So you want to visit a labyrinth in Kentucky. I have selected 6 of the best (there are over 30) that are accessible to the public from around the state, focusing on large population areas. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
6 Labyrinths to Visit in Kentucky
1. The Contemplative Garden Labyrinth
This beautiful 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth is made of bricks/pavers and is located at Spalding University. The garden also has it’s own website where you can see renderings and learn about the garden project. And of course check out the gallery where you can find pictures of the labyrinth !
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Address:
828 S. Fourth Street
Louisville, Kentucky 40203
2. Hunter Presbyterian Church Labyrinth
This labyrinth is a left handed, 9 circuit, square shaped, Roman version that is painted on the concrete. It is open during daylight hours and measures 40 x 40 feet. The labyrinth is located in the secondary parking lot of the church.
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Address:
129 Rosemont Garden
Lexington, Kentucky 40503
3. Christ Episcopal Church Labyrinth
Christ Episcopal Church Labyrinth - Bowling Green, KY - courtesy of the church
A 7 circuit medieval labyrinth made of bricks/pavers. Please check out the church website where they use the labyrinth as the background.
Location: Bowling Green, Kentucky
Address:
1215 State Street
Bowling Green, Kentucky 42101
4. Danville Pathway of Peace Labyrinth
Constructed in 2002, this 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth is featured in a PBS special on labyrinths in Kentucky (see links after #6 in this post). It has it’s own website and it’s own entry on Google Maps. Each have pictures of the labyrinth and information to plan a visit.
Location: Danville, Kentucky
Address:
Main Street
Danville, Kentucky 40422
5. Etcetera Coffeehouse Labyrinth
A big shout-out to a coffee house with a labyrinth ! Their website features a cat napping in a large pile of leaves so you know they’re cool. The labyrinth is located next door the the cafe and is an 8 circuit Chartres style on concrete. You can find nice pictures of the labyrinth on their Google Maps page.
Location: Paducah, Kentucky
Address:
320 North 6th Street
Paducah, Kentucky 42001
6. Berea College Labyrinth
A 6 circuit Chartres style labyrinth made of bricks/pavers. The labyrinth has it’s own webpage where you can read about the labyrinth. Located near Hutchins Library and Phelps Stoke Chapel.
Location: Berea, Kentucky
Address:
101 Chestnut St.
Berea, Kentucky 40404
BONUS: PBS (KET) did an excellent show called Labyrinths of Kentucky that can be watched at the link given for free. It is a bit over 18 minutes long and although it was made in 2008 it is still applicable today. Here are some time stamps if you are interested in specific topics/places. The show revolves around the Danville Labyrinth project (labyrinth #4 above) with cuts to various other labyrinths around the state.
Start - Introduction and Short history of the labyrinth
1:28 Danville Labyrinth Project
2:45 St Paul’s Episcopal Church - Louisville
4:06 Danville Labyrinth Project discussion of stone used
5:08 Coming Home: Sanctuary, Kenton County
6:41 Danville Labyrinth Project - labyrinth maker interview
7:51 Epiphany Catholic Church - Louisville
9:06 Garrard County, Cliffview Center
10:43 Danville Labyrinth Project dedication ceremony
11:28 Scott County
12:44 Danville Labyrinth Project - Spiritual discussion
13:34 Daviess County - Sacred Oak Grove
14:53 Danville Labyrinth Project
16:05 Boyd County - Snake Labyrinth Healing Center
17:51 Danville Labyrinth Project
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist but I have never made any mazes from Kentucky. If you have suggestions - drop me a note. Otherwise here are some mazes of famous buildings: