LEXtoday City Guide Live Banner

Lexington’s most iconic landmarks

Consider these our Hollywood signs.

Old court house in downtown lexington with big blue LEX sign out front

The original Lexington courthouse now serves as an event space, visitors center, and is home to Zim’s + the Thirsty Fox. | Photo courtesy of VisitLEX

We’ve all been there: Someone’s trying to give you directions by describing 10 lefts, 20 rights, and a jumble of cardinal directions. Isn’t it easier to just point out a landmark?

That’s exactly what we’re doing. We have 11 of the most recognizable Lexington landmarks — from The Kentucky Theatre to the Parkette sign. Not only are these local icons easy to remember, but they’ll also get you where you need to go in a jiffy.

Six bronze statues surrounded by fall trees.

Take a stroll to see the bronze horses at Thoroughbred Park. | Photo by Brett Hait, courtesy of VisitLEX

Thoroughbred Park
Address: 100 Midland Ave.
Nearby: A Cup of Common Wealth, Carson’s

Scattered throughout the park are various statues + plaques paying tribute to our rich Thorougbred horse racing tradition. The entrance to the park features the finish line of a race with the flowing fountains symbolizing the cheering of the crowd.

The facade of Henry Clay's mansion

Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate, is located off Richmond Road on Sycamore Lane. | Photo courtesy of VisitLEX

Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate
Address: 120 Sycamore Rd.
Nearby: Euclid Avenue businesses

What served as the original estate and home of Henry Clay, this piece of Lexington history now lives on as a museum + park. The surrounding grounds are a popular spot for photos with its manicured gardens and colorful flowers. It’s also a favorite for seasonal Sunday yoga classes and leisurely walks.

An outside shot of the Kentucky Theatre at night in Lexington KY

Nothing beats a bag of popcorn, your favorite flick, and some A/C on a hot summer day. | Photo by @herdlani

The Kentucky Theatre
Address: 214 E. Main St.
Nearby: Central Library, Phoenix Park

This historic theater originally opened in 1922 + recently celebrated its 100th birthday. Find classic films during the summer months, new features throughout the year, and a variety of events.

The red and green Parkette Drive In sign that says chicken, shrimp, fish boxes

RIP, Parkette Drive In, you are missed. | Photo by @ginamarieyoung + @gatheredliving

Parkette Sign
Address: 1230 E. New Circle Rd.
Nearby: Lexington Peddlers Mall, Woodhill Circle Plaza

The classic drive-in diner opened in 1952 + saw many changes and additions throughout its ~70 year lifespan in Lexington. The beloved spot closed in the summer of 2022, and while the business itself was demolished, the community favorite neon sign continues to grace the skies. The owners are working on getting a roadside historical marker for spot.

Rupp Arena
Address: 430 W. Vine St.
Nearby: Triangle Park, Bigg Blue Martini, Hyatt Hotel

Synonymous with basketball greatness, Rupp Arena is home to our Kentucky Wildcats, the Big Blue Nation, and so much more. Comedy + musical greats — like Dave Chappelle, Elton John, and New Kids on the Block — have all graced the stage there throughout the years. In 2022, the $310 million renovation to Rupp Arena and the Central Bank Center.

LEX_KentuckyHorsePark_Man O' War Statue

Welcome to the Kentucky Horse Park. | Photo by Caitlin Worth, courtesy of VisitLEX

Kentucky Horse Park
Address: 4089 Iron Works Pkwy.
Nearby: Spindletopp + Red State BBQ

Spanning over 1,200 acres, the Kentucky Horse Park is an international equestrian competition venue, home to a working horse farm, and museums. Here you can see world class competition, the towering draft horses, or hit the trails on horse or foot. Be sure to stop by during the holiday season for Southern Lights.

Mary Todd Lincoln House
Address: 578 W. Main St.
Nearby: Central Bank Center, Justins’ House of Bourbon, and Sorella Gelateria

Nestled just on the outskirts of downtown is the childhood home of former first lady Mary Todd Lincoln. It’s open seasonally (March 15-November 20), available for individual tours, kids take-home activities, and special events.

Keeneland
Address: 4201 Versailles Rd.
Nearby: Blue Grass Airport, Calumet Farm, and the city of Versailles

From the picturesque tree-lined entry way, to the thundering of hooves on the track, our historic racetrack brings thousands of fans from all over the world each year. Experience it yourself during the race meets (April + October), the various sales season, or during its quiet time for a tour, a meal, or a visit to the Keeneland Library.

A roundabout with a big bronze horse statue in the middle.

This 3,800-pound bronze Secretariat statue welcomes guests along Old Frankfort Pike. | Photo by LEXtoday

Secretariat Statue
Address: 2450 Old Frankfort Pike
Nearby: Headley Whitney Museum + various horse farms

The 3,800-lbs bronze statue of Secretariat serves as a welcome to drivers along Lexington’s national scenic byways, Old Frankfort Pike. The Visitors Viewing Area even features interpretive panels that tell stories of the area.

A tall towering statue surrounded by fountains and greenery

The Publisher welcomes visitors to Central Bank Center + Rupp Arena. | Photo courtesy of VisitLEX

Publisher
Address: 430 W. Vine St.
Nearby: Triangle Park, Bigg Blue Martini, Central Bank Center

This towering 70-ft linear sculpture originally called at Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate its home before being moved downtown in 2022. The public art piece was created by native Lexingtonian John Raymond Henry + serves as a focal point outside of the Central Bank Center.

LEX Skyline Big Blue Building

The Big Blue Building is also known as the Lexington Financial Center. | Photo by Madeline Mele

The Big Blue Building
Address: 250 W. Main St.
Nearby: Lexington Marriott City Center, Jeff Ruby’s + 21c Museum Hotel

We couldn’t release a list of local landmarks without mentioning the Lexington Financial Center building. The Big Blue Building, aka “The Tallest Building in the World” is 31 floors high + home to Fifth Third Bank.

What did we miss? If you know a landmark that’s not on the list, let us know.

Check out our other Guides
Check out these 13 yoga studios around the Horse Capital of the World, which offer everything from hot power classes to beginner sessions.
From tiny homes to 21c, Lexington is full of special places to stay that offer guests a break from traditional motels and hotels.
Whether you’re a history buff, art aficionado, or sports fan, these 13 museums in Lexington have it all.
Dining in Lexington is always a fresh experience with new restaurants popping up all the time — and more on the way.
These 10 hiking trails cater to all skill levels in and around town.
If you don’t have coffee already in hand, consider this your sign to grab some.
Explore the Horse Capital of the World through its history, food, drink, and art on these tours.
Check out some of the coolest, most unique Airbnb and Vrbo rentals around Lexington and plan for your next adventure or staycation.
When the sun’s out, the world is your workspace.
Prepare for fall weather in Lexington with these seasonal temperature and precipitation outlooks.
LEXtoday phone
Good news for Lexington.
Get the best local news & events sent to your inbox each morning, for free.