Kentucky Things to Do

This privately owned museum located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park* showcases the American Saddlebred, Kentucky's native breed of horse. It houses the largest collection of artifacts, trophies, photograph and artwork relative to this four-legged steed. For those interested in horse genealogy and bloodlines, this is the place. (*see separate listing) More

This privately owned museum located on the grounds of the Kentucky Horse Park* showcases the American Saddlebred, Kentucky's native breed of horse. It houses the largest collection of artifacts, trophies, photograph and artwork relative to this four-legged steed. For those interested in horse genealogy and bloodlines, this is the place. (*see separate listing)

Ashland, the estate of Henry Clay, is comprised of the 18-room mansion with family antiques, outbuildings, gardens and exhibits in the 1846 cottage.

Clay had a long political career, representing constituents in Kentucky and Washington, D.C. Clay was a horse breeder and farmer, among other interests. Six generations of his family resided here. The Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850 were just two of his accomplishments. More

Ashland, the estate of Henry Clay, is comprised of the 18-room mansion with family antiques, outbuildings, gardens and exhibits in the 1846 cottage.

Clay had a long political career, representing constituents in Kentucky and Washington, D.C. Clay was a horse breeder and farmer, among other interests. Six generations of his family resided here. The Missouri Compromise and the Compromise of 1850 were just two of his accomplishments.

The Kentucky and Tennessee Railway operates a 16-mile excursion train through the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area* and the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Depart from Stearns, traveling through the Appalachian Mountain wilderness before descending 600 feet into the Big South Fork Gorge and stopping at Blue Heron*, a former coal mining community. Once in Blue Heron explore the former company town, now operated by the National Park Service. It's even possible to ride in the... More

The Kentucky and Tennessee Railway operates a 16-mile excursion train through the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area* and the Daniel Boone National Forest.

Depart from Stearns, traveling through the Appalachian Mountain wilderness before descending 600 feet into the Big South Fork Gorge and stopping at Blue Heron*, a former coal mining community. Once in Blue Heron explore the former company town, now operated by the National Park Service. It's even possible to ride in the locomotive with the engineer. (*see separate listings)

The largest National Historical Park in the United States, it offers 20,000 acres with 70 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and bicycling - ranging from a one-quarter mile loop trail to the 21-mile Ridge Trail. Picnic areas are available as well as a 160-site campground with running water, bath facilities and numerous backcountry campsites.

The park abounds with Native American and pioneer history. Of significance, Daniel Boone traveled through the area and... More

The largest National Historical Park in the United States, it offers 20,000 acres with 70 miles of trails for hiking, horseback riding and bicycling - ranging from a one-quarter mile loop trail to the 21-mile Ridge Trail. Picnic areas are available as well as a 160-site campground with running water, bath facilities and numerous backcountry campsites.

The park abounds with Native American and pioneer history. Of significance, Daniel Boone traveled through the area and Abraham Lincoln's father and mother traveled through the gap as small children with their parents in the late 18th century.

Historic sites include the ruins of an iron furnace, Civil War fortifications and the Hensley settlement, occupied until the early 1950s.

Natural attractions include: unusual rock formations, Gap Cave, one of 24 limestone caves, Pinnacle Overlook, at 2,440-feet above sea level, offers views of three states - Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia.

At the visitor center view films about Cumberland Gap as a major east-west route for early settlers, including Daniel Boone, and natural features of the landscape and historic sites within the park.

Local crafts are on display and craft demonstrations are periodically held. Ranger-led programs include hikes, bird watching, plants, wildlife topics, such as beavers and owls, full moon walks, mountain music and crafts, campfires.

Founded in 1978, the 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park, a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility, is dedicated to man's relationship with the horse.

The park is a state agency that hosts 15,000 competition horses in more than 100 special events and horse shows. Admission includes:

• a horse drawn trolley tour detailing the park's main activities... More

Founded in 1978, the 1,200-acre Kentucky Horse Park, a working horse farm/theme park and equine competition facility, is dedicated to man's relationship with the horse.

The park is a state agency that hosts 15,000 competition horses in more than 100 special events and horse shows. Admission includes:
• a horse drawn trolley tour detailing the park's main activities
• video presentation and daily shows
• the International Museum of the Horse that tells the story of horses and showcases related memorabilia
• the American Saddlebred Museum features this breed and highlights artifacts significant to them including data about bloodlines
• visiting residents, such as Funny Cide, a Kentucky Derby and Preakness winner, at the Hall of Champions
• honoring Man o' War, reputed to be the most famous thoroughbred race horse winner of the 20th century.

Additional (fee) activities from mid-March to October include horseback trail rides, pony rides and 2.5 to three-hour horse farm tour of historic estates, as well as new farms.

The park is also home to the National Horse Center, which comprises more than 30 national and regional equine organizations.

Located in the former county courthouse, the museum spotlights aspects of Lexington's history. Exhibits have included life in the frontier settlement, a black and white look at African-American life from the 1860s to the 1950s, thoroughbred horse racing, Mary Todd Lincoln's hometown and antique typewriters, among others. More

Located in the former county courthouse, the museum spotlights aspects of Lexington's history. Exhibits have included life in the frontier settlement, a black and white look at African-American life from the 1860s to the 1950s, thoroughbred horse racing, Mary Todd Lincoln's hometown and antique typewriters, among others.