Kentucky
Our visit to Lexington, Kentucky, offered the perfect mix of adventure and family-friendly experiences. Known for its deep equestrian roots, Lexington is home to the Kentucky Horse Park, where we enjoyed learning about horse culture and seeing some incredible champion horses up close. A short drive away, we also explored the Ark Encounter, an awe-inspiring, full-sized replica of Noah’s Ark that captivated us all. Between the rolling horse pastures and unique attractions, Lexington quickly won us over with its charm and variety.
Kentucky Horse Park
If you’re a horse lover or traveling with family, Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, Kentucky is a must-visit destination. It’s not only a working horse farm but also an educational theme park that offers a rare chance to dive into the world of horses and understand their rich history, their vital roles in human society, and the essence of the equestrian lifestyle.
In winter, most of the horses enjoy time turned out in their paddocks, but they rotate through Stall-Side Chats, giving guests a chance to get up close and learn about these incredible animals. You can visit the International Museum of the Horse to explore the history of horses worldwide, or stop by the American Saddlebred Museum for a closer look at this distinctive American breed. Additionally, a stop at the Wrigley Media Theater for the short film Rein of Nobility gives a visual insight into the elegance and nobility of the equestrian world.
Kentucky Horse Park is designed to be both educational and enjoyable, providing families and horse enthusiasts with an interactive experience that celebrates these majestic animals.
Here are the highlights of Kentucky Horse Park that made our visit unforgettable:
Hall of Champions
One of the most popular attractions, where we got to see champion racehorses up close, including past winners of the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, and Breeders’ Cup.
Each horse is introduced with a backstory, making it easy to appreciate their impressive achievements.
International Museum of the Horse
This museum dives deep into the role of horses throughout history and across cultures.
It features exhibits on horse evolution, global breeds, and their use in agriculture, sports, and war, along with hands-on exhibits that kept the kids entertained.
Parade of Breeds
Normally a live show showcasing horse breeds from around the world, each in traditional attire, however was a stall-chat for the winter and rain.
This was both informative and visually captivating, with details on each breed's unique characteristics and cultural roles.
Breeds Barn and Big Barn
The Breeds Barn houses horses of various breeds, offering a chance to see and learn about these incredible animals up close.
The Big Barn, built in 1897, is one of the largest horse barns in the U.S. and captures the rich history of horses in Kentucky.
Kids Barn and Petting Zoo
Designed with kids in mind, this barn has interactive exhibits where children can learn about horses, grooming, and caretaking.
The petting zoo was a hit with our family, as the kids could interact with smaller animals up close.
Man o' War Memorial
A tribute to Man o' War, one of the most legendary racehorses in history. The statue and memorial highlight his incredible contributions to horse racing.
Mounted Police Barn
Our favorite barn chat! Here, we learned about how police horses are trained and cared for.
The officers and horses were so friendly and answered all of our kids' questions. Emmie left with a new dream job—she now wants to be a mounted police officer!
Emmie’s love for horses has always been deep, but during our stay, it grew even stronger—something I didn’t think was possible! Every horse we saw brought a look of pure awe to her face, like a child on Christmas morning. She was completely captivated by their beauty, strength, and grace, soaking in every moment she could spend with them. Whether it was learning their names, feeding them, or just standing in quiet admiration, her joy was contagious. Watching her fall even more in love with these majestic animals was such a special part of our trip.
Ark Encounter
It sounds like you’re referring to the Ark Encounter in Kentucky, which is located in Williamstown, about halfway between Lexington and Cincinnati. The Ark Encounter is a popular attraction, especially for families and kids. Ark Encounter is open 9-6 daily except closed Sundays.
Here are some highlights of what you can expect there:
Life-Size Noah's Ark
The main attraction is a full-size replica of Noah's Ark, built to the dimensions specified in the Bible (510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high). It’s the largest timber-frame structure in the world and gives a sense of the scale of the Biblical story.
Three Levels of Exhibits
The Ark has three decks of exhibits, explaining the story of Noah, the flood, and what life might have been like aboard the Ark. There are interactive displays, life-like animal replicas, and plenty of information on how Noah and his family could have taken care of all the animals.
Ararat Ridge Zoo
Outside the Ark, there is a petting zoo and a larger zoo area called Ararat Ridge Zoo. Kids can interact with animals like goats and see more exotic animals such as kangaroos and emus.
Playgrounds
There’s a large playground on-site for younger kids to run around and have fun after exploring the exhibits. It’s a great place to let the kids burn off some energy.
Virtual Reality Experience
For an additional cost, there is a virtual reality experience called “Truth Traveler,” which takes you on a journey back in time to experience the Ark’s construction and the flood.
