Preserving Kentucky's Past

From Muhammad Ali to "Father of Bluegrass" Bill Monroe, Kentucky’s multifaceted heritage is kept alive at dozens of world-class museums around the state. Hear the strains of Kentucky’s musical history at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Owensboro, and learn about the artists who changed music forever at the Kentucky Music Hall of Fame & Museum in Renfro Valley. Celebrate the champions of horse racing at the Kentucky Derby Museum, and experience a different kind of horsepower at the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, the only place in the world where "America's sports car" is manufactured.

 

Abraham Lincoln was born in Kentucky, as was his future wife, Mary Todd Lincoln. You can visit many historic sites and house museums related to both families along the Kentucky Lincoln Heritage Trail. Louisville is home to several state-of-the-art museums; explore the life of “The Greatest” at the Muhammad Ali Center, or delve into Kentucky’s bourbon history (and many more topics) at the Frazier History Museum.

 

And if that weren’t enough, the commonwealth's repository, the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History in Frankfort and smaller museums around the state offer glimpses into Kentucky people, places and stories. From the American Cave Museum to the Historic RailPark & Train Museum, there is no shortage of fascinating experiences in the Bluegrass State.

Trip Inspiration

Kentucky Horse Park

Set on a picturesque working horse farm just outside Lexington, the Kentucky Horse Park is a must-see attraction for horse lovers of all ages. No other place on earth celebrates the special relationship between humans and horses like this 1,200-acre park; here, visitors have unparalleled opportunities to get up close and personal with many breeds of horse, through barn tours, horseback riding, youth camps, three outstanding museums, a daily Parade of Breeds Show, and more. 

 

Several retired celebrity horses make their home at Kentucky Horse Park, much to the delight of adoring fans.
The park also hosts the most comprehensive schedule of equestrian events in the country. Equine enthusiasts flock here to witness steeplechase, cross-country competitions, specialized breed shows, carriage driving, polo and the only four-star equestrian event in North America, the Land Rover Kentucky Three Day Event™.  

 

Learn more & plan your visit >

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