Prestonsburg, Kentucky — Elk Tours, Jenny Wiley Lake & Appalachian Heritage

Expect the Unexpected in Eastern Kentucky

Prestonsburg delivers unforgettable experiences filled with Appalachian stories, mountain beauty, music, history, and authentic hospitality.

Not many destinations can promise a day that begins watching wild elk emerge from the Appalachian mountains, continues aboard a scenic pontoon cruise across a legendary lake, and ends with raising a glass during a spirited bourbon experience.

That, and much more, is exactly what awaits visitors to Prestonsburg, Kentucky.

Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Prestonsburg invites visitors to discover a destination where history isn't confined to museums; it comes alive through storytelling, music, breathtaking scenery, and the people who proudly call these mountains home.

One of Prestonsburg's most unforgettable experiences begins before sunrise, October-March. Guided elk tours take visitors deep into the mountains surrounding Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, where Kentucky's thriving elk herd, now the largest east of the Mississippi, can often be seen grazing in their natural habitat. Along the way, experienced guides share the remarkable conservation story that brought these magnificent animals back to the Commonwealth after more than a century.

The adventure continues on the waters of beautiful Dewey Lake at Jenny Wiley State Resort Park where visitors can rent a kayak or pontoon. As the shoreline unfolds, guests can discover the incredible frontier story of Jenny Wiley, a young pioneer woman captured by Native Americans in 1789 who courageously escaped after months of captivity and made a remarkable journey through the wilderness to safety. Today, the state resort park bears her name, preserving one of Kentucky's most compelling stories of determination, survival, and resilience.

Jenny Wiley is also home to several hiking and mountain biking trails including SugarCamp Mountain Trails which feature hand dug trails that wind through the beautiful and scenic mountains surrounding the Park. If you prefer a less intense trail, visit the Passage Trail which is an 8.6 mile paved trail that meanders through stunning views from West Prestonsburg to David, Kentucky. Make sure to stop at the famous Schoolbus Bridge for a one of a kind photo op!

If you love golf, we have that too at StoneCrest Golf Course. StoneCrest is a stunning one of a kind 18-hole golf course which was created on a reclaimed strip mine and offers uninterrupted mountain views like nowhere else. The course also features TopTracer Golf if you would prefer to hang out with family and friends while enjoying delicious food.

Prestonsburg also offers attractions that continue to surprise first-time visitors. The East Kentucky Science Center & Varia Planetarium features one of the nation's most technologically advanced digital planetariums, transporting audiences from the mountains of Appalachia to the farthest reaches of the universe through breathtaking immersive presentations.

Music enthusiasts can travel just a few miles to Butcher Holler, the humble birthplace of country music icon Loretta Lynn. Guided tours reveal the people, places, and mountain traditions that inspired one of country music's most beloved voices while offering a glimpse into authentic Appalachian life. Make sure to check out who is performing at the Mountain Arts Center, home of Billie Jean Osborne's Kentucky Opry, while you are in town. Many artists got their start on this stage including Chris Stapleton and Tyler Childers to name a few.

Whether you are interested in outdoor adventure, music, history, local flavors, or authentic Appalachian culture, Prestonsburg offers experiences that exceed expectations. Here, every winding mountain road leads to another story waiting to be told, and every visit leaves guests eager to return.

To learn more about planning your next adventure in Prestonsburg, Kentucky, visit prestonsburgky.org or call (606) 886-1341.