Elizabethtown, Kentucky, is packed with outdoor adventure, historic charm, and entertainment. From paddling across Freeman Lake to go-karting at Kentucky’s largest indoor amusement park, here are seven must-try experiences in Etown to add to your travel itinerary.
Make a Splash at American Legion Park
Cool down, tee off, or dive into some friendly competition at American Legion Park, where the options for fun are endless. Grab a paddle and play a few rounds on the pickleball courts, or test your skills on the nine-hole golf course. Hit the paved trails for a leisurely walk or exhilarating run surrounded by lush greenery. Visiting with kids? Let the little ones run around on Funtopia Playground—a modern, all-inclusive play area they could easily spend all day in.
Visit the Post 113 Memorial to pay your respects to the fallen soldiers of Hardin County. Pack a picnic and settle into one of the shaded pavilions for lunch, or rent one out for a private gathering. If you’re visiting during the summer, spend an afternoon at American Legion Water Park. Float down the lazy river, soar down winding water slides, and lounge by the pool. Its convenient location near downtown makes this local hotspot easy to fit into your weekend plans.
Explore the Outdoors at Freeman Lake Park
For an action-packed day outdoors, head to Freeman Lake Park. As Elizabethtown’s largest green space, this gem is the ultimate natural playground. Rent a kayak, pedal boat, or rowboat to cruise around the 170-acre lake in style. If you’d rather stay on land, explore the scenic trails on foot or by bike. Keep an eye out for wildlife like deer, turtles, and blue herons.
If you’re up for a blast to the past, there are several historical structures to check out. Walk through the historic Summit One-Room Schoolhouse, or visit the Lincoln Heritage House—a log cabin built by Abraham Lincoln’s father. Get a taste of 19th-century frontier life inside the Sarah Bush Johnston Log Cabin, dedicated to Lincoln’s stepmother.
Feeling competitive? Play a game of disc golf, tennis, pickleball, or sand volleyball. Fun fact: Freeman Lake is one of the best fishing spots in town. Cast a line to try your luck at catching bass, catfish, rainbow trout, or bluegill.
Eat, Drink & Play at The Assembly
The Assembly is a buzzing food hall, entertainment hub, and one of Elizabethtown’s newest additions. Inside Social on Main, grab a wood-fired pizza from Maillard Kitchen, a sushi roll from Wasabi Bistro, or street tacos from Isa’s Taqueria Urbana.
Pair your meal with a drink from the self-serve tap wall, which features over forty rotating craft beers, wines, and specialty cocktails. Challenge your crew to a game of Duckpin bowling or rent a booth in the e-gaming hall for some virtual fun. For a little retail therapy, check out The Bug’s Ear Boutique to shop for trendy clothing, jewelry, and gifts.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Kuddy’s Sips & Sweets, where you can choose between creative craft sodas, baked goods, and homemade ice cream. Looking to unwind? Bask in total relaxation at Kalon Health Spa with a massage, facial, or float pod session. Live music, trivia nights, and pop-up events happen regularly, so check their calendar before you go.
Stroll Through The Nature Park
Spend an afternoon at Elizabethown Nature Park. Here, you’ll find 104 acres of rolling pastures and Instagram-worthy walking trails connected to the Freeman Lake Park trail system. Enjoy a picnic at the pavilion, stroll along the banks of Freeman Creek, and keep an eye out for local wildlife.
Like many of Elizabethtown’s attractions, the park offers a mix of natural beauty with a dose of history. Stop by the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall to pay tribute to more than 58,000 U.S. service members who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. Afterward, honor local veterans at the Elizabethtown Veterans Tribute, which features bronze sculptures, military symbols, and bricks engraved with the names of those who served.
Get Your Adrenaline Fix at Malibu Jack’s
Embrace your inner child at Malibu Jack’s, Kentucky’s largest indoor amusement park. Zoom around the twisting roller coaster, race your friends in a go-karting match, and play a thrilling game of laser tag. Prefer a more laid-back visit? Hit the bumper cars, sink the winning putt in mini golf, and land a strike in the full-sized bowling alley.
If you’re visiting with kids under 10, let them burn off energy in the Bounce Beach play room—you’ll find moon bounces, jungle gyms, and a toddler area. Grab a bite in the on-site café while the kids play, or check out the arcade for some nostalgic fun. You won’t have to pay an entrance fee; you just pay for the attractions you want to experience. Since it’s entirely indoors, this popular Etown spot is perfect for times when the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor activities.
Get Outdoors with the “Your Gear is Here” Program
You don’t have to lug heavy gear with you to experience the best of Elizabethtown’s outdoor adventures. With the “Your Gear is Here” program, you can borrow everything you need for an exciting day—free of charge. Whether you’re looking to play disc golf, cast a line, or hit the courts, this program makes it easy and affordable to try new activities.
Rent a fishing rod and tackle box, golf clubs, a pickleball set, or a disc golf pack to enhance your weekend trip. All you need is a form of ID, and you can pick up your gear at American Legion Park or Freeman Lake Park. Planning a group outing? Rent multiple pieces of equipment at once and make a well-rounded excursion out of it!
Spend an Evening at Heartland Mini Golf
Beyond its well-maintained greens and whimsical obstacles, Heartland Mini Golf has all the ingredients for an epic evening with family or friends. Spend an hour playing a game of mini golf, then keep the competition going at the turf game yard. Take your pick between yard games like cornhole, bocce ball, ping pong, Jenga, and trash can pong.
Craving a bite? Grab a burger, hot dog, or finger food from the on-site food truck. For a sweet treat, dig into a cup of Dippin’ Dots or soft-serve ice cream. Sip cocktails or local brews with a view from Elizabethtown’s only rooftop bar—conveniently located right above the course. Check for weekday discounts or family packages to save a few bucks.
