McConnell Springs

McConnell Springs Experiencing nature is a vital part of the McConnell Springs adventure. To the left is a grassy slope leading to the pond wetlands. Sunday: 1-5 p.m.

A historic site, educational resource for culture and the natural environment, beautiful nature park, over a mile of walking trails located near downtown Lexington. Wildflowers wave in the breeze and greet visitors to the site as they emerge from the locust grove and enter a clearing at the rim of the Town Branch valley. To the right is an accessible trail to the natural spring where green water p

lants flourish year round. Directly ahead across the brush-covered valley stand two towering bur oaks — mute witnesses to the McConnell exploring party more than two centuries ago. A wide variety of plants flourish in The Springs from the delicate wetlands on the east boundary to the old quarry on the west. Restoration of vegetation at the site has focused on plants native to the area. Trees line the boundaries of the park and serve as a buffer between parkland and the neighboring urban landscape. Underneath The Springs, limestone bedrock is honeycombed with crevices that allow water to slip through and eventually emerge as a natural spring — The Blue Hole — at the center of the site. An elevated walkway crosses the wetlands area, offering an excellent view of the surroundings while protecting the fragile environment. After flowing just a few yards, this portion of Town Branch runs underground again, only to reemerge nearby as the bubbling Boils beside a natural stone bank. In the west corner of the park stand the remains of a small abandoned quarry from which was taken much of the material to build the oldest structures on the property. Beneath the quarry, the final sink closes the karst window as the stream disappears for a final time. The park is open daily year-round, Dawn to Dusk. The Education Center is open
Monday-Saturday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Below is a link to the LFUCG Parks and Recreation Project website for the 2028 Master Plan. Please take a few moments to...
08/11/2026

Below is a link to the LFUCG Parks and Recreation Project website for the 2028 Master Plan. Please take a few moments to fill out the survey and maybe even try to join one of the Community Conversations.

https://engagepros.mysocialpinpoint.com/LexingtonPRMP

Don't forget to join us tomorrow night! Space is limited so come early to get a seat.
08/10/2026

Don't forget to join us tomorrow night! Space is limited so come early to get a seat.

Mark your calendars! Join us as we uncover the remarkable stories of Kentucky women who made their mark in the nineteen...
08/05/2026

Mark your calendars! Join us as we uncover the remarkable stories of Kentucky women who made their mark in the nineteenth-century Thoroughbred industry. Learn how prominent horsewomen Josephine Russell Clay and Meta Westfeldt Hunt Reynolds Tarleton gained expertise alongside their husbands and successfully managed breeding and racing operations after becoming widows.

Their inspiring journeys offer a fascinating look at the early history of women's leadership and influence in the sport of Thoroughbred racing. Join us Aug. 11 at McConnell Springs Park in Lexington.

Rita’s Ride to McConnell Springs transportation grant is a great opportunity for a school to receive reimbursement for t...
07/27/2026

Rita’s Ride to McConnell Springs transportation grant is a great opportunity for a school to receive reimbursement for the cost of the bus $150 for Fayette County schools or $300 for all other counties (2 bus limit per school year of $300 and $600 respectively) when planning a field trip to McConnell Springs. This grant is open to all schools in Kentucky for scheduled educational programs at the park. The McConnell Springs staff will ask about the school contact information and whether you wish to be considered for a grant for your school.
The grant would normally be approved at the Friends’ board meeting (first Tuesday of each month) after your wish to be considered is known to staff. When approved, the grant will be mailed within 14 days after your trip is completed. This grant is limited and can be discussed further when the class trip is scheduled.
Since this program has been introduced, thousands of students have had the opportunity to visit McConnell Springs and experience a high-quality field trip without the school having to worry about the burden of paying for the transportation.
Educational Opportunities at McConnell Springs Park can be found at the link below:
https://content.lexingtonky.gov/sites/default/files/2026-02/McConnellSpringsPark_Educational%20Opportunites_2026.pdf

07/18/2026

Women of the Bluegrass: Nineteenth-Century Kentucky Pioneers in Thoroughbred Breeding

Speaker: Jessica Whitehead



Jessica will explore the remarkable stories of Kentucky women from the nineteenth century who became breeders and owners in the Thoroughbred industry. Notable society women, Josephine Russell Clay and Meta Westfeldt Hunt Reynolds Tarleton, acquired their expertise alongside their husbands and skillfully maintained their careers even after becoming widows. Their journeys offer a unique perspective on the early history of women’s involvement in the sport.

https://mcconnellsprings.org/event/htco-aug11/
07/18/2026

https://mcconnellsprings.org/event/htco-aug11/

Jessica will explore the remarkable stories of Kentucky women from the nineteenth century who became breeders and owners in the Thoroughbred industry. Notable society women, Josephine Russell Clay and Meta Westfeldt Hunt Reynolds Tarleton, acquired their expertise alongside their husbands and skillf...

Join us tonight! The Underground Railroad as told through a QuiltQuilting has historically provided warmth, decoration, ...
07/14/2026

Join us tonight! The Underground Railroad as told through a Quilt

Quilting has historically provided warmth, decoration, and a means to memorialize loved ones, express political views, and celebrate events. Quilts serve as living history, reflecting generational experiences and struggles. African artists used quilts to convey messages, including codes for the Underground Railroad. This narrative emphasizes survival and resilience in the quest for freedom. A Chautauqua-style presentation on this topic is engaging and popular among diverse audiences.

Quilting has historically provided warmth, decoration, and a means to memorialize loved ones, express political views, and celebrate events. Quilts serve as living history, reflecting generational experiences and struggles. African artists used quilts to convey messages, including codes for the Unde...

Please see the following website for information on how to submit survey responses and/or attend public meetings related...
06/15/2026

Please see the following website for information on how to submit survey responses and/or attend public meetings related to the 2028 Parks Master Plan: https://engagepros.mysocialpinpoint.com/LexingtonPRMP.

It is important for everyone to help the city plan for improvements, especially at McConnell Springs.

Address

416 Rebmann Lane
Lexington, KY
40504

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm
Sunday 1pm - 5pm

Telephone

+18592254073

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when McConnell Springs posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share