CitiesGood to know

Lexington

Kentucky

The 'Horse Capital of the World', with miles of plank-fenced bluegrass farms and a historic racetrack.

Photo: Madgeek1450 at English Wikipedia · Public domain

It's the center of the US thoroughbred industry, and gateway to the Bourbon Trail.

Best Time
Spring and fall
Time Needed
Half a day
Cost Level
$$$$
Open
Year-round
Getting There
Blue Grass Airport, about 1 hour from Louisville.

What to See

0 of 3 are free
1–2 hours

Kentucky Horse Park

A working horse farm and museum.

1–2 hours

Keeneland

A beautiful track, with April and October meets.

1–2 hours

Ashland

Henry Clay's estate.

Know Before You Go

  • Check opening hours before you go, especially on weekends and at state buildings.

Where to Stay

Stay downtown.

Where to Eat

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Go Next

Worth a Detour
Heritage · Whiskey

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

Kentucky

Tour the rickhouses and tasting rooms of Kentucky, source of about 95 percent of the world's bourbon, among horse farms and limestone springs.

Full Guide
If You're Nearby
Cities · Kentucky Derby

Louisville

Kentucky

Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and the gateway to bourbon country.

Full Guide
Worth a Detour
Festivals & Seasons · Spring

Kentucky Derby

Kentucky
First Saturday in May

The 'Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports': hats, mint juleps and America's greatest horse race, on the first Saturday in May.

Full Guide

Last checked 2026-11-01. Part of the Southeast list.