12 Fun Things to Do in Lexington Kentucky

Lexington Kentucky is known as the Horse Capital of the World and Kentucky is also well known for its bourbon, and a certain type of fried chicken.

With a population of 325,000, Lexington is the second largest city in Kentucky, with Louisville being the largest city in KY.

One of the best things in Lexington is the horse farm tours. I thought it would be kind of fun, but it was much more interesting and enjoyable than I anticipated.

Another great thing about Lexington is the abundance of parks and hiking trails close to the city. Short or long hikes are easy to get to for nature appreciation and some outdoor exercise.

In this post I’m sharing 12 fun things to do in Lexington Kentucky including lots of outdoor activities.

 

 

1.   Kentucky Horse Park

Of course, while in the horse capital of the world you’ll want to see horses. Visiting the Kentucky Horse Park is an excellent place to get acquainted with all things equine.

This equine theme park and campground with 260 campsites, swimming pool, and tennis courts is not only a great place to see and learn about horses, but you can camp out and vacation at Kentucky Horse Park.

For the kids there are pony rides and kids age 7 and up can enjoy horseback trail rides at the park. Make your reservation at the visitor center.

Tours of Kentucky Horse Farm are fun and informative. Visit the Hall of Champions, Horses of the World Barn, Kids Barn, Mounted Police Barn and the Big Barn with the draft and carriage horses.

Watch one of the special equine presentations and visit the International Museum of the Horse.

LEARN MORE: 18 Best Southeast Vacation Spots (USA)

 

 

2.   Horse Farm Tour

Thoroughbred Heritage Horse Farm Tours and Horse Farm Tours, Inc are the two major horsey tour companies in Lexington, and both receive excellent reviews. I did the Thoroughbred Heritage tour, and it was great.

Both tour companies offer 3-hour horse farm tours that may include:

• A visit to Calumet Farm – famous in the horse racing world
• Keeneland Race Course – watch horses during their workouts
• Get up close to see and pet horses at a couple of horse farms. Especially wonderful in springtime when you get to see the new foals.
• Stories and interesting historical info and facts

If there is something specific you want to see or do on the horse farm tour be sure to contact the tour operator to discuss what you can expect on their tour.

 

 

Keeneland Race Course

Keeneland Race Course national historic landmark offers their own small group and private tours of the famous racing track.

You can purchase a ticket for the Morning Works Tour or one of the Backstretch Tours which last about 1.5 hours.

In addition, you can watch live thoroughbred racing at Keeneland during the Spring Meet races in April and Fall Meet races in October.

Can’t make it to Louisville for the Kentucky Derby? Watch the Kentucky Derby at Keeneland instead.

 

 

3.   Thoroughbred Park

At the intersection of East Main Street and Midland Avenue, Thoroughbred Park is a cultural and historic landmark of Lexington Kentucky.

This outdoor museum features a dozen bronze life-size statues of horses including the thoroughbred stallion ‘Lexington’ plus over 40 plaques dedicated to people in the horse industry in Kentucky.

Enjoy the beautiful water  fountain and flower gardens while walking around the park to see all the magnificent horse statues.

 

 

4.   Fort Boonesborough

Have you ever heard of Daniel Boone? Fort Boonesborough, an old frontier fort in Kentucky, founded by Daniel Boone back in 1775, it is one of the oldest settlements in the United States.

Take a short drive to visit this historic Kentucky state park located on the west bank of the Kentucky River southeast of Lexington.

Make it a day trip to Fort Boonesborough or stay overnight at the RV and tent campground.

Fun things to do include birding, boating, camping, fishing, hiking, mini-golf, and of course tours of Fort Boonesborough.

 

5.   Auxier Ridge Trail

There is some excellent hiking around Lexington especially in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Take the Auxier Ridge Trail to Courthouse Rock for a 4.4 mile (7.1 km) hike and enjoy the outdoors.

