The small town of Williamstown, Kentucky, is rooted in history and has a strong sense of community. It’s a family-friendly town with plenty of things to enjoy. Founded in 1820 by William Arnold, the city has become a slice of the past that anyone can visit. These are the best things to do in Williamstown.
After visiting Williamstown, I feel deeply inspired by the historical significance of the town’s many state parks and museums. If you are passing through or planning a trip here, you’ll want to check out the 18 best things to do. Learn the history, entertain the family, and try a romantic night out with your partner. It features a wide range of options to satisfy multiple desires.
Looking for a unique place to stay during your visit to the Ark Encounter? Look no further than St James Cottage! This charming cottage is located just minutes from the Ark Encounter, making it the perfect place to rest and relax after a day of exploring. The cottage has 2 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and 2 bathrooms, making it perfect for families or groups. You'll also enjoy cable TV and Wi-Fi access during your stay.
Cozy Cabin near Ark! Adam and Eve's Retreat is perfect for couples or small families who want to enjoy a romantic getaway in the woods. The cabin is secluded and private, yet still close to all the attractions of Williamstown. The cabin itself is cozy and comfortable, with all the amenities you need to relax and enjoy your time away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Plus, the cabin is pet-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along for the vacation.
The Sunrise Inn Williamstown is the perfect place to stay when visiting Williamstown and the Ark Encounter. The hotel is located in the historical district, just a 1-minute drive from the Ark Encounter and 5 minutes from Dry Ridge Outlet Mall. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, luggage storage, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
TL;DR
- Most significant landmark – Ark Encounter
- Best park – Grant County Parks & Recreation
- Best free activity – Frank Webb Memorial Park
- Best activity for kids – Ararat Ridge Zoo
- Best activity for adults – Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures
- Best food – Edwardo’s Pizza & Subs LLC
- Best nightlife – Stage Right Musical Theatre Company
- Best place to stay – Cozy Cabin Near Ark!
Things to Do in Williamstown, Kentucky
1. Explore Historical Facts at William Arnold Log House (WALH)
Address: 224 S Main St, Williamstown, KY 41097, United States
This original and beautifully preserved log home was the city founder’s and his family’s actual residence. The cabin and grounds of William Arnold Log House are a historically accurate representation of post-Revolutionary War Kentucky. Now it’s open for guest tours once a week and during the community’s Pioneer Days celebrations.
In the garden, period-accurate plants and medicinal herbs are still grown today. During the celebrations, the local Boy Scouts of America troupe demonstrates the proper harvest and use of those plants. Throughout the property and the home are educational plaques and information stations to learn more about life on the Kentucky Frontier.
See Related: Best Things to Do in Lexington, Kentucky
2. Discovery History at the Historical Sherman Tavern
Address: 3985 Dixie Hwy, Dry Ridge, KY 41035, United States
Fans of 19th Century history and American architecture from the period should check out the Historical Sherman Tavern. This Friends of Sherman Tavern organization manages the Sherman Tavern, while the local Parks and Recreation District owns and operates the building and grounds.
It does not function as a tavern anymore, but as restorations are completed, the building will be open to the public more often as a base for guides and information about the grounds.
During the Pioneer Days in May, local historians volunteer to educate guests about the old coaching inn and the significance of its location to the economy and rate of settlement in the region. Want to explore Williamstown with a rental car? You can find the best deals at Kayak or RentalCars.com.
3. Go back in time to Fort Boonesborough State Park.
Address: 4375 Boonesboro Rd, Richmond, KY 40475, United States
The settlement, founded by Daniel Boone and his men when they reached the Kentucky River in April of 1775, is still known by the original name: Fort Boonesborough.
The fort itself has been rebuilt as a living history exhibit, with frontier skills and period-costumed historians teaching about the ways of the land and life in the fort. You can also walk some trails, access the boat ramps, and birdwatch from the grounds around the fort.
This treasured piece of American history is approximately one hour south of Williamstown and demonstrates many trade routes used and defended by settlers in the mid to late 1700s. The fort exhibit includes cabins, blockhouses, functional furnishings, genuine living history reenactors, and archeological findings helping fill in the gaps.
