U.S. Route 60: Lexington to Versailles – Kentucky

Take a relaxing ride through Kentucky’s famed Bluegrass Country as we follow a brief but quintessentially picturesque stretch of U.S. Route 60 from Lexington to Versailles. This six-mile journey offers a snapshot of Central Kentucky’s horse country, gently transitioning from city outskirts to rolling pastures steeped in equestrian history and Southern charm.

We begin our drive turning westbound onto U.S. 60 from the busy New Circle Road (KY-4) in western Lexington. Almost immediately, the energy of the city remains present but begins to taper. On our right, Beaumont Centre and adjacent suburban neighborhoods give way to more open spaces. Moments later, we approach the intersection with Man o’ War Boulevard, a major Lexington thoroughfare named after one of the most legendary racehorses in American history. The presence of Lexington Blue Grass Airport looms nearby to our left, its modest airfield serving as a gateway for travelers visiting the heartland of horse racing. We skirt past a series of roadside businesses, a mix of local diners, hotels, and service stations catering to travelers and locals alike, marking one last urban pocket before the countryside unfolds.

As we continue west, the landscape quickly transforms into the iconic pastoral beauty Kentucky is known for. Black wooden fences line either side of the road, enclosing lush green pastures where thoroughbreds graze under the watchful eye of stately manor homes. We pass near Keeneland Racecourse—just south of the highway—a historic racetrack that not only hosts world-renowned racing events but is also home to prestigious thoroughbred sales. Although we don’t see it directly from U.S. 60, its influence permeates the area, and the occasional glimpse of an entrance or training barn hints at its presence. Along this segment, you can truly feel why Lexington is called the “Horse Capital of the World.” The road’s gentle curves and mild hills mirror the elegance and grace of the animals it serves.

Soon, the commercial clusters thin out entirely, leaving us embraced by Kentucky’s bluegrass fields, peppered with century-old trees and rolling meadows. U.S. 60 takes on a more tranquil tone, carrying us directly towards Versailles, the heart of Woodford County and another jewel in Kentucky’s equine crown. Just before we reach the town proper, we spot signs for the Bluegrass Parkway, a key route that stretches westward toward Bardstown and Elizabethtown, connecting Central Kentucky to the broader network of interstates. Here, we take the on-ramp to the Bluegrass Parkway, our brief but memorable cruise along U.S. Route 60 drawing to a close amid the serenity of open countryside.

In just six short miles, we experience a vivid transition from city bustle to rural splendor, showcasing the dual identity of Lexington and Versailles—urban energy effortlessly giving way to timeless tradition. It’s a perfect reminder of how even the shortest drives can offer a deep sense of place and history in the heart of Kentucky’s horse country.