Immersing yourself in the culture and traditions of Kentucky’s Bluegrass region is as simple as pulling into the Kentucky Horse Park Campground. The 100-acre campground is a great place to start explorations of the legendary horse country.
For decades the Bluegrass region has attracted visitors to the area to experience thoroughbred racing’s roots. Horse farms abound in the region, which is also home to stables from which many racing legends have come. In the middle of this equine history is the Kentucky Horse Park.
Dedicated to man’s relationship with the horse, the KenÂtucky Horse Park is unlike any other park in the world,” said Kerry Howe, Marketing director. “Nearly 30 different breeds of horses graze upon our 1,200 acres. Families can get in the saddle at our Horseback trail rides, pet one of our Kentucky Derby champions, camp at the Kentucky Horse Park Campground, and visit the sonian affiliated International Museum of the Horse.”
The campground can accommodate 260 campers at a time. Howe said about half of the campground guests are there to attend some of the special events the Horse Park hosts each year, The other half are tourists. Busiest times are spring and summer, especially during special events and holidays.
About half of our guests are here for special events that take place at the Kentucky Horse Park and the other have are tourists. The campground stays busy during the spring and summer seasons, especially during major events and holidays.
The most popular events include equestrian competitions such as the Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event. Others include Breyerfest, Halloween Campouts and the Festival of the Bluegrass.
The campground sites have 50/30/20 amp electric and water. All sites are 55' paved back-ins with fire rings and picnic tables. Two dump stations are provided at the exit.
The campground at Kentucky Horse Park graciously accommodates 260 campsites. [Photo/Kentucky Horse Park]
The campground also has electric primitive and primitive available for those wishing for a more rustic stay, Howe added.
Campers have access to a Junior Olympic-size swimming pool, tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, and access to Legacy Trail. This 12-mile-long paved walking and biking trail leads from the Kentucky Horse Park Campground to downtown Lexington.
Other amenities include a grocery and gift store, two bathhouses, and upgraded Wi-Fi. A discounted rate and free parking is offered to the Kentucky Horse Park for campers.
“KHP not only a premier event venue for equestrians but also an ideal location for those who love horses and for anyone that simply wants to learn more about the horse,” Howe said. “One of the great things about the Park is that is enjoyed by all ages. At the Kentucky Horse Park, visitors and exhibitors will have diverse opportunities to engage with, learn about and be enchanted by the beauty, strength and spirit of the horse.”
Much of this is showcased in one of the three museums on site - International Museum of the Horse, the American Saddlebred Museum and the Wheeler Museum. Affiliated with the sonian, the International Museum of the Horse offers guest several exhibits. Among these are the Arabian Horse Galleries, the Calumet Trophy Collection, 5 Triple Crown trophies and the newest exhibit - Black Horseman of the Kentucky Turf.
Other highlights of the Kentucky Horse Park are the Hall of Champions which features Kentucky Derby winners Funny Cide and Go For Gin, among others, and the Parade of Breeds, a show that includes music, narration and interaction between horse and rider. Every Parade of Breeds Show offers an opportunity for guests to take photos, pet the equine performers, and talk with the riders. A Kid’s Barn provides the youngest visitors with a Groom and Shine experience that teaches how to groom a horse and provides a hands on experience.
Trolley ride tours and the draft horse demonstration are options for visitors, too...
“Guests can experience the beauty of the Kentucky Horse Park on horseback at just $25 per rider,” Howe suggested. “This is a 35-minute ride for ages 7 and up. Ages 2-12 can take advantage of the pony rides for just $5. We offer multiple ride times throughout the day. Visitors can schedule their time when they enter the park at our Visitor’s Center.”
Making the Kentucky Horse Park Campground as the base camp for a visit to the region makes sense, Howe said. Nearby attractions include Keeneland Race Course, The Redmile, Churchill Downs, Old Friends, Ark Encounter, Louisville Zoo, Cincinnati Zoo, Newport Aquarium, Shaker Village, Bourbon and Craft Beer Trails, and local Equine Facility and Farm Tours through Visit Horse Country.
From now until November 3, the park is open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Live shows, demonstrations and experiences are offered daily. Admission includes the second day free, except for major events and holidays.