Kentucky Horse Country

Equestrian Experiences

Equestrian experiences abound in the Bluegrass State — the bright green grass perfect for grazing grows abundantly in our pastures. Go horseback riding through Daniel Boone National Forest or Mammoth Cave National Park. Tour a horse farm (more than 400 in the Lexington area alone!) and spend time with a titleholder-in-training or Kentucky Derby horses retired to stud. And don’t miss the high-stepping hoofbeats heard ‘round Shelbyville, the American Saddlebred Capital of the World, each August during the Shelbyville Horse Show.

 

From the legendary Kentucky Derby to the one-of-a-kind Kentucky Horse Park, it’s undeniable that Kentucky’s horse culture has the inside track. 
The first Saturday in May attracts more than 150,000 fans to Churchill Downs to witness the Kentucky Derby, “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” but every day is Derby Day at the Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville. Get hands-on with interactive exhibits, take in the 360-degree film and take a guided visit to the Churchill Downs track.

 

The renowned Louisville course isn’t the only place to hear and feel the thundering of hooves. Keeneland in Lexington is a National Historic Landmark; it’s hosted spring and fall thoroughbred races since the 1930s, and today spectators tailgate on “The Hill” with fare from food trucks while live bluegrass plays in the background.

 

Other horse racing courses are sprinkled around the state, and for something a little different check out harness racing at Red Mile Racetrack in Lexington. The second-oldest harness track in the world, the clay-course Red Mile attracts more than 18,000 fans to its season, July through the second week of October.

 

At the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, celebrate local horse heritage every day. See American Saddlebreds to Old Kentucky Saddlers being trained and groomed in the Breeds Barn. Admire retired racehorses in the Hall of Champions. Take a trail ride on horseback or saddle up the kids for pony rides. Attend equestrian events, including show jumping, dressage and polo.

 

Even if you don’t come to Kentucky a horse lover, you’ll almost certainly leave as one.

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Trip Inspiration

Holiday Lights Across the Bluegrass

State Wide

Get in the holiday mood with light displays across Kentucky. From Bowling Green to Louisville, Frankfort to Paducah, Lexington to Grand Rivers and more – lights will be twinkling all around the Bluegrass State. Gather your family and friends for these spectacular drive-through events!

 

 

Christmas in the Park, Elizabethtown 

 

Follow the signs to the Blue Heron Way entrance of Freeman Lake Park and an illuminated roadway will guide you through this beautiful spectacle of Christmas spirit! The lighting tour runs from November 27 to January 1 and it is free to drive through, but donations are gladly accepted. 

 


 

 

Festival of Lights, Grand Rivers Nov. 7 - Jan. 31  

 

This walk-thru holiday light experience includes over one million lights and displays in Patti’s Settlement and downtown Grand Rivers. Enjoy Musical Christmas productions at the Badgett Playhouse, one-of-a-kind gifts at unique shops, memorable family meals at Patti’s Restaurant, and cozy lodging beside Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. For more information, go to the Patti's website.

 

Monticello’s Christmas Tree Alley 

 

 

Visit  Monticello's Christmas Tree Alley and take in more than 60 lighted and decorated Christmas Trees. The trees are sponsored by local businesses and groups and are beautiful to behold. It is like walking through a Christmas Forest.

 

 

Deck the Park, Madisonville Nov. 28 - Jan. 1

 

"Deck the Park" is a free annual Christmas attraction that transforms Madisonville's City Park into a winter wonderland of lights, rides, and holiday festivities designed to bring joy and holiday spirit to all who attend. 

 

The Christmas Light Drive-Thru features over 123,000 twinkling lights and they can be seen seven nights a week from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. from November 27 through New Years Day. 

 

Madisonville, Ky Holiday Lights

 

 

 

ChristmasTime at the Ark Encounter Nov. 28 - January 3

 

Grounds crews have spent months getting ready for Christmas Time at the Ark Encounter. Hundreds of thousands of lights have been hung up around the life-size Noah's Ark, turning it into one spectacular Christmas display.

 

The lighting display is open to the public Thursdays through Saturdays from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

 

Christmas Island Holiday Light Tour, Burnside Island Nov. 18 - Dec. 31

 

Please join Burnside Tourism in enjoying the return of the beloved Burnside holiday tradition, Christmas Island! From November 18 through New Years Eve, come visit and enjoy a spectacular drive-thru lighting display with thousands of Christmas lights and many other fun activities including carolers, Vendor Village, appearances by Santa Claus and more. For more information and ticket prices, call

 

 

Eubank's Christmas in the Park, Eubank

 

The Trail of Lights at Eubank Parkis a magical holiday experience that captivates visitors with its dazzling display of festive lights and decorations. Located in a beautiful Eubank park, this annual event transforms the park into a whimsical wonderland. For more information, call or .

 

Santa's Lookout, Scottsville Dec. 5 - 24


A new feature to the annual Christmas in the Country just outside of Bowling Green, "Santa's Lookout Express Train" ride allows visitors to take in the the lights of the "North Pole" on their way to meet Santa and a whole host of other costumed characters.

 

Santa's Lookout runs on weekends in December. See the Christmas in the Country website for ticket prices and to make reservations.


Light up the Fair, Burlington

 

Enjoy the mesmerizing Light Up The Fair at Boone County Fairgrounds, featuring a stunning display of nearly 1 million individually controlled LED Christmas lights along a two-mile drive-thru. The lights dance to holiday music, and you can tune in via your car radio for the live show. It's a magical tradition the whole family will love.

Lights Under Louisville Nov. 14 - Jan. 3 

 

For those who prefer to see their holiday decorations during the daytime, look no further than Lights Under Louisville.

 

Louisville Mega Cavern, a former limestone mine, shows off its holiday spirit with 40 themed displays, multiple projection areas, over 900 lit characters, new exciting themes, two laser locations, multiple light tunnels, holiday music and over 6.5 million points of light.

 

Open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets can purchased online.

 

Southern Lights, Lexington Nov. 28 - Dec. 31

 

Celebrating its 30th year at the Kentucky Horse Park, Southern Lights is one of the merriest holiday traditions for thousands of families throughout the Bluegrass and beyond.  See over a million twinkling lights from the warmth of your car. After you make your way through the lights, be sure to stop by the Holiday Village and see Santa.

 

Southern Lights is open nightly from November 29 through December 31. Admission is $35 per car. Tickets can be purchased at the park's gates or online

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