Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Frankfort, Kentucky

Summary:

Kentucky’s capital city is the fourth smallest state capital in the United States, yet those interested in the Commonwealth’s history will find ample opportunities to engage for several days.

Frankfort’s designation as the capital was debated from 1792 until 1904, when the legislature confirmed funding for the new capitol structure.

A visit to the New Capitol Building is essential, in addition to the state museum, the Old Capitol, and Frankfort Cemetery, which overlooks the Kentucky River from its elevated bluffs.

It’s important to remember that you are in bourbon country, featuring three distilleries, including America’s oldest active distillery, Buffalo Trace, which has been operational for around 250 years and continued its operations during Prohibition.

1. New Capitol Building

The structure that confirmed Frankfort’s position as Kentucky’s state capital was constructed in an intricate Beaux-Arts style between 1905 and 1909.

This marks the fourth permanent capitol building since Kentucky’s statehood in 1792, distinguished by a terra cotta-clad dome that rises 215 feet above the terrace.

A tour, available Monday through Friday, should be prioritized in Frankfort, showcasing the Executive Branch on the first floor, the Judicial Branch on the second floor, and the Legislative Branch on the third floor.

The rotunda is particularly striking, with a dome towering 180 feet above visitors, featuring statues of prominent figures such as Abraham Lincoln and Henry Clay, along with notable Kentuckians like “Colonel” Harland Sanders of KFC fame.

The expansive grounds offer a self-guided tour with around 35 points of interest, including the iconic Floral Clock, which will be discussed later.

2. Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History

Located in Frankfort, the headquarters of the Kentucky Historical Society houses this modern state museum that opened in 1999.

The signature exhibit, an excellent starting point, is titled A Kentucky Journey, which narrates 12,000 years of Kentucky’s history through themes of bourbon, horses, and baseball bats.

This timeline is filled with fascinating artifacts, including a mirror from Belle Brezing’s parlor, a pocket watch used by Abraham Lincoln, and the coat worn by Governor William Goebel on the day of his assassination in 1900.

Also noteworthy is the Hall of Kentucky Governors, housing portraits complemented by interpretative panels filled with captivating information.

3. Frankfort Cemetery

This cemetery serves as the final resting place for many of Kentucky’s significant figures, situated in an inspiring location atop a bluff overlooking a bend in the Kentucky River.

From this vantage point, one can observe downtown Frankfort, the State Capitol, and the Kentucky Governor’s Mansion. The first individual interred here in 1845 was Daniel Boone, whose grave will also be discussed.

Other notable individuals interred at Frankfort Cemetery include 16 governors, among them William Goebel, who was assassinated in front of the Old State Capitol in 1900, and Richard Mentor Johnson (1780-1950), the vice president of the United States from 1837 to 1841 under Martin van Buren.

4. Old State Capitol

Overlooking downtown Frankfort from a rise along Broadway Street is Kentucky’s former state capitol building, crafted in the Greek Revival architectural style in 1837.

This imposing structure, featuring a distinguished Ionic portico and a unique self-supporting staircase, operated as the seat of state government until 1910, witnessing many significant moments and debates involving key figures such as Henry Clay.

Among major events was the gubernatorial election of 1899, fraught with controversy and allegations of electoral fraud, culminating in the assassination of Governor William Goebel directly in front of the state capitol.

Visitors can explore the Old State Capitol through a guided or self-directed tour, enhanced by a detailed eight-stop audio guide available on smartphones.

5. Buffalo Trace Distillery

Frankfort is home to three bourbon distilleries, yet Buffalo Trace Distillery is particularly noteworthy, as it is believed to be the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States.

A National Historic Landmark, Buffalo Trace Distillery, now under the ownership of the Sazerac Company, has existed in various forms since 1775 and has received numerous accolades over its 230-year history.

A tour is an essential experience in Frankfort, as visitors can conveniently access this impressive distillery site on foot or by bicycle along the banks of the Kentucky River.

A comprehensive selection of tours is offered, but the basic 75-minute Trace Tour serves as an introduction to the sights, sounds, and aromas of this historic distillery, showcasing the monumental brick warehouses where bourbon ages in floor-to-ceiling stacks of white oak barrels.

6. Cove Spring Park

For a refreshing natural retreat amidst the historical and bourbon experiences in Frankfort, you can visit this 250-acre park located on the northern outskirts of the city.

Cove Spring Park serves as the source of the Penitentiary Branch, which flows westward into the Kentucky River. The park features three miles of trails enhanced with interpretive signage and two informative shelters that discuss the park’s natural history and significance.

Highlighted within the park is the Hurst Waterfall, which rises 25 feet and features a series of irregular limestone terraces. The brief Sky Trail provides scenic views of a large portion of Frankfort, and a Wetlands Trail is available, complete with a raised boardwalk.

7. Capital City Museum

If you are interested in the history of Frankfort and Franklin County in particular, a local history museum is conveniently positioned just around the corner from the Kentucky Historical Society museum.

Within the Main Hall, visitors can trace Frankfort’s development back to the 1780s, examining the establishment of Frankfort as the capital, Aaron Burr’s treason trial here in 1806, the Civil War, and the industrial growth that followed.

