Lexington Travel Guide: Top 10 Attractions
- Patrick Cetina
- Apr 29, 2021
- 6 min read
Updated: May 1, 2021
As Kentucky’s second largest city, Lexington has much to offer no matter what one is looking for. Lexington is known as the Horse Capital of the World and for good reason too. By some of the most recent statistics, Kentucky has nearly 300,000 horses which comes out to less than 13 people per horse based on the state’s population. Everyone knows Louisville most notably due to the famed Churchill Downs, but the countless horse farms stretch far beyond Louisville’s borders and all throughout the state. Lexington by far has some of the most well known horse tracks and horse farms you can find; however, it also boasts many other attractions beyond just those related to the equine in nature including their world famous bourbon distilleries and many historical sites. Below is a list of the top 10 attractions within Lexington worth a look and definitely worth your time!
1. Keeneland
Keeneland was founded in 1936 and is one of the most historic horse racing venues in the nation as well as the second most well known horse track in the state of Kentucky behind that famed Churchill Downs in Louisville, just west of Lexington. As you would imagine the number one thing to do while at Keeneland is to watch some of the amazing races that go off at this beautiful course. Beyond race day though there are additional activities throughout the year that can be of great interest and fun as well including periodic thoroughbred auctions, events honoring racing culture and its history, the Keeneland Kids Club for children, and of course you can’t forget to stop at the gift shop to check out all the amazing horse themed gifts. Whatever your interests are while at Keeneland just be sure to take the time to walk around the grounds and take in the beauty that is Keeneland and all the history it has to offer. And on a side note, if you don’t have time to go to Keeneland, or are looking for another horse track beyond what Keeneland has to offer take a look at Red Mile Harness Track. Established in 1875, Red Mile is the second oldest harness racing track in the world and is one of the three jewels in Trotting’s Triple Crown.
If you want to learn about the history behind Kentucky’s horse legacy and the equine culture in and around Lexington then the Kentucky Horse Park should be at the top of your list. Here you will find the Smithsonian International Museum of the Horse which allows you to discover the history of horse breeding, horse racing, and the role of horses in our society over the years. Many artifacts and memorabilia are also housed here making it a great place to visit for horse lovers and history buffs alike. One of the most popular points of interest at the park is the resting place and statue of the famed racehorse ‘Man O’ War’. Whether you enjoy general history, are an equine fan, or just want to take in a horse show, take a trip over to the Kentucky Horse Park for an afternoon and enjoy all that it has to offer.
Originally founded in 1865 as the Agricultural and Mechanical College, University of Kentucky was formally renamed to that of which we all have come to know in 1916. It’s vast campus, ust a short drive east from downtown, displays amazing architecture throughout its many buildings as well as beautiful flower gardens and displays throughout campus. It is well known for its Art Museum as well as the famous Rupp Arena (located downtown) which plays host to University of Kentucky basketball, concerts, and many other events throughout the year.
Maybe not the most well known distillery in Kentucky; however, the Pepper family brand of whiskey is an iconic Kentucky whiskey which dates back to the American Revolution and continued through to 1967 when the distillery unfortunately had to close its doors due to hard times hitting the entire bourbon industry during the 1960s. Their initial distillery site is where the now famous Woodford Reserve Distillery sits. If you take a tour of Woodford you are sure to learn a bit about the Pepper family and the history that began at that location. Additionally, their second site is now where the new and improved James E. Pepper Distillery currently stands in Lexington, Kentucky. After the brand was abandoned for over half a century, a new owner took on efforts to revitalize the old Pepper site in Lexington. Luckily the distillery was able to regain their history and somehow able to regain their original distillery number which is truly outstanding considering James E. Pepper Distillery was one of the first distilleries established in the state. After taking a tour of the distillery take some time exploring the surrounding area which include another distiller, breweries, restaurants, bars, a cafe, and an ice cream shop amongst others. For more information check out the Lexington Distillery District website.
Originally built in the early 1800s, the Mary Todd Lincoln House initially functioned as an inn; however, in 1832 Mary Todd's father purchased the house for his family. What’s the significance of this house and Mary Todd? Well, you should be able to guess by the name, Mary would later become the first lady of the United States as Abraham Lincoln's wife. The Georgian-style brick house is styled in the early 1800s period and displays family portraits, as well as personal items of the Lincoln-Todd families. History buffs can tour this 14-room house on an hour-long guided tour. Learn about the story of the remarkable and influential First Lady who grew up in the home.
Located at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, the Aviation Museum of Kentucky’s mission is to serve the Commonwealth with dynamic aerospace education programs, promote the states’ aviation industry, and to serve as Kentucky’s focal point for the presentation of and preservation of aviation history. The museum includes over 20,000 square feet of exhibit space, a library, and an aircraft restoration and repair shop. It is also home of the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame. Here you will find everything from historic airplanes (both civilian and military alike), scale aircraft, satellites, photos, documents, artifacts, and training equipment.
A 734-acre nature sanctuary located just outside of Lexington. The park borders the Kentucky River and provides a great place for hiking and wildlife viewing. Seven trails comprise over ten miles of trails which pass through meadows, woodlands, and streams. Many points of interest can be found throughout the sanctuary including the Kentucky River Overlook: A 70 ft overlook of the Kentucky River providing scenic views of the Kentucky River Palisades, Evans Mill: the site of a historic grist mill built by Peter Evans in 1833, Moore Grave, and the Prather Homestead.
At Old Friends Farms you can get up close and personal with some well known horses within the race world including Silver Charm, Alphabet Soup, Amazombie, Game On Dude, and Ide. Along with real world race horses, you can also find some of the stars of the film Seabiscuit such as Fighting City Hall and Popcorn Deelites. This 136 acre farm is the only Thoroughbred retirement facility in the United States that accepts stallions on a regular basis. It is currently home to over 150 retired horses. The presence of some of these high-profile horses helps to raise money for after-care for not only these more famous stallions, but also for the more low profile horses who need care well after their racing careers are over.
Established as a public cemetery in 1849, this cemetery highlights the social, political, military, and environmental history of the Lexington area community. It’s a beautiful space encompassing more than 170 acres. In addition to a walking tour to learn about those that have laid to rest here; you can also check out the many types of trees on the grounds which are labeled with metal plates. You can also catch a variety of birds that make the cemetery their home which draws many bird watchers to the area during the spring and summer. The many trees, plants, and wonderful landscape of the grounds is a photographers paradise all year long due to the natural beauty and the stunning colors.
Standing on what was once the old Dixie Cup plant, the Dixie Cup Water Tower is an unusual but unique site to see. Quirky in nature, this water tower was constructed by the Dixie Cup Corporation (now the Georgia-Pacific Corporation). Some have wanted to tear it down, but the city has refused particularly due to the fact that the local airport uses this tower as a reference point. You can’t get too close as the property is private land, but you can still get close enough to take a picture because why not? Who else can say they have seen a Dixie Cup water tower in their lifetime?
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