Discover Kentucky's Beauty with Rail Explorers USA Bluegrass Tour

Feb 20, 2024

As if it was possible, Kentucky just got even cooler. I love any opportunity to enjoy the beauty of our great state, so when I came across this new experience, I got so excited! Rollins was a HUGE Thomas the Train fan when he was little bitty, so we lived and breathed all things railroad. I can't wait to take him to this!

Rail Explorers USA, a scenic rail car tour experience, is opening its new Bluegrass division in Kentucky this weekend. Only 20 minutes from downtown Lexington and an hour from Louisville, it is the perfect way to enjoy the beautiful green hills, limestone cliffs, and stretching horse farms Kentucky is famous for.

But this isn't just any ordinary nature tour. You will travel the 10-mile trip through the countryside by pedaling what they call "the ‘Rolls Royce’ of railbikes." According to their website, "Rail Explorers have developed the 'REX Propulsion System' - a custom built electric assist motor that makes the experience truly effortless, even when climbing the steepest of inclines."

They have Quad Explorers that seat four for families or friends and Tandem Explorers that seat two that would be perfect for a fun date night. You can also connect them if you have a larger group. Each tour has a guide that rides in the front and one that brings up the rear. Would that be considered a caboose? Each set of Explorers is spaced apart so that you can travel at your own pace taking in the sights and sounds of the gorgeous trail.

Once you reach the end of the trail, there is an area for a picnic that overlooks the Wild Turkey Distillery. A beautiful photo op as well! The Explorers turn around and then you're ready for the ride back along the Louisville Southern Railroad that dates back to the 1880s. Don't worry about any active trains on the tracks either. Rail Explorer USA works in collaboration with the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad & Museum to ensure safety.

Rail Explorer also has an option for an evening tour so you can enjoy the same track as the sunsets. I bet it's stunning! And more comfortable in the summer heat, for sure. Here is a video from the founder of the experience at their Iowa location to give you an idea of what it is like.

Doesn't this look amazing? They've already started taking reservations, so if you want more information about what to expect, or to try it out, just visit their website and sign on up!