Lexington Tourist Attractions

Different people have different tastes when it comes to what they want in a vacation destination.

Maybe you enjoy the outdoors and would rather spend your time hiking or kayaking, or perhaps you'd like to relax by the pool, sip on cocktails, and try the latest fashions.

Whatever your interests may be, Lexington will provide options for your next vacation.

Be sure to check our listing at getyourguide.com for other choices. Meanwhile, here are some of our recommendations.

Lexington Horse Farm Tour

Kentucky is home to a thriving horse industry, and this lesson will teach you everything about its colorful past.

Visit some of the best horse ranches and racing tracks in the world in Lexington's Bluegrass Country.

Experience the beautiful landscape of Kentucky by touring renowned horse farms and the historic Keeneland Race Course.

To understand more about the training and breeding of thoroughbred horses, it is recommended that you visit a few stables.

• Visit the Keeneland Race Course and learn about its rich history.
• Visit the last resting place of Seattle Slew, the Triple Crown champion, in 1977.
• You'll spend three hours learning about the history and culture of the city of Lexington, which is widely recognized as the global center for equestrian arts.

Starting with a stroll around the ivy-covered grounds of the historic Keeneland Race Track, the site of the most expensive horse auctions in the world, is a great way to become acquainted with the event.

Next, visit a thoroughbred farm and meet some of these magnificent animals up and personal while getting an insider's look at their daily routines.

Later, take a tour of the historic Calumet Farm, where the dominant Calumet racing and breeding family thrived during the 20th century.

Visiting the movie sets of blockbusters like Secretariat, Seabiscuit, and Dreamer is next on the tour's itinerary.

As the last stop, you may pay your respects to the burial of Triple Crown champion Seattle Slew, who died at one of Kentucky's most picturesque farms.

Ashland Henry Clay Estate Ticket with Guided Tour

Henry Clay was one of the most well-known politicians in Kentucky. While at the Ashland home, you may learn about his life and the legacy he left behind.

You have your choice between three different tour choices that provide a more in-depth context to Clay's origins and American history.

• Find out why Henry Clay is considered the most outstanding statesman the United States has ever produced.
• Explore the 19th-century home built by Henry Clay's family as a memorial to Henry Clay.
• Admire artifacts that tell the tale of Clay's life and professional endeavors.
• Choose from various tour choices that provide insight into the legacy of Clay and the history of the United States.
• Explore the grounds of Ashland, the home of Henry Clay, known as the "Great Pacificator" and considered one of Kentucky's most prominent politicians.

While you visit the 18-room Italianate-style estate, which was restored as a tribute to the former political leader by his family.

You can take advantage of several guided excursions around the grounds. Thanks to your guided tour, you will get access to Ashland and more profound knowledge of significant historical events in the United States.

Each day of the week has a different focus for the excursions offered. Have the opportunity to explore everything from the magnificent drawing room to the bedrooms. It emphasizes the life and legacy of Henry Clay, in addition to taking part in a guided tour of the house.

Find out how the institution of slavery influenced Ashland and Clay's America. Artifacts relating to Clay's legacy as a horse breeder and scientific farmer will astonish those who visit the museum.

After going through the first and second floors of the home, you may go on an independent tour of the grounds while taking in the beautiful views of Lexington.

Signature Tour

Enjoy a narrated 1-hour tour of Ashland, stepping back in time to the 19th century as you explore the 18-room Italianate-style mansion re-built as a testament to the former political leader by his family.

End your visit with a stroll of the gardens and grounds, Civil War monuments, and rotating exhibits at your leisure.

Women's Voices Tour

This poignant tour focuses on nine women of Ashland who span a century of social, cultural, and political evolution.

As you visit the rooms they inhabited, hear their voices–the causes they championed, the challenges they faced, and the heartache they suffered.

Also, find out about the changing role of women from the early 19th century to the mid-20th century.

Traces: Slavery at Ashland Tour

Walk in the footsteps of the men, women, and children who were enslaved at Ashland on this indoor/outdoor tour.

Learn about how historians use traces of evidence to uncover their stories. Listen to the voices of those who resisted bondage and honor the memory of those forced into labor.

Art & Grounds Tour

Explore the lifelong interest that Henry Clay had in agriculture via the lens of history, art, and the natural world.

Take a stroll on one of Clay's walking routes and engage with John Henry's Monumental sculptures while taking in the splendor of this historic arboretum and the residence of Henry Clay. Clay's Arboretum and Home is a National Historic Landmark.

These 45-minute walking walks are led by Ashland docents, who provide historical context, tree identification, and tales about the individuals who lived and worked on these grounds.

Combo Tour: With this option, you may experience the Signature Tour with either Women's Voices (only available on Friday and Saturday) or Traces: Slavery at Ashland (only available on Tuesday and Thursday).

Gain an understanding of the aesthetics and structures of the estate, as well as the significant historical background around it.

The Aviation Museum of Kentucky Entry Ticket

Visit the Aviation Museum of Kentucky at the Blue Grass Airport near Lexington. Gain knowledge about the state of Kentucky's aircraft and aviation history.

• Explore the state of Kentucky to learn more about its illustrious aviation past.
• Explore exhibits spanning the time from the Wright brothers' maiden flight to the current day.
• Hangars that house modern military, classic, and historic aircraft may be explored.
• Watch the events of history as they happened in the cockpit with aviation footage.

The Aviation Museum of Kentucky educates visitors about the history of aviation in the state. You will find vintage aircraft, aviation artifacts, and training equipment covering general aviation, classic aircraft, and military aircraft.

During your tour, you will see an A-4 Skyhawk flown by the Blue Angels of the United States Navy, and a T-38 Talon passed by the Thunderbirds of the United States Air Force.

The Army Cobra helicopter, the Marine F-4S Phantom II, the Navy F-14B Tomcat, and the Kentucky Air National Guard RF-101C Voodoo are also on display.

The Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame is located inside the museum as well. Matthew B. Sellers is credited with making the first powered flight in Kentucky.

Solomon L. Van Meter, Jr. and Willa Brown Chappell were the first African-American women to be certified as commercial pilots in the United States.

Lex Zipline Canopy Tour

Enjoy the breathtaking Boone Creek Gorge and everything it has to offer from a high vantage point.

You may experience this Kentucky hardwood forest in a way you never have. The presence of six ziplines, three suspended bridges, a spiral, a floating staircase, and a rappel.

Begin at the welcome center, where you will meet your guides, put on your gear, and get some basic instruction. Then make your way down to ground school and get some braking practice.

Because this course requires active involvement, you will be responsible for controlling your brakes.

After that, you'll begin your journey down the actual trail. Once you have stepped onto the system, you are not permitted to touch the earth again until you complete all your tasks.

You begin on the easiest and smallest zips and work your way up to the more difficult ones as you gain experience and confidence. After you have reached a level of comfort, you will fly over the gorge.

With such breathtaking scenery, there aren't too many other things that can compete with this. After finishing the obstacle course, you will be transported back to the welcome center through a truck.