Keeneland
5
About
Part thoroughbred race course, part sales company and considered one of America's most beautiful tracks, Keeneland is known for its well-designed and meticulous landscaping. The grounds consist of the paddock, a prep area where visitors can view horses up-close just before the race and a combination of dirt and turf race tracks.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- Cynthia V1 contributionWhat a great Keeneland tour experienceWe were given a tour of Keeneland by Mary Perkins. Not only is Mary passionate about her job, the horses, and Keeneland in general, but she is an excellent tour guide who knows everything about Keeneland. She shared its rich history and also told us about all that Keeneland does and gives back to the sport of racing. We came away from the experience looking forward to coming back again. She also shared with us information about the sales so we plan to come back for those as well. Ty Mary!Visited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 8, 2023
- rogersoberClermont, Florida28,562 contributionsEnjoyed a Spring Meet FridayWe ran into some family at the spring meet this weekend. After not getting a grandstand ticket online the day it came avaible we used our general admission tickets to find out we in to walk about. Our group stood in almost every corner before the after three ran came when all went into cover. We then viewed the gift store and found our way through the paddock on the way out when the rain held up a few moments. The place is still beautiful.Visited April 2023Traveled with friendsWritten April 22, 2023
- Leonard FCuyahoga Falls, Ohio137 contributionsBeautiful FacilityBeautiful facility that is just so clean and open with a very friendly staff. They only race in April and October and the cards aren't overly long (8 races the day I went). If you enjoy racing or just a day outdoors in the fall or spring I highly recommend visiting this showplace of racingVisited April 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten April 27, 2023
- LoveTravel627342New York City, New York1 contributionKeeneland Is a Must!A friend and I got an amazing tour of Keeneland from a guide named Mary. She was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and I learned about things I never new existed! I’ve been on tours of Churchill Downs, Belmont, Pimlico and Ocala and by far, I enjoyed Keeneland the most. Don’t get me wrong. Those other tracks are great. But Keeneland has quite a bit more elegance and class than the others. The tour guide was equally as classy and if anyone is in Keeneland, make sure to go on the tour.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten May 25, 2023
- D DDetroit, Michigan160 contributionsGreat way to learn about a wonderful racetrackWe knew to plan for rain, so we were still able to enjoy the Morning Workout Tour. The only bummer was that the track was so muddy/wet that we only got to see one horse go by. It was fun learning about this racetrack - first time for us at any racetrack. We'd love to come back for the Yearling Sale and, hopefully, a dry day :)Visited May 2023Written May 25, 2023
- georgiaCUnited States9 contributionsKeeneland doesn’t disappoint, fantastic tour!Such an amazing Horse track. The grounds are beautiful, the history is spellbinding and the horses are the best attraction. Our guide was so informative, giving us facts and stories and many interesting happenings to digest. Do not miss this wonderful place.Visited May 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten June 1, 2023
- Sara BRichmond, Virginia3 contributionsExcellent TourWe received a phone call checking on our status since we hadn’t arrived yet. We got the time wrong for our tour and we’re able to quickly get there while they waited a few extra minutes. Without the phone call we would have missed the tour completely. We greatly appreciated the call! Our tour guide was excellent! She was very knowledgeable and had personal stories and pictures to share. It was great getting to see the horses training on the track. I would highly recommend the tour!Visited June 2023Traveled with friendsWritten June 28, 2023
- UtahparksloverOntario, New York65 contributionsGreat way to spend the morningWe went to watch the morning workout and highly recommend. You are able to stand right next to the track and exchange greetings with the jockeys. Afterwards we had breakfast at the restaurant. It was a great way to spend the morning.Visited June 2023Written July 6, 2023
- MelindaNAuburn, California572 contributionsIts a must see while you're in Lexington!It was really great to visit this special place. I was fortunate to go with a friend who often works there, and therefore could give me a full "tour" of the place. We went during the yearling sales as I was in town for work that week. Beautiful, intense energy (lots of people buying lots of horses!) and full of history. It was lovely to see and experience.Visited September 2023Traveled with friendsWritten September 25, 2023
- Diane W2 contributionsOne-of-a-Kind Impromptu Tour of Beautiful Keeneland Almost Seems Like A DreamOur Keeneland tour was nothing short of amazing with tour guide Mary Perkins. Exploring the stunning manicured grounds and learning about the history of this special Kentucky racetrack was absolutely fascinating. The hospitality and kindness of all who work there was readily apparent throughout. What a special place. We will definitely be back...next time when the horses are running. Highly recommend for individuals, families and business groups as a one-of-a-kind Kentucky experience. Truly wonderful.Visited September 2023Traveled on businessWritten September 26, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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5.0
2,929 reviews
Excellent
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Jamarcus I
4 contributions
May 2022
This is a tough one for me, because when Keeneland is at its best, there are few things that are as fun as a day at the track with your friends.