See Related: Things to Do in Elizabethtown, Kentucky
4. Enjoy Outdoor Fun at General Butler State Resort Park
Address: 1608 KY-227, Carrollton, KY 41008, United States
Head over to General Butler State Resort Park on the 2nd weekend of every May to watch the Highland Games at Kentucky Scottish Weekend. Highland Games are a traditional Scottish sporting event – like a mini Scottish Olympics – and can be found across the globe. If you’ve never been to one, Williamstown’s is one of the best in the south.
A beautiful hall situated among the idyllic peace of a protected state park, this resort lodge offers visitors a place to rest between outdoor activities, a tour of the original 1859 home, meetings, conference spaces, and more.
This brick, federal-style building was originally home to the Butler and Turpin families. Outside the walls of the main building, you’ll find mini-golf, kayaking, canoeing, paddle boats, bird watching, and plenty of space to play and enjoy the weather.
See Related: Famous Historic Landmarks in the USA
5. Have a Breather at Frank Webb Memorial Park
Address: 326 406 Park Dr, Williamstown, KY 41097, United States
The Frank Webb Memorial Park in Williamstown is one of the best public parks. It features multiple scenic grassy lawns, picnic areas, and paved trails, perfect for a lazy afternoon saunter or a refreshing jog.
Even though it’s not the biggest or most famous outdoor venue in Williamstown, it’s just the right size to enjoy downtime without feeling too isolated. Plus, it’s got playgrounds for kids to have fun and amenities like bathrooms and basketball courts.
And did I mention that it’s named after Frank Webb, a former marathon runner from Williamstown? This multipurpose park is certainly an unmissable gem destination that’s free and perfect for the whole family.
6. Learn about Shaker Village
Address: 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, United States
When members of the Shaker movement emigrated from New York to Kentucky before the Civil War, they made their home in what they call Pleasant Hill. This Shaker Village provided an area where Shakers could live a peaceful, celibate life with racial and sexual equality, free from prejudice.
After the Civil War, the community started to disband. By 1910, the community had closed its doors. Restoration began decades later, and it’s now a top historical site you can visit when in Kentucky.
You can see reconstructed versions of the community they used to live in. The village features preserved 19th Century architecture and is truly a unique site.
See Related: Visiting The Wooldridge Monuments – Mayfield, KY
Family Entertainment in Williamstown, Kentucky
As tempting as it is to indulge your historian soul when traveling through the area, sometimes the kids need to get out and stretch their imaginations and legs. Just as often, Mom and Dad need a break too! Here are some of the top family activities in Williamstown, Kentucky.
7. Enjoy Outdoor Activities at Grant County Parks & Recreation
Address: 101 N Main St # 4A, Williamstown, KY 41097, United States
Exciting news for all outdoor enthusiasts. Grant County Park is the ultimate destination for anyone looking for a refreshing escape into nature. Whether you’re an avid sports player or simply seeking outdoor fun, this park has it all.
The field consists of two lighted baseballs or softball fields, where the Softball and baseball league are held. And if basketball is your thing, you’ll love the two outdoor basketball courts where you can challenge your friends to an exhilarating game. With top-notch facilities and plenty of space, Grant County Park is the perfect place to indulge in all your favorite outdoor activities.
8. Take the whole family to the Williamstown Family Fun Park.
Address: 605 KY-36, Williamstown, KY 41097, United States
This outdoor fun park is located in Williamstown and features outdoor activities for individuals ranging in age from toddlers to adults. An entire 18-hole mini-golf course stands ready for a family putt-putt break. You can have a picnic lunch for added fun things to do.
Two obstacle courses for different age groups provide a physical challenge for kids and adults alike. The zipline course is a favorite of older kids and adults, while the chutes and ladders course for younger children brings the cherished board game to life!
When looking for a place to stay before or after the Williamstown Family Fun Park, the best choices are the Hampton Inn Dry Ridge and Holiday Inn Express Campbellsville.
9. Visit The Ark Encounter
Address: 1 Ark Encounter Dr, Williamstown, KY 41097, United States
Noah’s Ark is one of the earliest biblical stories told to children in the Christian faith. The creators of The Ark Encounter had the drive to take this story to a whole new level. The life-sized vessel at this attraction is built to the specifications documented in the bible.
The Ark Encounter is the largest timber-built structure in the US, standing 51 feet tall and over 550 feet long. Inside this timber-built structure, you’ll discover just how big the Ark was supposed to be and how Creationists believe the Great Flood occurred.
Be warned that some displays are graphic, as the curators wanted to display the world as it was before it was allegedly washed of sin. That does mean that a representation of a Priest committing infanticide is in the exhibition center, and it may be disturbing to some.
