers who want to include nature, local history, and specific recreational activities in their travel plans. Attractions range from a natural sandstone bridge and hiking trails to museums and a theater. When looking for a hotel in Livingston, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: Would you like the landscape to take center stage, are you interested in historic sites, or would you like to plan activities in Grand Rivers? The differences below will help you sort the destinations by your interests.

Nature and Hiking in Livingston County

The natural areas in Livingston County include mature oak forests, cypress swamps, and steep, wooded cliffs. A natural sandstone bridge rises 30 feet high and spans 188 feet at Mantle Rock Nature Preserve. A colony of great blue herons (Ardea herodias) can be found along Bissell Creek in the Livingston County Natural Areas.

This landscape is also connected to a historic route: On the Retracement Trail in Mantle Rock Preserve, visitors can walk more than a mile of the historic road used by Cherokee travelers in 1838, where they camped. Hiking in the natural areas is permitted on foot only; ATVs, off-road vehicles, and mountain bikes are not allowed.

Grand Rivers: Lakeside Trails and Recreational Activities

Grand Rivers has a different focus from the natural areas: The town is the northern gateway to Land Between the Lakes and offers access to Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. The Grand Rivers Walking Trail is located on Kentucky Lake and starts at the Grand Rivers Jetty Pavilion; this trail offers a specific hiking option by the water.

Other options include mini golf: Patti’s 1880’s Settlement offers the game at “The 19th Hole” course. In the town of Grand Rivers, Patti’s Settlement offers a 2-inch-thick pork chop. Check whether the dish is available before your trip. The Badgett Playhouse is a nonprofit performing arts theater in downtown Grand Rivers.

Museums and Historic Sites

History takes many forms here. The Carrsville History Museum is located in a former Methodist church building constructed in 1875. The museum of the Livingston County Historical and Genealogical Society features a historic classroom with artifacts, including a cast-iron stove and old wooden desks. A brochure offers a self-guided tour on foot and by car of the historic Smithland Cemetery. The creation of Kentucky Lake is also rooted in history: it was formed by the construction of Kentucky Dam.

Plan Your Stay Around Your Interests

The character of your planned excursions is a useful first filter when choosing a hotel: The natural areas focus on hiking on foot, while museums and historic sites highlight buildings, objects, and local history. Grand Rivers adds a lakeside trail and recreational activities to these options. Focus your hotel search in Livingston on whichever of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Grand Rivers, Hardin, Rowan, Campbell, Simpson County, Christian County, Muhlenberg, Ohio County

For the broader travel overview: Kentucky.