Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky, situated between the cities of Lexington and Louisville. It is a charming and relaxed place to visit, known for its antebellum-style buildings, museums, and important public institutions.
The city is located along the Kentucky River and offers many beautiful waterfront areas, parks, and natural spots to explore. However, most of the tourist attractions in Frankfort are connected to the state’s government. The old and new capitol buildings are popular among visitors, alongside various monuments, memorials, and governor’s mansions.
In addition to sightseeing and visiting distilleries for some strong drinks, Frankfort’s downtown area is vibrant and full of life. There, you can discover excellent restaurants, trendy taverns, and unique boutiques surrounded by fascinating historic sights and beautiful old buildings everywhere you turn.
13. Daniel Boone Burial Site
Just a short walk southeast from the city center, you will find the Daniel Boone Burial Site. This historic sight offers a beautiful view of the city and river below, and it is located within the green and leafy Frankfort Cemetery.
Daniel Boone, an important figure in American history, was one of the first people to explore and settle Kentucky in the 1760s. At that time, Kentucky was far beyond the borders of the Thirteen Colonies, and attacks from Native American Indians were common.
Despite being somewhat forgotten, Daniel Boone is still seen as an iconic figure and has many myths and legends surrounding him. When you visit the memorial dedicated to him and his wife, you can learn more about his life and legacy, take pictures of the site, and enjoy the amazing views of the valley.
12. Cove Springs Park
Cove Springs Park is located on the northern outskirts of town and is known for its beautiful landscapes and nature. The park offers a peaceful and picturesque setting with sparkling waterfalls and a variety of outdoor activities. Originally, it was an old waterworks site, but now it includes meadows, ravines, woods, wetlands, and waterfalls.
Visitors can still see remnants of a walled spring, dam, and overflow tower that are centuries old. Aside from exploring these historic sights and admiring the springs and falls, people can also enjoy splashing in the streams or having a picnic along the riverbanks. The park also provides miles of trails for hiking and biking, offering a delightful outdoor experience.
11. Buffalo Trace Distillery
The Buffalo Trace Distillery has been making fantastic bourbons for over 200 years. You can visit their historic facility near downtown, where you can try their award-winning whiskeys and see how they are made. Established in 1792, it claims to be the oldest distillery still in operation in the US.
The old buildings, like the warehouses and the master distiller’s residence, look charming with their red bricks and beautiful lawns. Besides taking a tour of their modern facilities and huge storage area, you can also enjoy some bourbon tastings in their cozy tasting room.
Additionally, you can explore an arboretum, botanical garden, and gift shop at this National Historic Landmark.
10. Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol is located in the heart of downtown. It was the government’s main building from 1830 to 1910 and is the third one in Kentucky. The building has impressive Greek Revival architecture and is surrounded by trees and lawns. It is now a National Historic Landmark.
The Capitol has six huge columns that resemble those in ancient Greece. In the past, politicians debated important topics like slavery, the Civil War, and women’s rights inside the building. During tours, visitors can learn about the architecture, artwork, and influential people who shaped the state’s politics in the nineteenth century.
The Capitol’s notable features include a beautiful rotunda and a staircase that supports itself.
9. Salato Wildlife Education Center
The Salato Wildlife Education Center is a great place to visit in Kentucky. It is located on the western edge of the state’s capital. At the center, you can see a variety of interesting animals, both big and small. They have exhibits indoors, as well as different habitats outside.
The center’s large area protects many different ecosystems, such as marshes, streams, prairies, forests, and even mountains. When you walk around the enclosures, you will encounter a wide range of animals like deer, bears, bison, bobcats, and bald eagles.
The rangers at the center are friendly and knowledgeable and are happy to answer any questions about the animals and their habitats. In addition to seeing snakes, turtles, and owls inside, you can also go fishing in the ponds and explore the nature trails.
8. Liberty Hall Historic Site
The Liberty Hall Historic Site is a charming place that is conveniently located just a short distance from downtown and the Old State Capitol. It is a National Historic Landmark where visitors can explore two beautiful old homes and their stunning gardens.
One of the homes is called Liberty Hall, which used to belong to John Brown, Kentucky’s first senator. It was built in 1796 and has an impressive Federal-style front. Right next to it is the Orlando Brown House, a Greek Revival-style home that John Brown had built for his son a few decades later.
When you visit this historic site, you can take tours of both houses and also walk around their large grounds that offer a great view of the Kentucky River.
Inside the houses, you’ll see the intricate decorations that wealthy families in the 1800s had, and you’ll also learn about the enslaved individuals who worked for them through different exhibits.
7. Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History
If you want to learn about the history of the city and state, you should definitely visit the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History. It is located in downtown and has many artifacts and exhibits that focus on the rich culture, famous people, and important events of Kentucky.
The Kentucky Historical Society has been around since 1835, but the museum’s modern building didn’t open until 1999. The displays, photos, and specimens cover a span of over 12,000 years of history, including things like bourbon, baseball bats, horse racing memorabilia, and sports cars.
One of the best parts is the Kentucky Hall of Governors where you can see all the portraits. The museum is both educational and entertaining, taking you from prehistoric times to the present. Once you have learned about Native Americans, pioneers, and politicians of Kentucky, make sure to visit the Old State Capitol which is right next door.
6. Castle & Key Distillery
There is a remarkable distillery called Castle & Key Distillery located in Frankfort. It offers tours that allow visitors to explore the extensive estate and try out their strong spirits and delicious cocktails. The property has a European-style castle, a classical springhouse, and a peaceful sunken garden, all of which were built in 1887.
Unfortunately, the distillery closed during Prohibition in the 1920s but was reopened in 2014 by the current owners. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction in Frankfort, known for its tasty drinks, beautiful setting, and unique architecture.
In addition to learning about the production of bourbons, gins, and vodkas, simply wandering around the serene grounds is a delightful experience.
5. New Capitol Building
The Beaux-Arts New Capitol Building is considered the most beautiful building in the city. It has been the state’s government headquarters since 1910 and offers informative tours that showcase its luxurious interior and well-maintained grounds.
The construction of this impressive building took five years and it replaced the Old State Capitol located north of the river. The interior of the building is just as impressive, with refined murals, portraits, and artworks adorning its spacious chambers and rooms.
The captivating rotunda of the capitol is a highlight, surrounded by large halls supported by massive marble pillars. During the tour, you will learn about the history of Kentucky’s capitol buildings, as well as the governors and politicians associated with them.
After the tour, you can take a leisurely walk in the beautiful green grounds, adorned with statues, flowerbeds, and plaques honoring various events.
4. Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial is a meaningful place to visit. It honors the 1,103 soldiers from Kentucky who died in the war. It is a distinctive and dignified memorial located in a scenic spot with a view of the state capitol and city below.
The memorial has a gigantic sundial that casts a shadow pointing to each soldier’s name on the anniversary of their death. This clever feature gives each veteran their own personal memorial day. In addition to paying respects, visitors can take photos and explore the peaceful plaza.
It is considered one of the nation’s most unique and effective memorials and is definitely worth visiting if you have the opportunity.
3. Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum
If you enjoy sugary treats, you might have a difficult time resisting a delightful tour of the Rebecca Ruth Candy factory. During the tour, you can observe how they make their famous ‘bourbon balls’ and also learn about the origins of this delicious treat in the nearby museum.
In 1919, two former teachers named Ruth Booe and Rebecca Gooch started a successful candy business by combining chocolate with Kentucky’s beloved liquor. Since the creation of the renowned ‘bourbon balls’, they have expanded to include different types of caramels, cremes, and other sweets.
Even after four generations, the business remains strong, attracting thousands of visitors to this iconic Kentucky establishment every year. In addition to admiring their collection of antique and modern candy-making equipment, visitors can shop for gifts in the store or try some of their delightful creations.
2. Governor’s Mansion
The grand Governor’s Mansion, located near the new state capitol in the capital city, is an impressive and important building. It overlooks the meandering Kentucky River and is surrounded by beautiful grounds and gardens. Visitors can take tours inside the mansion to see its elegant interior.
The construction of the mansion took place from 1912 to 1914 and its architecture is inspired by Marie Antoinette’s summer home in Versailles, known for its Beaux-Arts style. For more than a hundred years, the Governor’s Mansion has served as the official residence for the governors and their families in Kentucky.
The interior of the mansion features French neoclassical design, adorned with breathtaking furniture and antique items. During the tour, an knowledgeable guide will point out the mansion’s remarkable features and provide insights into its historical significance and the governors who lived there.
1. Downtown Frankfort
Downtown Frankfort is an exciting and interesting area to explore. It is full of historic sites and cultural landmarks that have been around for a long time. Despite the old buildings, there are areas with a lively atmosphere and thriving businesses.
The historic district is situated near the Kentucky River and it is filled with charming old houses from before the Civil War. Some of these houses have been turned into museums, while others have become cozy cafes and local restaurants. There are also a few distilleries and taverns to be found.
The main draw of Downtown Frankfort is its rich history, including attractions like the Old State Capitol, Liberty Hall, Capital City Museum, and Old Governor’s Mansion.
