Filming in Rowan

Your Story.  Our Scenery.  Endless Possibilities.  

Where breathtaking landscapes meet small-town charm, and every location has a story to tell.  Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Morehead and Rowan County offer filmmakers an extraordinary combination of natural beauty, authentic Kentucky character, and welcoming communities.  From scenic mountain overlooks and peaceful country roads to historic downtown streets, charming neighborhoods, and the beautiful waters of Cave Run Lake, Morehead provides a diverse backdrop for feature films, television productions, documentaries, commercials, and independent projects.  Whether you're searching for a picturesque mountain setting, a vibrant college town, a quiet rural community, or an authentic slice of Americana, your next great location could be right here.  Bring your vision to life in Morehead.

Why Film in Rowan County?

Morehead offers an impressive variety of landscapes and architectural settings, all within a convenient geographic area.  Explore potential filming backdrops including:

  • Downtown Morehead: Historic storefronts, inviting streetscapes, local businesses, and small-town atmosphere.

  • Cave Run Lake: Beautiful shorelines, wooded landscapes, marinas, and sweeping water views.

  • Daniel Boone National Forest: Forested hills, winding roads, streams, and dramatic natural scenery.

  • Morehead State University: A traditional university campus with academic buildings, athletic facilities, and distinctive architecture.

  • Rural Rowan County: Rolling farmland, country roads, barns, wooded properties, and authentic Appalachian settings.

  • Historic and Unique Properties: Character-filled buildings, homes, and gathering places that could provide memorable backdrops for productions.

From intimate independent films to larger productions, Rowan County offers locations worth exploring.

All filming locations are subject to property-owner permission, applicable permits, and availability.

Small-Town Hospitality.  Big-Screen Possibilities.  

We understand that successful filmmaking requires more than a beautiful location.  It requires community connections, access to essential services, and people willing to help make a production successful.  Visit Morehead & Rowan County welcomes inquiries from production companies, filmmakers, location scouts, and creative professionals.

Our tourism team can serve as a local point of contact to help connect productions with:

  • Potential filming locations and property owners

  • Local accommodations and extended-stay options

  • Restaurants, catering, and food services

  • Meeting spaces and potential production headquarters

  • Local businesses and service providers

  • Appropriate community and government contacts

Our goal is simple: Help you discover Morehead and connect with the people and resources needed to explore your production plans.

Conveniently Located in North-Eastern Kentucky

Located along Interstate 64, Morehead offers convenient highway access while maintaining the authentic scenery and character that make Eastern Kentucky special.  Our location provides access to nearby regional communities, additional filming environments, and services throughout Kentucky.  For productions seeking mountain scenery without sacrificing everyday conveniences, Morehead offers an attractive combination of accessibility and natural beauty.

Four Seasons.  Countless Backdrops.

Every season brings a different cinematic experience to Morehead.

Spring: Blooming wildflowers, lush landscapes, flowing streams, and fresh green forests.

Summer: Vibrant mountain scenery, sparkling lake waters, outdoor recreation, and long daylight hours.

Fall: Spectacular Appalachian foliage, colorful hillsides, and picturesque country roads.

Winter: Quiet landscapes, dramatic skies, bare forest silhouettes, and occasional snow-covered scenery.

Whatever the season, Rowan County offers a beautiful setting for storytelling.

Kentucky Film Incentives

Kentucky offers the Kentucky Entertainment Incentive program, designed to encourage eligible film, television, and other entertainment productions throughout the Commonwealth.  Qualifying productions may be eligible for financial incentives based on program requirements, approved expenditures, and applicable state regulations.  To explore current incentives, eligibility requirements, and application procedures, visit the official Kentucky Film Office by clicking here.  Productions should contact the Kentucky Film Office directly to confirm current program availability and requirements before making financial commitments.

Let Us Help You Find Your Perfect Location

Searching for a particular look? A historic building? A secluded road? A scenic mountain view? A downtown setting that feels like home?  We would love to learn more about your project.  Tell us what you're looking for, and we'll help you explore the possibilities in Morehead and Rowan County.

Start Your Filming Inquiry

When contacting us, please include:

  • Production company and contact information

  • Type of production

  • Anticipated filming dates

  • Estimated cast and crew size

  • Types of locations needed

  • Special production requirements

Email tourism@moreheadtourism.com or contact by phone at 606.780.4342.

Your Next Great Scene Starts Here

From the rolling hills of Eastern Kentucky to the welcoming streets of downtown Morehead, Rowan County offers more than a filming location.  It offers a place where stories come to life.

Film Rowan County. Your Story. Our Scenery. Endless Possibilities.