McCreary County History & Fun Facts
Kentucky's youngest county is full of surprises — from moonbows to timber barons, here are a few things that make McCreary special.
Kentucky's Youngest County
McCreary County was carved out of parts of Pulaski, Wayne, and Whitley counties in 1912 — making it the newest of Kentucky's 120 counties. It was named after Kentucky Governor James B. McCreary.
The Only Moonbow in the Western Hemisphere
Cumberland Falls is one of only a handful of places on Earth where you can witness a moonbow — a rainbow by moonlight — formed by the falls' mist under a full moon. A truly unique natural wonder.
Stearns — A Company Town
The Stearns Coal & Lumber Company built the town of Stearns in the early 1900s, complete with its own railroad, stores, and schools — a true Appalachian company town carved from the wilderness.
Two National Recreation Areas
McCreary County is bordered by the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area — one of the very few counties in the U.S. with two major federal recreation areas at its doorstep.
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway
The historic Big South Fork Scenic Railway runs from Stearns into the Big South Fork gorge, following the old K&T Railroad route once used by coal miners and offering one of Kentucky's most scenic train excursions.
Rich in Wildlife
McCreary's forests are home to black bears, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bald eagles, and hundreds of bird species — making it a destination for hunters, anglers, birders, and wildlife photographers nationwide.
Serving McCreary County
with Pride
Nestled between the Daniel Boone National Forest and the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, McCreary County is a place of extraordinary natural beauty, deep-rooted Appalachian heritage, and close-knit community spirit.
Our Fiscal Court meets the second Thursday of every month to set policy, approve budgets, and ensure every resident has access to the services they need.
Get in TouchMonthly Meetings
Second Thursday, 6 PM · Fiscal Courtroom, Whitley City
Transparency
Open records and community engagement at every level
Accountability
Responsible budgeting to sustain essential public services
Open Records
Public access in accordance with Kentucky’s Open Records Act
County Officials
Elected and appointed officials working together for McCreary County residents.
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Events & Meetings
McCreary County hosts a variety of recurring civic, community, and seasonal events throughout the year. Check the calendar below for specific upcoming dates.
Government & Civic
Community & Public Services
Recreation & Tourism
Economic Development
Court Records
The Fiscal Court maintains records under Kentucky state law — including meeting minutes, ordinances, resolutions, and official documents. Public records may be requested in accordance with Kentucky law.
County Budget Documents
McCreary County prepares and publishes its budget annually to show how public dollars are planned and used across county services. Select a fiscal year below to view available documents.
Need a budget document not listed here? Submit a records request below or contact the Finance & HR Director at debbie@mccrearycounty.com.
Records Center
Select a department to view its records. Add documents from any available year directly to the appropriate department; when more than four records are listed, use the scrollbar within the list to view additional documents.
Can't find the record you're looking for? Submit a request to the McCreary County Fiscal Court.
Open Records Request
Use this form to request public records from the McCreary County Fiscal Court. Please provide enough detail for our office to identify the records you are seeking.
Discover McCreary County
From moonbow waterfalls to ancient rock arches — adventure is always close at hand.
Community Resources
Helpful links and services for McCreary County residents.
To make reservations, contact Melissa Vanover at 606-376-7275.
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