Location: Frankfort
Top Things to do in Frankfort
10 Free 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. Leslie Morris Park on Fort Hill
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By dewaynep2016 - Elizabethtown, United States
Upon arrival a gentleman on the Sullivan House (moved from 9 miles away to current location) porch invited me to site in a rocker and enjoy the breeze while he talked about the site, Kentucky Civil War history, importance of the railways and waterways, and a various of other off topic subjects for about 20 minutes. Afterwards I toured the interior of the house and then walked the trail to the fort and redoubt. Both are intact and excellent examples. No cost, free parking, and fairly easy walking trail that isn't long.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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!
6. Daniel Boone Burial Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 141 reviews
Reviewed By stevekimberlym - Pulaski, United States
If you are a history buff, it is a worth while visit. When you get to the cemetery just follow the yellow line, it will carry you straight to the grave. It's also a nice view of the state capitol building.
7. Floral Clock
8. Cove Springs Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 68 reviews
Reviewed By IronRangeMNGirl - Minneapolis, United States
We stopped while on a recent road trip. It's wonderful that the waterfalls themselves are very easily accessed without having to hike in. We enjoyed watching a little water snake in swim around at the base of the waterfalls. There are also great hiking trails if you have more time. Your time here can be what you make of it.... either a 20 minute stop to just see the waterfalls or you can spend hours hiking and picnicing. Very beautiful!!
9. Three Boys Farm Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By mikesX5815UN
If you are in the Frankfort Kentucky area, Don't pass up the opportunity to visit three boys farm. This is a great little distillery off the beaten path. They have a great philosophy, Hunter, the master distiller is a great guy who definitely knows what he's doing. You can do cask strength barrel tastings in the visitor center and the distillery tour across the way is very interesting and informative.
10. Kentucky State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 21 reviews
Reviewed By Thor1412 - Horace, United States
This historic 1910 capitol is an impressive building by itself. A lot of history has been preserved in the rotunda and surrounding hallways. Be sure to “look up” the Kentucky State Capitol and “look up” at the ceiling to appreciate the magnificent painted murals. People will see lots of decorations on a free walk through the building. There are 70 enormous columns and lots of sculptures. The glass floor on the second floor of the library was awesome to walk on.
