Discover Lexington, KY's history, icons and local traditions

Lexington, Kentucky’s heritage shines through stories of people, places and traditions that define the Bluegrass State.

New historical markers use augmented reality to let visitors hear the voices of Black trailblazers like Oliver Lewis and Muhammad Ali while touring sites across counties.

Fans can explore the state’s railroad legacy at destinations such as the Nostalgia Station Toy Museum or hop on the Bluegrass Train Experience. The Kentucky Horse Park stands out as an equestrian hub, celebrating the region's deep ties to horse culture.

Legendary bourbon distilleries, the tale behind the Wildcats’ blue and white, and the enduring passion of a UK basketball superfan, William Watson, illustrate just how rich and varied Kentucky’s culture remains.

Nostalgia Station Toy Museum is operated by Winfrey and Wanda Adkins and has thousands of pieces, with the oldest in the collection dating back to the 1880s. The displays offer a look at the evolution of miniature trains and the technology that powers them.

NO. 1: KENTUCKY’S ‘TRAIN TRAIL’ IS CHUGGING ALONG. HOW TO EXPLORE THE STATE’S RAILROAD HISTORY

Discover Kentucky’s railroad history with the new Bluegrass Train Experience passport. | Published January 17, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

The Harlem Hellfighters as they appear in Kentucky Black Trailblazers Augmented Reality video. The new option for tourists is one of 19 in six Kentucky counties when you can scan QR codes and see a virtual 3-D history lesson come to life.

NO. 2: HISTORICAL MARKERS BRING KENTUCKY BLACK TRAILBLAZERS OLIVER LEWIS, MUHAMMAD ALI TO LIFE

Where to find the new tourism markers across the commonwealth. | Published November 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Janet Patton

A photograph from the University of Kentucky’s archives shows unidentified members of the 1893 Kentucky State College football team. This photo appeared in the 1901 Kentuckian and the May 9, 1965 edition of Lexington Herald-Leader.

NO. 3: WHY ARE THE KENTUCKY WILDCATS BLUE & WHITE? IT ALL COMES DOWN TO ONE MAN’S NECKTIE

Can you imagine UK Wildcat blue and white? They haven’t always been the university’s colors. | Published March 20, 2025 | Read Full Story by Aaron Mudd

NO. 4: WHY IS LEXINGTON’S KENTUCKY HORSE PARK CONSIDERED THE BEST OF ITS KIND IN AMERICA?

For more than 45 years, the Kentucky Horse Park has captured the beauty, history and stories of Kentucky’s finest thoroughbreds. Its exhibits and respect for the horse has garnered international attention. | Published January 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

A native of Webster County in western Kentucky and a passionate Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball fan, William Watson, left, had a special affinity for ex-UK guard and Madisonville product Travis Ford. Watson passed away last May at age 96. However, more than 20 family members and friends from all around the country are attending UK’s game at Missouri Saturday to honor Watson.

NO. 5: EVEN AFTER HIS DEATH, A UK MEGA-FAN’S ‘PASSION FOR KENTUCKY BASKETBALL’ LIVES ON

When Kentucky visits Missouri Saturday, family and friends of the late William Watson will honor him by filling Mizzou Arena to root on the Cats. | Published March 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mark Story

Buffalo Trace Master Distiller Harlen Wheatley is photographed in Building C at Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, Ky., on Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2025. Buffalo Trace is completing a 10-year, $1.2 billion expansion that has increased capacity from 200,000 barrels a year to more than 500,000. By Ryan C. Hermens

NO. 6: 3 ICONIC KENTUCKY BOURBON DISTILLERIES THAT SHOULD BE ON YOUR JOY RIDE BUCKET LIST

From horses to world-class views, there are many highlights on the winding byways from Lexington to distilleries on the bourbon trail. Here are some not to miss. | Published March 25, 2025 | Read Full Story by Janet Patton Patti Nickell

NO. 7: DON’T EAT THE FISH: THE SORROWFUL TALE OF JUDGE AND POET JAMES MULLIGAN

The Herald-Leader’s coverage of Lexington’s 250th birthday celebrates a prominent writer, judge and husband mired in controversy. | Published April 24, 2025 | Read Full Story by Liz Carey

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.