Lexington is a vibrant city in the heart of Kentucky. Nicknamed the “Horse Capital of the World”, Lexington is known for its beautiful horse farms and rolling bluegrass pastures.

Activity	Description
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary	Nature reserve with hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
The Arboretum	State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, showcasing regional plants.
Historic McConnell Springs	Park with natural springs and walking trails.
Lexington Farmers’ Market	Weekend market with local produce and goods.
Art Galleries Downtown	Explore various art galleries in the downtown area.
Thoroughbred Park	A park featuring life-size horse statues and history.
Self-guided Walking Tour	Discover historic sites and architecture in downtown Lexington.
The University of Kentucky Art Museum	Art museum with diverse collections, free admission.
Old Fayette County Courthouse	Iconic building with historical significance.
Gratz Park	Scenic park in a historic district.
Lexington Public Library	Library with unique architecture and events.

But there’s much more to explore in Lexington beyond horses. From historic sites to outdoor adventures, Lexington offers many free and fun things to do for visitors on any budget.

Explore Downtown Lexington

Name and Location: Downtown Lexington, centered around Main Street and adjacent blocks.

History and Significance: Lexington’s historic downtown features Victorian architecture, unique boutiques, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Many buildings pre-date the Civil War.

What to Expect: Strolling along brick sidewalks taking in restored facades and quaint alleyways. Stopping to shop or dine. Exploring sites like the Opera House, arts spaces, and Cheapside Park.

Visitor Information: Compact and walkable. Free two-hour parking along many streets. Guided walking tours available seasonally.

Downtown Lexington is full of charm and history. Start your visit at Triangle Park, an urban green space in the center of downtown. Grab a bench or spread out a picnic blanket and spend some time people watching. Triangle Park often hosts free concerts and events throughout the warmer months.

Stroll along Main Street and its side streets to window shop, grab a coffee or meal, and soak in the ambience. Pop into one of Lexington’s many locally-owned shops selling everything from antiques to artisan goods. Don’t miss the Lexington Visitor Center in the old courthouse building to pick up maps and guides for exploring downtown.

Tour the University of Kentucky

Name and Location: The University of Kentucky campus is located near downtown Lexington.

History and Significance: Founded in 1865, UK is the state’s flagship university. Its historic campus includes early 20th century architecture alongside contemporary facilities.

What to Expect: Self-guided tours take in sites like the Main Building, Memorial Hall, William T. Young Library, and the arboretum. The University Archives are open for research.

Visitor Information: Pick up a campus map at the Visitor Center at 181 Funkhouser Dr. Free 90-minute parking available.

The sprawling campus of the University of Kentucky offers plenty to see for free. Take a self-guided walking tour around the gorgeous buildings and gardens of the campus. Campus highlights include the John Jacobs Jacobson House, a castle-like structure, Memorial Hall with its imposing columns, and the modern William T. Young Library.

Art enthusiasts will want to spend time in the University of Kentucky Art Museum which has no admission fee. The museum’s permanent collection includes works by prominent Kentucky artists.

Outdoor enthusiasts can explore the Arboretum’s “Kentucky Garden” which showcases native plants and trees. A stroll through the State Botanical Garden of Kentucky is also free.

Visit Horse Farms

Name and Location: Horse country surrounding Lexington, including farms in Versailles, Midway, Georgetown and Paris.

History and Significance: The Bluegrass Region is renowned for breeding champion racehorses and show horses. Farms focus on promoting Kentucky’s equine heritage.

What to Expect: Guided tours of pristine stables, training facilities, and elite horses. Gain insight into horse care, breeding, racing, and the industry’s impact.

Visitor Information: Group tours by reservation at sites like Coolmore, Juddmonte, WinStar, and Spendthrift. Fees and hours vary.

No trip to Lexington is complete without visiting some of the city’s world-famous horse farms. Many farms allow visitors to see the horses and grounds at no cost.

Drive along the scenic roads of the Kentucky Horse Park to see horses grazing in the paddocks. Stop at Three Chimneys Farm for a closeup view of the resident racehorses. Old Friends Farm offers free public tours daily where you can meet retired champion racehorses up close in their peaceful paddocks.

For a directory of horse farms open for tours, pick up a Bluegrass Horse Country guide published free by VisitLEX.

Attend a Free Concert

Name and Location: Live music performances at venues across Lexington like Cheapside Pavilion, Triangle Park, Masterson Station Park, and others.

History and Significance: Lexington offers free community concerts throughout the warmer months, especially on summer weekends. They draw local and regional talent.

What to Expect: Venues range from outdoor parks and plazas to indoor theaters. Performers represent diverse genres like rock, country, folk, jazz and more.

Visitor Information: Check the local event calendars. Bring chairs or blankets to outdoor shows. No admission fee.

Lexington has a thriving local music scene. In the warmer months, you can often catch free outdoor concerts around town.

The popular Friday Night Live at Fifth Third Pavilion located at Cheapside Park brings local bands to an outdoor stage. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and your own food and drinks to enjoy the free show.

