Lexington / Louisville, Kentucky (Multi-Day Tour)
This tour can be combined with Cincinnati / Dayton and Nashville travel packages

Lexington, located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region, was founded in June 1775 in Virginia (17 years before Kentucky became a state).  A party of frontiersmen, led by William McConnell, camped on the Middle Fork of Elkhorn Creek (today called Town Branch) at the location known today as McConnell Springs.  Upon hearing of the colonists' victory in the Battles of Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, they named their campsite Lexington after Lexington, Massachusetts.  Today, Lexington is known as the ‘Horse Capital of the World,’ and is home to the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland race course, the Red Mile race course, Transylvania University and the University of Kentucky (UK).  The area code (859) spells out UKY.  Its most famous resident was President Abraham Lincoln.

Louisville is a city of southern charm and rich heritage where everyone can find something truly original to do.  There’s only one Louisville Slugger, one Kentucky Derby and one Frazier International History Museum with the only British Royal Armouries collection in America, and they’re all in Louisville.  Did you know that Louisville has more Victorian-style homes in one area than any other city in America?  Louisville is also home to the one and only Belle of Louisville, the oldest operating steamboat in the nation.  Experience all the sights and sounds that make Louisville a true original.

ASHLAND, THE HENRY CLAY ESTATE

On June 29, 1852, Henry Clay asked his son, Thomas, to come and sit by his bedside.  Just before the hour of noon, ‘The Great Compromiser’ drew his last breath.  At that point his life became a completed major chapter in the political history of the United States.  Henry Clay had lived through and served in some political position for half a century.  No single statement would adequately cover his active public life.  Visiting Ashland, the Henry Clay Estate in Lexington, is like taking a step back in time.  Students can visit the museum store, have lunch and enjoy the serene and historic grounds or stroll the formal garden.  Of course, the most important part of your visit is a guided tour of the 18 room mansion.  There are also six outbuildings that have been restored and changing exhibits in the 1846 cottage.  The main house has been recently renovated and is furnished with Clay family antiques and other memorabilia – many of them dating back to Henry and Lucretia Clay’s time.  The appearance of the home today remains as it was when Henry Clay’s granddaughter lived at Ashland in the late 19th century.  Your tour begins with an introduction to Henry Clay and Ashland with a 12-minute video presentation.

THE ARBORETUM

The Arboretum is one of the most spectacular gardens in the nation, boasting year-round color and plants.  Stresses melt away among the 100-acres of marvelous sights and sounds of there gardens.  In the heart of Lexington, the Arboretum is a delightful surprise to students and is the perfect place to reinforce lessons learned in the classroom or to explore new ones.  Students will study the interrelationships between plants and animals, explore Kentucky’s native plants and seven physiographic regions on the ‘Walk Across KY’ and they will learn about plant culture and life cycles.  Self-guided and docent-led tours are available.

BELLE OF LOUISVILLE

The Belle of Louisville, a National Historic Landmark and the most beloved symbol of the city, is the oldest operating Mississippi River-style sternwheel steamboat in existence today.  With the playing of her calliope, the Belle continues to beckon one and all to join her on a journey back to the time when she carried passengers and goods to ports all along the beautiful Ohio River.  The majestic Ohio River, the major link between the bustling cities of the East Coast and the mighty Mississippi River, was greatly instrumental in shaping the future of the city of Louisville and to this day still captures the imagination of all who visit.  An evening filled to the brim with wonderful food, live music and dancing under a canopy of stars is the ultimate Louisville experience and one you should not miss.

BLUEGRASS RAILROAD MUSEUM

Located in the Lexington suburbs, the Bluegrass Railroad Museum offers a six mile round trip train excursion through the horse farms of central Kentucky.  Students will ride aboard coaches built in the 1920s and 1930s and experience what travel was like before air travel and interstate highways.  See static displays of railroadings past, including the actual foundation of the first railroad built in Kentucky.  At the conclusion of your railroad tour, students will have an opportunity to view the Museum.  There are several interactive displays including a working telegraph set that students can use to send Morse code messages.

