Top 29 Things To Do In Lexington, Kentucky

things to do in lexington ky
Manjiri
Manjiri 
Updated
| 9 min read

Famous for its noteworthy horse farms and stunning thoroughbred racetracks, Lexington is a fabulous city in Kentucky, USA. You can find the Hall of Champions, the International Museum of the Horse, and several equine breeds in the Kentucky Horse Park. Go for a pleasant stroll in the Arboretum, a popular State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. Enjoy the fun of pedal-boating in Jacobson Park. If you are a history buff, you should not miss touring through Waveland State Historic Site and the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, Headley-Whitney Museum, the Aviation Museum of Kentucky, and the Old Kentucky Chocolate factory are among other attractions which you should not miss exploring when in Lexington. Besides these, Lexington has got a lot to offer you. Read on to find a list of exciting things to do in Lexington, Kentucky.

1. Go hiking in Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Raven Run
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Schwaltz used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Don’t miss the pleasant experience of hiking in Raven Run Nature Sanctuary in Lexington. This amazing 734-acre (297.03-hectare) nature sanctuary, which you can find just outside the city of Lexington, offers you wonderful hiking trails to explore. This park outlines charming Kentucky River and offers you great wildlife viewing and hiking opportunities. Explore various trails, such as Red Trail, Blue Trail, Orange Trail, White Trails, and other trails, present here. Discover the historic remnants of settlers of the early 19th century here.

Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Address: Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington, KY 40515, USA

Website: Raven Run Nature Sanctuary

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

Price: Free

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2. Sample local wine at Black Barn Winery


Visit Black Barn Winery to taste local wine in this fascinating city in Kentucky. It is a small family-owned winery, which you can find in a remodeled tobacco barn in a 40-acre (16.18-hectare) horse farm here. It is known for its national award-winning dry red wine blends. This winery is known for crafting one wine every year from fresh grapes. So, plan to visit this winery, which is just 4 miles (6.43 kilometers) from KY Horse Park.

Black Barn Winery

Address: Black Barn Winery, 4200 Newtown Pike, Lexington, KY 40511, USA

Website: Black Barn Winery

Opening hours: By appointment on Thur, Fri, and Sat

Price: 5 USD

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3. Visit the house of Abraham Lincoln's wife

Mary Todd Lincoln Was Born Here (2)
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Tamanoeconomico used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Discover the home of Mary Todd Lincoln, one of America’s most popular first ladies. The Mary Todd Lincoln House is well-known as the family home of the wife of Abraham Lincoln, who was the 16th President of the US. Mrs. Lincoln was educated, versed in politics, and sophisticated. Learn more about her by touring through her childhood home. Go for Lincoln walking tour in downtown Lexington. Visit and learn about 14 historic attractions belonging to Mary Todd’s and Abraham Lincoln’s time.

Mary Todd Lincoln House

Address: Mary Todd Lincoln House, 578 W Main St, Lexington, KY 40507, USA

Website: Mary Todd Lincoln House

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 3pm (closed on Sun)

Price: Adults: 15 USD; Children (6-17 years): 6 USD; Children (0-5 years): free

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4. Try fishing in Jacobson Park


If you love fishing, make sure you visit Jacobson Park to enjoy the fun of catching a fish. You can find fishing docks in various areas throughout Jacobson Park. Plus, it costs you no charges to fish here. Besides its, this 216-acre (87.41-hectare) beautiful park is a great place to explore and unwind. You can play volleyball and basketball and enjoy pedal-boating here.

Jacobson Park

Address: Jacobson Park, 4001 Athens Boonesboro Rd, Lexington, KY 40509, USA

Website: Jacobson Park

Opening hours: Varies (see website)

Price: Free

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5. Check out vintage aircraft at Aviation Museum of Kentucky


If aviation and aircraft interest you, pay a visit to the Aviation Museum of Kentucky which is open to the public. You can find it at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington City in Kentucky. This sprawling 12,000-square foot (1,114.83-square meter) museum features incredible exhibit space, an aircraft restoration and repair shop, and a library. Gaze at vintage aircraft and various other aviation-related exhibits at this museum.

Aviation Museum of Kentucky

Address: Aviation Museum of Kentucky, 4029 Airport Rd, Lexington, KY 40510, USA

Website: Aviation Museum of Kentucky

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm (closed on Mon)

Price: 5 - 25 USD

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6. Take a tour of Old Kentucky Chocolates


Do you crave for chocolates? If yes, don’t miss visiting Old Kentucky Chocolates, a fascinating family-owned chocolate manufacturing shop which has been operating for over 50 years. Please your taste buds with a variety of chocolates. Go for a tour of this chocolate factory to have a close look at how they prepare your favorite chocolates. Discover the secret ingredient in all their amazing chocolates here.

