Kentucky Parkways

Kentucky Parkways are a unique and essential part of the Bluegrass State’s transportation history. Originally built as toll roads to fund construction, these limited-access highways were designed to complement the interstate system by connecting rural areas to urban centers across Kentucky. Today, they serve as vital travel corridors for both residents and visitors, offering scenic drives through some of the most beautiful regions of the state.

The parkway system includes several major routes such as the Bluegrass Parkway, Western Kentucky Parkway, Purchase Parkway (now largely integrated into I-69), and Pennyrile Parkway, among others. All of these roads have had their tolls removed, but they continue to provide efficient, high-speed travel options that bypass congested urban routes. Each parkway has its own character—some wind through rolling farmland, while others traverse forested hills or link major interstates across Kentucky’s diverse geography.

Whether you’re heading east toward the bourbon distilleries along the Bluegrass Parkway or taking in the wide-open farmland along the Western Kentucky Parkway, the Kentucky Parkways system offers a more relaxed alternative to the interstates. Many parkways are now partially or fully designated as interstates, but the legacy of Kentucky’s parkway network lives on in road signs, local culture, and road trip routes loved by travelers. At Interstate411, we document these historic and modern routes with detailed video journeys, helpful descriptions, and travel insights to help you plan your next drive through the Bluegrass State.