10 Sights & Landmarks in Kentucky That You Shouldn't Miss

Horse Racing's Living History Museum! At Old Friends, the non-profit Thoroughbred Retirement Center in Georgetown, KY, the horses may not be racing anymore, but they are winners everyday. Founded in 2003 by former Boston Globe film critic Michael Blowen, Old Friends cares for more than 200 horses, many of them stallions whose racing and breeding careers came to an end. A "Rural Hall of Fame", the farm welcomes visitors to get up close and personal with such stars of the turf as Kentucky Derby and Preakness winners Silver Charm and War Emblem, Belmont Stakes winners Sarava and Touch Gold, millionaire gelding Arson Squad, and many more. Hear their stories, meet them in person...Er..Horse. Our guests come to visit a few ex-racehorses, they leave having been touched by the heart of a Thoroughbred hero. March 15th through November 4th, tours are daily at 10 am, 1 pm & 3 pm. Winter hours at our Kentucky farm November 4th through March 14th - one tour daily at 11:00 only.

The Conrad-Caldwell House Museum is a historic, Victorian mansion located in the heart of Old Louisville on St. James Court. It is one of the finest examples of Richardsonian Romanesque architecture and was the masterpiece of famed local architect Arthur Loomis of Clarke & Loomis. Surrounded by a beautiful courtyard neighborhood at the center of the largest collection of Victorian Homes in the US, "Conrad's Castle" featured all the latest innovations of its day, including interior plumbing and electric lighting. Known for its beautiful woodwork and parquet floors, this massive Bedford limestone home, covered with gargoyles, beautiful archways, and elaborate stone designs, incorporated 7 types of hardwoods and magnificent stained glass windows in the interior design, making it one of the most stunning homes in Old Louisville. The Museum has been lovingly restored to the Edwardian Age, housing a massive collection of period items including many original pieces.

**In order to promote the healthiest and safest possible experience for all guests and farm staff, please know Claiborne is enacting the following protocol for our tours: If you do not feel well, or are experiencing any symptoms of COVID19, please do not attend the tour. Visitor Center protocol: The farm will provide hand sanitizer in the Visitor Center. The Visitor Center will be limited to 10 guests at a time. Employees and guests are encouraged to wear masks while in the Visitor Center. Credit card payments will not be handled by the cashier. Surfaces will be cleaned every hour or between tour groups. Food samples have been removed and apparel cannot be tried on. Tour protocol: The farm is hosting modified group sizes to ensure social distancing practices can be managed. The farm requires that all guests wear a mask for the duration of the tour. The shuttle on the All Farm Shuttle Tour will be wiped down after each tour.

Come and visit Ashford Stud, international breeding giant Coolmore’s home in the Blue Grass. Coolmore also have large operations in Ireland and Australia, making us one of the biggest bloodstock players globally. Behind Ashford’s historic stone walls you will find some of the most sought-after horseflesh in the world as well as a storied history. Our iconic stallion barns are home to Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup Classic hero AMERICAN PHAROAH along with the likes of Kentucky Derby winner FUSAICHI PEGASUS and record breaking freshman sire UNCLE MO. Come and see why Coolmore’s farms around the world have earned the moniker of the Home of Champions. We do our best to let fans see American Pharoah and our other champions, however, no guarantees can be made for any particular tour - showings are pending the health and welfare of the animals. For the same reason, we're unable to allow feeding of the horses during tours. No pets are allowed on property.

Sun Valley Farm is one of the most picturesque thoroughbred breeding farms in Woodford County, Ky. Located less than one minute from world famous Woodford Reserve Distillery, the Sun Valley Tour is a unique blend of the rich histories of bourbon and thoroughbred racing. Your tour will take you through our beautiful Kentucky landscape of endless fields of green, spring-fed streams, and fences as far as the eye can see. Prepare to discover "up close" the majesty of the Thoroughbred, and the dedication and attention to detail involved in their development from day one. Family owned and operated for more than 20 years, Sun Valley Farm is a true passion for the Butzer family and is home to Thoroughbred broodmares responsible for producing more than 200 stakes horses worldwide. Explore the history of the land, the 1800's bourbon connection, and the inner-workings of day to day life on Sun Valley Farm. March Tours Daily at 1 PM OR check out the "Limited Edition" Teeny Time Tour at 3 PM.

The only park of its kind in the world, the Kentucky Horse Park is a working horse farm, educational theme park and equine competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse. Set on more than 1,200 acres in the heart of the Kentucky's famous Bluegrass region, the park is THE place to get close to horses! Featuring dozens of breeds of horse at work and at play, the park showcases the horse in daily equine presentations, horse drawn tours, horseback and pony rides, and an array of horse shows and special events throughout the year. The park's International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian Affiliate, is the world's largest equestrian museum. Offering both the experienced horseman and novice an opportunity to explore the many facets of humanity's relationship with the horse, the museum is dedicated to all breeds and disciplines of horse and covers some 50-million years of equine history. State-of-the-art technology complements rare artifacts and scholarly research to present a unique, educational, museum experience for all ages. The American Saddlebred Museum, the Showplace for Saddlebreds, celebrates Kentucky's first native breed of horse. The museum features interactive exhibits and a movie. With the park's own tourist activities and the numerous additional horse shows that take place in the equine competition facilities throughout the year, there can be a fair amount of walking involved, depending on visitor interest level. Comfortable shoes and clothing is recommended, appropriate for Kentucky's seasonal weather. Dogs and other pets are permitted on park grounds, as long as they are on a leash or in an approved carrier, although they may not be permitted in some buildings.

The site of celebrated statesman Henry Clay's original 672-acre estate that once grew hemp, tobacco and grain is now a museum and National Historic Landmark, where visitors can tour the reconstructed 18-room mansion, grounds and beautiful gardens. *New for 2019: We now allow non-flash photography on all of our tours!*

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a landmark destination rooted in the spirit of the Kentuckians that called this place home for more than a century. Discover inspiring legacies, fresh-air adventures and spirited hospitality throughout Shaker Village's 3,000 acres. Onsite amenities include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, historical exhibitions and tours, a farm and garden area, a nature preserve, multi-use trail system, riverboat rides, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events.