This Kentucky city lives and breathes horse culture, with Keeneland Race Course and hundreds of Thoroughbred farms. Home to the University of Kentucky and rich equestrian traditions.
In Lexington, you can watch thoroughbreds thunder down the historic Keeneland track, meet Kentucky Derby winners at the Kentucky Horse Park, and taste rare bourbons at 18 local distilleries. Walk through the University of Kentucky's campus where 30,000 students fill Rupp Arena for basketball games, or join locals at annual celebrations like the Festival of the Bluegrass and Pride Festival.
Horse Racing and Farm Tours
At the 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park, you'll find retired racing champions like Funny Cide, winner of the 2003 Kentucky Derby. Watch blacksmiths craft horseshoes, see daily equestrian shows, and explore two museums filled with racing memorabilia and trophies. Visit Keeneland Race Course during live races in April and October, where 1936 limestone buildings and a tree-lined paddock area create a classic racing atmosphere.
Bourbon Experience
Take tours at any of the 18 bourbon distilleries in the region to see how distillers transform grain into America's native spirit. You'll walk through the entire process from grain selection to barrel aging. Downtown Lexington's bartenders mix cocktails using local spirits, and many bars stock hard-to-find bourbon varieties.
University District and Sports
The University of Kentucky's campus occupies much of central Lexington. You can watch 22 varsity sports teams compete throughout the year, with basketball games drawing the biggest crowds to Rupp Arena. Transylvania University, dating to 1780, adds character to the area with its brick buildings and classical architecture.
Parks and Green Spaces
Find space to relax in over 100 city parks, from neighborhood spots like Smith Street Park to the expansive 659-acre Masterson Station Park with its horse riding facilities. At McConnell Springs, a 26-acre natural area, clear springs bubble up where the city's first settlers made camp. The parks network includes walking trails, sports courts, and playgrounds throughout the city.
Getting Around
Fly into Blue Grass Airport, which connects to major U.S. cities through Allegiant, American, Delta, and United airlines. New Circle Road forms a ring around inner Lexington, with main streets extending from downtown like spokes on a wheel, making it easy to navigate the city.
Historical Background
In 1775, William McConnell and fellow explorers set up camp at a natural spring, founding what would become Lexington. They chose the name after hearing about the first battle of the American Revolution in Lexington, Massachusetts. The establishment of Transylvania College (now Transylvania University) in the 1780s turned the city into an educational hub. In 1974, the city and county merged to create the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government.
