Top 20 Places to Visit in Lexington, KY

(Ranked by travelers at Trip Advisor)

For more information on Lexington, KY and surrounding areas, visit www.visitlex.com. 

1.  Keeneland - Part thoroughbred race course, part sales company and considered one of America's most beautiful tracks, Keeneland is known for its well-designed and meticulous landscaping. The grounds consist of the paddock, a prep area where visitors can view horses up-close just before the race and a combination of dirt and turf race tracks.

2.  Lexington Cemetery - Established in 1824, this is considered one of America's most beautifully landscaped cemeteries.

3.  The Kentucky Theater - This Romanesque-style theater built in 1922 was restored to its original grandeur in 1992. In addition to showing classic, modern and foreign films, the Kentucky Theater hosts a variety of concerts as well as the weekly taping of the syndicated radio show 'WoodSongs Old Time Radio Hour'.

4.  Kentucky Horse Park - Horse enthusiasts and other visitors can meet and pet their favorite breeds at this 12,000-acre working horse farm dedicated to celebrating man's relationship with the majestic creatures. The park features two museums, twin theaters and nearly 50 different breeds of horses.

5.  Mary Todd Lincoln House - Open seasonally March 15th -Nov 30th. The wife of President Abraham Lincoln grew up in this house, which today contains many pieces of her personal possessions. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Lincoln visited her family here. Today the fourteen room house contains period furniture, portraits, and furnishings from the Todd and Lincoln families. The property is located in downtown Lexington and has a free parking lot directly behind the house. Convenient walking distance to local hotels and restaurants.

6.  Rupp Arena - Sports and entertainment center seats 23,600 spectators and serves as home to the University of Kentucky Men's Basketball team.

7.  The Arboretum - Expansive arboretum features a variety of trees, gardens and walking/jogging paths. Open year-round, dawn to dusk.

8.  Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate - The home of celebrated statesman Henry Clay, a 600-acre estate that once grew hemp, tobacco and grain is now a museum and National Historic Landmark, where visitors can tour the 18-room mansion, grounds and beautiful gardens.

9.  Whitaker Bank Ballpark - Home of the Lexington Legends, the Houston Astros' Class A affiliate in the South Atlantic League.

10.  Legacy Trail - Bike or walk/run the 15k scenic trail that connects Northside YMCA and the Kentucky Horse Park.  Perfect for families that like the outdoors and enjoys a little exercise.

11.  The Massage Center - With all the Lexington has to offer, it helps to catch a little R&R and The Massage Center gives you several options on how to do just that: Massage therapy, couples massage, and yoga classes to teach you the art of relaxation.

12.  The American Saddlebred Museum - Explore the history and legends of the American Saddlebred, Kentucky's only native breed, at this museum which includes various exhibits and an award winning multi-image show, "Saddlebred for America."

13.  University of Kentucky - Founded in 1865, the University of Kentucky is the largest public university in the state, educating more than 24,000 students each semester. Home of the UK Wildcats. Walking tours are available.

14.  The Aviation Museum of Kentucky

15.  Raven Run Nature Sanctuary - 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.

16.  Waveland State Historic Site - 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.

17.  Thoroughbred Park - This 2.5 acre park dedicated to the Thoroughbred industry contains seven life-size and lifelike bronze racehorses streaking toward the finish line, while broodmares, foals and the great stallion Lexington 'graze' in a nearby field. Jockey greats Randy Romero, Pat Day, Bill Shoemaker, Jerry Bailey, Don Brumfield, Chris McCarron and Craig Perret are all represented.

18.  Lexington Public Library Ceiling Clock and Foucault Pendulum

19.  Lexington Opera House - Meticulously restored 1886 opera house hosts Broadway Live and Variety Live series, as well as concerts and local arts performances.

20.  Sunburst Horsemanship School - Horse riding experience designed for the Advanced* and the first time beginning rider. Learn about safety rules as well as hands on experience in brushing the horse, learn how to saddle and ride! Mount and ride the horse at a walk and trot and learn how to steer. For the brave at heart a canter or lope. Adults and children learn a bit about physiology and psychology of the horse. Did you know that the horse has two lobes in his brain; but unlike people they are not connected. This means the horse can see in front of him and behind him at the same time. Each eye is independent.