If you’re within the area and looking for accessible accommodation, check out 211 Paris St Suites, just minutes from The Ark Encounter. This charming lakefront apartment is also within walking distance of downtown Williamstown where you will find antique shops and dining options.
10. Have a Close Encounter with Animals at Ararat Ridge Zoo
Address: 1 Ark Encounter Dr, Williamstown, KY 41097, United States
This attraction is sister to The Ark Encounter and shares the same grounds. In partnership with the historians who worked on the Ark Project, the Ararat Ridge Zoo is home to animals of all shapes and sizes.
There are camel rides and a petting zoo that you and your family can experience as you learn more about the theories of how Noah would have fit and cared for all the animals on the Ark.
Beyond the opportunity to learn about the animals and watch them, you can participate in scheduled animal encounters and hear more theories about how the animals could have survived after the mythical flood.
Among the beloved encounters is the Kangaroo Walkabout. At select times, you and your family can join the kangaroo mob within the exhibit without barriers, and guides and keepers will be with you for safety.
11. Meet Retired Racehorse Champions at Old Friends Farm
Address: 1841 Paynes Depot Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324, United States
At “Old Friends Equine,” you’ll discover a sanctuary for retired racehorses that will leave you in awe. When you enter this extraordinary facility, you’ll be transported into the captivating world of breeding and racing careers these majestic animals have lived through.
Created in 2003 by former movie critic Michael Blowen, Old Friends Farm is devoted to providing a loving and nurturing environment for numerous well-known former racehorses, many of whom once competed in the prestigious Kentucky Derby.
Get ready to be astonished as you interact with over 240 horses who have found peace in this tranquil haven. As you explore the grounds, you’ll also have the chance to visit the horse racing museum, which exhibits cherished items and relics documenting the incredible journeys of these retired champions.
See Related: Best Places to Stay in Outer Banks to See Wild Horses
12. Experience an adrenaline rush at Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures
Address: 1 Ark Encounter Dr, Williamstown, KY 41097, United States
Get ready for an extraordinary trip with Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures. While they offer heart-pumping activities across Kentucky, their Williamstown location is absolutely out of this world.
Situated next to the incredible Ark Encounter, this venue boasts zip lines and free falls that offer a bird’s-eye view of the stunning Kentucky landscape and ark. With expertly trained guides leading the way, visitors of all ages can experience one of the most thrilling activities in Williamstown.
13. Be Amazed at the Creation Museum
Address: 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd, Petersburg, KY 41080, United States
The Creation Museum is a fainting museum in town that allows you to walk through biblical history, see botanical gardens, a planetarium, a zoo, and more. Some of the most popular exhibits you can walk through here are the Garden of Eden, Allosaurus, and the Flood.
The Garden of Eden exhibit features recreations of Adam and Eve and the animals in God’s garden. You’ll see them naming the animals, and you can learn more about this biblical story. Allosaurus is their life-sized version of an Allosaurus and is one of seven exceptionally preserved dinosaurs of this species across the globe.
Finally, the Flood exhibit teaches you how a massive pre-historic flood left layers and layers of rock and fossils for present-day humans to find. You’ll learn more about how the fossils ended up in all corners of the world.
14. Discover Marine Animals at Newport Aquarium
Address: 1 Levee Wy, Newport, KY 41071, United States
God and Noah only had to worry about land animals. What about the sea creatures? The Newport Aquarium is home to thousands of sea creatures and marine animals just waiting to teach you about their ecosystems and how you can help preserve the natural balance. Nearby Newport is located just across the river from Cincinnati, and this adventure isn’t far from Williamstown.
One of the newest exhibits at the Newport Aquarium brings you up close and personal with the sharks. Shark Ray Bay Theater is a collection of high-density acrylic tunnels that allow you to walk through the waters of the sharks. Enjoy the adrenaline of the first-ever Shark Bridge, where you can walk directly over the shark tank.
Knowing that the animals you’re viewing are treated humanely and that their captivity is for education and conservation is indispensable. The Newport Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, holding them to the highest care and exhibition standards.
15. See Endangered Species at Salato Wildlife Education Center
Address: 1 Sportsman’s Ln, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
Kentucky is known for its brilliant balance of nature, and it can maintain and teach about the importance of protecting our environment through programs and education centers like this.
