Visitors to Campbellsville, Kentucky, will inevitably be beguiled by the small-town charm of what is, in fact, a city. There’s a real buzz of history to Campbellsville, which is not to say that there isn’t also a soulful modern town to be found here, one which is appreciated by residents, visitors and businesses alike for the sense of camaraderie that is part of life here. Campbellsville was founded by, and is named for, a mill owner by the name of Andrew Campbell who moved here in 1814. The historic center of the town features several old buildings that date from that time, including the courthouse, which was built on a plot of land that the city sold to Green County for a single dollar. Along with all the historic sight-seeing there is here, we can also recommend the following things to do in Campbellsville, Kentucky.
1. Witness history at Tebb's Bend Battlefield
Part of Campbellsville’s long and storied history, the battlefield at Tebb’s Bend was the site for one of the American Civil War’s most surprising outcomes, as a heavily outnumbered Union force outlasted and outfought the Confederate soldiers, inflicting significant losses on the forces of Brigadier General John Hunt Moore. The location today offers a chance to see where it all took place, allowing visitors to tour the battlefield by car, or to make use of the 4 miles (6.4 kilometers) of hiking trails that enclose the park.
Tebb's Bend Battlefield
Address: 327 Tebbs Bend Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718
Website: Tebb’s Bend Battlefield
2. Get closer to nature at Clay Hill Memorial Forest
Curated by the University in the city, the Clay Hill Memorial Forest is a remarkable expanse of wooded area in the rural environs of Campbellsville. It is a major contributor to the sustainability and conservation of Campbellsville, and offers a choice of hiking trails as well as a chance to enjoy the best of nature. Here, within the boundaries of Clay Hill, you will be able to witness rare butterflies and other creatures, as well as a diverse collection of trees planted with the purpose of adding to the city’s biodiversity.
Clay Hill Memorial Forest
Address: 7426 Old Lebanon Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718
Website: Clay Hill Memorial Forest
3. Take a dip at Green River Lake State Park
Opened in 1969, Green River Park has become the place to go for Campbellsvillians who want to do a spot of open-air swimming or take a boat out for a ride on the 1331-acres (538.6 hectares) lake. Stunningly beautiful, the park offers plenty of verdant banks and wooded areas, while the lake itself is a delight for fishing and for just taking a dip to cool off. If you prefer to stay away from the water, there’s still plenty to do here with minigolf, a playground and plenty of hiking trails. There are plenty of options for picnic spots within the park.
Green River Lake State Park
Address: Green River Lake State Park, 179 Park Office Rd., Campbellsville, KY 42718
Website: Green River Lake State Park
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4. Pick up a bargain at Campbellsville Peddlers Mall
If thrift shopping is your thing, then the Peddlers Mall is going to be one of the highlights of your experience in Campbellsville. As part of a chain of Peddlers Malls which can be found throughout Kentucky and Ohio, this charming “flea-tique” features a range of booths selling intriguing items for low prices. At the Campbellsville location, you may find fabric cut to length, some pieces of charming household furniture, or an antique that will fit perfectly in your home. Bring a keen eye with you, and you’re sure to find a bargain.
Campbellsville Peddlers Mall
Address: 400 Campbellsville Bypass # 3, Campbellsville, KY 42718
Opening hours: Mon - Wed: 10am - 6pm; Thu - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
5. Step back in time at Atkinson Griffin Log House
If you want a piece of very real history, then you can’t ask for much better than the Atkinson Griffin Log House - a former field hospital for Confederate soldiers during the Battle of Tebbs Bend. It has been preserved just as it was back then. The house has been turned into a museum of sorts, and you can look at photographs from the era or, if you really want to see the effects of war in all their “glory”, you can check out the bloodstains on the floor of an upstairs bedroom. This is an attraction that doesn’t shy away from the realities of war.