Thursday Night Live offers a similar outdoor concert series at Moondance Amphitheater at Beaumont Park.

For indoor shows, head to Cosmic Charlie’s or The Burl which often have free music on weeknights or happy hours.

Explore Parks

Name and Location: Lexington has over 100 parks ranging from small neighborhood greens to large recreational areas.

History and Significance: Notable parks include McConnell Springs, the Arboretum, Jacobson Park, Meadowbrook Park, Woodland Park, and Veterans Park downtown. Well-loved community hubs.

What to Expect: Open green spaces, walking trails, playgrounds, nature preserves, sports facilities, picnic shelters, swimming pools, disc golf, and dog parks. Free to use.

Visitor Information: Parks open daily dawn to dusk unless otherwise posted.

Lexington has over 100 beautiful parks perfect for an afternoon stroll or picnic.

Walk along the 1.5 mile loop at Jacobson Park which winds alongside wooded creeks. Rent a pedal boat for the afternoon at Lakewood Park or play a round of disc golf.

The Arboretum is a free living museum spanning 100 acres with gardens showcasing global ecosystems and native flora. Kids will enjoy the natural playscapes at Wellington Park and Castlewood Park.

For an urban oasis, transverse the walking paths at Thoroughbred Park downtown or Triangle Park. Ashland Park makes a great spot for a family picnic or game of kickball.

Attend a Festival

Name and Location: Lexington hosts various cultural festivals downtown and in neighborhood parks.

History and Significance: Examples include Festival of the Bluegrass, Roots & Heritage Festival, PRIDE Festival, Festival Latino, and the Fourth of July Festival.

What to Expect: Live music, food trucks, arts/crafts vendors, entertainment, activities, and community spirit. Spotlights local talent.

Visitor Information: Held on weekends in public parks and streets. Free but bring money for food/items.

Lexington loves a good festival and hosts many free local events throughout the year.

In May, enjoy live music, craft beer, and street food at the Festival of the Bluegrass held at Kentucky Horse Park campgrounds.

July 4th brings free patriotic concerts, food vendors and the best fireworks display of the year during the Pepsi Independence Festival at Masterson Station Park.

September’s Roots and Heritage Festival celebrates Appalachian culture with live music, craft vendors, historical exhibits and kids activities.

Foodies flock to the Lexington Taco Crawl each August which offers free music and taco samples from local restaurants in downtown venues.

Tour Historic Homes

Name and Location: Notable Lexington historic homes include Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, and Waveland State Historic Site.

History and Significance: These antebellum mansions provide insight into 19th century life. Ashland was home to statesman Henry Clay. Waveland exhibits the lifestyles of early Lexington settlers.

What to Expect: Guided tours of ornate period furnishings, portraits, decorative objects and gardens. Gift shops on-site with history mementos.

Visitor Information: Located on Richmond Rd and Bryan Station Rd respectively. Tour schedules and fees online.

Lexington and the surrounding Bluegrass region are teeming with picturesque historic homes that offer free tours.

In downtown Lexington, stop by the Mary Todd Lincoln House, where the former First Lady lived as a young bride in the 1800s. Wander the rooms of this Georgian mansion turned museum exhibiting period furniture and artifacts from Mary Todd Lincoln’s life.

Drive about 20 minutes outside Lexington to visit Latrobe at Pope Villa, a Greek Revival home, or Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, nestled on lush grounds that once belonged to the 19th century statesman.

In nearby Paris, tour Duncan Tavern, a late 1800s stagecoach stop, or Clay Hill, an 1810 brick farmhouse showcasing antique furnishings.

Many historic homes rotate tour availability by day and season, so check online calendars before visiting.

Hike or Bike Trails

Name and Location: The Legacy Trail runs between downtown Lexington and Georgetown. Other trails include Masterson Station Park and Coldstream Park.

History and Significance: Lexington’s scenic trails allow for pedestrian and bicycle recreation through parks, woods, and along restored railway lines. Some connect nature to city.

What to Expect: Paved multi-use paths ideal for walking, jogging, cycling. Benches along the way provide resting spots to take in views. Mile markers track distance.

Visitor Information: Trails open daily dawn to dusk. Some trails allow leashed dogs.

Lexington has an ever-expanding network of multi-use trails perfect for hiking, jogging or biking for free.

Walk or pedal along the 1.5 mile Legacy Trail running from downtown to the Kentucky Horse Park. Link up with the extensive Masterson Station Park trail network for miles of wooded and meadow scenery.

For an urban pathway, follow the South Elkhorn Trail from Masterson Station Park to Duck Pond Drive, a 2.5 mile route. Ride along the protected bike lanes on Midland Avenue and Third Street downtown.

Rent a bike cheaply from Broke Spoke Community Bike Shop downtown to access even more mileage on two wheels around town.

Tour Distilleries

Name and Location: Distillery tours offered near Lexington include Buffalo Trace, Woodford Reserve, Wild Turkey, and Town Branch.

History and Significance: The Bluegrass Region produces world-famous bourbons. Tours offer heritage insights and production details. Most are located on historic properties.