However, Keeneland has changed since Covid hit and it has sucked a lot of the fun and spontaneity out of it. They now require you to purchase tickets well in advance, which is a crap shoot with the weather during spring/fall in KY. I bought tickets for the spring meet in January, so of course when the April day rolled around, it was raining sideways and 41 degrees. I was out the money for 4 tickets. Good for Keeneland, a total waste for me.
Another thing is that when the weather is perfect and you and some friends decide to hop in the car for a day at the track, you're SOL unless you bought tickets prior.
You don't really expect cheap drinks and food at Keeneland, but prices for both have really gotten ridiculous in recent years.
Lots of great places have been ruined by micromanagement and greed. Unfortunately, the changes Keeneland has made in recent years seems to have put them on that path in the opinion of so many.
However, Keeneland has changed since Covid hit and it has sucked a lot of the fun and spontaneity out of it. They now require you to purchase tickets well in advance, which is a crap shoot with the weather during spring/fall in KY. I bought tickets for the spring meet in January, so of course when the April day rolled around, it was raining sideways and 41 degrees. I was out the money for 4 tickets. Good for Keeneland, a total waste for me.
Another thing is that when the weather is perfect and you and some friends decide to hop in the car for a day at the track, you're SOL unless you bought tickets prior.
You don't really expect cheap drinks and food at Keeneland, but prices for both have really gotten ridiculous in recent years.
Lots of great places have been ruined by micromanagement and greed. Unfortunately, the changes Keeneland has made in recent years seems to have put them on that path in the opinion of so many.
Written August 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca
2 contributions
Oct 2019 • Couples
Keeneland is one of my husband and my favorite places to go.
We never miss a fall or spring meet although we had to this year because of Covid.
Keeneland has managed to maintain a tradition that has been around for many years.
The track is beautiful and well taken care of. Keeneland maintains its tradition of excellence in thoroughbred racing and is a tradition we look forward to each year.
They have a beautiful gift shop selling everything from most elegant clothing to fun souvenirs to remind you of your visit.
There are many different ways to enjoy your visit ranging from indoor dining ranging from pricy and elegant to casual. You do need to make reservations far in advance for dining room accommodations.
Keeneland is an overall wonderful experience and a must do for any racing enthusiast.
We never miss a fall or spring meet although we had to this year because of Covid.
Keeneland has managed to maintain a tradition that has been around for many years.
The track is beautiful and well taken care of. Keeneland maintains its tradition of excellence in thoroughbred racing and is a tradition we look forward to each year.
They have a beautiful gift shop selling everything from most elegant clothing to fun souvenirs to remind you of your visit.
There are many different ways to enjoy your visit ranging from indoor dining ranging from pricy and elegant to casual. You do need to make reservations far in advance for dining room accommodations.
