Feeling the earth shake as a mass of thundering hooves goes barreling down the stretch during a horse race is one of the quintessential Kentucky experiences.

 

Each May, more than 150,000 fans gather at Churchill Downs to attend the most famous horse race in America: the Kentucky Derby. Other races held at Churchill Downs are equally beloved by Kentuckians, including Thurby and Kentucky Oaks. Keeneland, a National Historic Landmark in Lexington, holds world-class thoroughbred races in the spring and fall, as well as some of the most prestigious horse sales in the world. Throughout the year, the public can watch racehorses run through their early morning workouts, followed by breakfast at the Track Kitchen – an intimate experience that will make you feel like you’re part of a special club. 

 

Another exciting form of horse racing is harness racing. Instead of sitting on top of the horse, jockeys ride in a two-wheeled cart, or sulkie, behind the horse as it trots or paces around an oval track.

 

Kentucky is home to three harness racing tracks. Red Mile Gaming & Racing in Lexington first opened in 1875, making it the second oldest harness racing track in the world. Oak Grove Racing in Oak Grove, where you can watch the races from a palatial 13,000 square-foot grandstand. The Mint: Cumberland Run in Corbin is a new facility that made its debut in October 2023. 

 

If you’d just like to learn about the sport's inspiring horses, trainers and jockeys, the Kentucky Derby Museum and the International Museum of the Horse at the Kentucky Horse Park will give you a deeper appreciation for the animals and the sport.
  

Trip Inspiration

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Southern Kentucky Vacations Trail Towns

Southern Kentucky Vacations

Thousands of miles of trails and waterways criss-cross Kentucky, offering endless opportunities for long-distance adventures and day trips alike. Along these trails, numerous communities have been designated as Kentucky Trail Towns – places where you can find supplies and guides, lodging, a hearty meal and a friendly hello during your travels.

 

 

Columbia

 



 

Located in scenic southern Kentucky along the banks of Russell Creek, Columbia gets its beauty and outdoor appeal from Green River Lake, a paradise for fisherman, paddlers and boaters offering 25 miles of scenic waterways to explore. The lake’s Holmes Bend Marina hosts the Annual USA Crappie Tournament each year. Rich in history, local artisans and rolling countryside, the area is a popular place for biking as well.

 

 

Campbellsville

 

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Campbellsville is an oasis for outdoor adventure. Explore Green River Lake State Park’s 8,210 acres, plus lakeside campgrounds and Kentucky’s only floating cabins. Green River Lake is a popular destination for fishing, boating and water skiing, or explore the local terrain by hiking, mountain biking, even horseback riding. The town is also rich in Civil War history, with attractions offering a look at that past

 

 

Jamestown

 

Jamestown’s claim to fame may be Lake Cumberland – known as the “Houseboat Capital of the World” – and at 101 miles long, it is one of the largest man-made lakes in the nation. But the town also offers easy access to premier trout fishing on the Cumberland River, great flat water canoeing and kayaking from the dam to Winfrey’s Ferry, and an abundance of marinas, lakeside accommodations, boat rentals, extensive trails and more.

 

 

Stearns

 



 

Stearns, Kentucky is an area rich in both history and outdoor adventure. This combination makes it great Kentucky Trail Town. Located in the heart of McCreary County, adventure travelers will find easy access to both the Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area and the Stearns District of the Daniel Boone National Forest. These two areas offer an endless supply of outdoor recreational opportunities.

 

The Sheltowee Trace National Recreation Trail travels through McCreary County, and Stearns makes a great destination on this long-distance trail before it enters into the state of Tennessee. The historic Stearns Depot serves as its main Trailhead, and is home to a number of other attractions as well.

 

The Stearns Historic Railway also is headquartered at the depot, and is a unique way to experience the beauty of the Big South Fork. The train also serves as a shuttle for hikers and bikers wishing to explore the Big South Fork.
As the southern-most Trail Town in the region, Stearns is sure to be catering to trail users and adventure seekers for years to come.

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