A Beautiful Cottage with Amazing Views of Barren River Lake in Scottsville, KY

Our family recently enjoyed a peaceful and picturesque getaway to a beautiful cottage perched above Barren River Lake in scenic south-central Kentucky. Surrounded by rolling hills and tranquil waters, the setting was serene and refreshing—a true escape from the everyday. The cottage itself was warm and welcoming, with a cozy yet spacious layout that made it ideal for our family. It featured multiple comfortable bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen that made meal prep a breeze, and a lovely screened-in porch where we spent countless hours enjoying the sweeping views of the lake. It was the perfect place to slow down, reconnect, and simply be together.

Screened-in porch where we spent many hours

Bedroom on main level with a king bed

Lake view from the screened-in porch

Well-stocked kitchen (all we brought was food)

We brought a boat along for the trip, which added an extra layer of fun to our lakeside experience. While the launch was off-site, it was well worth the effort. The boys spent nearly every day out on the water—fishing, swimming, and soaking up the sun. Whether they were reeling in the catch of the day or diving off the side into the cool lake, those carefree moments created some of our favorite memories of the trip.

Beyond the water, we took full advantage of the area’s natural beauty and unique attractions. One of our favorite outings was the Lost River Cave Boat Tour in Bowling Green. This guided underground river cruise was a fascinating mix of geology and history, offering insight into Kentucky’s hidden landscapes while floating through a cool, dimly lit cave—a memorable experience for both kids and adults.

Inside Lost River Cave

We also made our way to Mammoth Cave National Park, where the more adventurous members of our group tackled the zip-line course near the park. With its elevated platforms, forest views, and heart-pounding zips, it added an exhilarating twist to our nature-based trip. The energy and excitement was contagious, even for those who preferred to stay grounded and cheer from the sidelines.

Of course, no summer adventure is complete without ice cream—and stopping at The Big Moo was a fantastic decision! This local favorite served up a variety of cool, delicious treats that hit the spot on a warm Kentucky day. From classic cones to inventive sundaes, it was a hit with the whole family and the perfect way to cool down and unwind after a day of exploring.

That said, we did encounter some challenges with accessibility. Traveling with our mom, who uses a walker and a power chair, made us more aware of the limited options for those with mobility needs. While the cottage itself was manageable with some assistance, many local attractions, trails, and even some dining options weren’t easily accessible or required extra effort to navigate. This made it difficult to fully include her in every activity, which was disappointing at times.

Still, the trip brought us so many meaningful moments—early mornings with coffee on the porch; evenings filled with games, stories, and laughter around the fire pit; spontaneous outings; and quiet reflections by the water. With a few improvements in accessibility, this region could be an even better destination for multi-generational families seeking a mix of outdoor adventure and quiet retreat.

Ready to zip line

Amazing night sky

Information on Barren River Lake (we found this interesting)

Lost River Cave Boat Tour (Bowling Green, KY)

This guided 45-minute experience combines a peaceful 20-minute walk along the riverbank with a fascinating 25-minute boat cruise through an underground cave. The tour is calm, educational, and great for families of all ages. Along the way, we enjoyed stories about local history and natural wonders, spotted wildlife, and explored a gift shop filled with fun and regional finds.

Accessibility note

Unfortunately, this attraction is not wheelchair-accessible. Guests must navigate a sloped gravel path, stairs, and a short step down into the boat. Individuals using walkers or power chairs will need to walk independently during the tour, as assistance is not provided. While we loved the experience, it wasn’t an option for our mom, which was a disappointment.

Zip lining at Mammoth Cave

For the thrill-seekers in our group, the zip-lining near Mammoth Cave National Park was a highlight! The forest canopy course offered adrenaline-pumping fun, stunning views, and lots of laughs for the adventurous ones. It’s a great way to balance nature exploration with some high-energy excitement.

Accessibility insight

While the zip lining itself isn’t accessible for guests with mobility limitations, Mammoth Cave National Park offers several wheelchair-accessible features worth noting. These include: paved trails like Sand Cave Trail and Sloan’s Crossing Pond Trail, accessible museum exhibits, a visitor center with ramps and resources, and the park restaurant, which was easy to navigate and offered a comfortable break from the heat.

Cool treats at The Big Moo

After a day of adventure, The Big Moo was the perfect stop! This charming, retro-style ice cream spot serves up generous portions of cool treats—from towering soft-serve cones to decadent sundaes. It was a hit with the entire family and made for the perfect end to a hot Kentucky day.

Dinner at Los Mariachis

Craving something flavorful, we discovered Los Mariachis, a local Mexican restaurant that did not disappoint. The food was fresh, well-seasoned, and served in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere. Portions were generous, and the service was top-notch. From sizzling fajitas to refreshing margaritas, it was one of our favorite meals of the trip!

For more inspiration and insider recommendations, visit our Kentucky page.