Daily Live Shows and Presentations
Throughout the day, there are live animal presentations and talks that can give kids a deeper understanding of the animals and the story of the Ark.
Dining Options
There are several dining options available, including a large buffet-style restaurant called Emzara's Kitchen, which offers a variety of family-friendly meal options. We choose to bring our own lunch and saved money but the food smelled so good when we walked the property.
Gift Shops
There are several gift shops where you can find Ark-themed merchandise, books, toys, and souvenirs.
Tips for Visiting with Kids
Plan for a Full Day: The Ark Encounter has a lot to see and do, so plan to spend a full day there.
Dress Comfortably: There’s a lot of walking involved, so wear comfortable shoes.
Weather: Much of the experience is indoors, but the zoo and some other attractions are outside. Be sure to dress for the weather, especially in November when temperatures can be cooler.
Tickets: Tickets can be purchased online in advance to save time at the entrance. There are also combination tickets available if you’re interested in visiting the nearby Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky. Since we only had one day, we choose the Ark but would have loved to visit the Creation Museum also.
The Creation Museum in Petersburg, Kentucky, is a popular attraction that presents a biblical perspective on the history of the world, with exhibits that depict the story of creation, Noah’s Ark, the Garden of Eden, and more. It’s located about 45 minutes away from the Ark Encounter, making it a great complementary visit for those interested in exploring the Bible’s stories in detail.
The kid’s favorite Ark facts they learned during our visit!
The Ark Was Huge
The Ark was as long as 1.5 football fields (510 feet!), as wide as a basketball court (85 feet), and as tall as a four-story building (51 feet)! Imagine how many animals that could hold!
Two of Every Animal
Noah was asked to bring two of every kind of animal onto the Ark, so they could repopulate the Earth after the flood. That’s a lot of animals—everything from tiny bugs to big elephants!
Seven of Some Animals
Some animals, like birds and certain “clean” animals, were actually brought in groups of seven instead of just two. This was to make sure there would be enough for sacrifices and food later on.
The Flood Lasted for 40 Days and 40 Nights
It rained non-stop for 40 days and 40 nights! That’s like having the heaviest rainstorm you can imagine happening for over a month!
Noah Was 600 Years Old
According to the Bible, Noah was 600 years old when he built the Ark and led the animals on board. Talk about wisdom and strength!
The Ark Didn’t Have a Steering Wheel
The Ark didn’t have a rudder or steering wheel. Noah and his family had to trust that God would guide them safely through the storm.
The Ark Had Three Levels
The Ark had three levels to make room for everyone. The bottom level was for heavy animals, the middle for smaller animals, and the top for Noah and his family.
A Long Time on the Ark
Noah, his family, and all the animals stayed on the Ark for about a year before it was safe to come out. They had to wait for the floodwaters to go down!
Doves as Messengers
To check if the water had dried up, Noah sent out a dove. When it returned with an olive branch, Noah knew there was dry land and that the Earth was beginning to recover.
The First Rainbow
After the flood, God sent the first rainbow as a promise to Noah that He would never flood the Earth again. Rainbows are still reminders of this promise!
Where we stayed
Staying at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground was such a treat for our family! The kids absolutely loved being right next to the playground—they were outside playing every chance they got, which made it easy for them to burn off energy while we relaxed. I loved it, too, because I could keep an eye on them from our campsite and enjoy some downtime. The campground was spacious, clean, and had all the amenities we needed, plus the added bonus of being surrounded by beautiful horse pastures and trails. It was the perfect family-friendly spot for us to enjoy the outdoors and have a memorable stay.
Where we ate
Since we splurged in Chicago, we choose not to eat out in Lexington EXCEPT for ice cream that came highly recommended by locals!
Crank & Boom Craft Ice Cream in Lexington, KY, is one of my favorite spots for a sweet treat. Located in the Distillery District, the shop has a fun, vibrant look with a colorful mural featuring giant ice cream cones that instantly puts you in the mood for dessert. Inside, it’s cozy and inviting—perfect for families or a casual outing. Their menu is full of unique flavors made with local ingredients; my top picks are the Bourbon & Honey, which has a touch of Kentucky tradition, and the refreshing Kentucky Blackberry & Buttermilk. Each scoop is rich and flavorful, and the shop itself is a cool blend of industrial charm and creative flair, making every visit a treat.
As our time in Lexington, Kentucky, comes to a close, we’re leaving with unforgettable memories of beautiful horse farms, inspiring experiences at the Kentucky Horse Park, and the wonder of seeing the Ark Encounter up close. This charming city offered us the perfect blend of history, adventure, and family-friendly activities, leaving us refreshed and ready for our next destination. Now, we’re off to Pigeon Forge, excited for new adventures and eager to see what this next stop has in store for us!