Strange and Unusual Things to Do in Lexington, KY
Lexington, Kentucky, is best known for its horse racing, bourbon distilleries, and college basketball. But outside the usual tourist spots, the city hides some truly odd, unexpected, and downright bizarre attractions.
From a taxidermied bear with a notorious past to an underground fire station, Lexington has more than a few surprises.
Some of these places are tied to history—like the Monroe Moosnick Medical and Science Museum, which preserves eerie 19th-century medical tools.
Others are pure quirks of local culture, such as a giant Dixie Cup water tower standing tall long after the factory shut down.
A few sites, like the Biblical-themed mini-golf course, mix entertainment with religious storytelling. Then there’s Cocaine Bear—yes, a real bear that ate cocaine—who has become a local legend.
Some spots might make you do a double take, while others just feel out of place in a city known for its refined Southern charm. But that’s what makes them worth a visit.
Whether you’re a Lexington local looking for something different or a traveler with a taste for the odd, these unusual things to do in Lexington, KY, are anything but ordinary.
The Kentucky Castle
Why It’s Unusual
Driving through central Kentucky, you don’t expect to see a medieval-style castle rising from the rolling hills. But The Kentucky Castle, located off U.S. Route 60, looks like something out of a fairy tale.
Originally built as a private home in 1969, it sat empty for years before being transformed into a luxury hotel.
Why It’s Unique
It’s rare to find a full-scale castle in the United States, let alone one that functions as a hotel and event space.
Over the years, it has hosted weddings, corporate events, and weekend getaways. With stone towers, a grand courtyard, and high walls, it brings European-style architecture to the Bluegrass State.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Had?
- Staying overnight in a real castle.
- Exploring medieval-inspired architecture in the middle of Kentucky.
- Attending a themed event or wedding inside the fortress-like walls.
Monroe Moosnick Medical and Science Museum
Why It’s Unusual
Tucked away inside Transylvania University, the Monroe Moosnick Medical and Science Museum looks like something out of a 19th-century horror novel.
The collection features old medical instruments, preserved anatomical models, and an eerie life-sized figure built from multiple cadavers. Unlike most museums, this one feels untouched—almost frozen in time.
Why It’s Unique
Most historical medical exhibits focus on well-known advancements, but this one showcases the raw and experimental side of early medicine.
Many of the artifacts date back to the 1800s, giving visitors a glimpse into a time when surgery often relied on guesswork.
The museum’s connection to Transylvania University, which was one of the first medical schools west of the Allegheny Mountains, adds even more historical weight.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Had?
- Viewing preserved specimens and early anatomical models.
- Examining medical tools used before anesthesia became standard.
- Learning how early doctors trained in Lexington.
Cocaine Bear Exhibit
Why It’s Unusual
In 1985, a drug smuggler’s plane dumped a massive load of cocaine over the Chattahoochee National Forest. A black bear found the stash, ate an absurd amount, and died almost instantly.
Years later, the bear’s taxidermied body turned up in Kentucky and now stands as a bizarre exhibit at the Kentucky for Kentucky Fun Mall.
Why It’s Unique
Few animals become urban legends, but Cocaine Bear (or “Pablo Escobear,” as some call it) has taken on a life of its own.
The story inspired movies, merchandise, and endless speculation about what might have happened in the bear’s final moments.
Unlike typical wildlife displays, this one tells a true crime story with a mix of dark humor and curiosity.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Had?
- Seeing the actual taxidermied Cocaine Bear.
- Learning about the smuggler’s failed drug drop.
- Browsing Cocaine Bear-themed souvenirs, including t-shirts and plush toys.
Giant Abraham Lincoln Mural
Why It’s Unusual
Most cities honor Abraham Lincoln with statues or plaques, but Lexington chose something much bigger—a five-story mural.
Covering an entire side of a building on Short Street, the massive portrait of Lincoln stares across downtown with a solemn expression.
Created by artist Eduardo Kobra in 2013, the mural has become one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Why It’s Unique
Instead of a traditional tribute, this mural takes a colorful and modern approach.
The bright, geometric patterns surrounding Lincoln’s face set it apart from the usual bronze sculptures found in other cities. Given Lincoln’s ties to Kentucky, it’s a fitting but unexpected tribute.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Had?
- Standing beneath a giant mural of Abraham Lincoln.
- Seeing the mix of historical tribute and modern street art.
- Learning about the artist and his distinctive painting style.
Dixie Cup Water Tower
Why It’s Unusual
On the edge of town, a giant Dixie Cup stands on a pedestal, towering over an otherwise ordinary landscape.
