**Top 5 Cities to Film in Kentucky**

Kentucky is known for its rolling hills, horse farms, and southern charm. But it’s also a state filled with great filming locations. From historic cities to beautiful natural landscapes, Kentucky offers a wide variety of settings that filmmakers can use to bring their stories to life. Whether you need a modern urban scene or a peaceful rural backdrop, Kentucky has something to offer. Movieinsure.com is a proud provider of short term film production insurance and annual film production insurance for the state of Kentucky.  Here are the top five cities to film in Kentucky.

1. **Louisville**

Louisville is the largest city in Kentucky, and it’s a great choice for filmmakers. It has a rich history, beautiful parks, and a lively downtown area. This city is full of different locations that can fit almost any kind of film.

One of the most iconic spots in Louisville is Churchill Downs. This famous racetrack, home of the Kentucky Derby, is perfect for films about horse racing or southern traditions. The grandstands and racetrack offer a unique and exciting backdrop. The energy of the Derby season can bring a lively feel to any scene.

Louisville also has many beautiful parks. Cherokee Park, designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, is a favorite for filmmakers. Its winding roads, green spaces, and scenic views make it a great location for outdoor scenes. In addition, the Ohio River runs along the city, providing a peaceful setting for films that need water views or riverside scenes.

The city’s downtown area is also vibrant and full of culture. The historic buildings, modern shops, and local restaurants offer a variety of settings for urban scenes. Filmmakers can capture both old-world charm and modern life in Louisville.

2. **Lexington**

Lexington, known as the “Horse Capital of the World,” is another top city to film in Kentucky. With its horse farms, scenic countryside, and charming downtown, it’s a perfect place for films that need a rural or small-town feel.

One of the most iconic locations in Lexington is the Kentucky Horse Park. This working horse farm is a beautiful spot, full of rolling hills, pastures, and barns. It’s perfect for films about horses, farming, or rural life. The park also has historic buildings and museums that add to its appeal as a filming location.

Lexington’s downtown area offers a different kind of charm. With its historic homes, brick streets, and small-town atmosphere, it’s great for filmmakers who want to capture the feel of a close-knit community. The city also has modern elements, with local shops, cafes, and art galleries that add a lively energy.

For outdoor scenes, filmmakers can explore the nearby Bluegrass Region, known for its stunning countryside. The lush, green fields and fences are ideal for pastoral settings and peaceful rural scenes.

3. **Bowling Green**

Bowling Green is a city full of history, natural beauty, and southern hospitality. It’s a great place for filmmakers who want a mix of urban and rural settings. The city is known for its parks, caves, and museums, making it an interesting choice for many different types of films.

One of the most famous spots in Bowling Green is the National Corvette Museum. This museum, dedicated to the iconic American sports car, is a great location for films about cars, racing, or American culture. The sleek, modern building provides a cool, industrial backdrop for any car-related scenes.

For filmmakers looking for outdoor settings, Bowling Green has plenty to offer. Lost River Cave is a beautiful natural spot that’s perfect for nature scenes or adventurous films. The cave tours, underground rivers, and surrounding forests provide a dramatic and mysterious atmosphere.

Bowling Green’s historic downtown area is also a great place to film. With its old buildings, charming shops, and local restaurants, it has a cozy, small-town feel. It’s a great choice for films about community life, history, or southern charm.

4. **Frankfort**

Frankfort, the capital of Kentucky, is a city full of history and government buildings. It’s a quieter city, but its historic architecture and beautiful landscapes make it a top choice for filmmakers.

The Kentucky State Capitol building is one of the most impressive spots in Frankfort. With its grand dome, marble columns, and beautifully manicured grounds, the Capitol is a stunning backdrop for films about government, history, or law. The building’s stately appearance adds a sense of importance to any scene.

In addition to the Capitol, Frankfort has several historic sites that are great for filming. The Old State Capitol, built in the 1800s, is a classic example of Greek Revival architecture and offers a timeless setting for period films. The city’s history as an early settlement also provides opportunities for historical dramas.

For outdoor scenes, filmmakers can explore the Kentucky River, which flows through Frankfort. The river provides beautiful water views and peaceful natural settings, perfect for films that need a calm, scenic backdrop.

5. **Covington**

Covington is located right across the river from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is part of the Greater Cincinnati area. This northern Kentucky city is known for its beautiful riverfront views, historic districts, and vibrant art scene. It’s a great choice for filmmakers who want a mix of urban and historic settings.

One of the most popular spots in Covington is the Roebling Suspension Bridge. This historic bridge connects Covington to Cincinnati and offers stunning views of the Ohio River and the Cincinnati skyline. It’s a great spot for urban scenes, cityscapes, or films that need a dramatic bridge backdrop.

Covington’s historic MainStrasse Village is another favorite location for filmmakers. This charming district is full of German-style architecture, cobblestone streets, and quaint shops. It’s perfect for films that need an old-world European feel, right in the heart of Kentucky.

The city’s riverfront area also provides filmmakers with beautiful views and urban parks. Devou Park, with its panoramic views of Cincinnati and the Ohio River, is a great spot for outdoor scenes that need both nature and city views.

In conclusion, Kentucky offers filmmakers a wide range of settings, from modern cityscapes to peaceful rural landscapes. Each of the top five cities—Louisville, Lexington, Bowling Green, Frankfort, and Covington—offers something unique and special for filmmakers.

Louisville’s mix of urban life and southern charm makes it an exciting place to film, while Lexington’s horse farms and scenic countryside bring a quiet beauty to the screen. Bowling Green’s natural wonders and car culture provide plenty of interesting backdrops, and Frankfort’s historic architecture and government buildings offer stately and timeless settings. Lastly, Covington’s riverfront views and historic charm make it a great place for filmmakers looking for a combination of urban and historic locations.

Whether you’re filming a fast-paced action movie, a quiet drama, or a historical film, Kentucky’s top cities offer a variety of locations to suit any filmmaker’s needs. The state’s natural beauty, rich history, and welcoming communities make it an ideal destination for filmmakers looking for unique and inspiring settings.