McConnell Springs is the birthplace of Lexington and is a wonderful hidden gem. We have a 26-acre historic and natural city park right under our noses!
McConnell Springs is located just inside New Circle off Old Frankfort Pike. You turn on Rebmann Lane and follow the signs that weave through industrial lots before entering the parking lot beside the visitor’s center and picnic area.
In June 1775, William McConnell and his fellow frontier explorers camped at a natural spring in the wilderness of the Virginia territory known as Kentucky. Word came from nearby Fort Boonesboro that the first battle of the American Revolution had been fought in Lexington, Massachusetts. In honor of the battle, the group named their future settlement “Lexington”.
McConnell Springs welcomes visitors with an information center, complete with educational activities for children, tanks with live animals, and artifacts to touch. There is a staff working in the center available to answer questions. The center is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays, 1-5 p.m. The park is open from dawn to dusk every day.
Review
Once you depart from the Visitor’s Center, there are 2 miles of trails, and many are paved or are boards or a maintained path. This makes it a perfect area for families with strollers or those requiring wheelchair accessibility.
You can head back to “The Boils” and see a real spring in action (check it out after a good spring rain to guarantee it bubbles). Walk the trails and stop at a bench along the way to enjoy the sights and sounds, discover the remnants of the old buildings that were part of the original settlement, and check out the critters and insects that call the McConnell Springs’ pond home.
It’s a great place to pack a picnic and enjoy for a few hours. My boys love to wander the trails, stop by the pond and watch for a groundhog to pop up, and touch the cool water flowing through the streams.
There is a great visitor’s center with restooms, a bird blind, lots of things to touch and interact with, live animals and a video and information about the history of Lexington and McConnell Springs.
Special Events
Founders’ Day
May 31, 2025
10 am – 3 pm
FREE
Mark your calendar for the annual Founders’ Day Celebration planned each May. Experience life as it was in 1775. Enjoy demonstrations, educational activities, period music, storytelling and Native American Programs. It’s free!
Check out the Lex Fun 4 Kids Review of Founders Day!
Celebrate Lexington’s official “birthday” at the annual Founders’ Day celebration and experience the frontier life of 1775 for yourself. Concessions are available on-site, with proceeds benefiting McConnell Springs programs.
Activities for the day include (2024 list):
- Traditional live music and dance;
- Guided tours of the park’s 27 acres of woodland trails;
- Colonial crafts such as woodworking, quilt making, weaving and gun-smithing;
- Exhibits of colonial tools and Indian artifacts;
- Demonstrations of pioneer cooking and blacksmithing;
- A special frontier living history area around the primitive log cabin; and
- Children’s activities include bow & arrow, tomahawk throw, and pioneer kids toys and games.
This free event will be held rain or shine. Sunscreen, rain gear and insect repellent may be needed. Visitors taking guided tours are encouraged to wear hiking shoes.
Jack-O-Lantern Trail
Enjoy an enchanting Halloween experience at McConnell Springs featuring hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins as they light up the night. In addition to marveling at the glow of the pumpkins, there will be campfires and s’mores, live owls from Critters in the Classroom and tasty fall food and beverages. Perfect for all ages, this night hike will be a great event for all.
Jack-o-Lantern Trail Hike Nights 2025
Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2025 | Thursday, Oct. 23, 2025 | Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 | Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025
Trail times: 6:30 – 10 p.m. (gates close at 9:30 p.m.)
Admission: $6 per person at the gate (children 12 and under free)
2025 Events REGISTER ONLINE
Upcoming Events
Tiny Tot Naturalist
For ages 2 – 5 years old. Park staff lead students through activities related to the monthly theme, must pre-register. An adult chaperone must remain with the youth participant for the duration of the program. FREE Pre-register online
September 17, 2025 10 am – 11:30 am Seed Exploration
Junior Naturalist
This free program includes a walk or outside exploration, a theme-related craft and is designed for youth K – 5th grade. Participants should dress for the weather. Registration is required and an adult chaperone must remain with the youth participant for the duration of the program. FREE Pre-register online
September 20, 2025 10 am – 11:30 am – Seed Exploration
Story Walk
This month’s story walk is offered in both English and Spanish! “Stelaluna” Story Walk is a fun way for children and adults to experience reading. Laminated pages of a children’s book will be posted around the trail for all to enjoy at their own pace. This is a self-guided event, and no registration is necessary.
September 6, 2025 10 am
Volunteer Morning
Monthly volunteer day at McConnell Springs. Tasks change each month – with most activities occurring outside, so we ask that participants dress appropriately for working outdoors. Tools and instruction will be provided. Registration is requested, walk-ins are welcome and will be provided a waiver to sign on-site.
September 27, 2025 10 am – 11 am FREE
Seasonal Sunset Stroll
Celebrate the start of Autumn with a slow-paced guided mindfulness walk in the park with staff where we’ll discuss the quiet work being done within the plants and trees with the change of the season. The program will conclude gathered around a campfire with s’mores. Sit pads will be provided and a limited number of camp chairs will be available for use. Participants are encouraged to bring water and dress for the weather. Registration is required by 5PM 9/20/2025 and space is limited to 25 people.
September 22, 2025 6 pm – 7:30 pm $7.55