What to Expect: Behind-the-scenes views of facilities like mash houses, rickhouses, and bottling lines. Tastings of premium bourbons often included. Gift shops on-site.

Visitor Information: Tours range from $10-50 per person. Dates/times vary by distillery. Reservations often required.

Lexington sits at the heart of Kentucky Bourbon country. While some distilleries charge for tours, there are several that offer complimentary tours in the Lexington area.

Learn about bourbon history and production methods at Wild Turkey Distillery in Lawrenceburg or Buffalo Trace in Frankfort. Try the free tours at new tequila and bourbon producer Dueling Barrels Brewery right downtown.

Many distilleries don’t require reservations for their free tours. But for others like Woodford Reserve and Town Branch, free tour tickets book up quickly online.

Browse Art Galleries

Name and Location: Lexington’s gallery scene is clustered downtown and in the Distillery District.

History and Significance: A strong local arts community showcases regional artists across mediums like painting, sculpture, fiber arts, photography, and more.

What to Expect: Rotating fine art exhibits in formal gallery settings. Some galleries host opening receptions during Gallery Hop weekends. Art also on display in non-traditional public spaces.

Visitor Information: Pick up gallery guides at VisitLEX or find listings online. Most located downtown or the Distillery District. Free admission.

Lexington is gaining national attention for its vibrant arts scene. Get a taste by browsing the many small downtown art galleries for free.

The idyllic North Limestone arts district contains an array of hip galleries in repurposed warehouses and industrial spaces. Don’t miss Institute 193, CRSA, Alley Gallery, Living Arts & Science Center and the NoLi CDC windows.

The University of Kentucky Art Museum at UK’s campus offers free admission to view their acclaimed collection. The Headley-Whitney Museum in the pink Georgian mansion houses an eccentric collection ranging from dollhouses to seashells.

Explore Aviation History

Name and Location: Aviation Museum of Kentucky located at Blue Grass Airport.

History and Significance: This museum preserves Kentucky’s aviation heritage through exhibits spotlighting pioneer aviators, wartime flight, and airmail history. Educational programs offered.

What to Expect: Aircraft displays include prop planes, a Boeing jetliner cockpit, and a restored 1940s control tower. Interpretive exhibits utilize photos, models, and artifacts.

Visitor Information: Located at 4000 Terminal Dr. Open Tuesday-Saturday 10am-5pm. Admission is $10 for adults, discounted for seniors, students, and children.

Lexington’s aviation history comes alive at two museums with no admission fee. The Aviation Museum of Kentucky located at the Blue Grass Airport displays over 40 aircraft ranging from pioneer airplanes to military jets, many of which you can climb aboard.

At the Vintage Aircraft Museum next to the airport, see restored civilian planes and even sit in the cockpit of a Boeing Stearman biplane. The hangar exhibits focus on Kentucky’s aviation industrial history. Access is free on Saturdays.

Search for Street Art

Name and Location: Lexington’s street art can be found concentrated downtown and in the Distillery District.

History and Significance: In recent years, Lexington has embraced street art and murals as creative placemaking. Artworks add character while highlighting local talent.

What to Expect: Vibrant, colorful murals, many with community themes. Smaller pieces may be tucked along alleys and buildings. Useful to take a guided mural tour.

Visitor Information: Get mural maps from VisitLEX or local street art blogs. New art constantly added.

Over 50 colorful murals and street art installations grace the sides of downtown Lexington buildings. Grab a free printed guide from VisitLEX or follow a mural walking tour map online to spot them all.

Highlights include the five-story horses galloping up a parking structure wall, the butterfly wings mural on Short Street, and the intricate Abraham Lincoln piece hidden down an alleyway off Short Street. The street art changes regularly, so keep your eyes peeled for new additions.

Attend a Free Lecture or Class

Name and Location: Free lectures and classes offered across Lexington at the university, public library, parks, and more.

History and Significance: Lexington has a wealth of knowledge to share for free with both residents and visitors looking to learn new skills or enrich their perspective.

What to Expect: Lectures cover topics ranging from history to science to culture. Hands-on classes may teach cooking, gardening, arts and crafts. Registration often required.

Visitor Information: Check event calendars on the internet.

Lexington offers many opportunities for free learning. The University of Kentucky hosts frequent free public lectures throughout the year covering diverse topics. Browse their calendar of events online to find lectures suited to your interests.

The Lexington Public Library hosts the Athenaeum speaker series featuring lectures on local history. The library also offers many free workshops and classes ranging from computer skills to sewing to grant writing.

The Living Arts and Science Center provides free adult art classes with free childcare provided concurrently. No art experience needed to join the painting workshops.

Conclusion

With its historic charm, creative spirit, and access to the natural beauty of thoroughbred country, Lexington offers visitors much to see and experience for free. Whether you’re eager to immerse yourself in local history and culture or simply want to enjoy the outdoors, Lexington’s many parks, trails, galleries and museums offer an engaging visit that won’t break the budget. Use this guide to craft your own Bluegrass adventure full of free and memorable activities.