Attractions

East Kentucky Science Center
PO Box 348
7 Bert Combs Drive
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
Phone: (606) 889-0303
Fax: (606) 889-0306
Website

Over a period of nine years, the East Kentucky Science Center evolved from a coalition formed to support science education efforts in Eastern Kentucky to the construction of a permanent learning center with a planetarium, exhibit hall, and science classroom.

Low achievement in math and science by area school children captured the attention of several representatives of higher education, public schools and business leaders in 1994. A coalition was formed to support and to improve science education efforts in the region. At a meeting of the coalition, the meeting’s facilitator John Rosenberg proposed an ambitious plan, a science center with a planetarium similar to the one in Gastonia, North Carolina, the town where he grew up. Rosenberg had already begun laying the groundwork for his proposal, soliciting the support of State Representative Greg Stumbo.

The group decided to act as a consortium with the objective of forming a non-profit corporation. Their goal was to promote the advancement of science, mathematics and technology in the region and to develop an institute. The Consortium determined the Center would provide professional development for teachers, hands-on learning for students, resources to teachers and students through a traveling science van, and information from educational institutions and coal-related industries to the community. The non-profit organization became the East Kentucky Center for Science, Mathematics and Technology. That name was later shortened to become the East Kentucky Science Center.

Outreach education operations began at the Center in 1997, after a series of Board-sponsored meetings with focus groups in the region determined that 90% of students didn’t achieve well in science and mathematics and 96% of the residents didn’t understand science and mathematics. The Science Center began developing programs with hands-on activities to help overcome the barriers discovered in this survey.

In 1998, The General Assembly appropriated $2.6 million for the Center; $1.6 million of the funding was earmarked for the building and another million for the Center’s equipment. The award was based on figures provided by a consulting architect working under the assumption that costs were significantly lower than those required for a project built on a community college campus. The Center’s Board of Directors, recognizing that costs were going to be almost double the original estimates, decided to plan for a much smaller, 12,000 sq. ft. facility. The plan included an 85-seat, 40-ft. planetarium, 3,000 sq. ft. exhibit area, 1,000 sq. ft. science classroom, gift shop and offices. In 2000, the Center received an additional $1 million from the state to be used toward the construction of the new center. This funding helped cover additional site preparation costs. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held on the Prestonsburg Community College Campus, November 9, 2001, for the new Science Center facility. Construction of the new Science Center began in September 2002. The East Kentucky Science Center opened the doors of its new facility to the public in March of 2004.

July 1, 2008, began a new chapter in the history of the East Kentucky Science Center as the Center became a proud member of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System [KCTCS]. The daily operations of the Center are overseen by the Big Sandy Community and Technical College [BSCTC].

Jenny Wiley State Resort Park
75 Theatre Court
Prestonsburg, KY 41653-9799
Telephone: 606-889-1790
Toll Free: 800-325-0142
JennyWiley@ky.gov
Park Manager: Ty Lindon

Experience the beauty of Jenny Wiley State Resort Park surrounded by the towering pines and peaceful mountains of Prestonsburg, Kentucky.

Learn more about year-round lodge rooms, private cottages, dining, fishing, hiking, disc golf, and special events by calling 606-889-1790 or visiting their Website.

Middle Creek National Battlefield
Route 114
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
606-886-1312
Website

The Battle of Middle Creek took place in Floyd County, Kentucky, January 10, 1862. Though the land was once stained with blood and blackened by the smoke of two thousand muskets, the hay fields which welcome today’s visitor to the Fitzpatrick Farm on Middle Creek look no different than those found on other Eastern Kentucky farms. Compared to the Battle of Antietam Creek, the Battle of Middle Creek was only a skirmish. Nevertheless, it had a significant impact on the course of the Civil War. It ended Confederate supremacy in the region, and it launched the career of the man who became our twentieth president. With good reason it has been called the battle that launched a presidency. On January 10th, 1862, James A. Garfield, an obscure Ohio college professor and newly-minted colonel of a regiment of Ohio volunteers, launched an attack on a brigade of Confederate soldiers holding a position on the ridges overlooking the Forks of Middle Creek, located two miles west of Prestonsburg, Kentucky. The Confederates were commanded by Brigadier General Humphrey Marshall, a seasoned veteran famous for his exploits during the Mexican War. We invite you to read the history of this nationally significant battlefield, learn about its participants, and become acquainted with the Middle Creek National Battlefield Foundation and its plans to develop the battlefield as a historic site. For more information visit their Website.

StoneCrest Golf Course
918 Clubhouse Drive
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
606-886-1006
Website

StoneCrest is a unique facility owned by the City of Prestonsburg in Southeastern Kentucky. The course is on 700 acres of land. Offers amenities such as a pro shop, club repairs, practice green, driving range, clubhouse and lounge.

Built on a reclaimed strip mine, the course offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. The championship layout plays to a Par 72, and is over 7,000 yards long from the back tees. However, with four other sets of tee boxes the course is playable for all skill levels. Opened for play in 2001, the course is already recognized as one of the finest in Kentucky and has played host to both the Men's and Women's State Amateur Championships in its' brief history. For more information, call the StoneCrest Golf Shop at (606) 886-1006. Our friendly staff will be glad to answer any questions you have regarding the course, and to help you book a tee time to come and play our outstanding facility.

Ranier Racing Museum
Prestonsburg, KY

Led by the family patriarch, Harry Ranier, Ranier Racing fielded cars in the NASCAR Winston Cup series for drivers such as Lennie Pond, Buddy Baker, Bobby Allison, Cale Yarborough, and Davey Allison. The Ranier Racing Museum offers a wide variety of memorabilia such as trophies, pictures, and uniforms.

Located inside Prestonsburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. Call 606-886-1341 for more information.

Thunder Ridge Racing & Entertainment Complex
701 KY Rt. 3
Prestonsburg, KY 41653
606-886-7223

Thunder Ridge Racing and Entertainment Complex offers horse racing at its best. Home of "Thunder Ridge 100", harness racing. Intertrack wagering is available year round. Thunder Ridge Clubhouse seats 350 with a full service bar and restaurant, outdoor lounge, on site catering, and outdoor grilling and campground facilities. Barn facilities are equipped to handle rodeos, horse shows and dog shows. All facilities can be available for private use. Thunder Ridge is designed with a family atmosphere in mind. For information, call 606-886-RACE.