Overview
Glasgow is a town in the Caves and Lakes tourism region of South Central Kentucky, and the county seat of Barren County. Founded in 1799 by a group of Revolutionary War veterans, it boasts historic homes and buildings, museums, a downtown walking/driving tour, and a Civil War fort.
4 sights · 2 things to do · 12 places to eat · 5 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Glasgow
First Presbyterian Church
1853 brick Gothic Revival-style church, the oldest church building in Glasgow.
South Central Kentucky Cultural Center
Plaza Theater
Fort Williams
Civil War fort replica
Glasgow Highland Games
Barren River Lake State Resort Park Weekend following Memorial Day, May 31-June 3, 2007.
Fox Hollow Golf Club
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–May, Sep–Oct. Summer highs reach about 91°F; winter lows dip to about 29°F. Very hot (Jul, Aug) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: May and Mar. (climate data from nearby Mammoth Cave National Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- BNA Nashville International Airport, Nashville — 74 mi away (major hub). Directions
- SDF Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville — 81 mi away (major hub). Directions
Glasgow is accessible to Interstate 65 Northbound by exiting the Cumberland Pkwy (Exit 43 Glasgow-Somerset) and using Exit 11 (US 31E) or Exit 14 (KY 90). From Southbound Interstate 65 traffic can exit at KY 70-90 (Exit 53 Cave City-Glasgow).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning South Central Kentucky Cultural Center, Fort Williams
- Lunch New Century Buffet
- Afternoon Glasgow Highland Games
- Dinner Sweetheart Bakery
Day 2
- Morning Plaza Theater, First Presbyterian Church
- Lunch A Little Taste of Texas
- Afternoon Fox Hollow Golf Club
- Dinner Driftwood Restaurant
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By Car
Glasgow is accessible to Interstate 65 Northbound by exiting the Cumberland Pkwy (Exit 43 Glasgow-Somerset) and using Exit 11 (US 31E) or Exit 14 (KY 90). From Southbound Interstate 65 traffic can exit at KY 70-90 (Exit 53 Cave City-Glasgow).
See
See South Central Kentucky Cultural Center
See Plaza Theater
See First Presbyterian Church
1853 brick Gothic Revival-style church, the oldest church building in Glasgow.
Do
Events
- Barren County Fair Temple Hill
Golf
Buy
Eat
Chinese
Deli
Full Service
- Located at Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Eat Kanha Kafe American & Asian Cuisine
Eat The Music Room Cafe at George J's
Mexican
Drink
Glasgow is dry, but allows sales of alcohol by the drink in larger restaurants (seating at least 100). Cave City, in northern Barren County, is wet, allowing full retail alcohol sales. The rest of Barren County is completely dry. Apart from Cave City, the nearest fully wet community is the city of Bowling Green.
Sleep
Bed & Breakfasts
Stay Towne Inn
Motels
Go next
Nearby
Cave City
City / town · 46 listings · 10 mi away
Mammoth Cave National Park
Park · 19 listings · 18 mi away
Scottsville
City / town · 8 listings · 23 mi away
Brownsville
City / town · 8 listings · 23 mi away
Bowling Green
City / town · 65 listings · 29 mi away
Campbellsville
City / town · 15 listings · 40 mi away
Hodgenville
City / town · 10 listings · 41 mi away
Franklin
City / town · 27 listings · 41 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.