What to do and see in Frankfort, Kentucky (KY): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups

June 21, 2021 Diedre Savory

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

1 Sportsmans Ln, Frankfort, KY 40601-3951 +1 502-564-7863 http://fw.ky.gov/
Excellent
77%
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5.0 based on 163 reviews

Salato Wildlife Education Center

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. Liberty Hall Historic Site

218 Wilkinson St, Frankfort, KY 40601-1826 +1 502-227-2560 [email protected] http://www.libertyhall.org/
Excellent
84%
Good
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Satisfactory
3%
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5.0 based on 58 reviews

Liberty Hall Historic Site

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!

3. Castle & Key Distillery

4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601-8233 +1 502-395-9070 [email protected] http://www.castleandkey.com
Excellent
94%
Good
5%
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5.0 based on 427 reviews

Castle & Key Distillery

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!

4. Kentucky River Tours

Excellent
96%
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5.0 based on 54 reviews

Kentucky River Tours

COVID-19 UPDATE 3/17/20 In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic we are altering operations. We are still offering river boat tours beginning April 4th, 2020. Tours will be limited to 8 passengers which allows ample social distancing on board. Also, all tours will meet at River View Park in Downtown Frankfort KY, around 700 Wilkinson Blvd., and across the street from the very colorful "Urban Woods" Apartments. Catch the Bourbon Boat! THE ONLY DISTILLERY TOUR IN THE UNITED STATES OFFERED FROM THE WATER! As mentioned in the Wall Street Journal and Forbes Magazine! We operate in Frankfort Kentucky, meeting our guests at Buffalo Trace Distillery. We offer guided historical tours of the Kentucky River, and take a different look at bourbon and how the river helped make it what it is. Tours run approx. 50 minutes and are filled with history, river lore and FUN!

5. Frankfort Cemetery

215 E Main St, Frankfort, KY 40601-2315 +1 502-227-2403 http://www.frankfortcemetery.org
Excellent
64%
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4.5 based on 211 reviews

Frankfort Cemetery

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.

6. Old State Capitol

300 W Broadway St, Frankfort, KY 40601-1980 +1 502-564-3016 http://history.ky.gov/old-state-capitol/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 118 reviews

Old State Capitol

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.

7. Governor's Mansion

704 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601-3448 +1 502-564-8004 http://governorsmansion.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
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4.5 based on 45 reviews

Governor's Mansion

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.

8. Canoe Kentucky

Excellent
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4.5 based on 81 reviews

Canoe Kentucky

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!

9. Buffalo Trace Distillery

113 Great Buffalo Trce, Frankfort, KY 40601-2091 +1 502-783-1000 [email protected] http://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/visit-us/our-tours
Excellent
80%
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4.5 based on 2,423 reviews

Buffalo Trace Distillery

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

700 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601-3410 +1 502-564-3449 http://capitol.ky.gov
Excellent
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4.5 based on 259 reviews

New Capitol Building

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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