Atkinson Griffin Log House
Address: 327 Tebbs Bend Road, Campbellsville, Kentucky 42718
Website: Atkinson Griffin Log House
6. Bask in the lap of nature at Green River Stables campground
A true rural experience awaits you at the Green River Stables campground, where you can sleep under the stars in among some of the most spectacular scenery that Kentucky has to offer. The location is a horse campground, so if you ride up the Green River Lake trails, there is space to stable your horse and enjoy a night’s sleep here - but it is also possible to park an RV or other vehicle here and enjoy the same homely relaxation in a spot with a strong family atmosphere.
Green River Stables
Address: 592 Robin Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718
Website: Green River Stables
Price: 25 - 35 USD per night
7. Experience local wildlife at Green River Lake Visitor Center
If you take a trip to see Green River Lake, then it’s well worth your time to seek out the visitor center on the site, which offers a great deal of information about the area. Not only that, but if you’re keen on nature, you’ll love the exhibits such as working beehives and live turtle displays, and a water safety tutorial which can be invaluable if you’re planning on taking to the water - which most visitors do on their trips here. From the visitor center, you can also pick up a few well-mapped hiking trails or reserve an excellent picnic shelter.
Green River Lake Visitor Center
Address: Campbellsville, KY 42718
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
8. Hit the driving range at Blue Hole Golf
Welcome to spring, Bluehole Golf is all cleaned up and ready to help you loosen up with your golf game! We are open 7 days a week, daylight to dark , come on out Hwy 55 south of Campbellsville
Posted by blueholegolf on Wednesday, 10 April 2019
If you want to work on your long or short game, or just fancy giving golf a try, there’s plenty of reason to head to Blue Hole Golf just off Highway 55. The facility is an excellent place to hit some balls in good or bad weather, with a covered tee area ensuring that even if it’s not ideal golfing weather you can still hone your swing in comfort and style. With a 1200 square feet (111 square meters) practice putting area, this is a perfect location for anyone who loves golf, and those who wish to give it a try too.
Blue Hole Golf
Address: 125 Range Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718-7362
Website: Blue Hole Golf
9. Knock down a few pins at Phillips Lanes
There are few more satisfying evenings out than taking the chance to bowl a few rounds in the lanes at any bowling alley, while pairing the experience with tasty snacks and cold drinks. At Phillips Lanes, you can enjoy that very experience with a world-class alley that is also a sports bar. The venue was founded in 1978, and since then has grown into one of Campbellsville’s most unmissable spots to spend an afternoon or evening - with deep-fried pickles, home-made hamburger patties, and flame-grilled steaks, you can look forward to a perfect time.
Phillips Lanes
Address: 164 Bambi Dr, Campbellsville, KY 42718
Website: Phillips Lanes
Opening hours: Mon: 10am - 11pm; Tue & Thu: 10am - 10pm; Wed, Fri - Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 7pm
10. Witness the past at Hiestand House - Taylor County Museum
Taylor County Museum is a literal step back into history, as the museum is a fully preserved family home that belonged to the Pennsylvania-German Hiestand family. The house shows a fusion of the Scots-Irish style of floor plan which was common in residential homes of the 1800s - when it was built - with the German approach of colorful exterior paintwork. The Museum also looks closely at the life of the Hiestand family, most specifically Jacob Hiestand, who abandoned the pacifist learnings of his childhood to fight against the Confederate Army (who would later raid this house, as related in detail during the tour of the museum).
Hiestand House - Taylor County Museum
Address: 1075 Campbellsville Bypass, Hodgenville Road, Campbellsville, KY 42718
Website: Hiestand House - Taylor County Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 3pm; Sat: by appointment (closed on Sun & Mon)
11. Feel the cool vibes at Wet N Wild Watersports
Posted by Wet N' Wild Watersports Inc on Friday, 26 May 2017
The presence of Green River Lake is so important to Campbellsville because it offers such a range of options for activities. Located on the banks of the lake, the likes of Wet ‘n’ Wild Watersports are experienced in offering the best options for anyone who wants a bit of splashy fun. They rent out kayaking supplies and, if you’re feeling a little braver, you can also hire a jet ski and take to the water in style. For the younger members of the party, there are also paddle-boards available for rent.