You could also do Double Arch, Courthouse Rock and Auxier Ridge Loop for 6 miles round trip.

Daniel Boone National Forest is a great choice for a weekend getaway from Lexington for camping, hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.

 

 

6.   Raven Run Sanctuary Trail

Raven Run Sanctuary Trail is a 3.8 mile (6.1 km) out and back hike with 427 ft (130 m) elevation gain in a beautiful woodland preserve near the Kentucky River.

There are streams and waterfalls along the trail making it especially enjoyable for nature appreciation and a great place to recharge and refresh the mind and body.

No dogs allowed at Raven Run Sanctuary.

 

 

7.   Veterans Park Trail

On the south side of Lexington, Veterans Park Trail is a 4.3 miles (6.9 km) loop trail with 220 ft (67 m) elevation gain which makes for a nice easy hike that’s suitable as a family outing with the kids.

The trail is popular for mountain biking too and it gets quite muddy after any rainfall.

Dogs are allowed on the trail but always keep them on leash.

 

8.   Kentucky River Overlook Loop

The Kentucky River Overlook is a 2.4 mile (3.9 km) loop trail with 364 ft (111 m) elevation gain at the Raven Run Sanctuary.

Although the trail is rated as easy there are a lot of hills so it’s a decent workout.

A reminder there are no dogs allowed at Raven Run Sanctuary.

 

9.   McConnell Springs

Where did Lexington Kentucky get its name? At McConnell Springs.

McConnell Springs is a 26 acre natural park located at the historic springs where the city of Lexington Kentucky was named.

So, how did Lexington Kentucky get its name?

In 1775, while exploring in the area a group of guys, including William McConnell, received word that the first battle of the American Revolution was fought at Lexington Massachusetts.

To honor the battle the group named their site Lexington. And everybody else thought it was a good enough name, so they kept it.

 

10.   Jacobson Park

Jacobson Park is a wonderful recreation park with a reservoir where you can enjoy paddle boat rentals and do some fishing.

This is a great place for a family day outdoors. Younger kids can enjoy the playground while kids of all ages can play volleyball and basketball or relax in the park.

And there’s a dog park so bring the furballs and let them get some exercise too.

 

11.   The Arboretum State Botanical Garden of KY

At the University of Kentucky at Lexington visit the Arboretum State Botanical Garden to see all the beautiful flowers and flowering trees and shrubs.

Themed gardens representing the various areas of Kentucky along with demonstration gardens make it interesting for gardeners.

There’s also a children’s garden for the kiddos and lots of trails and open spaces allowing everyone some space to roam and enjoy the park.

Admittance is free to this gorgeous public garden.

 

 

12.   Food & Drink in Lexington

After all the exploring and adventuring around Lexington are you hungry and thirsty? One more thing you need to do in Lexington is sample the food and drink offerings.

To satisfy your thirst and hunger check out Smithtown Seafood and West Sixth Brewing. The side-by-side establishments are the perfect place to replenish your energy.

You probably know that Kentucky is known for its bourbon. For a memorable experience go sample some bourbon at Belle’s Cocktail House. They have over 100 bourbons to choose from!

Craft beer and cocktails also on the menu.

Belle’s is named after Belle Brezing, the madam who ran a high-class brothel in Lexington, and she also inspired the character Belle Watling in Margaret Mitchell’s novel Gone With the Wind.

 

 

Close to Thoroughbred Park visit Carson’s Food and Drink for pub grub with a gourmet twist. Great vibe and excellent food and service.

Tony’s of Lexington is the place to go for a great steak in Lexington, also seafood and amazing desserts. Just go!

Corto Y Lima – an excellent choice for lunch, or happy hour and dinner. Superb tacos and cocktails.

A couple of unique coffee shops in Lexington worthy of a visit are High on Art and Coffee and A Cup of Common Wealth

Enjoy traveling in the Bluegrass State and exploring Lexington and beyond.

 

 

Save this to Pinterest and SHARE!