Patton Museum

Location: Patton Museum   Ft. Knox, Kentucky

Ages: all but read below before visiting

Cost: Free

With my military brother visiting for the holiday weekend, we visited the Patton Museum at Ft. Knox. In addition to highlighting Gen. Patton's life and war sagas, there is a nice tribute to ROTC's throughout the country, including an old picture from UofA's ROTC! There is a full size movie theater inside showing a movie about Patton that my boys loved.

In speaking with the soldiers stationed there we learned that the museum is in the process of being moved to another location. Consequently, there were fewer tanks and other displays there than my brother remembered from the last time he was here.

After the move, the current Patton Museum will be a hands on tribute to all branches of the military. They will have bunkers for the kids to climb down into, fox holes to explore and other hands on activities for kids and grown ups to enjoy. The new museum will be opening next year so if you plan on seeing it, you would do better to wait until next year.

Fort Boonesborough

Location: Richmond

Suitable Ages: elementary school or older

Cost: $8 adults, $5 ages 6-12

The first thing you will ever learn about Kentucky history is that Daniel Boone single handedly settled Kentucky. Okay, that is an exageration. However, Daniel Boone has become part history, part legend around this area. I can't say I am well versed in Boone storied but I am more well aquainted with the man and in the area named after him now that I have been to Fort Boonesborough.

Fort Boonesborough is a replica of the fort built by Boone around the time our founding fathers were signing the Declaration of Independence. This state park is a great living history museum staffed by costumed characters who will show and teach you their craft. Some of the women weave, others make soap. The men make guns and bullets, draw maps, build fires and teach you to shoot a gun. You can watch a short movie that gives a sparknotes version of the fort's history. At different times throughout the year, reinactments are performed to remember the battle that took place at the fort.

The price is a little on the steep side for a large group or family but definately worth paying once. Plan on staying a couple hours inside the fort. Outside the fort is a nice tree covered trail that is breath taking in the summer. You can also make your way down to the public pool and camp sights if you so desire.

If you go: Bring your camera to take funny video of your kids trying to start a flint and steel fire. Come prepared with lots of questions. The employees are very knowledgeable but sometimes sound tired from repeating themselves over and over. Asking questions helps them break out of their monotony and gives you a richer experience as well. For more information, visit their website http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/recparks/fb/