Things to Do in Lawrenceburg

Jon boats and pontoons putter across the calm waters of Wilgreen Lake Marina, while just beneath the surface, bass and bluegill flit past fishing lines. Founded by passionate bass angler Randy Nunley, the idle-speed marina strives to serve as a fisherman’s oasis. In addition to the rental fleet, a bait shop peddles live bait, tackle, and waterproof love notes for luring in fish. Nunley also fires up competitive spirits with annual bass tournaments.

A rustle of wind whips through the dark forest rising up behind the deserted building, increasing the sense of foreboding that has settled over the clearing for much of the afternoon. The silence is broken by a bird’s shrill call from a distant tree and, as if on queue, a masked figure steps out from inside the weathered structure and aims his marker at his opponent hiding behind the small trailer in front of him. Suddenly finding herself splattered with vibrant purple paint, the targeted adversary takes off across the green field, firing off a polychromatic round of pellets in her wake.

Founded with the hopes of granting its guests the chance to experience adrenaline-laced interactions such as these, Band of Brother Paintball offers acres of play space for pigment-slinging snipers. Before sending patrons out for rounds of fast-paced play, the knowledgeable staff outfits them with an arsenal of rental equipment and paintballs. Once armed, shooters take to obstacle-laden fields, bobbing and weaving between metal cylinders as they try to create passable forgeries of Impressionist paintings on the backs of fellow combatants.

Head instructor Sandra Middleton cares for neglected and unwanted horses at Paddle Stone Equestrian Center and trains young riders to ride and respect the animals. Since the ranch’s inception in 2000, instructors have introduced beginners as young as 4 years old to horseback riding and helped intermediate riders along the path to mastery through private and group lessons. As hooves beat staccato time, riders learn hunter/jumper techniques, a classic style pioneered by English fox hunters. Western lessons introduce methods developed by cowboys, who needed to stay near steers during long rides or the scary parts of Jurassic Park. The center is home to more than one dozen equines, allowing each pupil to ride a well-rested mount before learning the subtleties of proper handling and care when not in the saddle. Once a student has demonstrated the ability to trot, the center encourages him or her to travel to shows for further improvement.

Two 18-hole courses form a verdant wreath around the Bardstown Country Club grounds, inviting clubbers of all stripes to drive, pitch, and putt their way across the Kentucky countryside. The Maywood Course—the club’s signature fairway chain—begins with a traditional, parkland layout before transforming into a Scottish links-inspired design on the back nine, replete with thickets of heather, subtle contours, and flagsticks bemoaning English imperialism. The ingenuity of course designer David Pfaff is on full display at the 16th hole, a 210-yard par 3 where tee shots plummet 70 feet before coming to rest on a green flanked by a pond and a stately stone wall. To prepare for rounds at the Maywood Course or its 18-hole sidekick, the Woodlawn Springs Golf Course, clubbers can pelt balls into the horizon at the grass-tee driving range or feed 9-irons a protein-rich meal at the club’s bar and grill.

Mud oozes through fingers, toes, and other places mud should never ooze through during Mudathlon, a challenge that puts 3 miles and more than 40 obstacles between racers and the finish line. With multiple stops across the country, Mudathlon transforms its destinations into messy, muck-riddled swamplands, where participants ascend walls, zip down slides, and always end up in the same place—back in the mud. Course marshals stationed along each route keep feet moving in the right direction, and at the finish line, the top three male and female competitors receive Top Mudder awards for finishing fastest while ingesting the government’s daily recommended serving of mud. After the race, individuals and teams gather to celebrate at a country-themed party, which continues the festivities with live music, costume contests, and an abundance of food and beer.