Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Richmond, KY

This historic college town in Central Kentucky is nestled in expansive green countryside abundant with farms, wineries, and sites of significant historical value.

One such site is the location of Fort Boonesborough, established by the renowned frontiersman Daniel Boone after he and his men crossed the Kentucky River in 1775.

The Battle of Richmond, a Confederate victory, occurred across a vast area of Richmond and Madison County in August of 1862.

You may explore sections of the battlefield and visit the visitor center situated in a house that predates the battle by fifty years.

Furthermore, the Eastern Kentucky University campus seamlessly integrates with downtown Richmond and houses the region’s premier performing arts venue, hosting significant music acts and comedians.

1. Fort Boonesborough State Park

At the precise location where Daniel Boone (1734-1820) and his party crossed the Kentucky River approximately 250 years ago, a replica of the settlement they established is present.

Operational from April through October, this site serves as both a well-preserved archaeological location and a compelling living history museum. The replica fort is characterized by remarkable attention to detail, showcasing blockhouses, cabins, and furnishings reflective of the period.

To enhance the immersive experience, visitors will encounter reenactors conducting demonstrations of 18th-century crafts and daily activities. Extensive interpretive signage throughout the site is informed by the latest archaeological findings.

The larger park acts as a sanctuary for various bird species, including nesting wild turkeys, and offers numerous amenities, such as a boat launch on the river, a campground, hiking trails, a miniature golf course, a swimming pool, and a gift shop.

2. White Hall State Historic Site

Located in the rolling farmland north of Richmond lies the residence of the planter, abolitionist, and U.S. Minister to Russia, Cassius Marcellus Clay (1810-1903).

Clay was born to businessman and slave owner Green Clay, who constructed this house in 1791. The original structure was expanded by Cassius Clay’s wife while he was serving in Russia, resulting in a 45-room mansion that exhibits a blend of Georgian and Italianate architectural styles.

Visitors to White Hall can learn about several generations of the Clay family, including the daughters of Cassius Clay, who were prominent suffragists during the early 20th century.

The residence features rare technological advancements for its time, such as indoor plumbing and central heating, along with Clay family heirlooms and furnishings from the period.

3. Battlefield Park

A significant portion of the vast site of the Battle of Richmond is preserved, located about ten minutes southeast of Richmond along US Highway 421.

With numerous interpretive signs positioned along 2.5 miles of trails, visitors can easily comprehend the layout of the land and the course of the battle that transpired here over 160 years ago.

The focal point of Battlefield Park is the 1824 Pleasant View home, which served as a medical facility following the battle.

The park hosts a Civil War reenactment annually in late August, as well as a Native American powwow at the end of September.

4. Battle of Richmond Visitors Center

For deeper insights regarding the Battle of Richmond, visit this center and museum, housed in the historic 1811 Rogers House.

This venue provides a comprehensive overview of the battle’s events, featuring a topographical map that highlights the significant buildings of the era.

Additional exhibits include period costumes, furniture, a preserved surgeon’s kit, correspondence, flags, personal belongings of Union General Mahlon Manson (1820-1895), and various artifacts recovered from the battlefield, including horseshoes, cannonballs, musket balls, and numerous arrowheads that predate the battle.

5. Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)

The verdant main campus of EKU is integrated with downtown Richmond, previously the site of Central University (founded in 1874). A prominent landmark is the Colonial Revival Keen Johnson Building, characterized by its elegant pediment and cupola.

This structure originated as a WPA project in 1939 and features a statue of Daniel Boone at its entrance. Notably, many visitors rub his left foot for good fortune, a tradition visible upon close inspection.

In addition to the exceptional EKU Center for the Arts discussed later, the Hummel Planetarium, unveiled in 1988, regularly welcomes the public to its theater for pre-recorded shows followed by engaging Star Talk presentations.

6. EKU Center for the Arts

Located a short distance from downtown Richmond, the EKU campus features a premier performing arts venue for Central Kentucky.

This state-of-the-art facility, inaugurated in 2011, boasts a 2,000-seat performance hall, accommodating a diverse range of events including concerts, comedy shows, dance performances, Broadway productions, lectures, political debates, and family-oriented entertainment.

A remarkable roster of past performers includes Dolly Parton, Willie Nelson, Jerry Seinfeld, Air Supply, Chris Tomlin, Styx, Micky Dolenz, and numerous other renowned artists.

Additionally, patrons can explore captivating exhibitions presented by EKU departments in the Grand Tier I Lobby on the second floor.

7. Downtown Richmond

Along Main Street, Richmond’s central commercial district is designated as a U.S. Historic District with 60 contributing buildings. The notable centerpiece is the Greek Revival Madison County Courthouse (1849), which continues to serve as the local government’s hub.

As you progress along Main Street, take the time to read the informative signs and historical markers situated outside this significant landmark.

Reflective of its status as a college town, downtown Richmond thrives with an array of restaurants and bars, alongside various local shops specializing in bicycles and accessories, antiques, home goods, books, furniture, and fashion.

