Kentucky may be known for bourbon and fried chicken, but the state is also famous for its horses. Lexington is known as “the Horse Capital of the World,” and even though it’s the second-largest city in Kentucky, it is surrounded by the beautiful horse farms that the area is famous for. Take a Bluegrass country driving tour on this epic Kentucky horse country road trip that’s one of the best day trips in the state!

Below is the map, but visit Google Maps for an interactive version that you can adjust to personalize and adapt if you’re not following the route exactly as it’s mapped out in this version.

Gas up the car and hit the road! Adventure awaits in the Bluegrass State.
Google Maps
You'll start at Thoroughbred Park in Lexington.
Flickr/Pasi Hiltunen
Flickr/Pasi Hiltunen
It only seems appropriate that this road trip would start in the Horse Capital of the World itself. The road trip begins in an urban setting, only about a mile away from Rupp Arena, and even closer to the University of Kentucky campus. Walk around this 2.5 acre park learning about the history of Thoroughbred horses. There are life-size horse sculptures, including a group of them that appear to be sprinting to the finish line. Visit the Thoroughbred Park page on the Triangle park website for more information.
Check out harness racing at The Red Mile.
Facebook/Red Mile
The Red Mile has been around since 1875, making it the second-oldest harness racing track in the world. The track gets its name from the red clay it is made of, and it is a distance of one mile. Their season begins in July and ends in October, so be sure to stop in and catch a race if you do the road trip in that time span. However, the wagering floor is open year-round. The Red Mile is located at 1200 Red Mile Road, Lexington, KY, 40504, and you can visit the Red Mile website to learn more about this attraction.
Head down Versailles Road.
Flickr/Anthony
Say goodbye to the city, because it’s time to immerse yourself in the heart of horse country. Start on Versailles Road, and you’ll start to see farms on both sides of the street as you get further and further away from the city.
One of the first farms you’ll see is Calumet Farm...
Flickr/David Ohmer
...followed by Manchester Farm...
Flickr/Anthony
Keep in mind, however, that most of these farms are not open for public tours. However, they are still stunning to view from the road and present great opportunities for pictures.
Enjoy classic Thoroughbred racing at Keeneland.
Flickr/JOgdenC

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After winding past a few farms, you’ll arrive at Keeneland Racecourse, a Thoroughbred racing facility that is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Keeneland is small and charming, and takes pride in maintaining racing traditions. In 2015, it hosted the Breeders’ Cup for the first time, which many thought was a questionable decision given Keeneland’s small size. However, the venue rose to the occasion, and successfully hosted more than 50,000 people to witness American Pharaoh win the first-ever "Grand Slam" of horse racing— winning the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup. Keeneland has meetings in both April and October. To get specific dates, visit the Keeneland website. The racecourse is located at 4201 Versailles Road, Lexington, KY, 40510.
Keep an eye out for a castle!
Flickr/Mr_t_77
After leaving Keeneland, continue down Versailles Road and continue to take in the beauty of the surrounding farmland. One thing you’ll see out your window is the eponymous Kentucky Castle, which is a luxury destination in a real, life castle.
After passing through the town of Versailles -- which would be a great place to stop for lunch if you're hungry -- you’ll briefly get on Midway Road, which is a quieter road than any of the ones you have been on thus far. You’ll pass more horse farms, and eventually turn onto Old Frankfort Pike.
Flickr/Anthony
Old Frankfurt Pike is a scenic byway that is one of the best scenic drives in Kentucky and considered one of the 10 best scenic drives in the whole country. It’s also nicknamed "Thoroughbred Alley" due to the abundance of horse farms around it.
These are just a sampling of the idyllic farms you'll see on the stretch of Old Frankfort Pike include Endeavor Farm, Three Chimneys, Middlebrook Farm, Carriage Station Farm, Donamire Farm, and Darby Dan Farm.
Flickr/David Ohmer
Pictured here is Darby Dan Farm.
Facebook/Darby Dan Farm
Next, it's time to explore the Kentucky Horse Park.
Flickr/Gerry H
Flickr/Catherine
The Kentucky Horse Park is both a horse farm and educational museum. While here, ride a horse, explore a hall of equine champions, learn about interesting breeds of horses, and watch a show. The Kentucky Horse Park is located at 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington, KY, 40511, and you can read more about this awesome attraction in our prior article about The Kentucky Horse Park.
Slow down at Old Friends.
Facebook/Old Friends
The final stop on this Kentucky horse country road trip takes you to Georgetown. Now that you’ve driven through a history of horses and horse racing and seen how embedded it is into Lexington’s culture, end your journey here, at this retirement community for Thoroughbreds. Old Friends calls itself "Horse Racing’s Living History Museum," because when you book a tour, you’ll get to meet some Thoroughbreds who had extremely successful careers. However, at Old Friends, they’re not training for a big race like fine-tuned athletes. They’re just enjoying their retirement and being regular horses. To book a tour, visit the Old Friends website. Old Friends is located at 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, KY, 40324.

Now that you’ve seen the beauty of the heart of Kentucky horse country, who’s ready for this adventure, one of the best road trips in Kentucky? Be sure to use our Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide to help plan your trip. For related content, be sure to check out this delightful Kentucky day trip itinerary.

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More to Explore

day trips near me in Kentucky

Sarah | July 01, 2021

Are there many day trips in Kentucky?

Yes! Whether you're the kind of person who enjoys exploring little-know towns and hidden gems, or you prefer more epic, bucket-list-level adventures, you'll be thrilled by your options in the Bluegrass State. Still wondering "what are the best day trips near me in Kentucky?" Check out this guide we put together, which has our very favorite and highly rated road trips, one for each month of the year. Now go have an adventure!

What are some must-visit places in Kentucky?

How much time do you have? Because Kentucky is home to a near-endless list of adventures perfect for any bucket list! Some absolute must-visit places in the Bluegrass State include Mammoth Cave, Red River Gorge, Natural Bridge, the Louisville Mega Cavern, Kentucky Lake, Cumberland Falls, Kentucky Horse Park, and Bardstown, which is known as the Bourbon Capital of the World!

What are some things to do at Kentucky Horse Park?

One of the most well-known and beloved attractions in the Bluegrass, Kentucky Horse Park is one of those places each and every Kentuckian needs to visit at least once in their lifetime. This park is one big love letter to all things equestrian; horses are the main feature at the park and you'll see them just about everywhere, and get a hands-on lesson in horses and their relation to Kentucky's history and culture. But there are many other things to see and do here, like going for a horseback ride! Visitors ages 7 and up will love adding on a horseback trail ride to their visit, which is available seasonally from April through October. This 35-minute ride is a great way to see the pastures and views around the park, and will make your entire experience of the Kentucky Horse Park totally unforgettable.

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Featured Addresses
Thoroughbred Park, 100 Midland Ave, Lexington, KY 40507, USA
1200 Red Mile Rd, Lexington, KY 40504, USA
Calumet Farm, 3301 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510, USA
Keeneland Association Inc, 4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510, USA
Three Chimneys Farm, 1981 Old Frankfort Pike, Versailles, KY 40383, USA
Donamire Farm, 4151 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40510, USA
Darby Dan Farm, 3225 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington, KY 40510, USA
Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pkwy, Lexington, KY 40511, USA
Old Friends Farm, 1841 Paynes Depot Rd, Georgetown, KY 40324, USA