Location: Lexington
Top Things to do in Lexington
Top 10 Free Things to do in Lexington, Kentucky (KY)
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. West Sixth Brewing
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 272 reviews
Located north of Main Street at the end of the popular Jefferson on West Sixth Street. Fresh, local beer made on site and served in a spacious taproom, beer garden, and patio.A great place to kick back, drink some great beer, meet with friends, watch the game, or just hang out.
Reviewed By cobi714 - Independence, United States
This is our stop on our way back north from Red River Gorge. Everytime. Great beer, dog friendly, games for the kids, etc. Love everything about stopping here. Get a burger next door at Smithtown while you are at it.
2. Cathedral of Christ the King
3. Transylvania University
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 57 reviews
Established in 1780, this is the oldest American college west of the Alleghany Mountains.
Reviewed By IvanaHumphrey - Tulum, Mexico
Transylvania University is one of the oldest in the United States, and has a beautiful campus.. Lots of history
4. Lexington Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 339 reviews
Established in 1824, this is considered one of America's most beautifully landscaped cemeteries.
Reviewed By TombRaider55 - Atlanta, United States
If I had this to do over again, I would have planned the visit a little better. This is a very, very popular free attraction. There are many historical figures interred at this old cemetery. While it is very large and so the crowds aren't bothersome, it discouraged me from doing some exploration.
5. Thoroughbred Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 221 reviews
Reviewed By TurboTraveler23 - Henderson, United States
Gorgeous and realistic statues of racing horses and jockeys with a fountain feature as a backdrop make for some beautiful photo memories.
6. Shillito Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 12 reviews
7. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Don your walking or hiking shoes and follow the trails through this 350-acre tract of land complete with forests, creeks, meadows, wildflowers and historic and geological landmarks.
Reviewed By melissaaQ7050VS
This was our favorite part of our KY visit. We hit it on the way out of town and were so pleasantly surprised. The hike is not for the faint of heart - Im not a hiker but I would consider their main trail Moderate. There is a map that includes each of the color trails' descriptions. We took the main loop (i think its red) and then a few of the white (sight seeing spot) off shoots from the main 4 mile hike. The views and the scenery were so varied that we were entertained the entire trip. There is a view of the Kentucky river as well as two or three points where you can see small creeks. The greenery was mostly gone during our November visit but there was still so much to see as far as mushrooms, fungus, color leaves and some remaining greenery. We even saw some turkey! Highly recommend. But it is a hike so be sure to check in at the main center (they have a sign in/out sheet) and take some water. I think it took us about 3 hours and we were meandering and taking photos. It was also a little wet from rain so we were in no rush.
8. Jacobson Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By interceptpubs - Columbus, United States
We stopped here on a January morning for a walk. Of course, this time of year, the park is not at its best, but it is still a very nice space - 200+ acres of rolling grassy hills with enough trees to break things up and a stocked 40+ acre lake. There a number of covered picnic shelters and attendant parking areas scattered around, as well as a number of athletic facilities - basketball courts, volleyball nets, disk golf course (there is an adjacent regular golf course as well), etc. There is also a playground with equipment, "spray" park for kids, and paddle boat rentals for the lake (available, of course, from late spring to late fall). There's even a concession stand (hot dogs, ice cream, soft drinks, etc.) that is also open during warmer months. Park is named for Ernest E. "Jake" Jacobson who was the local water company manager from the 30s to 60s. The park was originally developed by the water company, and the lake is a water source for the area. A picture of Jacobson and a short description of how the park came to be are posted in the playground area. We wandered around the grounds for about an hour and even in the cold of winter found it to be a nice quiet spot for a contemplative walk. In the summer, it is undoubtedly quite lively and even more enjoyable.
9. Masterson Station Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By NorCal-traveler08 - Orangevale, United States
We came on a Saturday afternoon as we had seen online they had a great kids park. The park itself is quite large but everything is well marked. The kids area was open except the splash pad, even the restrooms were open. They have a lot of different areas for all age kids. We thought it would be crowded on a Saturday but there were only two other kids there. They have picnic tables with covers for large groups and also a few tables around the play structure. Great park.
10. The Arboretum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 399 reviews
Reviewed By WVShanlaw - Hurricane, United States
Such a beautiful area and lovely place to walk. Dog friendly and mostly level terrain make it easy for all to enjoy!
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