Stearns offers a distinctive blend of small-town spirit and outdoor adventure, providing a welcome retreat for those seeking a slower pace of life, yet with abundant opportunities for exploration and community engagement. As the historic heart of McCreary County, Stearns stands out for its connection to the past, with the Big South Fork Scenic Railway whisking visitors on a nostalgic ride through the region’s stunning hardwood forests and to the edge of the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area for hiking, horseback riding, and rafting. Locally, the McCreary County Museum preserves stories of Stearns’s coal-mining roots in the beautifully restored headquarters of the historic Stearns Coal and Lumber Company.
Families find Stearns inviting thanks to the tight-knit McCreary County School District, with McCreary Central High School supporting academic achievement and diverse extracurriculars. Parks and community programs foster neighborly ties, while easy access to neighboring Whitley City means dining, shopping, and additional amenities are just minutes away.
Unique to Stearns, events like the annual Blue Heron Ghost Train add to the calendar, while proximity to the Cumberland Falls State Resort Park invites weekend family excursions. Whether you’re looking to put down roots or considering selling, Agent Pronto helps connect you with qualified local real estate agents, making your move in or out of Stearns a seamless experience.