Location: Frankfort
Top Things to do in Frankfort
Top 10 Things to do in Frankfort, Kentucky (KY)
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. 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!
2. Castle & Key Distillery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 427 reviews
Castle & Key Distillery is located on the site of the historic Old Taylor Distillery in Millville, KY. After sitting abandoned to fall into ruin, new owners purchased the property in 2014. Production began at the distillery in late 2016 for the first time in over 40 years. Castle & Key produces premium spirits made from scratch. Gin and vodka are currently available while bourbon and rye whiskey continue to age.
Reviewed By joydeanb2017 - Columbia, United States
Our group of six very much enjoyed our visit to Castle & Key. We were trying to remain covid compliant and we felt very safe there. We were outside on their beautiful grounds, tried some of the cocktails while relaxing and sitting out on the chairs along the creek, took a walk through the grounds - enjoyed the great variety of plants and trees there. It was a wonderful afternoon and would recommend a visit to this place! Very very nice!
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. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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!
7. 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.
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. Glenns Creek Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Want to see, understand and make Bourbon then Glenns Creek's small Pot still distillery located on the Former Old Crow Distillery Property at 3501 McCracken Pike Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 is the stop for you! Home of OCD #5 single barrel, barrel strength Bourbon, Café Ole' Bourbon, Cuervito Vivo! Bourbon, Stave + Barrel Bourbon, Ryskey Whiskey, Kentucky Prohibition Rum, S'otit Vodka, Hamilton Spirit, Hamilton Dark, Hamilton Smoke. If you have seen our big brothers AND still wondered how Bourbon is made come see us!
Reviewed By hynds1797
Very casual and informative look at a small craft distillery. Prior commitments about Covid enforcements have some merit but the place is open air with fans blowing to circulate the air. Distancing practiced at the bar but you can’t wear a mask and drink (obviously). Masks were required when not at the bar but not strictly enforced. Tour size limited to 8 people. Enough about Covid, Bourbons are excellent and Dave gives you a lot of information that you won’t get in the industrial sized tours. Really enjoyed this as a highlight of our trip through KY.
10. Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 242 reviews
Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum offers a guided tour and includes antique candy making equipment as well as new equipment. It continues as family confectionery operation that was founded in the year 1919. They are noted for the invention of Bourbon Balls. Tours and retail are open year round. Tour price includes a chocolate, free chocolate aroma therapy and lots of Southern Hospitality.
Reviewed By O3447AOdebbiec - Palm Bay, United States
They let you taste their bourbon chocolates. So good. Again currently no tours but they are very friendly in their. The building is historic.
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