You can learn about the wildlife growing in the local region and indulge your curiosity about conservation through hunting, fishing, and much more.
The Salato Wildlife Education Center offers lessons and exhibits focused on pollinators with the Living Bee Tree, Snakes of Kentucky, Alligator Snapping Turtles, Bald Eagles, Bobcats, Monarch butterflies, and a few others by season. The Best Western Parkside Inn is the nearby accommodation where the wildlife center is located.
Outside the learning center, you can access four miles of hiking trails, two lakes for fishing if you’ve got your license, and picnic shelters for family gatherings, pausing for lunch or celebrating something special.
Local Stops at Williamstown, KY
Get ready to be delighted in the charming town of Williamstown, Kentucky. You’ll discover a range of local stops highlighting the area’s unique character and flavors. Whether savoring delicious cuisine or soaking up the downtown atmosphere, there’s an experience for every taste.
16. Watch a Show at Stage Right Musical Theatre Company
Address: 1418 N Main St, Williamstown, KY 41097, United States
Get ready to be inspired and educated about all things theatre at the Stage Right Musical Theatre Company. Established in 2016, this non-profit performing arts center is dedicated to showcasing Broadway-quality shows that will leave you in awe.
It’s the perfect destination to catch an outstanding theatrical performance and simultaneously support the local arts scene. Don’t miss out on their upcoming shows – check their calendar so you can plan your visit and experience the magic for yourself.
See Related: Best Mancation Destinations Around the World
17. Savor Williamstown Delicious Cuisine at Edwardo’s Pizza & Subs LLC
Address: 1402 N Main St, Williamstown, KY 41097, United States
If you’re searching for a can’t-miss destination in Williamstown, look no further than Edwardo’s Pizza & Subs LLC. This reputable restaurant is famous for serving delicious meals that will satisfy you. As you walk through the doors, you’ll be hit with the irresistible scent of freshly baked pizza.
And with such a diverse range of delicious pizza recipes, there’s something to please everyone’s taste buds. Whether you prefer classic Margherita or more adventurous options like barbecue or buffalo chicken, their menu has it all.
18. Discover Antique Furniture Pieces at Webster’s Woodworking
Address: 261 Redwood Dr, Dry Ridge, KY 41035, United States
If you love antique furniture and handmade wooden items, you won’t want to miss Webster’s Woodworking. This family-run shop is a true gem, offering a delightful blend of vintage pieces made in-house and expertly restored furniture.
Take a saunter through the store and admire the one-of-a-kind creations crafted with care and passion by the friendly staff. Whether you’re in the market to buy, sell, or repair wooden items or want to browse, this is Williamstown’s go-to woodworking destination.
History Walks Around Williamstown, Kentucky
We love historic towns for their educational activities, and Williamstown has seen some history. At the end of the downtown corridor, a two-story log cabin stands as a testament to the founding father and namesake of Williamstown. This stop is only one of a few that tell a story about how this country was built.
Captain William Arnold fought in the Revolutionary War before settling down in this part of the frontier. When the Arnold family settled, the land was rugged, untamed, and ready to be anything. As a God-fearing gentleman, he built his community around faith and helping others.
FAQ
What are some free or budget-friendly activities in Williamstown?
Explore the William Arnold Log House, a wonderfully preserved log cabin that provides a fascinating insight into Kentucky’s pioneering history – and it won’t cost you a penny. Grant County Park is another can’t-miss destination if you love the great outdoors. With stunning walking trails and picturesque picnic spots, you can soak up the beauty of nature without spending a single cent.
Are there any special events or festivals taking place in Williamstown during my visit?
Get ready for an exciting lineup of events throughout the year. During June, you won’t want to miss the Summer Concert Series, where you can enjoy live music performances.
As September rolls around, check out the Fall Harvest Festival, a wonderful celebration of the season complete with crafts, activities, and locally-sourced produce. And when December arrives, get into the holiday spirit with the Christmas Parade and Holiday Market – an experience you would want to check out.
How can I get around Williamstown during my visit?
This town is perfect for exploring on foot! It’s so compact that you can easily walk downtown and check out all the incredible attractions, shops, and restaurants. But if you’re feeling adventurous and want to cover more ground, rent a bike from one of the local rental shops.
You’ll be able to take in all the stunning scenery while getting around faster. And don’t worry if you have your car – plenty of parking options are available all over town.
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