Location: Frankfort
Top Things to do in Frankfort
10 Budget-friendly Things to do in Frankfort That You Shouldn't Miss
The city of Frankfort has a long and torturous history. First settled in 1786, the city has survived a failed attempt to make Kentucky a part of the Spanish Empire, an occupation by the Confederate Army, disastrous fires, and flooding from the Kentucky River. This exciting past has left the capital city full of historic sites, museums, and restored mansions. Visit the bourbon warehouses at the Buffalo Trace Distillery or explore the beautiful Bluegrass Hills at the Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary.
Restaurants in Frankfort
1. Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 94 reviews
This memorial to Kentuckians killed in Vietnam is a giant sundial whose shadows fall on every name on the anniversary of that soldier's death.
Reviewed By HaroldLVaughn - Walton, United States
Built like a sundial so that the gnomon (look it up, I had to) casts a shadow onto the circular surface. The whole thing is designed so that the shadow falls on the names of the honored dead highlighting the month and year of their sacrifice.
2. Salato Wildlife Education Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 163 reviews
Reviewed By connielQ8420WN
We really enjoyed walking the trails and visiting the exhibits. The employees were present and helpful, taking the time to answer all of our questions during the bobcat training. Animals can be observed in their natural habitats and the overlooks make viewing accessible to everyone. Great place to see for all ages! Donate now to help keep Salato's animals fed and happy!
3. Liberty Hall Historic Site
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
Liberty Hall Historic Site was the home of one of Kentucky's most important families. The site contains two houses: Liberty Hall (1796) built by John Brown, one of Kentucky's first United States Senator and the Orlando Brown House (1835), designed by Gideon Shryock, and owned by Senator Brown's second son. The site also includes more than 4 acres of manicured grounds and flower gardens. Guided tours Mon-Sun at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. mid-Mar to mid-Nov. Tours start at steps to Liberty Hall, 218 Wilkinson Street. In 1971 the federal government designated Liberty Hall as a National Historic Landmark. The site is a non-profit educational organization owned by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Reviewed By 83andi
Our tour of Liberty Hall was informative and fascinating. There is plenty of history to the house, and we learned about the Brown family and saw many of their original pieces of furniture and tons of books. Karen was a wonderful guide and is very knowledgeable and passionate about Liberty Hall and the events they host throughout the year. Highly recommend, especially the gardens out back!
4. Frankfort Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 211 reviews
The grave of Daniel Boone, which has been open for more than 150 years, is the biggest draw at this cemetery.
Reviewed By bradwN9107IR - Winchester, United States
My wife and I made the trip from Lexington up to Frankfort specifically to see Daniel Boone's alleged grave (Missouri claims that we stole the wrong body when we exhumed him from there back in the 1850's). We wound up spending hours at the site though looking at the historic graves of governors, soldiers, and many more. Perched on a hill overlooking the Kentucky river, and the state capitol building, this cemetery offers breathtaking views, history lessons, and lots of gravestones that are truly works of art.
5. Old State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
The Old Capitol is privvy to some of Kentucky's speckled history. Free guided and self-guided tours are available.
Reviewed By Txtom72 - Dayton, United States
Wed walked the manicured grounds on a bright 62˚F day. The building and its surrounds could tell some great tales - a placid and historic site.
6. Governor's Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Built in 1914 as the new Governor's mansion, this is the oldest official governor's residence in the United States.
Reviewed By dewaynep2016 - Elizabethtown, United States
I had a great time taking the 30-minute tour. The house is four floors but only the first floor is accessible to the public. The docent covered everything from governor history to the history of the executive mansion itself with sprinklings of facts about the first ladies and artifacts in the residence. It is worth doing if you are near the Capitol and have some time to kill.
7. Canoe Kentucky
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 81 reviews
The bluegrass states premier Paddlesports provider. Whether your looking to try canoeing for the first time, wanting to learn how to whitewater kayak, deciding to buy your first fishing kayak, determined to send your kids to the beat outdoor camp in the area or hoping to lead a school or chur h group on a multi day leadership adventure retreat, we've got you covered. For 36 plus years we ha e been helping make outdoor memories and experiences for 10' of thousands of people. What are you waiting for? In a virtual world, let us make your outdoor dreams a reality!
8. Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 reviews
The Kentucky Historical Society is the place to turn for anything related to Kentucky history. Our history campus in historic downtown Frankfort includes the premier library for Kentucky genealogy research, interactive exhibits that tell Kentucky's stories from prehistoric to current times, educational activities for all ages and more.
Reviewed By KAQ61
I highly recommend this special exhibit which runs until October. The exhibit showcases two rarely seen sets of paintings by well-known Kentucky Impressionist artist Paul Sawyier. The mounting of the two sets is very well-done with interesting historical tidbits of the Frankfort, KY landmarks depicted in the two sets, which differ in their portrayal of a popular 19th century poem. Photos of those landmarks today are included. I also appreciated the details showcasing the woman poet in addition to Sawyier and his work. The History Center itself is very well-done also.
9. Buffalo Trace Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,423 reviews
Buffalo Trace Distillery has been following the global spread of COVID-19 which has allowed us to refine and progressively implement new protocol. After months of careful planning, we are thrilled to announce we will be reopening to visitors on July 1. We are implementing many new procedures to address safety for our visitors and staff. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present, and these policies follow expert guidance to maximize visitors’ health and safety. As with other organizations, Buffalo Trace Distillery has a phased approach. Please visit, https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/visit-us/covid-19-what-to-expect.html, for more information about what you can expect at the Distillery and watch a short video outlinein our precautions.
Reviewed By 690richb - Fishers, United States
Buffalo Trace has one of the best distillery tours on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail!! Our tour guide, Eugene, was very knowledgeable about the distillery and bourbon history. Loved seeing my favorite bourbon, Blanton’s, being bottled. High light of the tour for me. Highly recommend this stop on the Trail.
10. New Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Reviewed By katemK2806BC - Lewis Center, United States
Stumbled upon the capitol after dinner in downtown Frankfort. Stunning architecture, especially at night!
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