Other sections of the museum feature detailed exhibits on various topics, including Kentucky bourbon, the assassination of Governor William Goebel in 1900, traditional crafts, local military history, dining in Frankfort, and much more.

8. Salato Wildlife Education Center

Managed by the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, this facility located just west of Frankfort functions similarly to a zoo, showcasing the diverse wildlife of Kentucky.

Outside, spacious enclosures provide opportunities to observe bison, black bears, deer, elk, turkeys, bobcats, bald eagles, and habitats designed for monarch butterflies.

Inside, visitors can safely observe bees within a hive and explore a variety of turtle species as well as numerous fish. Moreover, the property offers four miles of trails, alongside covered picnic facilities equipped with charcoal grills and two fishing lakes.

9. Liberty Hall Historic Site

This remarkable property located along the banks of the Kentucky River offers insights into the history of the prominent Brown family in Kentucky.

Liberty Hall was constructed for lawyer and senator John Brown (1757-1837), who was influential in the establishment of the State of Kentucky following the Revolutionary War.

In 1835, John Brown subdivided the property to provide equal inheritance to his sons, resulting in both the original Georgian Liberty Hall from 1796 and the newer Greek Revival Orlando Brown House, completed in the mid-1830s by the same architect who designed Kentucky’s Old State Capitol.

The Browns transferred ownership of Liberty Hall to a non-profit organization in the 1930s, and the property, adorned with fine art and period furnishings, is open for tours from mid-March to mid-November.

Visitors will gain an understanding of the affluent lifestyle enjoyed by John Brown while also learning about the enslaved individuals who contributed to that prosperity.

10. River View Park

Located in the heart of downtown Frankfort and just a few steps from the Old State Capitol is a tranquil area along the Kentucky River.

This park is ideal for picnics, featuring numerous picnic tables and a pavilion. During the summer, River View Park also hosts the Franklin County Farmers’ Market, a vibrant market focused on local producers held on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday mornings.

Along the waterfront, there are approximately two miles of trails extending from the Ward Oates Amphitheater to the north at Buffalo Trace Distillery, accompanied by educational signboards.

Furthermore, a boat dock is situated within the park, serving as the departure point for Kentucky River Boat Tours and Kentucky State University’s Thorobred River Boat Tours.

11. Floral Clock

Situated on the grounds southwest of the capitol building is a charming monument established in 1961 by Governor Bert Combs (1911-1991). The Floral Clock came about as a partnership between the Garden Club of Kentucky and the state government.

The face of the clock, tilted at a 26˚ angle, spans 34 feet in diameter and is adorned with approximately 10,000 individual flowers, predominantly Joseph’s coat and begonias, which are replaced at regular intervals.

The clock features a 20-foot minute hand and a 15-foot hour hand, with a combined weight of around 500 pounds.

Since its unveiling, it has become customary for passersby to toss a coin for good luck, with proceeds allocated for horticultural scholarships at the University of Kentucky.

12. Daniel Boone Grave

The first burial at Frankfort Cemetery was the revered frontiersman and pioneer, Daniel Boone (1734-1820).

From 1867 onward, Boone made a name for himself through the exploration of the Bluegrass Region, founding Fort Boonesborough, and assisting in the protection of new settlements from Native American incursions during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783).

Boone passed away at his son Nathan’s home in Defiance, Missouri, and his remains, along with those of his wife Rebecca, were later disinterred to mark the inauguration of the cemetery.

Situated in a grand location overlooking the Kentucky River, Boone’s grave is marked by a pedestal and is accompanied by a historical marker from the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

13. Castle & Key Distillery

Located at the picturesque site of Glenns Creek, a short drive south of Frankfort, the formerly abandoned premises of the Old Taylor Distillery have been revitalized as Castle & Key Distillery.

The ambiance of this location is remarkable, featuring century-old architecture, including a limestone building designed like a castle, all set amidst over 110 acres of lush rolling land.

This newly established distillery is dedicated to producing premium-quality bourbon, along with gin and vodka, utilizing meticulously selected grains.

Although the bourbon was still aging at the time of writing, visits are welcome to explore the stunning site and sample Castle & Key gin and vodka.

Guests can also enjoy the castle, along with a botanical trail, a shop situated in the historic Boiler Room, a springhouse, and a beautifully designed sunken garden during their tour.

14. Josephine Sculpture Park

An exceptional gem on the southwestern outskirts of the city is this contemporary sculpture park, managed by a non-profit organization.

The Josephine Sculpture Park was established in 2009 by artist Melanie Van Houten on what was formerly her grandparents’ farm.

The park features a dynamic array of approximately 70 works of art, many of which are interactive to engage children, all set against a serene backdrop of meadows teeming with native flora and a large wildlife habitat on one side.

These sculptures can be discovered on five distinct trails totaling two miles. The Josephine Sculpture Park is free to enter, with donations appreciated.

15. Switzer Covered Bridge

A historic covered bridge situated northeast of Frankfort is worthy of your visit, located on North Elkhorn Creek.

This is the only bridge of its type in Franklin County, tracing its origins back to the mid-1850s, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The Switzer Covered Bridge is 120 feet long and 11 feet wide, characterized by intricate woodwork, including a sawtooth design at each entrance.

Having been closed to traffic for around 70 years, the bridge was restored in 1906 and again in 1997 after damage from high waters.