things to do in lexington ky

It is called the “Horse Capital of the World,” and Lexington, Kentucky, is a lively city with a lot of history, beautiful scenery, and fun things to do for everyone. Lexington, KY, is a great place to visit or live because there are lots of fun things to do there. This guide will show you some of the best things to see, things to do with your dog, and fun things that are happening this weekend. Read on to find out what Lexington has to offer if you’re planning a trip or just want to find something new to do.

Visit the Horse Capital of the World

1. Visit the Kentucky Horse Park

There are many famous things to do in Lexington, KY, but the Kentucky Horse Park is one of the most famous. The whole 1,200-acre park is set aside for horse-related activities. Now you can go on trips with a guide, watch horse shows, and even meet some famous horses that have raced in the Kentucky Derby.

Why Come?

  • A lot of information about horse breeds and backgrounds.
  • Live shows and trips by horse-drawn carriage.
  • Great for families and horse lovers alike.

2. Take a beautiful drive along the Bourbon Trail

The Bourbon Trail is a special way for people who like good drinks to learn about Kentucky’s long history of making bourbon. There are several distilleries in Lexington, and a drive along the trail is a great way to learn about history, culture, and, of course, taste whiskey.

Important Stops:

There are three distilleries in this area:

  • Woodford Reserve
  • Buffalo Trace
  • Four Roses.

3. Visit Keeneland Racecourse

Keeneland is one of the most well-known horse racetracks in the world. You can get a feel for Lexington’s horse culture at Keeneland, whether you’re there for the races or just to take it all in.

The best times to go are:

  • Spring Meet (April)
  • Fall Meet (October)

Things to Do in Lexington, KY That Are Good for Dogs

People in Lexington love their dogs. With so many dog-friendly activities in Lexington, KY, you’ll have a great time on your trip.

1. Take a walk through the Arboretum at the Kentucky State Botanical Garden

Going for a walk with your dog in the Arboretum is a lovely idea. This botanical garden is spread out over 100 acres and has many trails, gardens, and green places that are great for exploring with your pet.

Notable points:

  • The Walk Across Kentucky Trail
  • Flower show that change with the seasons
  • Dog-friendly walking routes

2. Spend the day at Masterson Station Dog Park

One of the best dog parks in Lexington is in Masterson Station Park. It’s a great place for your dog to run and play because it has lots of open space, water stops, and different areas for small and large dogs.

Facilities

  • No-leash zones
  • Seating in the shade for dog owners
  • Lots of parking

Pick up a bite at a dog-friendly restaurant. There are many dog-friendly places in Lexington where you can eat with your pet by your side. A lot of these places to eat have outdoor seating where dogs are allowed.

Popular dog-friendly restaurants: The Grey Goose, West Sixth Brewing, and Mirror Twin Brewing

Fun Things to Do in Lexington, Kentucky

Want to do something fun in Lexington, KY? Lexington has something for everyone, whether you like the arts, being outside, or one-of-a-kind adventures.

1. Take a look around the Mary Todd Lincoln House

The Mary Todd Lincoln House takes you back in time to the place where Abraham Lincoln’s wife grew up. You can take a guided tour of this historic site to learn about the life of one of America’s most famous first ladies.

What to anticipate includes tours given by knowledgeable guides, exhibits about the Lincoln family, and impeccably preserved 19th-century architecture.

2. Go to the Opera House in Lexington.

The Lexington Opera House has many shows, such as Broadway shows, music, and comedy acts, that you can enjoy for a night out. It was built in 1886 and is one of the oldest theaters in the country. It is still an important place for the arts in Lexington.

This week’s shows are:

  • Musicals on Broadway
  • Late-night comic shows
  • Performances of classical music

3. Check out the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum

One of the best ways to see Kentucky’s beautiful scenery is at the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum. You can take a beautiful ride on an old train through the Bluegrass region’s rolling hills and farmlands.

Ride Options:

  • Regular rides on the weekends
  • Rides with holiday themes, like Halloween and Christmas
  • Private trips are possible

4. Check out the Lexington Farmers Market

For a taste of the area, the Lexington Farmers Market is a great spot. This market is open all year and has a lot of fresh food, baked goods, handmade goods, and more. You might find something tasty to take home. It’s a fun way to spend the morning.

