The best museums in Lexington in September 2025

These are the top 10 best museums in Lexington, United States, ranked by their rating and popularity in 2025. Click a museum for more information about the museum, including visitor information, exhibitions and reviews.

For a complete overview of museums in Lexington, their exhibitions and discount cards & passes, see our overview page with all museums in Lexington.

Looking for the best museums in Lexington? These are the best ones:

  1. Arboretum - University of Kentucky1

    Arboretum - University of Kentucky

     Lexington, KY
    The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, also known as University of Kentucky Arboretum or Lexington Arboretum, is a 100-acre botanical garden located at the University of Kentucky in Lexington, Kentucky, United States. It is a public garden that is open from dawn to dusk every day of the year, offering a wide variety of plant species and landscapes for visitors to explore.
  2. The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, Inc.2

    The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, Inc.

     Lexington, KY
    The Aviation Museum of Kentucky, situated at the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, Kentucky, was established in 1989 and opened its doors to the public in April 1995. This location provides a unique backdrop for the museum, adding to the overall experience for visitors.
  3. Kentucky Horse Park3

    Kentucky Horse Park

     Lexington, KY
    Kentucky Horse Park, located in Lexington, Kentucky, serves as both a breeding farm and an educational theme park centered around horses. This unique combination offers visitors a chance to learn about the breeding and care of horses, while also providing an engaging and interactive experience.
  4. Mary Todd Lincoln House4

    Mary Todd Lincoln House

     Lexington, KY
    The Mary Todd Lincoln House in Lexington, Kentucky, USA, holds historical significance as the childhood home of Mary Todd, who later became the first lady as the wife of the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. This connection to one of the most influential figures in American history makes the house a point of interest for those interested in the life and times of the Lincoln family.
  5. Hunt–Morgan House5

    Hunt–Morgan House

     Lexington, KY
    The second floor of the Hunt–Morgan House is home to the Alexander T. Hunt Civil War Museum. This museum offers a glimpse into the Civil War era, showcasing various artifacts and memorabilia. It provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the history of the Civil War and its impact on the region.
  6. The Arboretum - State Botanical Garden of Kentucky6

    The Arboretum - State Botanical Garden of Kentucky

     Lexington, KY
    The University of Kentucky Research and Education Center Botanical Garden, also known as UK REC Botanical Garden, is a significant botanical garden and research center. It spans an impressive 520 hectares (1300 acres) and is managed by the University of Kentucky, located in Princeton. This vast expanse of land is dedicated to the study and improvement of various crops and ornamental plants.
  7. Lexington History Museum7

    Lexington History Museum

     Lexington, KY
    The Lexington History Center, a significant historical site, was situated in the former Fayette County Courthouse in downtown Lexington, Kentucky. This location was in use until 2012, when the city decided to close the building for renovation. This information provides a historical context to the museum's location and its significance in the city's landscape.
  8. Waveland State Historic Site8

    Waveland State Historic Site

     Lexington, KY
    Waveland State Historic Site, also known as the Joseph Bryan House, is located in Lexington, Kentucky. This site is home to a Greek Revival house and 10 acres of land, which are now maintained and operated as part of the Kentucky state park system. This historic site offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the architectural style of the time and the lifestyle of the people who lived there.
  9. 9

    UK Art Museum

     Lexington, KY
    The University of Kentucky Art Museum is situated in Lexington, Kentucky. It is housed in the Singletary Center for the Arts building. This location is easily accessible and offers a unique setting for the museum's extensive collection.
  10. 10

    Headley-Whitney Museum

     Lexington, KY
    The Headley-Whitney Museum is situated on the grounds of La Belle, a family farm in Lexington, Kentucky, where George William Headley III resided and worked. The museum houses a Jewel Room and Library, designed by Lexington architect Robert Pinkerton. These rooms are influenced by a variety of architectural styles and are filled with Headley's collection of natural curios, specimens, objects, and art, offering visitors a unique insight into his life and work.

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