Location: Lexington
Top Things to do in Lexington
Things to do in Lexington, Kentucky (KY): The Best Historic Sites
Welcome to Bluegrass Country, the "Horse Capital of the World." But you don't have to be an avid racehorse fan to enjoy the natural beauty, culture and history that this exciting city has to offer. At the Raven Run Nature Sanctuary, for example, hiking trails wend their way through forests, meadows and gentle creeks, taking you past historic landmarks; there's even a nighttime guided walk for stargazing. The best place in the world for raising thoroughbred horses, Lexington has over 500 horse farms. The Kentucky Horse Park features films, horse shows and exhibits. Be sure to tour the American Saddle Horse Museum, dedicated to the native Kentucky breed, and watch races at the lovely Keeneland Race Course in season. Historic sites are plentiful here, including the Waveland State Historic Site, the childhood home of Mary Todd Lincoln and the Ashland estate of famed Kentucky statesman Henry Clay.
Restaurants in Lexington
1. Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 489 reviews
The site of celebrated statesman Henry Clay's original 672-acre estate that once grew hemp, tobacco and grain is now a museum and National Historic Landmark, where visitors can tour the reconstructed 18-room mansion, grounds and beautiful gardens. *New for 2019: We now allow non-flash photography on all of our tours!*
Reviewed By timhQ5590ZE - Kalamazoo, United States
You could feel the integrity and re-live the accomplishment of the man who built the house. A fine tour with plenty of history and what a time to discover that Henry Clay also believed in tariffs, and building a great America with American industry! Also, to discover that Abe Lincoln found Henry Clay and inspiration and guiding light for his presidency. A must for the history buff or theta person who wants to rediscover American roots and belief systems!
2. Waveland State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
Experience 19th century plantation life at this historic compound where you can tour the mansion or "big house," see quarters where slaves lived, visit a smokehouse and other elements of daily life in the Old South.
Reviewed By Discover42662818070
I participated in the Waveland Art Fair the weekend of September 7 & 8 at the Waveland State Historic Site. It was my first time exhibiting in this venue. It is well organized, easy to set up and load out, and the guests come to purchase quality art. The vendors are set up on the grounds around the beautiful and historic mansion under the trees. The Kentucky Arts Council provided music with several of their performing artists, and the atmosphere was very peaceful and soothing. I exhibit at several outdoor festivals during the summer and the fall, this instantly became one of my favorites! Charla Reed and her staff are friendly, well organized, and made us newcomers feel right at home. We are already looking forward to next year.
3. Mary Todd Lincoln House
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 699 reviews
Open seasonally March 15th - November 30th. Discover one of America's most fascinating first ladies during a visit to her girlhood home. The wife of President Abraham Lincoln grew up in this house. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln visited her family here. Today the fourteen room house contains period furniture, portraits, and furnishings. The property is located in downtown Lexington. Convenient walking distance to local hotels and restaurants. The museum is open for self-guided tours, limited capacity, and timed entry to promote distance between guests. Closed Thanksgiving Day. Free parking is located directly behind the house. Guests may park in the museum’s designated parking or in the neighboring lot behind Main Street Baptist Church. Metered parking also available on Main Street.
Reviewed By markdI3251EQ - Calera, United States
My wife and I enjoyed an outstanding visit to Mary Todd Lincoln's home. Special thanks to Grayson, our tour guide, for his extensive and detailed knowledge of Mrs. Lincoln's home and life. It's well worth the time and tour fee.
4. Latrobe's Pope Villa
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
One of the few remaining examples of the work of Benjamin Henry Latrobe, one of the architects of the US Capitol.
5. Loudoun House
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 6 reviews
6. Boone Station State Historic Site
Overall Ratings
1.0 based on 1 reviews