FRAZIER INTERNATIONAL HISTORY MUSEUM

History comes alive at the Frazier International History Museum in Louisville in their 100,000 square foot, state-of-the-art museum encompassing three floors.  Here students can relive historical events that challenged our ancestors.  Students can meet heroes, generals and famous leaders of America and the world whose military victories – and defeats – changed history.  The primary emphasis of the Frazier is education.  Education programs at the Frazier Museum are designed to spark ‘wonderment,’ that certain type of curiosity or rapt attention to something that is new or unfamiliar.  Wonderment works by providing students with the ability and insight to ask questions and seek additional information.  At the Frazier, they stress learning through observation by providing opportunities for students to explore their exhibits and collections.  They have designed a museum experience where engaged participation is encouraged.

GLASSWORKS

Louisville’s Glassworks is the first facility of its kind in the United States.  It is a unique, multi-use facility developed to house up to 50 glass artists while showcasing glassblowing, flameworking and architectural glass design.  Your guided tour of the facility is designed to inform students about the mystery and beauty of glass by understanding its origins and its development, as well as to appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship that goes into each creation.  Students will see first-hand flameworking, glassblowing and architectural glass studios.  Special tours also include innovative hands-on activities that incorporate the history, science and techniques of glassworking.

THE HUNT-MORGAN HOUSE

In the midst of Lexington’s historic antebellum Gratz Park, the Hunt-Morgan House stands as a reminder of early 19th century life when Lexington was known as the ‘Athens of the West.’  Built in 1814, the Federal style Hunt-Morgan House has many beautiful architectural features including the Palladian window with fan and sidelights that grace its front façade.  The Museum’s collection of early Kentucky furniture, antique porcelain and 19th century paintings captures the elegance of the Hunt and Morgan families.  The rooms are furnished with articles of the period.  The Alexander T. Hunt Civil War Museum, located on the second floor of the Hunt-Morgan House, features an extensive collection of Civil War relics and memorabilia.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

KENTUCKY CENTER FOR AFRICAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE

Students enter a rehabilitated historic trolley barn complex that’s been transformed into an African-American museum and cultural center.  Upon entering the expansive exhibit hall, students will encounter the overall message of the Center’s theme.  Students proceed to the start of the permanent exhibitions and follow the journey through Kentucky’s history.  Learn the stories of courageous African-Americans whose sacrifices are legacies.  Celebrate the achievements of Kentucky’s African-Americans and view the works of famous local and national artists.  Students leave the Center invigorated with a new sense of accomplishment and pride.

KENTUCKY DERBY MUSEUM

The Kentucky Derby Museum in Louisville, one of Kentucky’s premier attractions, captures the pride, tradition and excitement of the ‘greatest two minutes in sports.’  Dedicated to expanding public awareness, appreciation and understanding of the Kentucky Derby and thoroughbred racing, the Museum offers students the chance to learn about the past and present of the thoroughbred industry.  Three floors of exhibits grant students an in-depth look at thoroughbred racing at the Kentucky Derby – the first jewel in racing’s triple crown.  Students will also enjoy the 36-degree video presentation of ‘the Greatest Race’ and see all the pageantry and fun of Derby Day.

KENTUCKY HORSE PARK

The Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is an equine themed park and competition facility dedicated to man's relationship with the horse.  Set on more than 1,200-acres in the heart of Kentucky's famous Bluegrass region, the park is the place to get close to horses.  Home to approximately 50 different breeds, large and small, the Park introduces students to the world of the horse.  Experience the behind-the-scenes sights and sounds of a real working horse farm as you explore the grounds and enjoy spectacular live presentations, horse shows and special events.  Nearly one million students visit the Kentucky Horse Park every year.  Your visit includes a viewing of ‘Thou Shall Fly Without Wings.’  This award-winning 23-minute film serves as an introduction to the fascinating world of the horse to which the park is dedicated.

LEXINGTON HISTORY MUSEUM

Students first get the feeling that the Lexington History Museum is a different experience when they climb the grand entry stairway and see if they have their own racing silks.  In the Bluegrass, thoroughbred owners take great pride in the design and color of their jockey’s silks – a unique symbol of each owner’s pride in their heritage.  So their owners, Museum members and citizens of the Bluegrass, take pride in their own green and white silks emblazoned with ‘LHM’ when welcoming students to the Museum and historical society.  Students will begin their visit by viewing Athens of the West, an exhibit that focuses on Kentucky as the western frontier in the 18th century.  Next, stop off at In Black and White, which includes over 100 prints depicting African-American life in the Bluegrass from as early as 1860 through the 1950s.  End your visit at Fashionable Fayette and see why Lexington was the social and cultural center of the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky in the 1850s.