Where and when:

  • Downtown Lexington on Saturdays
  • Southland Drive on Sundays
  • Available all year

Things to Do This Weekend in Lexington, KY

Are you going to spend the weekend in Lexington? In the city, there are always fun things going on. These are some suggestions for things to do this weekend in Lexington, KY.

1. Go to a live music event

There is a lot of live music in Lexington, and it happens almost every weekend. There is always something fun to do, from neighborhood bands to out-of-town artists.

Top Places:

  • The Burl
  • Manchester Music Hall
  • Cosmic Charley’s

There are several Gallery Hop events that happen every year in Lexington. Since galleries, workshops, and other places are open to the public, it’s a great way to check out the local art scene.

What to expect:

  • Gallery visits are free
  • There is live music and drinks
  • Chances to meet artists from the area

3. Practice yoga outside at Triangle Park

On the weekends, Triangle Park often has yoga classes outside for people who want to relax. You can join these classes at any level, and they’re a nice way to start the weekend in peace.

Things you should bring:

  • a yoga mat
  • water bottle
  • Clothes that feel good

4. Pay a visit to the Lexington Cemetery

It might seem strange, but the Lexington Cemetery is one of the city’s most beautiful spots. With its well-kept gardens, ancient sites, and calm atmosphere, it’s a lovely place to take a walk on the weekend.

Interesting Facts

  • Monument to Henry Clay
  • Monument to the Confederate Soldier
  • Historic mausoleums and gravesites

What to Do in Lexington, Kentucky (FAQ)

What are some fun family-friendly things to do in Lexington, KY?

A1: There are many family-friendly things to do in Lexington. For example, you can visit the Kentucky Horse Park, look around the Arboretum, or spend the day at the Lexington Children’s Museum. Kids also love the Bluegrass Scenic Railroad.

Q2: Are there things to do in Lexington, KY that are good for dogs?

A2: Yes, Lexington is dog-friendly, and there are lots of things to do with your dog. People like to take their dogs to the Arboretum, Masterson Station Dog Park, and a number of places, such as The Grey Goose and West Sixth Brewing.

What are the best things to do this weekend in Lexington, KY?

A3: On the weekends, you can see live music at places like The Burl, do yoga outside at Triangle Park, or check out the art scene at Gallery Hop. On the weekends, there’s always something going on in Lexington.

Q4: What is one-of-a kind in Lexington, KY?

A4: Keeneland Racecourse, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, and the Bourbon Trail are just a few of the interesting things to see in Lexington. You can do things you can’t do anywhere else in the city because of its long past and horse culture.

Q5: Where can I do free fun things in Lexington, KY?

A5: There are lots of free things to do in Lexington. For example, you can go to the Lexington Farmers Market, look around the University of Kentucky grounds, or walk through the Lexington Cemetery. Also, Gallery Hop is a free event that shows off neighborhood art.

AttractionTypeBest ForDog-friendlyCost
Kentucky Horse ParkEquestrianFamilies, TouristsNo$$
Bourbon TrailScenic DriveAdults, CouplesNo$$
Keeneland RacecourseHorse RacingTourists, Racing FansNo$
The ArboretumOutdoorFamilies, Pet OwnersYesFree
Masterson Station Dog ParkDog ParkPet OwnersYesFree
Lexington Farmers MarketMarketEveryoneYesFree
Mary Todd Lincoln HouseHistoric SiteHistory BuffsNo$$
Bluegrass Scenic RailroadTrain RideFamilies, TouristsNo$$

Note: The cost is shown as $ (low), $$ (mid), and $$$ (high).

things to do in lexington ky

Bottom Line

Lexington, KY is a place where everyone can find something they enjoy, whether it’s history, culture, fun things to do outside, or just relaxing. There are a lot of fun things to do in Lexington, KY. There are famous horse parks, bourbon breweries, dog-friendly parks, and places to see live music.

Photo Credit:
Image by Simon from Pixabay
Image by Jill Sellers from Pixabay