History, Attractions, Trails, and More
Discover a region of unparalleled natural beauty, offering a wide variety of fascinating folk culture, and heritage, and Paintsville experiences.
The coal mining town of Butcher Holler (or Butcher Hollow), Kentucky, is the birthplace of country music legend Loretta Lynn. For any country music fan, a visit to Butcher Holler is a must-see, as it is a chance to witness the humble beginnings of one of the greatest voices in the history of country music.
The General Store near Butcher Hollow and Van Lear, Kentucky is a historic landmark. Built in 1918 as Mine No 5 Store for the Consolidation Coal Company, it is now on the National Register of Historic Places.
For country music fans, the hills and hollers surrounding U.S. 23 are hallowed ground. This part of Kentucky has a long and storied history of music and storytelling, and it has produced more hit country artists per capita than any other region.
The Mountain HomePlace is an 1850’s working farm situated on 27 acres of land. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore and experience a unique slice of history with its McKenzie double-pen cabin, one-room school house, the old Fish Trap United Baptist Church, a blacksmith shop, and a barn with farm animals.
This state park lake in eastern Kentucky is an ideal destination for outdoor recreation. With its steep cliffs, wooded coves, and 1,140 acres of lake, it is perfect for boating, skiing, and fishing.
The Dawkins Line Rail Trail is the largest rail-to-trail in the state and is open year-round, stretching 36 miles from Hagerhill in Johnson County to Evanston in Breathitt County. It is open to hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
Paintsville Lake State Park offers a 1.6 mile trail that is rated as easy and is full of scenic views of the lake. This trail is perfect for those looking for an easy and relaxing hike with plenty of beautiful sights to take in.
Established in 1929, the Paintsville Golf Course is a historic landmark that provides an enjoyable and challenging golfing experience for all levels of golfers. It was one of the first 18-hole golf courses in Eastern Kentucky, and remains a true Kentucky original. With its unique layout and stunning views, the Paintsville Golf Course is an ideal destination for golfers of all levels.
The Forest and Maxine Preston Memorial pedestrian bridge is an impressive 420 feet long and is made of composite plastic fibers, making it the longest plastic pedestrian bridge in the world. It is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, and offers a safe yet unique walking experience.
Jenny Wiley was a legendary pioneer woman who achieved fame for her incredible story of survival. In 1789, she was taken captive by Native Americans and held for nine months. Despite the danger and difficulty of the situation, she managed to escape.
John Caldwell Calhoun Mayo was born in Pike County, Kentucky in 1864. In 1905, he began the construction of the Mayo Mansion in Paintsville, Kentucky, with the intention of creating a twenty room house. However, he decided to build a larger mansion to compete with the mansions in the Bluegrass area of Kentucky. The mansion was completed in December of 1912 and now serves as Our Lady of the Mountains parochial school. Construction of the school began in 1908 and concluded with the first service on September 19, 1909. The school is handicap accessible and tours are available by appointment.
If you enjoy historic theatres and great entertainment, then visit the Historical Sipp Theatre. The theatre is also available for rental opportunities.
The museum currently houses several collections including a collection of mining tools, a “company” doctor’s office, a local Veteran’s Hall of Fame, the Van Lear Schools’ Collection, a model of “Old” Van Lear, several original works of art, the “Old” Van Lear Post Office and more!
The historic Francis M. Stafford House was added to the National Register of Historic Places not only for its architecture, but for its importance in the founding and development of Paintsville.
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