Lexington, Kentucky

This famous and historic horseracing arena attracts visitors year round. Even when races are not in session, Keeneland ’s significance and extensive history make it a popular Lexington destination. Horses began racing at Keeneland, one of the top Lexington, KY attractions, in 1936, and since then, annual races have become a traditional event.

Keeneland is also host to practice meets for jockeys and horses preparing for the Kentucky Derby, as well as a series of horse auctions throughout the year. Visitors to Keeneland are able to view the racecourse, visit the indoor facility, and tour the sales complex. Keeneland’s website offers a calendar of upcoming events and ticket purchasing options.

4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-254-3412

The childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln, the 16th First Lady of the United States, has been preserved and memorialized, and is now open to the public as one of the top Lexington KY attractions. A unique site, this home has the distinct honor of being the first historical location restored in the name of a first lady.

The home features a collection of authentic artifacts, including furniture, portraits, and decor, from both the Lincoln and Todd families. Additionally, the home provides both guided tours and interpretive information on the families and the lives of the first lady, President Lincoln, and their children.

Mary Todd Lincoln House, 578 W Main St, Lexington, Kentucky, Phone: 859-233-9999

Recommended Activities for Families

The Kentucky Horse Park is a roughly 1,000-acre facility that is a well-known working horse farm. The park offers visitors the chance to tour the horse stables and facilities, and witness the Horses of the World show, which occurs twice daily. The show includes a variety of rare and exotic horses from all over the globe, with riders dressed in authentic garb. The park also features a historic museum called International Museum of the Horse.

This Smithsonian Affiliate houses an extensive collection of authentic horse memorabilia and interpretive literature. The Park offers a frequently changing calendar of events, ranging from horse races to concerts to other sporting events. Finally, horse riding, carriage rides, and campgrounds are all available on site. More info

4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, Kentucky, Phone: 859-259-4200

Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Farm Tours offers visitors a chance to experience the scenic back roads of Kentucky countryside, and it gives them a glimpse into several of Lexington’s most prolific sites. The tour is accompanied by a local professional guide who provides information and insight into the site’s history and contributions to the city, along with the establishment’s relevance to the horse farming community.

If you are looking for fun things to do in Lexington, KY, this is a great place to visit. The walking tour lasts approximately three hours, and travels through the Kenneland Race Course, through an authentic horse farm, past the famous Calumet Farm, and to the filming locations of major equestrian based motion pictures, including Seabiscuit and Secretariat.

1900 Clays Mill Rd, Lexington, Kentucky, Phone: 859-260-8687

Located in the core of downtown Lexington, the Lexington Visitors Center is an expansive and comprehensive resource for guests of the city. Staffed with Visitor Information Specialists who are knowledgeable about the history and attractions within Lexington, the center also has a wide section of literature and materials. City guides, attraction guides, and a collection of food, drink, and lodging materials are all present.

Additionally, the center offers educational videos on the surrounding area, known as the Bluegrass Region, which show on five different screens throughout the building. There is also a life-sized blue horse on site, other memorabilia that present excellent photo opportunities, and interpretive educational resources.

215 W Main St Suite 75, Lexington, KY 40507, Phone: 859-233-7299

Attractions for Couples

This 700-acre nature sanctuary is an expansive green space just outside of downtown Lexington. With a mission to preserve the unique beauty of the Kentucky River Palisades region, the sanctuary manages to illustrate the historical significance of the land while providing open, outdoor space to the people of Lexington. Today, guests can visit Raven Run and utilize the space’s 10 miles of hiking trails and walking paths to cross through meadows and woodlands and pass numerous streams.

The trails take visitors through the scenic and rustic Bluegrass wilderness and deep into Kentucky’s scenic landscape. Additionally, the remnants of 19th century settlers remain scattered throughout the sanctuary, and over 600 species of flora and fauna are known to exist on the grounds.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-272-6105

The Arboretum is a year round Lexington staple. The University of Kentucky owns and operates this 100-acre space, which features seasonal activities and attractions within the various garden spaces. A children’s garden is located on the grounds, hosting a child sized interactive and educational outdoor activity area.

Additionally, a variety of themed gardens exist and act as both a conservation center and educational resource for visitors and academics. Throughout the year, a variety of family events and attractions are held on site, and they are outlined in a calendar on the arboretum’s website.

500 Alumni Dr, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-257-6955

Lakes For Photographers

This urban park features an expansive range of attractions and features ideal for city goers looking to experience a lush and inviting green space. On site, Jacobson Park features a large pond that hosts seasonal pedal-boat rentals and provides fishing opportunities. Numerous sporting endeavors are supported here, and the park has open fields, basketball courts, and volleyball nets.

A fenced in dog park allows pet owners to engage with their off-leash companions while separated from other park goers. Finally, open fields, covered shelters, and a sprawling playground provide ample opportunity for families and children to engage in fun activities within the park grounds.

4001 Athens Boonesboro Rd, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-288-2900

Waveland is a historic antebellum plantation home that has been restored and reopened to the public. The grounds of Waveland contain the extravagant main house and with three outbuildings, which include slave quarters, a smokehouse, and an icehouse. The home is now operated daily, and guided tours provide education and insight into the family and enslaved peoples who lived and worked on the grounds of Waveland.

The home and outbuildings have all been outfitted with period era decor and furnishings, and original artifacts help illustrate the lifestyle that would have been typical of the spectrum of occupants who resided here. Additionally, a variety of seasonal events are held on the property, which are outlined on the National Park Service website.

225 Waveland Museum Ln, Lexington, KY, Phone: 859-272-3611

The Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company has been a popular member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail experience for nearly 10 years and holds the distinction of being the only facility which combines bourbon distilling with craft beer production. The company is very happy to show off their production line and their products on a guided tour of the brewing and distilling area followed by a tasting. Each tour takes around 75 minutes. After the tour you will be treated to a tasting of their bold and innovative brews and spirits.

Lexington Brewing and Distilling Company, 401 Cross Street, Lexington, KY 40508,859 255 2337