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Horses of Kentucky

No other place in the world is as synonymous with horses as Kentucky, home to both the Horse Capital of the World (Lexington) and the Saddlebred Capital of the World (Shelbyville).

Here visitors can tour the legendary farms where the most magnificent horses in the world graze on our famed bluegrass. There is no better experience than feeling the earth shake under visitors while watching thoroughbreds race down the stretch during a horse race. 

Your clients can experience racing at several Kentucky tracks including Louisville’s Churchill Downs, home to the Kentucky Derby and Keeneland, a National Historic Landmark in Lexington.  Throughout the year, the public can watch racehorses run through their early morning workouts, followed by breakfast at the Keeneland Track Kitchen – an intimate experience that will make you feel like you are part of something very special.

If your clients 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 your clients a deeper appreciation for the animals and the sport. Or tour Old Friends Retirement Farm and get up close to former champions.  

Even if your clients don’t come to Kentucky a horse lover, they will almost certainly leave as one!

The Bourbon Experience

In Kentucky, bourbon is much more than a drink. It’s a way of life. 

Whether you’re new to bourbon or an aficionado, whether you prefer your bourbon neat or on the rocks, whether you want to eat your way through Bourbon Country or fill your own bottle there’s a bourbon experience for you in the Bluegrass State.  

In Kentucky, all paths lead to bourbon. But four in particular, Kentucky Bourbon Trail® , Kentucky Craft Bourbon Trail, Louisville’s Urban Bourbon Trail and Northern Kentucky’s B-Line, take thirsty travelers on a spirited journey to the most hallowed distilleries and bourbon bars in the nation. 

Meet master distillers, share a glass with fellow bourbon lovers and learn the stories behind your favorite bottles.
The smell of the angel’s share. The sight of rickhouses stacked to the rafters with spirits. The taste of fresh-from-the-barrel bourbon. 

A visit to a Kentucky bourbon distillery will be imprinted on your senses forever. Many of Kentucky’s more than 70 distilleries offer tours and tastings, each one of them a unique experience.

Visit during National Bourbon Heritage Month (September) to take part in festivals, concerts and bourbon-soaked events.  Discover the Spirit of Kentucky.

Outdoor Fun

Inspiring landscapes and adventures are endless in Kentucky – on land, on water and even underground. Mountains that sing with history and adventure. 

Rivers that beckon paddlers and anglers, and the longest known cave system on earth, Mammoth Cave! We have. And lakes that make Kentucky the “Houseboat Capital of the World.” All across the Bluegrass State are landscapes that call out to the adventurous. 

Hills meant for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Gorges that beckon climbers from all over the world. Waterways  where fishing, boating and splashing the summer away form lifelong memories. 

Forests that inspire ziplining, off-roading and all the thrill-seeking you can dream of. The longest known cave system on earth. And lakes that make Kentucky the “Houseboat Capital of the World.” Take a tour with Rail Explorers and experience the magic of the railroad like never before! Ride the rails on our pedal-powered 'Rail Explorers' - a unique activity suitable for everyone. Whatever type of adventure gets your heart pounding, you'll find it in Kentucky.  

Discover the legendary places and experiences that inspired Daniel Boone to proclaim: "Heaven must be a Kentucky kind of place." Here you’ll find hikes and horseback rides on rolling hills of the bluegrass. Rock formations that draw climbers from around the world.

Kentucky invites visitors and locals alike to explore the outdoor wonders of the Bluegrass State. 

From Mammoth Cave National Park to state parks throughout the state, Daniel Boone National Forest and Red River Gorge Geological Area to Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area – there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

With 45 State Parks, 30 of which feature campgrounds, the Bluegrass State is the ultimate outdoor destination. With outdoor adventure opportunities, including: hiking, biking, paddling, boating, horseback riding and more. 

The portion of the Appalachian Mountains that stretches through eastern Kentucky is easily one of the most scenic areas in the United States. The Daniel Boone National Forest in southern and eastern Kentucky is spread across 21 counties, with more than 708,000 acres managed by the national forest. Visitors can hike, camp, rock climb, boat, hunt, fish, ride, target shoot and relax.  

And the Red River Gorge Geological Area (RRG) is a very popular area that has several natural outdoor attractions that draw visitors from near and far away. World-renowned for rock climbing and rappelling opportunities, RRG is one of the top destinations for these activities in the country! 

Soar through the area on a zip line for the ultimate adventure tour. Visit Natural Bridge, a beautiful 78-footlong sandstone arch located within RRG – it’s one of the most visited attractions in the state. Or take a nature hike to one of the area’s many waterfalls.

Miles of shoreline along lakes around the state (some within state parks and others not) offer water recreation opportunities for the whole family, such as Buckhorn Lake, Dale Hollow Lake, Grayson Lake, Lake Cumberland, Nolin Lake and more. Another can’t miss outdoor destination is the Land Between the Lakes National Recreation Area in western Kentucky, which offers wildlife viewing, nature hikes, paddling or kayaking through waterways, fishing adventures and more.