Spend a Summer Day in Lexington, Kentucky

Lexington, Kentucky is located in Central Kentucky, in the heart of Horse Country. Many celebrated racehorses have a connection to Lexington, whether they were born, trained or raced here.Through this itinerary, guests will see why racehorses thrive in Lexington, and check out some of the area’s most charming pit stops!

This itinerary is based on tour availability in summer and fall of 2026.

TOUR

7:30 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.

Begin your morning at Keeneland with the sunrise tour, arriving bright and early to watch the first racehorses train on the track. Keeneland isn’t just a destination on race days, guests from all over visit throughout the year to watch morning training. This exclusive tour offers a behind-the-scenes look at how racehorses prepare for their big day, and showcases iconic vantage points throughout the grounds. Many famous racehorses, including the 2026 Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo, call Keeneland home between races.

The Sunrise Training tour is offered at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Click here to learn more and book your tour.

EXPLORE

9 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Next, make your way to the Track Kitchen on Keeneland’s grounds. The Keeneland Track Kitchen is a beloved staple known for its feel good meals and southern hospitality. Many jockeys, exercise riders, and trainers grab breakfast here after morning training concludes. so guests may find themselves dining alongside racing royalty. Before you leave, be sure to visit the Keeneland Shop and pick up a souvenir to commemorate your visit.

The Track Kitchen is open from 5 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Friday and 5 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Click here to learn more.

The Keeneland Shop is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Click here to learn more.

TOUR

10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Just a short drive from Keeneland is Mill Ridge Farm. Mill Ridge Farm is home to a successful broodmare band, yearlings, and three stallions. This experience shows guests the many stages of a well-rounded Thoroughbred breeding operation, from mares and foals to yearlings and stallions. Plus, you’ll learn more about the history of this family owned and operated farm, dating back to 1962.

The Mill Ridge Farm tour is offered everyday at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. Click here to learn more and book your tour.

Mill Ridge Farm is 4.1 miles (8 minutes) from Keeneland Racecourse.

EAT

12:30 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.

Stop by the locally owned Red State BBQ for lunch located on the outskirts of Lexington. This hidden gem has been a local staple since 2010, and has even been featured in Southern Living! Make sure to try their special edition BBQ sauces.

Red State BBQ is about a 25 minute drive from Mill Ridge Farm, and about 5 minutes from Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

TOUR

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m.

Haygard Equine Medical Institute just celebrated their 150 year anniversary serving Lexington’s equine community. Hagyard is committed to caring for all equines, providing precise medical attention, cutting edge surgery and dedicated routine care for their patients. Guests will experience their many different clinics including surgery, internal medicine and the intensive care unit, getting a unique look at how horses of all breeds and ages are cared for.

Hagyard Equine Medical offers tours Wednesday and Friday at 1:30 pm. Click here to learn more and book your tour.

Note: This itinerary is a suggestion only and is based on a sample of what tours may be available in summer and fall of 2026. Each Horse Country tour requires that guests be ticketed in advance. Tickets are available for purchase at www.visithorsecountry.com or by calling 859-963-1004. Though this info has been researched & is being shared in good faith, tour availability is subject to change.