LOUISVILLE SCIENCE CENTER & IMAX THEATRE

The Louisville Science Center has made an impressive journey from its founding as a ‘cabinet of curiosities’ in the Public Library System of Kentucky in 1871, to its current status as the region’s leading resource for informal science education.  Boasting at one time little more than an Egyptian mummy and a 16,000 piece mineral collection, the Science Center is now the largest science center in Kentucky with over 40,000 square feet including 150 interactive exhibits and activity stations, a four-story IMAX Theatre, teaching laboratories, a variety of educational programs and distance learning capabilities.  Designated the ‘State Science Center of Kentucky’ by the Kentucky General Assembly, they serve over 500,000 students annually.

LOUISVILLE SLUGGER MUSEUM & FACTORY

It takes a special place to craft the Official Bat of Major League Baseball.  Since 1884, Louisville Slugger has put prime lumber in the hands of the greatest players of the game.  A visit to the Museum shows you how the sport has changed a bit between then and now, but the ‘crack of the bat’ remains one of the sporting world's most thrilling moments.  See the world’s tallest bat.  Learn the bat making process from forest to factory.  Witness important scientific principles at work.  Discover the world’s oldest baseball glove.  Face down a 90 mph fastball.  Count the home run notches Babe Ruth carved into his Louisville Slugger.  Those are just a few of the All-Star experiences at the Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory where it is always your turn at bat.

LOUISVILLE ZOO

The Louisville Zoo is one of the most popular attractions in the region.  Enjoy over 1,300 animals in natural habitats on 134 beautifully landscaped acres.  Tour the $15 million Gorilla Forest and see pygmy hippos and Western lowland gorillas.  See student favorites like lions, tigers, polar bears, penguins, hundreds of colorful birds and so much more.  A visit to the Louisville Zoo plays a vital role in helping to develop an appreciation for and a sense of responsibility toward the magnificent treasure of animal and plant life on earth.  This living classroom contains some of the largest and rarest animals found on our planet.  It is the role of the Louisville Zoo Education Department to share these wonders by increasing an awareness of natural history, conservation issues and interrelationships among living things.  Knowledge and appreciation of wild creatures will be a decisive factor in the survival of these animals and their habitats.  Special programs give your class exciting hands-on experiences.

MAMMOTH CAVE NATIONAL PARK

Mammoth Cave National Park preserves the cave system and is part of the Green River valley and hilly country of south central Kentucky.  This is the world's longest cave system with more than 365 miles explored.  Early guide Stephen Bishop called the cave a ‘grand, gloomy and peculiar place’ but its vast chambers and complex labyrinths have earned its name: Mammoth.  The mysteries of the underworld beckon at Mammoth Cave National Park, but that's not all.  In addition to the many cave tours, students can hike, bike, ride a horse, canoe and kayak, take a riverboat ride, watch a film, enjoy a campfire program and more.  he park's 52,800-acres feature dozens of unique places to go, whether to the gloomy underworld, the cool and languid river or the shadow-dappled rolling hills.

MARY TODD LINCOLN HOUSE

This two-story brick, late Georgian house with its stone water table and belt course was built in 1803-1806 by William Palmateer.  It was operated by Palmateer as an inn until the late 1820s.  By1831 Palmateer came under financial distress and sold the property to Robert S. Todd, father of Mary Todd Lincoln.  In 1832 when Mary was 13 years old, Mr. Todd moved his family to this newly renovated house.  The property consisted of a 14 room main house, a kitchen with lodging for servants, a spring house, a wash house, smoke house and stables with a carriage house.  In 1839, at the age of 21, Mary Todd left Lexington to live with her sister, Elizabeth Todd Edwards, in Springfield, Illinois.  There she met, and in 1842, married attorney and political figure, Abraham Lincoln.  Today the 14 room house contains period furniture, family portraits and furnishings from the Todds as well as the Lincolns.  A recently added garden reflects the charm of the original home and offers a pleasant respite for students.

