Have you visited Northern Kentucky in the wintertime? We are blessed with four distinct seasons, yet winters are generally short compared to some of our northern friends. Kentucky’s renowned rolling green hills turn sparkling white for a time, and the scenery is simply stunning. There are a variety of winter activities to enjoy, both indoors and out. Here are the best things to do this winter near Burlington, KY.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN BURLINGTON, KY
Ark Encounter
The Ark Encounter Museum in nearby Williamstown features a full-size Ark built according to the dimensions given to Noah in the Bible. You will be amazed at this massive life-size replica, which spans 510’ in length, 85’ in width, and 51’ in height.
During the holidays, Ark Encounter hosts ChristmasTime at the Ark. In addition to seeing the Ark and gardens illuminated in rainbow-colored lights, you can enjoy Ararat Ridge Zoo, festive food and drinks, traditional carols, a massive fair trade market, a gift shop for shopping, and much more.
Location: 1 Ark Encounter Dr., Williamstown, KY 41097 (right off I-75)
Click here for Ark Encounter Hours
Horseback Riding
Come see the rolling Kentucky countryside on horseback for a unique and thrilling sight-seeing experience. Several outfitters will get you saddled for an unforgettable experience.
– Salt Creek Ranch
– Winton Woods
Enjoy a Scenic Drive
Taking a scenic drive through Kentucky’s rolling hills is a treat any time of year, but the winter months certainly offer a special view. Imagine snow-topped hills, bare trees that allow you to see for miles, and the quiet backdrop as nature takes a rest. Take this lightly-traveled,, 8.5-mile Lower Ohio River Scenic Drive – open all year.
Take a Winter Hike
For the more adventurous types, trek our winding trails for an up-close-and-personal view of Northern Kentucky in the winter months. Be sure to pack your winter gear, good (and warm) hiking shoes or boots, and wear layers.
– Gunpowder Creek Park (easy 1.6 miles)
– Middle Creek Park Loop (moderate 3 miles)
– England-Idlewild Park Loop Trail (moderate 3.4 miles)
– Dinsmore Woods Trail (moderate 1.6 miles)
Soar Through the Night Sky
Eagle Zip Lines is offering a holiday zip-line experience that will let you soar over the Ark and gardens at night for an aerial view of the area’s thousands of twinkling lights.
Ski Perfect North’s Slopes
Hit the powder at Perfect North for a day of fun and adventure. Whether you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, or all three, it’s all available here! Head over to the Lodge to sit, sip, shop or eat. They offer lessons and rentals.
Location: 19074 Perfect Ln., Lawrenceburg, IN 47025
Hours: Opening Day TBD – check back for updates
INDOOR ACTIVITIES IN BURLINGTON, KY
Sip Along the Brewing Heritage Trail
“Hop” on the Brewing Heritage Trail at one of the custom trailheads. Follow the bronze medallions in the sidewalks through the historic Brewery District and past historic breweries. Pay attention to the signs to learn important stories, facts, and photos along the way. You’ll also enjoy public art by local and national artists along the trail, which provides more perspective on Kentucky’s brewing heritage.
Brewing Heritage Trail Guided Tours
Currently on hold due to COVID-19 – check back for updates.
– Cellarmen’s Tour (90-minute walking tour)
– Gilded Brew Tour (90-minute walking tour)
– Brunch, Beer & Breweries (3-hour walking & streetcar tour)
– Beer Makin’ & Beer Drinkin’ Tour (45-minute walking tour)
– Heritage & Hops Tour (4-hour walking & bus tour)
Visit the Creation Museum
The Creation Museum, located in Petersburg, KY, is a 75,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art museum where visitors can venture through biblical history via stunning exhibits, botanical gardens, nature trails, a planetarium and petting zoo, a 200-seat special effects theater, and a zip line adventure course.
During the holiday season, the museum will become ChristmasTown where you can stroll through a breathtaking display of thousands of multi-colored lights. The museum adds new designs and more color throughout the garden trails each year, so your experience is always unique!
Location: 2800 Bullittsburg Church Rd., Petersburg, KY 41080
Click here for Creation Museum Hours
Tour the Behringer-Crawford Museum
Dedicated to preserving and honoring the unique arts, heritage and culture of Northern Kentucky, you’ll discover fascinating facts and interesting exhibits that tell the story of Northern Kentucky’s history from prehistoric times to the present. The Behringer-Crawford Museum, home to William Behringer’s vast collections, has become an interactive, multi-dimensional cultural center.
Location: 1600 Montague Rd., Covington, KY 41011
Dates/Times:
Tuesday-Saturday from 10:00am – 3:30pm
Sunday from 1:00 – 3:30pm
Closed: Mondays and national holidays
Listen to Casting Crowns Perform
Casting Crowns will perform live on December 5 & 6, 2020 at 6pm. Purchase your tickets now for this live concert.
Skate on Indoor Ice
That’s right, you can ice skate indoors to your heart’s content at the Northern Kentucky Ice Center, which is open all year. If you’re new to the sport, try your hand (or feet rather) with skating lessons, or get out there and try it yourself. Rest assured, all public sessions are supervised by ice monitors. When it’s time to replenish, visit their newly renovated snack bar.
Location: 2638 Anderson Rd., Cresent Springs, KY 41017
Whether you enjoy the great outdoors during the cold, winter months or you prefer you be inside where it’s warm and comfortable, Willis Graves Bed & Breakfast is your home away from home.
No need to contact us when you arrive, anytime after 3pm, you can go straight to your suite and use the pin code to get in. Whether you have chosen our largest room, Mr & Mrs. Graves’ Suite, and will relish curling up by the fireplace or staying in our cozy stand alone Garden Cottage, a sun drenched room and take a soak in the air jet slipper tub, or a room in our authentic 1850’s log cabin. All of our guest rooms feature free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, antique furnishings, modern amenities, and more.
Enjoy a cup of tea and cookies each day. Sit by the fire pit under the twinkling stars at night while wrapped in a warm blanket. We will keep the fire pit open for as long as folks want to enjoy it. Share a bottle of wine with your sweetheart in the privacy of your guest room. However you decide to spend your time, you will truly relish your stay with us. Book Now