Keeneland is an overall wonderful experience and a must do for any racing enthusiast.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lmreinhart
8 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
It was a pleasure touring the Keeneland racetrack venue. The facility cautiously took temperatures at the entrance in light of the Covid concerns. There was one entrance in and out of the grounds and arm bands were distributed to confirm the visitors were in compliance. Face masks Were required of course. The buildings and grounds were immaculate. The historic track was open to watch early morning race horse workouts. We purchased breakfast at the Track Kitchen. It was a real treat to actually visit the largest horse auction in the world; a site I’ve read about since I was a teen. The gift shop had beautiful souvenirs to commemorate the visit. I highly recommend a trip here, particularly if you are a horse lover.
Written August 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chanacres
Knoxville, TN31 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
What a tour! Our guide was Mary, the tour coordinator at Keeneland. Mary seems to know everyone and everything about this facility, horses and staff. She was excellent in keeping the group together so we could all see and hear her wealth of knowledge. Mary will make you want to come back....don't miss this tour! If your not a horse lover before the tour, you will be afterwards ! I think the early morning ,watching the place come to life has to be the best!
Written April 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kms
Western Ireland, Ireland26 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Amazing day at the races!!!
We had a great time.
Keeneland race course is steeped in history and is such a welcoming place. All the staff we met were so helpful and genuinely keen to help ensure we had a great day.
The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon watching the racing.
Placing bets was very easy and there were stewards to offer assistance if any was needed.
The Keeneland shop is very well stocked with a wide variety of items which are mid to high end range -, nothing cheap in here but quality goods.
Food and drink options for general ticket admission were quite expensive for what they were and as a captive audience, as you cannot bring your own items in, we had to pay!
14 dollars for a margarita, 12 dollars for a beer, 8 dollars for chilli nachos or a hot dog and finally 4 dollars for a small bottle of water were a bit much in our opinion.
Overall a great day with a few small wins.
We had a great time.
Keeneland race course is steeped in history and is such a welcoming place. All the staff we met were so helpful and genuinely keen to help ensure we had a great day.
The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed a very pleasant afternoon watching the racing.
Placing bets was very easy and there were stewards to offer assistance if any was needed.
The Keeneland shop is very well stocked with a wide variety of items which are mid to high end range -, nothing cheap in here but quality goods.
Food and drink options for general ticket admission were quite expensive for what they were and as a captive audience, as you cannot bring your own items in, we had to pay!
14 dollars for a margarita, 12 dollars for a beer, 8 dollars for chilli nachos or a hot dog and finally 4 dollars for a small bottle of water were a bit much in our opinion.
Overall a great day with a few small wins.
Written October 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
writealready
Redondo Beach, CA98 contributions
May 2022
If you get there early, around 7am, you won't regret it. Bring binoculars, by the way. They start out just walking the horses, then trotting, then racing two or three at a time. I thought I would stay for an hour but I was there for at least three. It just doesn't get old, even if you don't feel like exploring around the stadium and grounds.
It is free and was much more fun than my visit to the horse farms.
It is free and was much more fun than my visit to the horse farms.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TJ V
Marietta, GA108 contributions
Sep 2022
Wow what a beautiful place to spend a morning, afternoon or day. From the moment you step out of your car, you realize how special this place is. I highly recommend taking the morning walk tour (its only $15 a person) as it honestly the most informative tour I've been on in recent memory. Even if you can't make the morning walk tour, its open and free to the public to wonder around the grounds and watch the horses work in the mornings. This is a must do if you're in the Lexington area! We loved it so much, we went back the last morning of our trip before we drove home.
Written October 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Deborah P
Cape Girardeau, MO31 contributions
May 2022
Did self guided tour (brochure free at the gift shop) but would recommend use of a guide as you learn so much more. Go early to watch the jockeys in the paddock and on the track and walk around the grounds. Very interesting, recommend you visit!
