Things to do in Lexington

Within a few miles, you’ll find yourself in either a city or on the grounds of historic plantations. Within Lexington's 285 square miles, you'll find a variety of activities sure to appeal each member of the family, whether they enjoy horseback rides, historical architecture, nature or modern entertainment.

Enjoy Southern “Horsepitality”

Where else but Kentucky would you expect to find a theme park dedicated to horses? Pay homage to the state's most notable icon at the Kentucky Horse Park. Instead of roller coasters, you’ll ride in a horse-drawn trolley or on your own steed to see sights around the park. Give your children their first pony ride or take them to the kid's barn to pet and groom the animals. Head there early in your visit to pick up a scavenger hunt list, then search for the items as you explore the park. Be sure to visit the Big Barn—possibly the largest barn in the U.S.

Risen From the Ruins

Marvel at the lives of wealthy, 19th-century Kentuckians with a tour through the brick mansion on the Ashland estate. Statesman Henry Clay, its original occupant, built the home in a simple federal style, yet it soon became more grandiose. After a Civil War battle on the property destroyed parts of the home, Henry's son rebuilt it with Italianate, Victorian and Greek Revival elements. You can take a 1-hour guided tour, but make sure you save time to linger over displays in the Henry Clay room. Outside, feel free to wander its 20 acres, with trails winding through sweetly scented formal gardens and wooded areas. You can also explore some of the original outbuildings crucial to running the plantation.

Stop and Smell the Roses

Head to the Arboretum State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, where enticing aromas abound. You simply can’t escape the intoxicating scent—heirloom roses bred primarily for fragrance climb skyward along wooden columns while fruit trees blossom over the garden's trail. Breathe in the lavender while walking along the mulched trails. On the 100-acre grounds, there are plenty of themed gardens to explore. Find out what grows naturally in the state as you stroll through seven physiographic regions along the 2-mile Walk Across Kentucky exhibit. If you have the little ones in tow, head to the children's garden where kids 2 to 10 years old will have a blast playing with interactive displays.

Nonstop Entertainment

The Lexington Center is a multi-purpose venue in the heart of downtown that hosts the city’s biggest events. You'll never be without entertainment options at this one-stop urban compound—it’s got separate venues for sports, exhibitions, concerts, live performances and more. Catch a concert at the Lexington Opera House or NCAA basketball in Rupp Arena. Even if you're not seeing a show, you'll want to check out the shops, galleries and restaurants in Lexington Center. Get outdoors at Triangle Park, and inhale the sweet scent of honey locusts each spring. Lace up some skates during the winter to glide around the seasonal ice rink. Relax to the sound of tumbling water along the extensive terraced waterfall. Forget to pack a necessity? You'll find it all at Lexington Center's three-story shopping mall.

Lunch at the Mansion

Savor your picnic lunch on the grassy lawn of an authentic antebellum mansion at Waveland State Historic Site. Take a guided tour and you’ll experience the workings of plantation life in the mid-1800s, including slaves' quarters, an icehouse and a smokehouse. Enter beneath the iconic portico graced by dazzling white pillars and stroll through 14 vast rooms. Outdoors, take a walk on the nature trail, breathe in the scent of flowers and herbs or let the kids romp through the playground.

Explore Village Life

Witness life during simpler times at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, where a community of 500 people successfully farmed 3,000 acres for more than a century. A walk through the farm and history center gives you a glimpse of chicken farming, vegetable gardening and food preservation. Hike 40 miles of nature trails complete with streams, forests and open spaces—or explore the preserve on horseback. You can also take a ride on a paddle wheeler steamboat to view dramatic limestone cliffs and a towering bridge from 1877. If you work up an appetite, the restaurant serves fresh fare grown on the property.

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