Nicholasville KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Nicholasville, Kentucky.
1. Taylor Made Farm
THOROUGHBRED HORSE PARADISE
Taylor Made Farm is a sprawling 1,300-acre Thoroughbred paradise located in Nicholasville where visitors are treated like family upon arrival. Guests can experience firsthand what it takes to operate a premier horse breeding and training facility in the heart of Kentucky's horse country. The farm offers guided tours that showcase championship horses and provides an authentic glimpse into the prestigious world of Thoroughbred racing.
2. Camp Nelson National Monument
CIVIL WAR HISTORICAL SITE
Camp Nelson National Monument preserves a significant Civil War site that served as a U.S. Army supply depot and training center, playing an integral role in ending slavery in Kentucky. The monument features a visitor center, museum, reconstructed barracks, and over five miles of walking trails set in picturesque landscape. This National Park Service site honors the 10,000 formerly enslaved African American men who self-emancipated by enlisting in the United States Colored Troops, along with their families who sought refuge here.
3. Valley View Ferry
HISTORIC RIVER CROSSING
Valley View Ferry is a historic transportation landmark that continues to serve travelers crossing the Kentucky River between Jessamine and Madison counties. As one of the oldest continuously operating businesses in the United States, the ferry offers visitors a charming glimpse into Kentucky's transportation history. The short ferry ride provides beautiful views of the Kentucky River and surrounding landscape, making it both a practical crossing and a delightful experience.
4. First Vineyard
HISTORIC WINE ESTATE
First Vineyard holds the distinction of being America's first commercial vineyard, established in 1798 by Swiss immigrant John James Dufour. Visitors can tour this historic property where Kentucky's wine heritage began and sample wines produced on this storied estate. The vineyard combines historical significance with a modern wine experience, offering a unique perspective on America's viticultural beginnings.
5. Wild Lights KY
DAZZLING LIGHT DISPLAY
Wild Lights KY offers visitors an enchanting light display experience that transforms the night landscape into a magical wonderland. This family-friendly attraction features creative light installations that delight visitors of all ages during select seasons. The walking path takes guests through a series of illuminated scenes and interactive displays that create perfect photo opportunities and lasting memories.
6. Connemara Golf Course
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Connemara Golf Course provides golfers with a challenging and scenic playing experience in the rolling hills of Kentucky's bluegrass region. The well-maintained course features beautiful landscapes, strategically placed hazards, and expertly designed holes that test players of all skill levels. After a round, visitors can enjoy the clubhouse amenities and take in views of the surrounding countryside.
7. Luna's Coffee, Wine and Butterfly Cafe
UNIQUE DINING EXPERIENCE
Luna's Coffee, Wine and Butterfly Cafe offers a distinctive dining experience where visitors can enjoy charcuterie, salads, and specialty drinks in a charming atmosphere. This unique establishment combines the pleasures of coffee culture and wine appreciation in one delightful location. The butterfly theme adds a whimsical touch to the cafe, creating a memorable setting for relaxation and refreshment in downtown Nicholasville.
8. KCAL Old Time Radio Troupe
NOSTALGIC LIVE ENTERTAINMENT
KCAL Old Time Radio Troupe has been delighting audiences since 2014 with their creative reproductions of classic radio shows with a unique twist. Their performances offer wholesome family entertainment that captures the nostalgia of radio's golden age while adding fresh elements to engage modern audiences. Visitors can enjoy year-round shows in downtown Nicholasville that transport them back to a time when radio was the premier entertainment medium.
9. High Bridge Historic Rail Bridge
ENGINEERING MARVEL LANDMARK
High Bridge Historic Rail Bridge is an impressive engineering marvel that spans the Kentucky River gorge in Jessamine County near Wilmore. When completed in 1877, it was the highest railroad bridge in the world and continues to inspire awe with its towering structure and historical significance. Visitors can view this remarkable landmark from High Bridge Park, which offers spectacular vistas of both the bridge and the scenic river valley below.
10. The Kentucky Castle
MEDIEVAL-INSPIRED ROYAL EXPERIENCE
The Kentucky Castle is a distinctive medieval-inspired fortress that offers a truly unique experience just outside of Lexington in nearby Versailles. This extraordinary destination features luxury accommodations, fine dining, and special events in a setting that transports visitors to another time and place. Guests can explore the castle grounds, enjoy farm-to-table cuisine, and participate in various activities from bourbon tastings to wellness retreats.
11. Kentucky Horse Park
EQUESTRIAN SHOWCASE DESTINATION
Kentucky Horse Park is a world-renowned working horse farm and educational theme park celebrating the relationship between horses and humans. Visitors can experience live equine presentations, tour the International Museum of the Horse, and meet champion horses in the Hall of Champions. The 1,224-acre park hosts numerous equestrian competitions and events throughout the year, making it a premier destination for horse enthusiasts from around the globe.
12. Fayette Mall
PREMIER SHOPPING DESTINATION
Fayette Mall is the largest shopping center in Kentucky, offering visitors an extensive selection of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment. Located in Lexington just a short drive from Nicholasville, this premier shopping destination features over 150 specialty shops and department stores. The mall provides a climate-controlled environment for year-round shopping pleasure and serves as a social hub for the region.
13. Lexington Opera House
HISTORIC PERFORMING ARTS VENUE
The Lexington Opera House is a beautifully restored 19th-century theater that hosts a variety of performances from Broadway shows to concerts and local productions. The historic venue, built in 1886, features stunning architectural details and excellent acoustics that enhance the entertainment experience. Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of this cultural landmark while taking in top-quality performing arts just minutes from Nicholasville.
14. Fort Boonesborough
PIONEER SETTLEMENT RECREATION
Fort Boonesborough is a reconstructed pioneer settlement that offers visitors an authentic glimpse into frontier life during the late 18th century. This living history museum features costumed interpreters demonstrating traditional crafts, cooking, and daily activities from the era of Daniel Boone. Located near Richmond, the fort sits on the banks of the Kentucky River where the original settlement was established in 1775, making it a significant site in Kentucky's early history.
15. Eastern Kentucky University
ACADEMIC AND CULTURAL HUB
Eastern Kentucky University offers visitors a vibrant campus experience with cultural events, athletic competitions, and educational opportunities open to the public. The university campus features beautiful grounds, interesting architecture, and facilities such as the EKU Center for the Arts, which hosts performances throughout the year. Visitors can explore museums, galleries, and recreational areas while experiencing the collegiate atmosphere of this respected institution in nearby Richmond.