#55 – Richmond, KY
1013 Buc-ee's Boulevard
Richmond, KY
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View on Map →Kentucky Buc-ee's Road Trip Guide
Kentucky's Buc-ee's locations bring Texas hospitality to the Bluegrass State, serving travelers on two of the state's busiest interstate corridors. Whether you're exploring bourbon country, heading to the horses, or just passing through on a longer journey, Kentucky's stores provide that reliable Buc-ee's experience.
The Richmond location on I-75 catches north-south traffic between Tennessee and Ohio, positioned perfectly for travelers making the long drive between the Great Lakes and the Deep South. Smiths Grove on I-65 serves the Nashville-to-Louisville corridor, making it essential for those exploring both music cities.
What sets Kentucky's Buc-ee's apart is their connection to the state's tourism traditions. These stores serve as gateways to bourbon distilleries, horse farms, and Mammoth Cave National Park. After a day of bourbon tasting on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail or exploring the world's longest cave system, a Buc-ee's stop with fresh food and clean restrooms is exactly what road-weary travelers need.
This Kentucky Buc-ee's road trip guide is part of our complete Buc-ee's Road Trip Planning Guide. Explore all 2 Buc-ee's locations in Kentucky and plan your perfect road trip.
All Buc-ee's in Kentucky
#56 – Smiths Grove, KY
4001 Smiths Grove-Scottsville Road
Smiths Grove, KY
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View on Map →Upcoming Buc-ee's in Kentucky
Coming SoonPlanning/Infrastructure Phase
Oak Grove
Expected: Fall 2026 (may be delayed)
Kentucky's third Buc-ee's is planned for Oak Grove off I-24, though major intersection upgrades may delay the fall 2026 opening.
Kentucky Buc-ee's Highlights
- ★Richmond location serves busy I-75 Ohio-to-Tennessee corridor
- ★Smiths Grove position on I-65 connects Nashville and Louisville
- ★Gateway to Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries
- ★Perfect stops for Mammoth Cave National Park visits
- ★Both locations offer full mega-store experience
Popular Kentucky Road Trip Routes
Ohio to Tennessee via I-75
Richmond Buc-ee's serves as the perfect Kentucky stop, roughly midway between Cincinnati and Knoxville.
Nashville to Louisville via I-65
Smiths Grove Buc-ee's provides an ideal midpoint, about an hour south of Louisville.
Kentucky Bourbon Trail Loop
Both Kentucky Buc-ee's can serve as starting or ending points for bourbon distillery tours across the central part of the state.
Nearby Attractions in Kentucky
Planning a trip through Kentucky? Don't miss these popular destinations near Buc-ee's locations:
- Mammoth Cave National Park
- Kentucky Horse Park and horse farm tours
- Louisville attractions including Louisville Slugger Museum
- Kentucky Bourbon Trail distilleries
- Lexington's historic downtown and UK campus
Kentucky Road Trip Tips
Bourbon Trail preparation
If you're touring bourbon distilleries, stop at Buc-ee's first for snacks and water. Many distillery tours don't have food available, and you'll want to stay hydrated.
Mammoth Cave day trip
Smiths Grove is ideal for Mammoth Cave trips. Stock up on supplies, explore the cave, then grab dinner at Buc-ee's on your way back to Nashville or Louisville.
UK game day planning
Richmond Buc-ee's gets busy during Kentucky Wildcats basketball and football game days. Arrive early or plan your stop for non-game hours.
Derby Day traffic
The first Saturday in May brings Kentucky Derby traffic. If you're headed to Churchill Downs, plan your Smiths Grove stop carefully to avoid the rush.
Best Time to Visit Kentucky Buc-ee's
Best Time to Visit: Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer beautiful Kentucky weather and scenic drives through horse country.
Kentucky Derby Season: Late April through early May sees increased traffic around Louisville, especially around Smiths Grove on I-65.
Summer Considerations: Kentucky summers can be hot and humid. Mammoth Cave provides natural cooling, and Buc-ee's AC offers relief during road trip stops.
Fall Bourbon Season: Fall is peak bourbon tourism season. The Kentucky Bourbon Trail sees highest visitation September through November.
Frequently Asked Questions: Kentucky Buc-ee's
Which Kentucky Buc-ee's is closest to Mammoth Cave?
Smiths Grove Buc-ee's on I-65 is closer, about 30 miles from Mammoth Cave National Park. It's the perfect stop before or after exploring the world's longest cave.
Is Richmond Buc-ee's good for Lexington visitors?
Yes! Richmond is about 30 miles south of Lexington on I-75, making it convenient for travelers visiting the horse capital of the world or attending UK events.
Can I stop at both Kentucky Buc-ee's on one trip?
They're on different interstates (I-75 and I-65), so you'd need a specific route to hit both. However, the drive between them through Lexington is scenic and doable.
Are Kentucky Buc-ee's good for bourbon country trips?
Absolutely. Both locations serve as excellent starting or ending points for Kentucky Bourbon Trail tours. Stock up on supplies before visiting distilleries.
How far is Smiths Grove from Nashville?
Smiths Grove is about 75 miles north of Nashville on I-65, roughly a 1-hour drive. It's perfectly positioned for the Nashville-Louisville route.
Kentucky Road Trip Planning Stats
See how other travelers plan their Kentucky Buc-ee's road trips using Roadtrip Beaver.
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Road Trips Through Kentucky
5
Kentucky Stops in Trips
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Visits Logged
Most Popular Kentucky Stops for Road Trips
These locations appear most often in Kentucky road trips planned with our tool:
#1
3 trips#55 – Richmond, KY
#2
2 trips#56 – Smiths Grove, KY
Our route planner optimizes your Kentucky trip to include the best Buc-ee's stops based on your specific route.
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