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Kentucky Horse Park

Part of the state park system, the Horse Park is separately managed, and with good reason since it is far more than your average recreation site. The complex, which is part living museum, part working horse farm and part fairgrounds, covers over 1,200 acres in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky. Admission includes numerous daily events, such as the Parade of Breeds and the Hall of Champions, and there are several museums with exhibits to tour. The park also offers horseback and wagon rides for an extra fee. Check the event times and schedule your visit around them, then spend the rest of the day exploring the barns and admiring the gorgeous animals.

Though located in the heart of Thoroughbred country the park is home to roughly 50 different breeds of horses. On most days there are actual horse shows, competitions or games being held on the grounds so be sure to take those in as well. The park does have a cafe on property if you need to refuel since your visit will take most of the day and of course, they have a huge gift shop. My only complaint was the paucity of interpretive signage, even though I know a bit about horses I still wanted a lot more information. And no, you don’t have to be a horse person to enjoy this park.

Phone: (859) 233-4303
Address: 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington KY 40511

Roosts

Kentucky Horse Park Campground

This large campground is adjacent to the Horse Park and shares the same beautiful grounds of rolling grassland. The campground consists of several loops with large trees which provide some shade for the campsites. The campground has a large camp store with gifts, groceries, and other basic sundries as well as recreation opportunities like basketball, volleyball, and a swimming pool. The bathhouses and laundry facilities were clean and seemed large enough to handle the crowds. And the campground can get crowded especially during a large horse show or event. Hint: There is a back road from the campground that leads to the various arenas, polo grounds and steeplechase courses.

During our stay we walked over in the afternoons to watch a horse show taking place in one of the arenas, at no charge. Caution: None of the sites in the campground have sewer hook-ups but the campground does have a large dump station. Also, there will be a fair amount of construction happening at the park as they prepare for the World Equestrian Games in 2010.

Phone: (859) 233-4303
Address: 4089 Iron Works Parkway, Lexington KY 40511