If you’re heading to the Holiday Inn Express® Newgarden Inn on Fort Knox and are looking for some activities to do on your trip solo or with your family, keep reading! Full of military history, and just a short drive from Louisville, there is plenty to do to fill your days.
General George Patton Museum of Leadership
Open Tuesday-Sunday, 9:00am to 4:30pm
This museum was created to honor the prolific military career of General George Patton as well as showcase memorabilia from his childhood in California, to his participation in the 1912 Olympic Games.
Not only does the museum honor General Patton, but also has an exhibit dedicated to those starting their military careers in the ROTC. The items displayed help to showcase some of the ways that General Patton’s legacy of leadership continues to motivate and inspire Americans to this day. Admission is free to the public.
Tioga Falls Trail
Open daily during daylight hours
This hiking trail is a combination of natural beauty and nineteenth century history, ending in one of the only waterfalls in this area of Kentucky. Throughout the hike, you’ll see old buildings that were once part of Fort Knox, like guardhouses, outposts, and railroad stations. The trail takes about 2 hours to complete, and does have a few steep climbs, so use caution and proper hiking gear.
On occasion the trails are closed to the public as large military exercises from Fort Knox take place in the area.
Swope Museum
Open Monday-Saturday, 10:00am to 5:00pm
Are you looking for a piece of automotive American history? Swope Cars of YesterYear showcases 60+ cars from the 1900’s to the 1960’s, all restored to museum quality. From the 1914 Model T and the 1925 Pierce Arrow to classics like the 1969 Chevrolet Camaro and the 1956 Thunderbird, there’s something for every car enthusiast to enjoy.
The museum allows guests to admire the progression of these cars overtime, and admission is free to the public.
Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum
Open Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm and Sunday 10:00am to 4:00pm
About a 30 minute drive from Fort Knox is the Louisville Slugger Factory and Museum, which showcases the rich history surrounding the sport of baseball. “From the forest to the field, you'll follow the timber that's turned into hard hitting history,” as well as be able to see fascinating memorabilia and interactive exhibits.
Start with the factory tour, where you’ll see every part of the process that goes into turning a piece of wood into an official MLB bat. Also featured in the museum is the Signature Wall, featuring players who signed contracts with Louisville Slugger, and the exhibit showcasing Slugger players that went on to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.
The museum recommends purchasing advance tickets as the Factory Tour can sell out during peak times.
No matter the reason you’re headed to Fort Knox, there’s plenty to do and see in the surrounding area. We hope to see you there soon!