Historic estate offering guided tours of a 19th-century mansion, formal gardens, and exhibits honoring a prominent American statesman.

How to Get There

From downtown Lexington, take East Main Street southeast, turn right onto Sycamore Road, and follow signs to the estate entrance.

Overview

The Ashland Estate, once home to famed 19th-century statesman Henry Clay, stands as a preserved window into America’s antebellum past. Nestled on 17 acres of manicured grounds in Lexington, Kentucky, the estate features a stately mansion filled with original Clay family furnishings and artifacts. Visitors can explore the English parterre garden, stroll tree-lined paths, and take part in guided tours that delve into Clay’s political legacy, the lives of those enslaved at Ashland, and the estate’s evolution through generations of Clay descendants.

Designated a National Historic Landmark, Ashland has welcomed guests since becoming a museum in 1950. The estate offers a variety of themed tours, including the Signature Tour, Traces: Slavery at Ashland, and Women’s Voices. Beyond the mansion, the grounds host seasonal events, educational programs, and a museum store. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a casual traveler, Ashland provides a compelling and contemplative experience that connects visitors with the complexities of American history and the enduring legacy of Henry Clay.

This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Ashland, The Henry Clay Estate, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.