This Underrated Kentucky City Is An Escape Brimming With Nature, Festivals, And Community Culture

Kentucky's Caves, Lakes, and Corvettes region is best known for its thrilling adventure destinations, like Mammoth Cave National Park, a spectacular underground wonder. But there are also small towns where community, nature, and a laidback vacation take the spotlight. Scottsville, tucked in the heart of Allen County, has a population of fewer than 5,000 people as of 2025. You'll find a slower pace of living here, while still being in proximity to bigger cities.

The small city also has a rich history, with its downtown historic district accredited by the Main Street America program. Main Street is the heart of Scottsville and a good base for exploring local businesses and joining one of the many festivals and events held here. You may also be surprised to find that the original Dollar Store traces to Scottsville, which you can still visit on Main Street.

Take a rest in nature, with the many community parks within the city center: Crow Park, Dugas Community Park, and Pocket Park, to name a few. If it's a relaxing retreat under the sun you want, head to Barren River Lake for a lakeside vacation. The lake spans Allen and Barren counties and offers more than 10,000 acres for wildlife management and recreation. On the Scottsville side, you'll find Bailey's Point campground, the largest campground on the lake. On the opposite shore is Barren River Lake State Park if you're looking for more park-based amenities.

Barren River Lake is a quick 15-minute drive from the city center, and there is plenty to enjoy. Bailey's Point is a great base — it's the largest campground and offers fishing, boating, birding, and hiking. The campground is open from April through October and has 215 sites for RVs and tents, two playgrounds, sports courts, and an amphitheater for movie nights.

For a quieter vibe, Tailwater Campground is another option. This campground is nestled below the lake and the dam. It has an abundance of wildlife and birds, and is less frequented than some of the more popular choices. If you'd like to go fishing, Tailwater is also a prime spot for catfish, a variety of bass species, and sunfish. You might even be waiting for your catch with a bald eagle looking for its next meal.

Within the city, Dugas Community Park is the go-to park for a breath of fresh air. The heart of the park is Dumont Hill, a historical site that was once used as a Civil War encampment and is now the site of many community events in Scottsville. The park offers shaded walking trails, a playground, and an amphitheater. As of this writing, additional other areas of the park are still under development and will feature grasslands, a farm, and a forest — all with the goal of enhancing community engagement and preserving the history and roots of the city.

Whatever season you're visiting, you'll find many programs and events that showcase the charm and personality of Scottsville. From April through December, you might chance upon the First Fridays Street Fair, where downtown becomes a hub for live music, entertainment, local food, arts and crafts, and even a classic car show. There's also the Allen County Fair on the Allen County Fairgrounds, one of the top fairs in Kentucky. You'll really see the local community come together for all the fair's competitions, exhibitions, and a variety of entertainment. In the fall, there's also the Fall Craft Festival for all things handmade and crafts from local artisans. Later in the year, there's the one-day celebration of Scottsville with the Jacksonian Festival.

Though it's a small city, getting to Scottsville is pretty easy. If you're flying in, you can arrive at Louisville International Airport, about two hours away. Nashville International Airport in Tennessee is also an option, just 90 minutes away, and is one of the best airports in America for live music. The region is also filled with natural majesty, so you can pair this trip with the other destinations in the area. Bowling Green, an underrated, budget family-friendly getaway, is a 30-minute drive away.