10 Best Things to Do Near Georgetown, Kentucky (Scott County)

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10 Fun Things To Do Near Georgetown, Kentucky (Scott County)

Planning a trip to Georgetown, Kentucky and wondering what to do once you get there? You’re in luck. This small town in Scott County is surrounded by rolling bluegrass hills, historic charm, and some seriously cool attractions. Whether you love horses, bourbon, history, or just slow, small-town vibes, Georgetown makes a great base for exploring central Kentucky. Below are 10 of the best things to do in and around Georgetown, KY that are perfect for a weekend getaway, a road trip stop, or even a relaxed family vacation.

1. Tour Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm

If you do only one thing in Georgetown, make it a visit to Old Friends Thoroughbred Retirement Farm. This working horse farm gives retired racehorses a peaceful home—and you get to meet them up close.
  • See former racehorses (including past Kentucky Derby and Breeders’ Cup stars).
  • Take a guided walking tour around the paddocks.
  • Hear stories about each horse’s racing days and life now.
Tours are usually about an hour and involve a fair bit of walking on grass and gravel, so comfy shoes are a good idea. If you love horses, you’ll probably find yourself taking way too many photos—and that’s totally fine. Tip: Be sure to reserve your tour in advance, especially on weekends and during Derby season.

2. Explore Downtown Georgetown’s Historic Streets

Downtown Georgetown looks like it was pulled right out of a movie set, with brick sidewalks, colorful storefronts, and well-preserved 19th-century buildings. You can easily spend a few hours just wandering around:
  • Pop into local boutiques and antique shops.
  • Grab a coffee at a local cafĂ© and people-watch.
  • Walk past historic homes and churches, many over 100 years old.
Georgetown is small enough that you can park once and walk almost everywhere downtown. If you enjoy photography, the old buildings and murals make great backdrops. Travel tip: If you’re staying nearby in Lexington or Frankfort, a quick detour to explore Georgetown’s historic downtown is an easy half-day trip.

3. Visit Ward Hall, a Greek Revival Mansion

Just a few miles outside town, Ward Hall is one of Kentucky’s most impressive Greek Revival mansions. If you’re into history or old architecture, this place is a must-see. The house dates back to the 1850s and features:
  • Massive columns and a grand front porch.
  • High ceilings and original decorative details inside.
  • Stories about the wealthy Ward family and life in antebellum Kentucky.
Ward Hall only opens for tours on select days, often seasonally, so it’s smart to check their schedule before you go. Walking through the house feels a bit like stepping back in time—you can almost imagine carriages pulling up out front.

4. Take the Kids to the Toyota Kentucky Plant Tour

Did you know the largest Toyota manufacturing plant in the world is in Georgetown, KY? If you like seeing how things are made, you’ll love this. The Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky tour is surprisingly fun, even if you’re not a car person:
  • Ride a tram through the massive plant.
  • Watch robots and workers assemble Camrys and other models.
  • Learn how a simple metal sheet turns into a finished car.
It’s especially cool for older kids and teens who like gadgets or engineering. The tour is usually free, but you need to book ahead because spots can fill up.

5. Sip Bourbon on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®

Georgetown sits in prime bourbon country, making it an ideal base if you want to taste your way through the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®. While there isn’t a major historic distillery right downtown, you’re a short drive from some big names:
  • Buffalo Trace (Frankfort) – Around 25–30 minutes away.
  • Town Branch (Lexington) – Roughly 25 minutes south.
  • Woodford Reserve (Versailles) – Around 35–40 minutes.
Most distilleries offer:
  • Guided tours explaining how bourbon is made—from grain to glass.
  • Barrel warehouses with that sweet, rich bourbon aroma.
  • Guided tastings, often with a flight of different bourbons.
If you’re traveling with kids, some distilleries allow under-21s on the tour; just check ahead. Always have a designated driver or consider a local tour company if you’re planning multiple tastings.

6. Ride at Kentucky Horse Park (Just Down the Road)

Only about 15–20 minutes from Georgetown, the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington is one of the best places in the world to learn about horses—even if you’ve never been around them before. Here’s what you can do there:
  • Visit horses from different breeds and learn what makes each unique.
  • Watch riding demonstrations and shows (seasonal).
  • See the International Museum of the Horse, packed with horse history.
In warm weather, you might be able to do a short horseback or pony ride, which is perfect for kids or beginners. Even if you’re not a “horse person,” it’s hard not to be impressed once you’re there. This is horse country, and it really shows.

7. Walk, Picnic, and Play at Local Parks

If you want a simple, low-cost day, Georgetown’s parks are a nice way to relax. A few local favorites:
  • Royal Spring Park – A peaceful spot near downtown with a spring that helped shape early settlement in the area.
  • Scott County Park – Large park with walking trails, ball fields, and space for kids to run around.
Pack a picnic, bring a blanket, and slow things down for a couple of hours. On a warm day, it’s a nice break between more active sightseeing.

8. Step Back in Time at the Georgetown & Scott County Museum

If you’re the kind of traveler who likes to understand a place’s backstory, the Georgetown & Scott County Museum is worth a visit. Inside this small local museum, you’ll find:
  • Exhibits on early settlers and Native American history.
  • Stories from the Civil War era and beyond.
  • Rotating displays on local culture, schools, and industry.
It’s not a huge museum, which is actually nice—you can see everything without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Pair it with a coffee or lunch downtown and you’ve got a nice half-day plan.

9. Hunt for Antiques and Local Finds

If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt—digging through antiques, vintage finds, and quirky collectibles—Georgetown and Scott County won’t disappoint. You’ll find:
  • Antique shops with old furniture, glassware, and farm tools.
  • Thrift and consignment stores with budget-friendly treasure.
  • Local crafts and handmade items in downtown boutiques.
Every piece seems to come with a story. That old Kentucky license plate or weathered horse sign you take home just might be your favorite souvenir from the whole trip.

10. Take a Scenic Drive Through Bluegrass Country

One of the simplest but most beautiful things to do near Georgetown, Kentucky is also completely free: go for a drive. Within just a few minutes of town, you’ll be surrounded by:
  • Rolling green hills and pastures.
  • Black and white horse fences stretching for miles.
  • Classic red barns and stone fences.
Pick a sunny afternoon, roll down the windows, put on some music, and just explore the back roads of Scott County and nearby counties. This is the kind of drive that reminds you why Kentucky is called “horse country.” If you’re staying in Georgetown, you can easily combine a scenic drive with a distillery visit, the Kentucky Horse Park, or a farm tour.

Planning Your Trip to Georgetown, KY

Here are a few quick tips to make your visit smoother:
  • Best time to visit: Spring and fall offer mild weather and pretty scenery, but summer is also popular.
  • Getting around: You’ll want a car. Most attractions are spread out across Scott County and nearby cities.
  • Where to stay: Georgetown has a mix of hotels near the interstate and cozy spots closer to downtown.
Because Georgetown is close to Lexington, Frankfort, and the Bourbon Trail, it works great as a central “home base” for a few days of exploring central Kentucky.

Share Your Georgetown, Kentucky Experience

Have you been to Georgetown, KY or somewhere nearby in Scott County?
  • Which stop was your favorite—Old Friends, bourbon tasting, or the Kentucky Horse Park?
  • Did you find any hidden-gem restaurants or shops downtown?
I’d love to hear your stories and suggestions. Drop a comment below with your tips, questions, or favorite things to do near Georgetown, Kentucky. And if you found this guide helpful, please share it with a friend who’s planning a Kentucky road trip—your share might be exactly what they need to plan their next getaway.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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