This oversized water tower once marked the site of the Dixie Cup factory, which operated in Lexington for decades before closing in 2011. Even though the factory is long gone, the cup remains.
Why It’s Unique
While most water towers are purely functional, this one is shaped like a disposable paper cup, complete with blue and white branding.
It’s a relic of Lexington’s industrial past and one of the last reminders of the company’s long history in the city.
Few people expect to see a towering beverage cup while driving down the road, which makes it a local curiosity.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Had?
- Snapping photos of a giant Dixie Cup in the middle of Kentucky.
- Learning about the history of the Dixie Cup company.
- Seeing a water tower that doesn’t look like a water tower.
Jim Varney’s Grave
Why It’s Unusual
Most cemeteries don’t attract tourists, but this one does—thanks to Jim Varney. Best known for playing Ernest P. Worrell in a series of movies and commercials, Varney was a Lexington native.
After his passing in 2000, fans began visiting his grave at Lexington Cemetery, leaving mementos and tributes to the beloved character.
Why It’s Unique
Varney’s portrayal of Ernest made him a cult favorite, and his legacy continues decades later.
Unlike most celebrity graves, his feels personal, with notes, flowers, and sometimes even old Ernest memorabilia left by visitors.
It’s a small but touching reminder of how much his work still means to people.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Had?
- Visiting the final resting place of a comedy icon.
- Seeing fan tributes left at the grave.
- Reflecting on the impact of the Ernest movies.
Aviation Museum of Kentucky
Why It’s Unusual
Located inside Blue Grass Airport, Aviation Museum of Kentucky blends history with live aviation. It features military jets, vintage planes, and rare prototypes, all displayed near active runways.
Unlike most museums, visitors can watch real aircraft take off while exploring exhibits.
Why It’s Unique
The museum’s collection includes an AH-1 Cobra helicopter and a Crosley Moonbeam biplane, along with restored military and commercial aircraft.
Interactive flight simulators let visitors experience piloting, while educational programs provide insights into aviation history and technology.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Had?
- Using flight simulators to “fly” different aircraft
- Exploring the cockpit of historic planes
- Watching real flights take off from the airport
- Attending aviation workshops and special exhibits
Lexington’s Biblical Miniature Golf
Why It’s Unusual
Mini-golf courses usually feature windmills, castles, or pirate ships, but this one takes a different approach.
Located at the Lexington Ice Center, this 54-hole course is divided into three sections—the Old Testament, the New Testament, and the Miracles.
Every hole represents a biblical story, turning a casual game into a spiritual journey.
Why It’s Unique
Few places combine faith and mini-golf. Each hole features scripture and a corresponding scene, making it part lesson and part entertainment.
The course has been around for years, drawing families and church groups looking for a different kind of outing.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Had?
- Putting through scenes from the Bible, including Noah’s Ark and the Parting of the Red Sea.
- Listening to Christian rock music while playing.
- Exploring all three courses, each dedicated to a different part of biblical history.
The Cave Firehouse (Fire Station #16)
Why It’s Unusual
Most fire stations stand out with big red doors and traditional architecture, but Lexington Fire Station #16 looks like it belongs underground—because it is.
Known as “The Cave,” this fire station was built directly into a hillside off Man o’ War Boulevard in 1983. The station’s entrance is the only visible part, while the rest stays hidden beneath the earth.
Why It’s Unique
Underground fire stations are rare, and this one was designed for both practicality and energy efficiency.
The surrounding earth keeps temperatures stable, reducing the need for heating and cooling. Lexington residents often drive past without realizing an active fire station operates beneath their feet.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Had?
- Visiting a fire station built into the ground.
- Learning about how the design conserves energy.
- Seeing a functional emergency facility that blends into the landscape.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Why It’s Unusual
This 700-acre sanctuary blends nature with history, featuring pioneer-era ruins, stone fences, and a historic family cemetery.
Nestled along the Kentucky River, it offers scenic trails, diverse wildlife, and remnants of early settlements hidden within the woods.
Why It’s Unique
Unlike typical nature parks, Raven Run combines hiking with historical discovery.
Trails pass through old homesteads, a grist mill site, and untouched forest landscapes. The area is also a hotspot for birdwatching, with over 200 recorded species.
What Unusual Experiences Can Be Had?
- Hiking trails leading to historic ruins
- Birdwatching in a designated wildlife habitat
- Exploring a 19th-century family cemetery
- Scenic overlooks of the Kentucky River
- Educational programs on local ecology and history