Versailles KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Versailles, Kentucky.
1. Woodford Reserve Distillery
HISTORIC BOURBON EXPERIENCE
Woodford Reserve Distillery offers visitors a traditional bourbon experience steeped in Kentucky's rich distilling history. The distillery features an Old World feel with a breathtaking tasting room where guests can sample premium bourbons. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the bourbon-making process while enjoying the picturesque surroundings of horse country.
2. WinStar Farm
PREMIER THOROUGHBRED BREEDING
WinStar Farm provides an interactive horse breeding tour amidst rolling hills of Kentucky horse country. Visitors can enjoy an intimate look at thoroughbreds, learning about their care and racing history through educational presentations. The farm offers hands-on moments with these magnificent animals, making it a must-visit for equine enthusiasts.
3. Three Chimneys Farm
ELITE THOROUGHBRED EXPERIENCE
Three Chimneys Farm welcomes visitors with guided horse farm tours featuring interactions with mares and foals. The farm provides fascinating insights into equine history and lineage of championship thoroughbreds. Guests can enjoy striking views of well-landscaped grounds and visit the notable equine cemetery where racing legends rest.
4. Lane's End
PRESTIGIOUS HORSE FARM
Lane's End stands as one of Kentucky's most prestigious thoroughbred farms with impeccably maintained grounds. Visitors can tour the facilities to see champion stallions and learn about breeding programs that have produced numerous racing champions. The farm's beautiful landscaping and professional operations offer a glimpse into the highest echelon of Kentucky horse breeding.
5. Castle & Key Distillery
RESTORED HISTORIC DISTILLERY
Castle & Key Distillery offers a lifestyle experience with beautifully restored grounds housed in a historic distillery setting. Visitors can enjoy guided tours that showcase both the distilling process and the remarkable architecture of this once-abandoned property. The distillery also features exceptional craft cocktails and a botanical garden that enhances the sensory experience.
6. The Kentucky Castle
MAJESTIC MEDIEVAL LANDMARK
The Kentucky Castle stands as a surprising medieval-inspired fortress in the rolling hills of bourbon country. This unique landmark offers tours, dining experiences, and even overnight accommodations in its regal setting. Visitors can explore the grounds, enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, and experience events ranging from bourbon tastings to medieval-themed gatherings.
7. Kentucky Horse Park
PREMIER EQUINE ATTRACTION
Kentucky Horse Park serves as a working horse farm and educational theme park celebrating all things equine. The park features multiple museums, daily horse shows, and opportunities to meet horses of different breeds up close. Visitors can explore lovely green spaces while learning about Kentucky's horse heritage through interactive exhibits and demonstrations.
8. Coolmore America Farm
HOME OF RACING LEGENDS
Coolmore America Farm offers visitors the rare opportunity to see living legends of horse racing, including Triple Crown winners American Pharoah and Justify. The farm represents the pinnacle of thoroughbred breeding, with world-class facilities and championship bloodlines. Tours provide insight into the elite world of thoroughbred racing and breeding operations that have produced multiple Kentucky Derby winners.
9. Grey Ridge Farm
COMPETITIVE TRAINING SHOWCASE
Grey Ridge Farm provides visitors with an insider's perspective on competitive horse training in the heart of Kentucky's equine country. The farm showcases gorgeous thoroughbreds in various stages of training, highlighting the dedication and expertise required in equine athletics. Visitors can witness the passion of trainers firsthand as they prepare these magnificent animals for racing careers.
10. Lexington Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Lexington Opera House stands as a beautifully preserved historic theater in downtown Lexington, just a short drive from Versailles. This ornate venue hosts a variety of performances including Broadway shows, concerts, and local productions throughout the year. Visitors can admire the stunning architectural details while enjoying world-class entertainment in an intimate setting.
11. The Arboretum
URBAN NATURE SANCTUARY
The Arboretum offers a 100-acre botanical garden and educational space showcasing Kentucky's diverse plant life and ecosystems. Visitors can stroll through themed gardens, including the Walk Across Kentucky which features native plants from different regions of the state. The sanctuary provides a peaceful retreat with walking paths, children's areas, and seasonal displays that change throughout the year.
12. Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
PRISTINE WILDERNESS TRAILS
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary preserves 734 acres of Kentucky wilderness featuring scenic trails along limestone cliffs overlooking the Kentucky River. The sanctuary protects diverse habitats including meadows, woodlands, and streams that support abundant wildlife and native plant species. Visitors can explore over 10 miles of hiking trails, visit a historic homestead, or participate in educational programs at the nature center.
13. Fayette Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Fayette Mall serves as the largest shopping center in Kentucky with over 150 stores and restaurants conveniently located near Versailles. The mall features an appealing mix of national retailers, specialty boutiques, and dining options to suit all tastes and budgets. Visitors can enjoy a complete shopping experience with entertainment options and seasonal events throughout the year.
14. Fort Boonesborough
HISTORIC PIONEER SETTLEMENT
Fort Boonesborough stands as a reconstructed pioneer settlement where Daniel Boone and other settlers established one of Kentucky's earliest European communities. The fort features living history demonstrations with costumed interpreters showcasing 18th-century skills like blacksmithing, weaving, and candle making. Visitors can explore the wooden stockade, cabins, and blockhouses while learning about the challenges and triumphs of frontier life.
15. Red River Gorge
DRAMATIC NATURAL WONDER
Red River Gorge captivates visitors with its spectacular sandstone arches, towering cliffs, and lush forested canyons within the Daniel Boone National Forest. This geological wonderland offers over 100 natural sandstone arches and numerous hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging treks. Adventure seekers can enjoy world-class rock climbing, while nature enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse plant and animal life throughout this designated National Natural Landmark.