Estill County Tourism
Estill County, founded in 1808, was named for Captain James Estill. The 50th county, formed out of parts of Clark and Madison. Parts of 5 counties were taken from Estill. It is the home to the cities of Irvine and Ravenna.
The city of Irvine, named for Col. William Irvine, who was an early settler, was founded in 1812. Located half a mile from Irvine is Estill Springs, once a favorite of the Shawnee Indians. The spring had “white sulphur” water, famous for its healing purposes. Daniel Boone often made his stops at the springs and cooled off in the magical clear water.
The city of Ravenna was formerly a village. The village was named Ravenna in 1915 after the Louisville and Nashville Railroad was complete. An Italian foreman, building the railroad yards requested that the railroad officials name the station after his birthplace, Ravenna, in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, known for its ancient mosaics.
The legendary scenic beauty of Estill County is largely embodied in the Daniel Boone National Forest. When you visit Estill County, you are seeing the spectacular land that Daniel Boone once explored-streams, steep forest ridges and natural arches. Visit Station Camp, as legend has it, where Daniel Boone first looked over into the beautiful Blue Grass Country.
You will be swept away by the natural beauty and frontier history of Estill County. Take a drive through one of Kentucky’s most beautiful scenic valleys-Red Lick Valley. Take in a view of Sweet Lick Knob. Visit Estill Springs, a favorite habitat of the Shawnee Indians in years past.
Visit Fitchburg and Cottage Furnaces, old iron furnaces which produced iron from native ore deposits. Fitchburg Furnace is known as one of the largest of its kind in the world.
Experience Art on Main, a showcase of work by local artisans. Irvine is home to the annual Mountain Mushroom Festival which is held in the last week of April.
Estill County’s natural beauty invites you to enjoy a true vacation adventure. Whether your interests lie in history, crafts, outdoor adventures or you just want to get away from the pressure of life, why not make Estill County your destination. A place where the Bluegrass Kisses the Mountains.