Visiting the Kentucky Horse Park
- Mari Pikkov
- Mar 22, 2018
- 3 min read
Who is ready to dive in and look at the Kentucky Horse Park? I know I am!
One of the world’s most famous equestrian parks is located in the heart of American horse-country in Lexington, Kentucky. The Kentucky Horse Park has a long history and once spanned over nine thousand acres of land. As the years passed different owners sold off parts of the original property, and made various changes to the operation – For example, in 1890 John D. Creighton took ownership of the land and built the racetrack which is still in operation today for training and recreational purposes. The only constant is that the property has always been dedicated to the equine industry in one way or another.
In 1978 the park finally opened its doors to the public, just months after the successful launch of the first annual ‘World 3-Day Championships’. The park, regardless of who has owned and operated it has made its mission to celebrate the rich history of human relationships with horses and to never let equestrianism die. Today, the Kentucky Horse Park covers 1,229 acres and features many tourist attractions, a 260-site campground and is host to over thirty equine organizations. We also cannot fail to mention that the farmland, pastures and barns of the Kentucky Horse Park is a full time home for thousands of beloved horses.
As a visitor to the park, you can take in all the year-round attractions including: The Hall of Champions, The Parade of Breeds Show, Museums, Trail Riding (for an additional 15$ per person), Walking Barn Tour and so many more. In addition to these full-time attractions there are dozens of seasonal events held on the grounds: The World 3-Day Championships, The Kentucky Derby (check this out at The Churchill Downs), Show Jumping Competitions, Professional Rodeos and The Extreme Mustang Makeover to name just a few!
There is far too much to see and do for a one day visit! For those of you looking to spending some time at the Kentucky Horse Park you will not be disappointed with everything it and nearby Lexington, Kentucky have to offer.
If you are an avid horse lover or know someone who is, the Kentucky Horse Park is a place which you must see at least once in your lifetime. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the park and don’t forget to say hello to the horses!
Below are a couple of the local places that I recommend checking out for breakfast, lunch and dinner! If you are heading out to the park try to hit up a few of these places!
Breakfast: North Lime Coffee and Donuts
Best place for breakfast around the park
If you are a coffee addict like myself, this is a must for your morning cup of joe!
Ask for the donut of the day to start your day off with the most delicious thing you’ll have all day!
Also, who doesn’t love dessert for breakfast when you are vacationing – plus you’ll work it off walking around the park all day!
Lunch: Bit and Bridle Restaurant
Located at the front of the park
Perfect place for a midday break for a quick bite to eat
Recommend checking out the salad bar for their unreal spread!
Post Park Snack: Crank and Boom
This is a must-see place!!!
I can’t even begin to explain how enchanting this place is – first of all, it’s an ice cream…LOUNGE!
Serving countless flavours of ice cream and sorbet which you can take home by the tub if you just cannot get enough
It also caters to the dairy-free individuals, so no one must miss out on the yummy ice-cream
They are also liquor licensed and serve alcoholic ice-cream floats!
This is a perfect spot to stop after a day at the Kentucky Horse Park. If you’re super extra like me, you can download the menu onto your phone and pick out what you want while you are on your way from the park!
Dinner: Tony’s of Lexington
A fabulous Steakhouse for a luxurious dinner in Lexington
Amazing service featuring their extravagant menu of steaks, oysters and so much more
I wish I could recommend what my favourite thing was but everything was just too good – try it all!
Check-out their bar/lounge area for some after dinner drinks to taste some true Kentucky Bourbon and listen to some Live Bluegrass Music
Start planning today for an amazing get-away to the Kentucky Horse Park!
Cheers Guys!
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