Carlie LaughlinDid you know that spending time outdoors provides benefits beyond physical exercise, inducing meeting psychological, emotional, and spiritual needs? Take some time this summer to reconnect with nature!
Not sure where to go? Here’s a list of some of the best parks in Lexington for walking, reading, eating, or just relaxing!
- The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky
The Arboretum is the University’s 100-acre public garden, and is perfect for walking, jogging, or simply enjoying the natural world! It boasts three features: the Walk Across Kentucky, the Horticultural Gardens, and the Kentucky Children’s Garden. The Walk Across Kentucky is a two-mile paved loop featuring wild-collected native plants from the seven physiographic regions of Kentucky. The Horticultural Gardens include the Home Demonstration Garden, the Perennial Teaching Garden, the Fragrance Garden, and the Flight 5191 Memorial Rose Garden (commemorating those who lost their lives in the Flight 5191 accident at Bluegrass Airport on August 27, 2006). In the Kentucky Children’s Garden, children and their families can connect with and learn about plants and the environment!
- Gratz Park
Gratz Park is a charming and quiet greenspace located in the heart of downtown Lexington, KY. Its central location means it’s closeby to several restaurants and coffee shops that can send you with your meal to-go! With towering trees and a trickling fountain, this is the perfect place for a midday picnic.
- Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Raven Run is a nature sanctuary on the outskirts of Lexington that has over 10 miles of hiking trails, providing access to streams, meadows, and woodlands. A great variety of interconnected hiking trails means that this park is perfect for long, short, or scenic hikes – anyone and everyone can enjoy a visit here. There is also a paved, barrier-free trail located beside the parking lot. Raven Run also accommodates over 200 species of birds throughout the year, so if you enjoy bird watching, consider making a trip there!
- McConnell Springs
McConnell Springs is a natural pocket perfect for short hikes within an industrial area, not too far from downtown Lexington. It’s main features along the pathway are the Blue Hole, the Boils, and the Final Sink. The main pathway through the park is paved and benches are available for resting and enjoying the scenery. Signs throughout the park label and provide information about its many different features. If you’re lucky, you might spot some deer!
- Jacobson Park
Jacobson Park is such a fun place to visit in the summertime! Located in east Lexington, the park includes a lake, playground, basketball court, dog park, large fields, and more. My favorite thing to do here is to rent a pedal boat or kayak at the marina and go out onto the reservoir – a great activity for a hot summer day!
- Ashland: The Henry Clay Estate
Ashland used to be the plantation of Kentucky statesman Henry Clay – the park is also registered as a National Historic Landmark! This park offers two official tours: the Signature Henry Clay Tour, and the Slavery At Ashland tour. While you’re spending time exploring the grounds and admiring the park’s featured sculpture art, you can also pick up something to eat or drink at the secluded Ginkgo Tree Café.
Originally published June 21st, 2021
Take advantage of the summer sunshine and head out to one of Lexington’s many parks or natural areas!
