What to do and see in Lexington, Kentucky (KY): The Best Points of Interest & Landmarks

Since 1876, the veterinarians of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute, have dedicated themselves to the health and well-being of the horse. More than 8,500 clients are supported by over 50 Hagyard veterinarians and a well-educated, experienced staff of support personnel all contributing a variety of specialties and interests. No other single non-university veterinary group in the equine world can match the qualifications of Hagyard veterinarians. Hagyard Equine Medical Institute's reputation is built, in part, on a continued effort to increase veterinary knowledge and thereby improve on state-of-the-art treatments and surgeries for horses. Its diverse equine clientele represents international breeding operations, world-renowned race horses as well as competition horses and beloved family pets.

The only park of its kind in the world, the Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm, educational theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse. Set on more than 1,200 acres in the heart of the Kentucky's famous Bluegrass region, the park is THE place to get close to horses! Featuring dozens of breeds of horse at work and at play, the park showcases the horse in daily equine presentations, horse drawn tours, horseback and pony rides, and an array of horse shows and special events throughout the year. The park's International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is the world's largest equestrian museum. Offering both the experienced horseman and novice an opportunity to explore the many facets of humanity's relationship with the horse, the museum is dedicated to all breeds and disciplines of horse and covers some 50-million years of equine history. State-of-the-art technology complements rare artifacts and scholarly research to present a unique, educational, museum experience for all ages. The American Saddlebred Museum, the Showplace for Saddlebreds, celebrates Kentucky's first native breed of horse. The museum features interactive exhibits and a movie. With the park's own tourist activities and the numerous additional horse shows that take place in the equine competition facilities throughout the year, there can be a fair amount of walking involved, depending on visitor interest level. Comfortable shoes and clothing is recommended, appropriate for Kentucky's seasonal weather. Dogs and other pets are permitted on park grounds, as long as they are on a leash or in an approved carrier, although they may not be permitted in some buildings.

The Thoroughbred Center is nestled among some of the most lavish horse farms in Lexington, KY. Our tour offers a ‘behind the scenes’ look at the daily care and training of Thoroughbred Race Horses. During the tour you will get to watch morning workouts, see horses up close at track side, in the paddocks and barns, and visit with professionals who will answer questions. Learn how Thoroughbreds are trained for racing and experience a typical day in the life of a racehorse. Come to The Thoroughbred Center to learn why and how Central Kentucky came to be the Horse Capital of the World! Tours run ONCE each day and last approximately 90 minutes. Self-guided tours are not permitted. Tour space is limited. April 1 – October 31 Monday – Saturday: 9 am Reservations are Recommended November 1 – March 31 Monday – Friday: 9 am Reservations and a 4-person minimum are Required

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.

Housed in a Beaux Art classical style building dating to 1904, ArtsPlace is a multi-purpose arts center. Headquarters for LexArts, the city's arts and cultural council, it is also home to a number of member arts organizations. An art gallery showcases the works of Central Kentucky artists. Operation Hours: Building open year-round. Gallery hours 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday; 12 noon to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.