Visit Historic Kentucky

Kentucky is located in the south central United States along the west side of the Appalachian Mountains and is bordered by seven states.

The Ohio River, running along the state’s northern border, separates Kentucky from Illinois, Indiana and Ohio.  West Virginia borders Kentucky to the northeast across the Big Sandy River, and Virginia borders Kentucky to the southeast. Tennessee borders Kentucky to the south, and Missouri adjoins the extreme western edge of the state across the Mississippi River.

Kentucky is one of four U.S. states to be officially known as a commonwealth. Originally a part of Virginia, on June 1, 1792 Kentucky became the 15th state to be admitted to the Union and Isaac Shelby, a military veteran from Virginia, was elected the first Governor of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Kentucky is the 37th largest state in terms of land area, and ranks 26th in population.

Kentucky is known as the “Bluegrass State”, a nickname based on the fact that bluegrass is present in many of the lawns and pastures throughout the state. Actually, bluegrass isn’t really blue; it’s green. Although, in the spring the bluegrass produces bluish purple buds. The bluish color is particularly prominent when the wind ripples through large fields of the plant. . Kentucky is also known for Thoroughbred horses, horse racing, bourbon distilleries, bluegrass music, automobile manufacturing, tobacco and college basketball. Kentucky’s claim to being “Horse Capital of the World” is true. In Lexington and surrounding counties there are over 450 horse farms.

There are hundreds of diverse and exciting attractions ranging from Kentucky Kingdom, Newport Aquarium, Cumberland Falls and Churchill Downs, Kentucky Horse Park, Fort Boonesborough and Shaker Village, National Corvette Museum, Museum of the American Quilter’s Society and famous Berea crafts. In addition, there are hundreds of annual festivals and events.

Visitors to Lexington

• Horse Country
• Keeneland
• Kentucky Department of Tourism
• Kentucky Horse Park
• Lexington Convention & Visitors Bureau
• The Thoroughbred Center

Visitors to Louisville

• Churchill Downs
• Horse Country
• Kentucky Department of Tourism
• Kentucky Derby Festival
• Kentucky Derby Museum
• Louisville Convention & Visitors Bureau

Visitors to Northern Kentucky

• Kentucky Department of Tourism
• Northern Kentucky Convention & Visitors Bureau
• Turfway Park

Visitors To Western Kentucky

• Ellis Park
• Kentucky Department of Tourism
• Kentucky Downs