RIVERSIDE, THE FARNSLEY-MOREMEN LANDING

Standing atop a gentle rise overlooking the Ohio River, the Farnsley-Moremen House is the centerpiece of a 300-acre historic site in Louisville called Riverside, the Farnsley-Moremen Landing.  Built circa 1837, the house stands as a testament to the important role agriculture along the river played in the development of our country.  Two upper middle class farm families, the Farnsleys and the Moremens, brought the Riverside property to life by cultivating the fields and trading on the river.  In the 19th century, the Ohio River served as one of America’s superhighways and the families who lived at Riverside took advantage of their location.  From around 1820 until 1890, an active riverboat landing on this property allowed people traveling by river to stop to trade goods, to take on boilerwood for fuel or to rest.  In addition, a ferry operated out of Riverside carrying people and goods back and forth between Indiana and Kentucky.  Today, students can experience this historic house and grounds to get a glimpse into what life was like on this beautiful 19th century Ohio River farm.

SHAKER VILLAGE

The Shakers played an important role in American religious history, developing the longest lasting communal society.  This legacy is manifested in the tranquility of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill and in the beauty of the landscape and architecture.  Shaker Village is America’s largest restored Shaker community with 34 carefully restored buildings and 3,000-acres of preserved farmland.  The Village is also home to more than 25 miles of striking rock fences, the most extensive collection remaining in Kentucky today.  The buildings, countryside and historical records of Shaker Village are preserved and maintained for the educational, cultural and recreational use by the local community, people of Kentucky and all visitors to the site.  Self-guided walking tours wind through the village where costumed interpreters chronicle Shaker life.  Skilled artisans work at 19th century trades and historic farming and musical performances bring the past to life.  This National Historic Landmark charms guests with distinct Shaker style and the beauty of Lexington’s Bluegrass Region.  Discover America’s largest restored Shaker community where a remarkable society once flourished and where students can experience a true Kentucky treasure.

SIX FLAGS KENTUCKY KINGDOM

Student fun is the name of the game at Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville.  From its stand-up roller coaster, Chang, to Greezed Lightning, the only ride of its kind in the region, Six Flags Kentucky Kingdom is a theme park with world-class roller coasters and other exciting attractions.  You’re sure to spot big celebrities like Bugs Bunny and his Looney Tunes pals walking around the children’s area, Looney Tunes MovieTown.  Get wet-n-wild at Hurricane Bay Water Park complete with gigantic wave pool, water slides and the relaxing ‘lazy’ river.  Students will also find lots of delicious food, fun, games and plenty of familiar faces.

SPEED ART MUSEUM

Enjoy a tour of the largest and oldest art museum in Kentucky.  Located in Louisville, the permanent collection of the Speed Art Museum spans 6,000 years of human creativity.  The Museum has distinguished collections of 17th and 18th century arts as well as significant contemporary American painting and sculpture.  African and native American works also represents a growing segment of the Museum’s collection.  Guided or self-guided tours are available.

WHITE HALL

Near Lexington is another historic treasure, the home of Cassius Marcellus Clay: emancipationist, newspaper publisher, Minister to Russia and friend to Abraham Lincoln.  Clay’s daughter, Laura Clay, was born at White Hall in 1849 and was politically active for women’s suffrage and states’ rights.  In 1920, Laura Clay became the first woman to be nominated for President by a major political party.  Though sophisticated for its time and location on the Kentucky frontier, White Hall is simple in design.  Situated on a small rise, the home is located at the center of Clay’s extensive empire which included distilleries, taverns, farms and a ferry across the Kentucky River.  This beautifully restored 44 room Italianate mansion was built in 1799 and remodeled in the 1860s.  Noteworthy features of the house include 16 foot ceilings, a sweeping staircase of nearly 30 steps almost 50 inches wide and a forerunner of a central heating system fueled by two fireboxes in the basement with ducts leading to fireplaces in several rooms of the newer section of the house.  Unique for its time was an indoor bathroom divided into three closets, one containing a washbasin, another a commode and the third a bathtub made of a hollowed-out poplar log lined with copper.  Rainwater from the roof was collected in a storage tank on the top floor of the house and piped to the bathroom on the floor below.  Costumed guides will share with you the historical treasures of White Hall and the Clay family.

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