Things to Do in Lexington Kentucky
Not many would consider visiting a cemetery as one of Lexington’s top activities, yet this particular spot draws crowds of visitors from near and far! Spend an afternoon wandering the Lexington Cemetery’s picturesque grounds – they make for an excellent afternoon activity!
Culture lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to the University of Kentucky Art Museum! This museum showcases an engaging mix of both subversive and classic pieces.
Visit the Kentucky Horse Park
Visit Lexington and be sure to stop at the Kentucky Horse Park if you love horses! Not only is this attraction a working farm and international equestrian competition venue, but its mission also extends into education about how horses interact with humans. With multiple fun sections designed with specific experiences in mind, there’s sure to be something here that appeals to every taste and experience level!
Music fans should make time for the Bluegrass Festival as it’s one of Lexington’s premier cultural experiences. Boasting one of the world’s largest celebrations of bluegrass music, including honkytonk, folk violin and banjo performances – this festival offers something truly memorable!
University of Kentucky Art Museum offers a breathtaking selection of modern and contemporary art that displays innovative forms of cultural and artistic expression. Additionally, exhibitions and workshops take place regularly while permanent collections can be viewed free of charge.
Mary Todd Lincoln House is another must-see attraction, providing visitors with access to 14 rooms of an 18th-century antebellum home dating back to 19th-century America while providing insight into one of America’s most influential women – Mary Todd Lincoln herself. Additionally, Waveland State Historic Site allows guests to learn more about everyday lives of its owners as well as experiences of slaved people who lived there during its ownership.
Visit the Henry Clay Estate
Are you an enthusiast of history? Be sure to visit Henry Clay Estate – it is a national historic landmark featuring an 18-room home owned by statesman Henry Clay as well as 6 outbuildings on its property, with tours available of both houses as well as accessing a museum with historical artifacts!
The Henry Clay Estate in Lexington Kentucky is one of the best places for history buffs, as well as anyone interested in food and bourbon. There are walking trails, restaurants, picnic pavilions and picnic facilities onsite, plus you can tour its library while learning about Henry Clay’s political and social career.
Lexington offers many unique experiences, but one of the more striking ones is to visit Institute 193. This contemporary art gallery provides a fresh take on culture and art for visitors seeking something special.
McConnell Springs Park in Lexington is an exciting nature park, boasting three natural springs that each offer their own unique experience. Take a dip in its deep turquoise pool or stroll along its bubbling water trails before resting by an incredible Bur Oak tree estimated to be over 250 years old – this attraction is free to enter but some attractions incur additional charges.
Take a Tour of the Windy Corner Market
Windy Corner Market is an all-year favorite among visitors and locals alike, boasting its location among many horse farms in Lexington’s northern part. Here, local farmers sell produce directly, as well as offering delicious cuisine from all around. Furthermore, its design maintains the charm of an old country store down to its wooden floors and beadboard walls.
The Kentucky Horse Park is an essential destination for anyone interested in horses or racing. Here you’ll find activities ranging from visiting thoroughbred historical archives to watching simulcasted races; not to mention restaurants and shops offering horse-themed products!
Lexington horse lovers will also appreciate Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farms as a must-see attraction. Here, retired thoroughbreds can live out their final years comfortably while also offering tours and programs for guests visiting this facility.
History buffs will appreciate Henry Clay Estate, once home to one of the most influential members of both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. It features both a mansion and Mary Todd Lincoln’s girlhood home – both available for tours – along with its beautiful period garden and breathtaking period house Hunt-Morgan House (Hopemont). Both locations provide fascinating glimpses into early 1800s architecture that are worth seeing for themselves.
Visit McConnell Springs Park
McConnell Springs Park in Lexington offers visitors an excellent way to connect with nature. Home to a wide array of trails, natural spring, playground and other attractions – both children and adults will find something exciting at McConnell Springs. Bring along a picnic lunch for an enjoyable day outing!
If you are visiting in the warmer months, take time to walk through Raven Run Nature Sanctuary and look out for wildlife. Also make time to visit Kentucky’s official state botanical garden which features plants from all seven of Kentucky’s physiographic regions.
Lexington Cemetery should be on your itinerary when visiting Lexington. As one of Lexington’s premier attractions, this burial ground for well-known authors, horsemen, and other notable figures can only add another layer of intrigue and history to this journey. Explore its rows of headstones to pay your respects to these exceptional individuals who made Lexington great!
Visit Lexington’s West Sixth Brewing for an enjoyable and unforgettable experience! Locals love this brewery and tour groups are often available to give tours through its massive facilities; while you also sample delicious beers like their famous Hoppy Lager! Plus you can even buy some products to take home! It is definitely a must visit destination!
Visit Old Kentucky Chocolates
Old Kentucky Chocolates is an exciting new attraction in Lexington Kentucky that combines education and entertainment. Visitors can take a guided tour through its factory, witnessing first-hand how various products are manufactured; also available is historical background, while on their conveyer belt guests may sample directly off!
Waveland State Historic Site is an idyllic park reminiscent of an earlier time, when landowners led lavish lifestyles and maintained expansive properties, including an antebellum mansion and three less luxurious outbuildings that once housed slaves. Waveland offers visitors a glimpse into Lexington’s past while providing them with beautiful photo opps and an enjoyable stroll.
Rent a kayak or canoe from Lexington for an active day trip and explore the waters of Kentucky River or Elkhorn Creek! This activity offers fun and adventure for people of all ages and is sure to provide unforgettable memories!
Visit the Distillery District
Kentucky may be known for its Thoroughbred horses, tobacco products and bourbon; however, the region offers much more when it comes to enjoyable activities. Lexington-area visitors will find an assortment of historical, artistic and natural attractions that provide something fun for everyone in their itinerary.
Visitors who appreciate the arts can visit Institute 193 to experience Memphis’ bustling art scene. This gallery showcases local and regional artists’ work while hosting various events; its staff enjoys working with musicians, writers, and other professionals to bring modernity into southern art.
Headley-Whitney Museum provides another art experience in Lexington. While best known for its expansive jewelry collection, this museum also gives visitors a rare glimpse into Lexington’s emerging artists’ work today. Furthermore, during summer months they host special exhibits of children’s artwork created right there at this Lexington institution!
Jacobson Park offers the ideal outdoor experience, featuring lush green spaces, a fishing pond and several sports fields – perfect for those seeking an escape from downtown area bustle! Jacobson Park can also serve as an excellent setting for family outings and other events that provide outdoor entertainment.
