Best Day Trip

For a delightful day of Appalachian culture and history, Morehead is the perfect destination.

Looking for a fascinating day of entertainment and enlightenment? People of all ages are creating memories of a lifetime at the galleries and museums in quaint Downtown Morehead. All locations are within walking distance from one another, or if you’d rather drive, parking in and around Morehead is free. 

Rowan County Arts Center

 The front lawn features the Veteran’s Wall at “Freedom Park”, honoring Military heroes from as far back as WWI. As you approach the front steps to the Arts Center, the “Quilting Grandmother and child” statue invites us to reminisce the simple joys of life. Upon entering, you will enjoy an abundance of beautiful artwork created by the most prestigious artists in our area. There are artists’ studios in residence, where you may visit some of our current artists as they hone their crafts. An art shop is on site for you to purchase their exceptional artwork. A large auditorium on the top floor is used for classes, theatre, weddings and so much more. All of this is housed in the old Rowan County Courthouse built in 1899, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Kentucky Folk Art Center

One of Kentucky’s truly special places, the Folk Art Center, is located inside the Historic Union Grocery Store. You’ll be fascinated by unique art brought to life by artists from around the state. KFAC is home to a permanent collection of nearly 1,400 pieces of self-taught art. Dozens of works from the collection are displayed on a rotating basis in the center’s first floor gallery. Whimsy and joy mixes with the art that was born out of hard times. The works displayed here stand as a document of and testament to the concerns, courage, and convictions of the common man.

The Veteran’s Museum

Learn, reflect, and reminisce in this museum set in the old Superintendent’s Office, The Rowan County Veterans’ Museum. Volunteers from all branches of the military are dedicated to honoring our flag, our military, and our veterans, educating our community and preserving the history and military artifacts. Visitors are sure to experience a renewed feeling of patriotism and a profound awaking of the honor we rightfully bestow upon the patriots and defenders of our great country, both past and present.

Morehead History and Railroad Museum

Across the street from the Morehead Conference Center you will find the freight station built in 1881 for railroad freight and turned into a museum. 

Take a tour through the past in the oldest commercial structure in Rowan County. Learn about the 6 different railroads that ran through our county, historic floods, and the infamous Rowan County War. Educational video presentations are available, as well as model trains, a vintage pinball machine, a player piano, a real moonshine still, and local Native American artifacts from arrowheads to stone tools are among many other historical artifacts. 

Dining Options for Every Appetite

Complete this historical trip that will create memories for a lifetime by enjoying a meal at one of the several nice locally owned restaurants within walking distance.

All Seasons Café is perfect for lunch, followed by an old-fashioned ice cream soda at Holbrook Drugs’ vintage soda shop.

Stop in at The Fuzzy Duck for coffee and shopping, then enjoy dinner at Bishop’s Pasquale’s Pizza. The cherry on top of your day awaits you at Rolled Over Ice Cream where they offer unique flavors of fresh rolled ice cream, and adorable Puppy Love boutique merchandise.

Experience breathtaking scenery, Appalachian adventures, and captivating country charm that make Morehead a place to visit time and time again. Come see why there is #More2Morehead!