Wet N Wild Watersports
Address: 2892 Lone Valley Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718
Website: Wet N Wild Watersports
Price: Kayaks: 40 USD/day; Paddleboards: 300 USD/day; Jetski: 200 USD/half day
12. Make a shopping trip to Downtown Campbellsville
The center of Campbellsville brings together its history and its future, and for the ultimate opportunity to share in the present of this fine city, there’s no better choice than to take a trip to Downtown Campbellsville for a spot of shopping. A mix of old-style boutiques and fresher, more youth-focused stores mean that there is something new and intriguing around each corner you turn - especially if you’re in town for the Court & Main Farmers Market. With plenty of cafes and bars to frequent, you’ll be grateful for the fusion of tradition and innovation that makes the student city of Campbellsville the unique place it is.
13. Find out about farming at Homeplace on Green River
The location of Campbellsville makes it a thriving urban town in a rural setting, bringing the best of the two worlds together, and the Homeplace project is a wonderful collaboration between the three counties of Adair, Green and Taylor. The idea behind it is centered on the protection of rural American life - something that is achieved through an onsite museum and investments in learning about agriculture and conservation. It also offers plenty of agri-tourism opportunities including regular festivals and outdoor classes.
Homeplace on Green River
Address: 5807 New Columbia Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718, United States
Website: Homeplace on Green River
14. Get some exercise at Miller Park
Visitors to Campbellsville will be well aware of the many pleasant walks you can take in the area, and Miller Park is a scenic setting for a hike or cycle - but there’s much more to it than that. The park, named after local residents Robert and Bernice Miller, offers a wealth of different activities including six tennis courts, four baseball diamonds, and a basketball court. Among the 65 perfectly landscaped acres (26.3 hectares) of the park, you’ll also find a (free of charge) Par 3 golf course and plenty of picnic areas, as well as a skateboarding park. All in all, it’s the perfect place for a bit of brisk activity.
Miller Park
Address: Miller Park Dr, Campbellsville, KY 42718
15. Enjoy a meal and a cocktail at Wings Pizza N Things
If you want to enjoy the classic American sports bar experience, then you’ll simply love Wings Pizza N Things, a Campbellsville institution with twelve large screens showing a range of sports. They also offer delicious food, cooked fresh and from scratch including their large, fluffy, delicious pizzas. There’s also a substantial range of cold drinks, both alcoholic and soft, which will keep your thirst slaked while you watch football, baseball, basketball or whatever else is being broadcast at the time. There’s something on the menu for all the family, and it’s all served up in a perfect atmosphere.
Wings Pizza N Things
Address: 1250-1558, New Columbia Rd, Campbellsville, KY 42718
Website: Wings Pizza N Things
Opening hours: Sun - Wed: 11am - 10pm; Thu - Fri: 11am - 11pm
16. Enjoy fine food and fiesta at Garcia's Restaurant
There are few pleasures in life more indulgent and more worthwhile than Mexican food cooked properly and served in a happy atmosphere. That’s exactly what you’ll find in the unpretentious Garcia’s - a modern Mexican restaurant that offers all the classics, and a bunch of house specials that you’re sure to love. This charming restaurant is a family favorite within Campbellsville, and you’ll find it’s very much to your taste. Whether you like a lot of spice or just a little bit, from a simple Chicken Alfredo to a sumptuous Bunuelo, this is a place where every dish on the menu is mouthwatering.
Garcia's Restaurant
Address: 480 Campbellsville Bypass, Campbellsville, KY 42718
Website: Garcia’s Restaurant
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
Classy, cool Campbellsville is a breath of fresh air
Campbellsville is a diverse, entertaining town that has so much to offer in terms of activities, dining opportunities, and the chance to learn a little history into the bargain. Whether you’ve come to the city to check out its famed university, or to enjoy the small-town pace of the High Street, the fact remains that this is a place which offers a warm welcome and has a long list of attractions for visitors both young and old.
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