Rail Explorers: Bluegrass Division

"Rail Explorers: Bluegrass Division" is a unique tourist attraction located in the picturesque city of Versailles, in the very heart of a region famous for its horses and bourbon. This adventure involves riding special pedal-powered railbikes along historic railway tracks that are no longer used for regular train traffic.

The distinct feature of this entertainment is the use of the patented REX Propulsion System—electric motors that assist with pedaling. Thanks to this, the journey becomes easy and accessible for people of almost any age and fitness level. Visitors can enjoy views of the Kentucky hills, passing by famous horse farms and limestone cliffs without experiencing exhausting physical strain.

This place is perfect for family vacations, romantic dates, or fun trips with friends. Traveling along the steel thoroughfares, guests discover the USA from an unusual perspective, combining outdoor activity with an immersion into railway history.

To plan your visit to Rail Explorers: Bluegrass Division, it is helpful to know the exact starting location. Below are the official contact details for the site.

The main activity here is, undoubtedly, the railbike journey itself. You can choose a two-seater "Tandem" or a four-seater "Quad," allowing you to share the experience with family or friends. During the ride, you will pedal along steel rails through picturesque landscapes: past pastures with thoroughbred horses, through shady groves, and along sheer rock cuts.

Beyond the physical activity, this is an excellent opportunity for photography. Since the railbikes move smoothly and passengers' hands are often free (if you aren't in the front seat or are simply resting while the electric motor works), you can take stunning shots of nature and each other in motion. The atmosphere of tranquility and the rhythmic clatter of wheels create a meditative effect.

At the end of the route, there is usually a stop where guides turn the vehicles around for the return trip. During this time, visitors can stretch their legs, chat with the staff, learn local legends, or simply enjoy the silence away from city roads. It is also worth checking out the souvenirs to keep a memory of this unusual adventure.

The attraction is located at 175 Beasley Rd, Versailles, KY 40383. Since this spot is in the suburbs, the most convenient way to get here is by personal car or rental vehicle. The location shares its grounds with the Bluegrass Railroad Museum, so keep an eye out for signs pointing to the museum.

Public transport in this area is not well developed and may not take you directly to the tour starting point. If you are traveling without a car, a reasonable option would be to order a taxi or use ride-sharing services (such as Uber or Lyft) from the city center or nearby major towns.

For tourists arriving from other regions, the nearest major transport hub is Lexington Airport. A taxi ride from there will take some time, so it is recommended to plan your route in advance, taking the tour schedule into account.

Although the Rail Explorers project itself is a modern tourist attraction, the rails upon which the routes run hold a rich history. The tracks used by the Bluegrass Division were historically part of a railway network that played a key role in transporting goods and passengers throughout the late 19th and early 20th centuries across a region known for its limestone soils and horse breeding.

These lines once connected small Kentucky towns with major industrial centers, contributing to the region's economic growth. Over time, with the development of automotive transport, commercial use of the branch declined, and it might have been abandoned were it not for the efforts of enthusiasts dedicated to preserving railway heritage.

Collaboration between Rail Explorers and the local railway museum has breathed new life into the old infrastructure. Now, instead of heavy freight trains, lightweight railbikes glide silently along the tracks, allowing guests to touch upon the industrial past in a completely new, eco-friendly format.

For a full visit to Rail Explorers, it is recommended to set aside about 2 hours. The rail ride itself usually takes between 90 minutes and two hours, depending on the chosen route and the group's pace.

It is important to note that you must arrive at the site in advance, typically 30–45 minutes before the start of the tour. This time is needed for registration, safety briefings, and boarding the railbikes. Therefore, when planning your day, allow enough time so you don't have to rush and can fully enjoy the experience.

The operating hours of Rail Explorers depend on the season and the schedule of specific tours. Rides take place at strictly designated times, so you cannot simply show up and go immediately—advance booking is required.

We strongly recommend checking the current schedule and availability on the company's official website before planning your visit. Morning, afternoon, and, during certain periods, special evening tours (for example, at sunset or with lanterns) are usually available.

A trip to Versailles and its surroundings is an immersion into the atmosphere of the famous Bluegrass region. After an active ride on the rails, it is worth taking the time to explore local historic buildings, cozy pubs, and, of course, other sites connected to Kentucky culture.

There are many interesting places within a radius of a few kilometers from the starting point, ranging from museums to authentic restaurants. Here is a list of nearby attractions that might interest you: