Things to do around Lexington

Experience one of America’s most beautiful Thoroughbred racetracks. Visit during race season for live racing, or stop by year-round for morning workouts, tours, the grounds, and the Keeneland Library. 

Get immersed in Kentucky’s horse culture at this 1,200-acre park featuring horse shows, demonstrations, museums, historic barns, horseback riding, and the International Museum of the Horse. 

See Lexington’s famous Bluegrass horse country up close with a guided tour of a working Thoroughbred farm. Depending on the farm, you may meet mares, foals, stallions, and even retired champions. 

Wander through one of Lexington’s trendiest entertainment areas, home to historic distilleries, bourbon bars, restaurants, breweries, live music, and the revitalized James E. Pepper Distillery. 

 Learn about Kentucky’s signature spirit through tours, tastings, and behind-the-scenes experiences at distilleries in and around Lexington, including James E. Pepper, Town Branch, Woodford Reserve, and others. 

Tour the beautifully preserved home of statesman Henry Clay and explore its historic gardens and 18-room mansion on a picturesque 17-acre estate. 

Step inside the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln, the former First Lady of the United States, and learn about her family, life in Lexington, and her years in the White House.  

Walk Lexington’s historic downtown to discover locally owned restaurants, bourbon bars, shops, murals, galleries, public art, and historic architecture.  

Stroll through the University of Kentucky’s 100-acre State Botanical Garden, featuring beautiful gardens, native landscapes, walking paths, and seasonal displays. 

Escape into nature on more than 700 acres of woodland, meadows, streams, and trails, with scenic overlooks toward the Kentucky River. 

Experience one of college basketball’s legendary venues by catching a University of Kentucky Wildcats game—or check the schedule for concerts and other major events. 

Take a scenic drive through the rolling hills and iconic white-fenced horse farms surrounding Lexington. It’s one of the best ways to experience the landscape that gives the region its distinctive character.