If the local architecture piques your interest, consider stopping by the Richmond Visitor Center for a map detailing over 70 historic residences, churches, and civic buildings featured in the Richmond Downtown Walking Tour of Homes.

8. Lake Reba Park

Lake Reba Park, Richmond’s premier park, is situated on the west shore of a 75-acre fishing lake on the city’s eastern edge.

Abundant activities abound at Lake Reba, featuring an 18-hole public golf course, an aquatic center, and a family entertainment center, all detailed in the subsequent sections.

On the eastern shore is Camp Catalpa, which includes a disc golf course. From April through October, kayaks can be rented at Lake Reba via KY Paddle Adventures, and amenities such as a public boat ramp and fish cleaning station are available.

Additional facilities encompass a large athletic complex, a 1.5-mile walking trail, an exceptional new Universal Playground, a dog park, and three reservable picnic shelters.

9. Paradise Cove Aquatic Center

This public water park enhances Lake Reba’s appeal as a complete outdoor summer destination.

Among the amenities at Paradise Cove are a play pool featuring four slides, various play areas, and zero-depth entry for young children.

Two of the slides ascend 40 feet, providing exhilarating experiences. Adjacent to the play pool are an eight-lane lap pool and a diving area.

Numerous shaded structures throughout the center allow visitors to escape the sun, accompanied by a modern bathhouse and a reasonably priced concession stand.

10. Chenault Vineyard

Set against the beautiful hills west of Richmond, this vineyard and winery was established by a couple in 2016.

The vines thrive on 500 picturesque acres, and visitors can experience a 3.5-mile walking trail as part of their visit.

Chenault Vineyards also provides tours and tasting sessions, with stunning views from the patio.

Live music is frequently featured on weekends, spanning a variety of genres, held on the patio during pleasant weather, and moving indoors during winter months.

At the time of writing, available wines include varietals such as Cabernet Franc, Riesling, and Chardonnay, along with blends such as a dry red aged for six months in freshly emptied bourbon barrels.

11. Deer Run Stables

Located north of Richmond, just off I-75, lies an equestrian facility set on 100 scenic acres. Deer Run Stables features two outdoor riding arenas and a 12,000-square-foot indoor arena.

From March through October, visitors can engage in a range of activities (by appointment), including horseback riding on seven miles of trails, pony rides for children, hayrides, camping, picnics, bonfires, and more.

Guided trail rides last one hour, leading through beautiful pastures, rolling grassland, wooded areas, and alongside a stream. Horsemanship lessons are offered on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month.

12. Adventure Falls

Open during the summer season, this family entertainment center adjacent to Lake Reba features a variety of attractions suitable for all ages.

The highlight is the lakefront 18-hole miniature golf course, featuring nine ADA-accessible holes, complete with challenging elevation changes and numerous water features to challenge even the most skilled putters.

Additionally, Adventure Falls includes eight batting cages equipped with state-of-the-art Iron Mike pitching machines. Helmets and bats are available for rent when purchasing tokens (one token offers 20 pitches).

Lastly, three shuffleboard courts adjacent to the miniature golf course offer further entertainment, with sticks and pucks available for rent.

13. Madison County Farmers’ Market

For those willing to make the trip, the Madison County Farmers’ Market operates at the Lowe’s Parking Lot at 814 Eastern Bypass.

This market takes place on Saturday mornings from May through November. During the growing season, a market is also held at the Carter Building on the EKU campus on Thursday mornings.

The market showcases the rich agricultural bounty surrounding Richmond, offering a wide variety of fruits and vegetables from May through October.

Visitors can also discover a range of local specialty foods, baked goods, meats, honey, jams, jellies, preserves, sauces, artisanal cheeses, prepared foods, crafts, organic soaps, and more.

14. Gibson Bay Golf Course

The highly regarded public golf course adjacent to Lake Reba was recognized among the best new courses in the nation upon its opening in 1993.

Gibson Bay Golf Course features bent grass greens, fairways, and tees, offering five tee boxes on each hole to accommodate all skill levels.

Notably, the course has an open design, requiring players to consider wind conditions when selecting their shots.

For an added challenge, the greens are positioned on hillsides and are protected by mounds and strategically placed bunkers.

In addition to the main course, there is a nine-hole short course ideal for beginners, with two holes necessitating shots over a lake.

15. Richmond Centre

Located just off I-75 in the western part of Richmond is a sizable outdoor shopping center featuring a variety of big-box retailers and chain restaurants.

Store highlights include JC Penney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, PetSmart, TJ Maxx, rue 21, Bath & Body Works, and HomeGoods, among others.

The dining options feature Buffalo Wild Wings, Panera Bread, Chick-Fil-A, Olive Garden, and Logan’s Roadhouse.

Richmond Centre is also suitable for family outings, group gatherings, and date nights, equipped with a Cinemark theater that frequently offers discounts on matinees and Tuesdays.