Barren County Ranks Among Kentucky’s Top 20 Tourism Economies in Record-Breaking 2024

June 11, 2025 2 min read

GLASGOW, KY – June 11, 2025 – Tourism across Kentucky is soaring – with Barren County as one of its top engines.

Governor Andy Beshear has just announced that Kentucky reached an all-time high in tourism economic impact in 2024, generating a record-breaking $14.3 billion, marking the third consecutive year the Commonwealth has set a new benchmark. Standing tall among Kentucky’s 120 counties, Barren County once again ranks in the top 20 for visitor spending.

Locally, Barren County experienced over $119 million in total economic impact. The tourism sector supported 940 jobs, delivered $25.5 million in labor income, and generated $9.6 million in state and local taxes, solidifying its role as a premier destination in the state’s thriving travel economy.

“Barren County has always had the ingredients of a top-tier destination with its natural beauty, charming downtown, and incredibly hospitable locals,” said MacLean Lessenberry, Executive Director of the Glasgow-Barren County Tourist & Convention Commission. “Few places can offer the natural assets we have- Mammoth Cave National Park, Barren River Lake, and miles of trails, both above ground, underground, and on the water, all anchored by a vibrant community and a continuously thriving downtown Glasgow. Barren County offers a rare combination of experiences that can unexpectedly be packaged together seamlessly.”

Lessenberry continued, “These numbers reflect the incredible teamwork happening across our community, from small business owners and farmers to hospitality workers, developers, and more. Everyone plays a role in shaping Barren County’s story. Our team is proud to help share that story with the world. We’re proud of how far we’ve come, and even more excited about how far we’re going to go.”

The report was produced by Tourism Economics, the research partner of the Kentucky Tourism, Arts & Heritage Cabinet, and shows that Kentucky’s tourism industry supported more than 97,000 jobs statewide in 2024,.

As the official destination marketing organization for Glasgow and Barren County, the Glasgow-Barren County Tourist & Convention Commission remains committed to promoting and developing the region as a welcoming, dynamic destination that merges outdoor adventure, agrotourism, and small-town charm into one unforgettable experience.

To view the full 2024 Kentucky Tourism Economic Impact Report, click here.