(Photo) Historic Entrance to Mammoth Cave.

Piece 1: Mammoth Cave National Park. Mammoth Cave, located in Central Kentucky about a 30 minute drive northeast from Bowling Green, is a breathtaking natural wonder that attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Spanning over 400 miles of underground passages, Mammoth Cave is one of the world’s longest known cave systems. It was created millions of years ago when limestone layers were gradually eroded by acidic groundwater, and features many unique geological formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and columns.

First utilized by Native American tribes as a shelter and ceremonial site, European settlers began exploring Mammoth Cave in the early 1800’s, with notable figures like Stephen Bishop mapping its passages and establishing tourism.

Modern day Mammoth Cave offers a variety of tours that cater to different interests and fitness levels.

We opted for the self guided tour, which is similar to the guided Mammoth Passage Tour but allows you to go at your own pace.

We accessed the cave at the Historic Entrance, which does involve descending a steep set of steps. After that, however, the underground trail was a relatively flat and easy half mile walk. One of the most interesting exhibits in the cave described how saltpeter was mined there in the early 1800’s to make gunpowder for American troops engaged in the War of 1812.

Above ground, the Mammoth Cave National Park property is a diverse ecosystem that includes lush forests, rolling hills, and rivers. The walk to the cave entrance from the visitor center provides a nice glimpse of the landscape.

The Ark Encounter (Williamstown KY)

Piece 2: The Ark Encounter. The Ark Encounter (Williamstown KY) is a biblical education and entertainment complex established in 2016.

The centerpiece of the attraction is a full-scale replica of Noah’s Ark, constructed according to biblical specifications and measuring 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high.

From the Ark Encounter parking lot, a shuttle transports visitors up to an elevated area where the Ark replica, visitors center, theater, restaurant, and other attractions are located.

The ride up to the visitor center kind of made us feel like we were ascending Mount Ararat (where biblical history says the Ark settled after the flood).

Walking to the Ark from the visitor center, we were awestruck by the sheer size of it. The queuing area that leads visitors into the main level (there are three levels inside the Ark to explore) was beautifully decorated with a variety of flowering plants.

Once inside the Ark, visitors will find an assortment of diorama-type exhibits, models, artwork, and video presentations describing how Noah’s Ark was built, the types of animals that would have been on board, and the methods and mechanisms that would have been used to provide fresh water, food, ventilation, waste disposal, and access to sunlight.

The Ark also features examples of living quarters that Noah and his family might have used during the flood.

Lastly, the Ark is a very contemporary and comfortable visitor experience. Every level of the climate-controlled attraction has restrooms, refreshment stands, bench seating, and souvenir vendors.

Cocaine Bear (KY for KY Fun Mall)

Piece 3: Lexington/Cocaine Bear. There are many reasons to stop and explore the city of Lexington KY. It is in the heart of the state’s “Bluegrass Region” and home to many race horse breeding operations. It is also where the University of Kentucky (UK) is based.

Our journey to and through Lexington included seeing some beautiful landscapes, some wealthy and well-appointed horse farms, and some highlights of the UK campus, including the majestic William T. Young Library Building. This six story repository of books and other resources features a unique octagonal shape, two-story brick-and-stone arcades on each facade, and two-story windows.

That said, what we were really interested in seeing in Lexington KY was the taxidermy preserved Cocaine Bear. This bear was found dead in the woods back in the mid-1980’s after it consumed roughly $15 million worth of cocaine from a duffle bag dropped from a drug smuggler’s airplane. A recent movie has dramatized (and perhaps immortalized) this story and the creature it was based on.

The stuffed Cocaine Bear is now on display inside a kitschy little gift shop called the Kentucky for Kentucky Fun Mall (1315 Winchester Road #321 in Lexington). It draws a steady flow of curiosity seekers, who probably (as we did) spend money on souvenirs. Good business strategy for the Fun Mall!

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