Written May 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LaurenCincinnati
Cincinnati, OH10 contributions
Jan 2021
The grounds, 1000+ acres, are so beautiful even on a cold January day. The park stays open and you are permitted to enter without restriction or fee. On our visit, we started with 30-minutes of watching the horses being ridden on the practice track. As the practice riders when around the oval, we were warmly greeted by nearly everyone. We ate breakfast at the track restaurant; we were the only non-employees there. Then we were treated to a tour by Mary Perkins who showed us all the wonderful architecture and told us of the history of the track and the current organization and business of Keeneland.
Written January 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LoveTravel627342
New York City, NY1 contribution
May 2023 • Couples
A friend and I got an amazing tour of Keeneland from a guide named Mary. She was incredibly knowledgeable and friendly and I learned about things I never new existed! I’ve been on tours of Churchill Downs, Belmont, Pimlico and Ocala and by far, I enjoyed Keeneland the most. Don’t get me wrong. Those other tracks are great. But Keeneland has quite a bit more elegance and class than the others. The tour guide was equally as classy and if anyone is in Keeneland, make sure to go on the tour.
Written May 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ibetrippin
Powell, OH140 contributions
Hope to get an answer from a local Lexington guru. In order to get a parking spot in the paved lot, at what time would you recommend arriving at Keeneland with racing starting at 11:00am?
what gate is valet parking and how much is it
NAN
Deforest, United States3 contributions
Sorry, we were there during the week, not a race day. There was no valet parking, parking was free to tour the track.
NYGVIC1950
Collierville, TN11 contributions
For general admission, can you bring in your own folding chair?
Aunt23
Columbia, SC227 contributions
Yes, I brought my own and was free to take it anywhere except where the reserved seats were.
My husband is on a portable oxygen unit and he can/t walk far. Will a trip to keene land be possible? Are there shortcuts to avoid steps
Holly C
Nashua, NH28 contributions
First timers here. To any kind of horse race & to Keeneland. We have grandstand seats for this Saturday 4/9/22. It states gates open at 11am but I thought you can go early and walk around. Can anyone share more details on if we can do that and where to go? We’ll be taking an Uber from a local hotel. Thanks in advance.
Joe F
3 contributions
Yes you can arrive early and walk around the outside of the track. You can walk and see the horse barns and possibly see horses being walked or washed before the race. There is also a diner at the bottom of the road from the horse barns... it is a diner! Very fun and inexpensive. We always visit the diner before race time. Hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Rebecca Perez Leon
Burlington, NC8 contributions
I would like to see the horses work out with my 3yr old. What times on mondays would they start? If the even do.
DrJohn
Lexington, KY163 contributions
I usually go about 8 am. The breakfast at the Keeneland Track Kitchen is also something worth considering.
Where is Valet Parking at Keeneland race track and what gate
TurboTraveler23
Henderson, KY110 contributions
Gate 2...clearly marked. The only possible downside is they leave your keys in your car so don't leave any valuables in it.
What Gate do you have Valet Parking
DCD2212
Tucson, AZ44 contributions
Main gate across from airport veer left! Very easy!
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Claim your listingKeeneland - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Keeneland
- Hotels near Keeneland:
- (1.14 mi) Eighth Pole Inn
- (2.49 mi) The Kentucky Castle
- (7.06 mi) A Storybook Inn
- (5.45 mi) Hampton Inn Lexington Medical Center
- (6.63 mi) Origin Hotel Lexington
- Restaurants near Keeneland:
- (0.34 mi) Keeneland Track Kitchen
- (3.55 mi) Zen Sushi & Sake
- (4.83 mi) Crank & Boom Ice Cream Lounge
- (2.82 mi) Wallace Station
- (7.08 mi) Spalding's Bakery
- Attractions near Keeneland:
- (2.34 mi) Godolphin
- (2.57 mi) Mill Ridge Farm
- (1.08 mi) The Aviation Museum of Kentucky
- (3.00 mi) Blue Grass Tours
- (4.78 mi) James E. Pepper Distillery