Old Kentucky Chocolates

Address: Old Kentucky Chocolates, 450 Southland Dr, Lexington, KY 40503, USA

Website: Old Kentucky Chocolates

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 5:30pm; Sun: 12pm - 5pm

Price: 5 USD

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7. Get a piece of history about horses at American Saddlebred Museum


Situated on the grounds of pleasant Kentucky Horse Park, you can find the American Saddlebred Museum in Lexington to learn about the significance of American Saddlebred in the history of the USA. This museum features the biggest collection of Saddlebred artifacts on the globe. Watch various trophies, artwork, tack, and photographs and several interactive permanent exhibits here. Get to know about the versatility, beauty, and history of the American Saddlebred horse here.

American Saddlebred Museum

Address: American Saddlebred Museum, 4083 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, USA

Website: American Saddlebred Museum

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 6 - 20 USD

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8. Relax at Triangle Park


Unwind in the tranquil settings of Triangle Park when touring through Lexington. This beautiful park in downtown Lexington is adorned with wonderful water fountains, wide stone promenades outlined with Honey Locust trees, pleasant green grass, and pottery filled with lovely blooming flowers. You can perform yoga here to relax, and it doesn’t cost any charges. Just get your yoga mat, water, and towel, and rejuvenate yourself.

Triangle Park

Address: Triangle Park,

Website: Triangle Park

Opening hours: 10am - 11pm (daily)

Price: Free

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9. Play disc golf at Jacobson Park Disc Golf Course

Posted by Chris Simes on Monday, 28 May 2018

Try your hand at playing disc golf at Jacobson Park Disc Golf Course. Find championship 18 holes for playing this exciting game in mesmerizing Jacobson Park in Lexington. You will find front nine with three holes in a big pine forest and back nine open with grown trees. Have fun playing disc golf here.

Jacobson Park Disc Golf Course

Address: Jacobson Park Disc Golf Course, 4001 Athens Boonesboro Rd, Lexington, KY 40509, United States

Website: Jacobson Park Disc Golf Course

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 5pm (closed on Sat & Sun)

Price: Free

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10. See over 1,500 varieties of roses at Arboretum


Are you fond of flowers and roses? If yes, don’t miss visiting Arboretum, a 100-acre (40.46-hectare) sprawling State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. This beautiful garden is situated at the University of Kentucky in Lexington and houses a Rose Garden, which features a wonderful collection of over 1,500 varieties of roses. Delight yourself by watching Hybrid Tea, Rugosa, Climbers, Floribunda, Polyantha, and Landscape roses.

Arboretum

Address: Arboretum, University of Kentucky, 500 Alumni Dr, Lexington, KY 40503, USA

Website: Arboretum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 9am - 4:30pm; Sat: 9:30am - 4:30pm; Sun: 12:30pm - 4:30pm

Price: Free

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11. Try craft beers at Blue Stallion Brewing Company

things to do in lexington ky | try craft beers at blue stallion brewing company
Source: instagram

Visit Blue Stallion Brewing Company, which is a new craft brewery known for authentic German lagers and British ales. It also features a modern taproom, food trucks, and billiards. So, those who wish to taste authentic craft beer can visit taproom here.

Blue Stallion Brewing Company

Address: Blue Stallion Brewing Company, 610 W 3rd St, Lexington, KY 40508, USA

Website: Blue Stallion Brewing Company

Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 11am - 11pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 10pm

Price: 75 - 120 USD

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12. Spend some time at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill


Enrich your trip to Lexington with a unique experience by spending some time a Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. This 3,000-acre (1,214.05-hectare) historic landmark features 34 Shaker structures and is home to the USA’s biggest private collection of original buildings of the 19th century. Go for a historic village tour, hiking, turnpike animal walk, family nature adventures, and many other pleasant activities here.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Address: Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, USA

Website: Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Opening hours: Sun - Thur: 10am - 5pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 8pm

Price: 5 - 30 USD

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13. Go back in time at Waveland State Historic Site

things to do in lexington ky | go back in time at waveland state historic site
Source: instagram

Are you a history buff? If yes, you should definitely visit Waveland State Historic Site during your excursion in Lexington. It is also popular as Joseph Bryan House, and it’s operated and maintained as part of fabulous Kentucky state park system. This antebellum abode is a site of plantation and a Greek Revival home comprising slave quarters, ice house, and smokehouse. Going for a historic tour here will acquaint you with the routine life of the family and slaves who lived here in the 1850s.

