The natural beauty of Daniel Boone National Forest surrounds Morehead. The area also has two distinct cultural themes—art and railroad history—as well as specific starting points for outdoor trails. The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail begins in Morehead, and there are more than 30 cycling trails in the area. When planning your trip, you can first decide whether culture, history, or outdoor activities will be the focus of your stay.

Art in Two Distinct Venues

The Rowan County Arts Center is a creative hub where artists, students, and the community come together to experience art. It is located in the former Rowan County Courthouse, built in 1899. This brings together the center’s present-day cultural role and the history of a former courthouse in one place. For a visit focused on art and architecture, it offers a dual focus: experiencing art together and exploring the historic building that houses the center.

The Kentucky Folk Art Center offers a different emphasis. Dozens of works from the collection are displayed on a rotating basis in the first-floor gallery. The exhibits change among works from the collection, setting it apart from the Arts Center’s community-oriented focus. Art lovers can view both venues as distinct ways to experience art in Morehead: a creative hub and a gallery featuring rotating works from its collection.

Railroad History in Rowan County

The Morehead History and Railroad Museum is housed in a freight depot built in 1881 for railroad freight traffic. At the museum, visitors can learn about the six railroads that ran through Rowan County. The historic building and the museum’s subject offer two perspectives: the individual freight depot as a place and the broader history of railroads in the county. Those interested in regional history will find a different perspective here than at the art venues. The museum complements their themes with Rowan County’s railroad heritage.

Trails and Scenery

The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail begins in Morehead. For travelers interested in hiking, this starting point offers a clear connection to the city. The area around Morehead is the key reference point for cycling: it has more than 30 cycling trails. In addition, Morehead and Rowan County have multi-use trails for people with different ability levels. The points of reference differ: the Sheltowee Trace begins in the city, the number of cycling trails refers to the area around Morehead, and the multi-use trails span Morehead and Rowan County. This lets you choose your outdoor focus based on the activity and its geographic scope.

Getting There and Choosing a Focus for Your Stay

Clyde A. Thomas Regional Airport offers landing, refueling, and parking facilities for private flights to and from Morehead. If you’re arriving on a private flight, you can take these services into account when planning. The city offers several distinct themes to help you plan your trip.

For the broader travel overview: Rowan.