Road Trip from Cincinnati, Ohio to Lexington, Kentucky

Cincinnati, OH - A land of excitement, where the smell of chili lingers in the air and the blare of the riverboats drifts by. For anyone looking for an adventure, why not embark on a road trip from Cincinnati to Lexington? The drive is approximately 94 miles and will take you through the rolling hills, past the farms and quaint towns that make-up this great American landscape. Halfway through the trip, you will come across Dry Ridge, KY, a small town that offers a respite from the drive.

Top Five Things to Do on a Road Trip from Cincinnati, Ohio to Lexington, Kentucky

1. Visit the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden

The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is home to more than 500 animal species from around the world and boasts of a massive botanical garden. Visitors can witness various animals like the adorable red pandas, the beautiful white tiger, and the tremendous African elephants. The botanical garden, on the other hand, is a marvel, with a display of more than 3000 varieties of plants. Did you know that the Cincinnati Zoo is one of the oldest zoos in the US? It was established in 1875.

2. Kentucky Bourbon Trail

The Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a must-visit for any whiskey lover. Over the years, the trail has become a famous attraction, which includes dozens of distilleries across the state. Each distillery offers guided tours, letting you peek into the life of barrels of bourbon, the history of distilling, and even sample the different kinds of bourbons they have to offer. Did you know that Kentucky produces 95% of all bourbon in the world?

3. Red River Gorge

The Red River Gorge is a treasure of Eastern Kentucky, brimming with adventure, and scenic beauty. For hikers, the options are endless, and the trails lead you over waterfalls, through sandstone arches, and past stunning vistas. The area is also an excellent site for climbing, with more than 1000 routes to explore. Did you know that the Red River Gorge is home to the largest concentration of natural stone arches in the eastern United States?

4. Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park is one of the natural wonders of the world, famous for being the longest cave system on the entire planet, with over 400 miles of passages. There are various tours available in the National Park, taking you through different parts of the caverns, showing you stunning stalactites and stalagmites, underground lakes, and even an underground river. Did you know that Mammoth Cave has more than five levels, with the deepest reaching almost 400 feet below the surface?

5. Lexington's Horse Country

Lexington, KY, is world-renowned as the "Horse Capital of the World." The rolling hills offer an idyllic backdrop to famous horse farms that breed some of the most prominent racehorses in the world. Visitors can tour one of the many farms and get up close with the horses that call them home, as well as learn about the rich and storied history of thoroughbred racing in Kentucky. Did you know that Kentucky hosts the annual Kentucky Derby, one of the most famous horse races in the world?

The Conclusion

In total, the road trip from Cincinnati, OH, to Lexington, KY, is a thrilling journey that showcases the breadth of what this great state has to offer. By setting out on this adventure, one gets to experience some unique attractions, from jaw-dropping natural wonders to distilleries producing some of the best whiskies. The route, which takes approximately two hours, is worth traversing multiple times.