Waveland State Historic Site

Address: Waveland State Historic Site, 225 Waveland Museum Ln, Lexington, KY 40514, USA

Website: Waveland State Historic Site

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 10am - 4pm; Sun: 1pm - 4pm (closed on Mon & Tue)

Price: 4 - 10 USD

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14. Admire art at Institute 193


If you are an art lover, make it a point to visit Institute 193, which is an outstanding art space in Lexington. It collaborates with artists, writers, and musicians to capture the modern South’s culture. Appreciate the contemporary art exhibited here.

Institute 193

Address: Institute 193, 193 N Limestone, Lexington, KY 40507, USA

Website: Institute 193

Opening hours: Wed - Sat: 11am - 6pm (closed on Sun - Tue)

Price: Free

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15. Check out the largest ceiling clock of the world at Lexington Public Library

things to do in lexington ky | check out the largest ceiling clock of the world at lexington public library
Source: instagram

Gaze at the largest ceiling clock in the world at the Lexington Public Library. It is a fully digital clock with Roman numbers and has features of a traditional clock, such as chiming on the hours and lights. Lexington Public Library also features one of the Foucault Pendulums on the globe. So, make sure you visit these major attractions in this amazing library.

Lexington Public Library

Address: Lexington Public Library, 140 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40507, USA, United States

Website: Lexington Public Library

Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 9am - 9pm; Fri: 9am - 6pm; Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm

Price: 1 - 8 USD

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16. Go for a splash in Shillito Park


Dive in the cool waters of the swimming pool at Shillito Park when unwinding in Lexington. Rejuvenate your mind and body by spending some time splashing in the pool’s water with your family and kids. Also, your kids would love to play on the wonderful playground.

Shillito Pool and Shillito Park

Address: Shillito Park, 300 W Reynolds Rd, Lexington, KY 40503, USA

Website: Shillito Park

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 8pm; Sun: 12pm - 8pm

Price: 3 - 5 USD

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17. Shop at Fayette Mall


Shopaholics should not miss visiting Fayette Mall when holidaying in this fascinating city in Kentucky. Situated in southern Lexington, this amazing shopping mall is the biggest in the state. Shop products of your choice of brands, such as H&M, Macy’s, Dillard’s, and JCPenney here.

Fayette Mall

Address: Fayette Mall, 3401 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY 40503, USA

Website: Fayette Mall

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 9pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm

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18. Play with your dog at Masterson Station Dog Park


If you are in Lexington with your beloved pet dog, enjoy playing with your pet at Masterson Station Dog Park. This pleasant 15-acre (6.07-hectare) dog park comprises a water fountain, mature trees, two separate paddocks, and installed benches. It offers a safe, pleasant, and amicable environment for your beloved pet dog.

Masterson Station Dog Park

Address: Masterson Station Dog Park, Ruffian Way, Lexington, KY 40511, USA

Website: Masterson Station Dog Park

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 10 USD

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19. Go for a walk at McConnell Springs


Refresh yourself by having a stroll in tranquil McConnell Springs, a 26-acre (10.52-hectare) historically significant nature park in Lexington. Watch a real spring in action at ‘The Boils’ here. Explore wonderful trails as you walk. Discover here the ruins of old buildings and spot insects and critters who consider McConnell Springs pond their abode.

McConnell Springs

Address: McConnell Springs, 416 Rebmann Ln, Lexington, KY 40504, USA

Website: McConnell Springs

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm

Price: 5 USD

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20. Check out about 50 horse species at Kentucky Horse Park

Khp
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Wes Blevins used under CC BY-SA 2.5

Don’t miss visiting Kentucky Horse Park, a wonderful park in Lexington which is home to several breeds of the horse. Watch about 50 species of horses grazing on 1,200 acres (485.62 hectares) of serene, lush pastures here. You can also find here various programs, a gift shop, volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, and a pleasant swimming pool here.

Kentucky Horse Park

Address: Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, USA

Website: Kentucky Horse Park

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 10 - 20 USD

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21. Bet on a horse at Keeneland Race Course


When touring through Lexington, you simply cannot avoid watching live racing at Keeneland Race Course, which is a Thoroughbred horse racing facility. And you can even bet on a horse which is even more fun. Learn the basics of betting and bet on your choice of the horse here.

Keeneland Race Course

Address: Keeneland Race Course, 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510, USA

Website: Keeneland Race Course

Opening hours: 6:30am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 5 USD for general admission

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22. Wander in Downtown Lexington

Lexington Downtown Area Panorama
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Fredgar used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Take some time out of your busy travel schedule and go for a stroll in Downtown Lexington, which is the heart of the second biggest city in Kentucky. Go to its city center and watch its impressive art scene. Visit various renovated historic buildings, new restaurants, parks, shops, and modern homes here.

Downtown Lexington

Address: Downtown Lexington, Downtown Lexington, Lexington, Kentucky, USA

Website: Downtown Lexington

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23. Eat dinner at Coles 735 Main


Please your taste buds by enjoying a fine dining experience in Coles 735 Main, an attractive restaurant in Lexington. It offers a wide range of New American cuisines. Enjoy relishing crisp vegetables, freshly baked bread, and many other savory cuisines prepared by using the best seasonal ingredients.

Coles 735 Main

Address: Coles 735 Main, 735 E Main St, Lexington, KY 40502, USA

Website: Coles 735 Main

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10pm - 5pm (closed on Sun)

Price: 31 - 60 USD

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24. Check out a collection of doll houses at Headley-Whitney Museum


Visit Headley-Whitney Museum to watch a noteworthy collection of dollhouses, which are meticulously crafted, in the Mr. and Mrs. Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Gallery. These dollhouses are 1:1 replicas of Whitney’s Kentucky homestead’s buildings and they were completed over a span of 10 years i.e. from 1967 to 1977.

Headley-Whitney Museum

Address: Headley-Whitney Museum, 4435 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40510, USA

Website: Headley-Whitney Museum

Opening hours: Fri - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon - Thurs)

Price: 8 - 10 USD

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25. Play with friends at Malibu Jack's Lexington


Experience the thrill of Go Karting, playing arcade games, bowling, indoor spinning coaster, laser tag, shooting in a gallery, mini golf, and many more exciting activities with your friends in Malibu Jack’s Lexington. You can also celebrate your birthday with your friends here. Real family fun awaits you.

Malibu Jack's Lexington

Address: Malibu Jack’s Lexington, 2520 Nicholasville Rd, Lexington, KY 40503, USA

Website: Malibu Jack’s Lexington

Opening hours: Mon - Thur: 10am - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 10am - 12am; Sun: 11am - 10pm

Price: 5 - 25 USD

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26. Take the kids to Explorium of Lexington


Visit outstanding Explorium of Lexington, which is a children’s museum offering numerous interactive exhibits and educational programs. Let your kids have hands-on experiences which may inspire the quest of learning in them. Visit Healthy Me Gallery, Wonder Woods, Explorium Way, and other interactive and educational areas here.

Explorium of Lexington

Address: Explorium of Lexington, 440 W Short St, Lexington, KY 40507, USA

Website: Explorium of Lexington

Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm; Sun: 1pm - 5pm; Mon: 10am - 5pm

Price: 9 USD

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27. Watch a movie at Regal Hamburg Pavilion Stadium 16 IMAX & RPX


Settle back in the plush seating and watch your choice of newly released film at Regal Hamburg Pavilion Stadium 16 IMAX & RPX. This theater complex features multiple screens, luxurious seating, and concession stands. So, do choose to watch a movie here.

Regal Hamburg Pavilion Stadium 16 IMAX & RPX

Address: Regal Hamburg Pavilion Stadium 16 IMAX & RPX, 1949 Star Shoot Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40509, USA

Website: Regal Hamburg Pavilion Stadium 16 IMAX & RPX

Opening hours: 11am - 11:30pm (daily)

Price: 15 - 19 USD

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28. Tee off at Kearney Hill Golf Links


Are you a golfer or fond of playing golf? If yes, make sure you visit Kearney Hill Golf Links to play a game of golf when vacationing in Lexington. It is a prime Scottish links-style public golf course which is made up of by open, rolling terrain, deep sand and grass bunkers, and sparse trees. Kearney Hill Golf Links is open year-round for you to play golf, except for Christmas Day. Book your tee time on any day of the week and have fun playing golf.

Kearney Hill Golf Links

Address: Kearney Hill Golf Links, 3403 Kearney Rd, Lexington, KY 40511, USA

Website: Kearney Hill Golf Links

Opening hours: 8am - 8pm (daily)

Price: 12 - 25 USD

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29. Take a tour of a horse farm (from USD 40.0)

Your trip to Lexington won’t be complete without your visit to horse farms. So, choose to visit two horse farms and popular Keeneland Racecourse. Learn about the history and functioning of the farms, and, in the spring, watch new foals and broodmares. Learn why Bluegrass State is famous as the ‘Horse Capital of the World’. Stroll through the ivy-colored structures of Keeneland Racecourse.

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Lexington Kentucky Horse Farm Half-Day Tour

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

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Enjoy your vacation in the Horse Capital of the World to the fullest

Lexington is a beautiful city offering you a plethora of attractions to explore. These exciting things to do in Lexington, Kentucky help you make your holidays here memorable. So, make sure you enjoy each and every activity listed above during your excursion in the Horse Capital of the World.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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Manjiri Kochrekar is a travel blogger from India. She loves exploring and learning various destinations, their history, culture, and peculiarities. Writing is her passion, which means she enjoys...Read more

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