Situated along Kentucky River, is Frankfort, Kentucky, a small town with a rich history. A walk across the city exposes you to spectacular architecture, welcoming people, and unique attractions. Some popular places of interest in the region are Frankfort Cemetery, Kentucky State Capitol, Cove Spring Park, and Berry Hill Mansion. In these sites, you’re at liberty to engage in fun leisure activities like hiking, bicycle riding, checking out food tours, and fishing. Being a lively town, you don’t have to stay indoors throughout your stay. Escape the norm and see what the town has to offer. Read on to find out more about the top things to do in Frankfort, Kentucky.
1. Plan a day at Old State Capitol Building
A tour around this beautiful historic building is both fun and educational. It was built in 1910 and served as an institution of the Kentucky General Assembly. You enjoy seeing the structure of the building as well as the furnished Senate and House of Representatives chambers with desks, chairs, and artwork. In addition, the building’s architecture and artifacts like guns, articles, books, and letters are unique and thought-provoking. Take a guided tour and enjoy listening to stories about Kentucky’s past life and times. There are also restaurants across the street that sell local and international cuisines that you can visit after a tour of the home.
Old State Capitol Building
Address: 300 W Broadway St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
Website: Old State Capitol Building
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 8 USD onwards
2. See wildlife at Salato Wildlife Education Center
If you’re looking to learn about wildlife and also engage in fun leisure activities like fishing and hiking, then Salato Wildlife Education Center is for you. You’ll see birds and animals like turtles, black bears, buffalo, wild turkey, and elks roaming around the establishment. Moreover, walking trails in the center are well maintained for the easy movement of people. For those who like fishing, there are fishing ponds in the facility where you hang around and indulge in the fun leisure activity. To add to the center’s charm, it’s equipped with friendly and knowledgable staff who go out of their way to ensure a worthwhile visit.
Salato Wildlife Education Center
Address: 1 Sportsman’s Ln, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
Website: Salato Wildlife Education Center
Opening hours:Tue - Sat: 9am - 3:30pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 5 USD onwards
3. Visit Kentucky Military History Museum
Are you looking for a great place to learn military history? If yes, then consider this local gem that portrays Kentucky’s military history to the best of its ability. A tour inside exposes you to military artillery like cannons, pistols, knives, and swords. There are also uniforms and audio recordings from soldiers and nurses who fought during World War. Though small, it’s thoughtfully arranged to bring out the best experience.
Kentucky Military History Museum
Address: 125 E Main St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
Website: Kentucky Military History Museum
Opening hours: Tue - Sat: 10am - 5pm (closed on Sun & Mon)
Price: 8 USD onwards
4. Take a tour of Old Governor's Mansion
This historic house was home to 33 Kentucky governors. Walk around it seeing its unique architecture and landscaping and take pictures for remembrance. The mansion is nestled in a clean and quiet neighborhood and is considered an important landmark in the region. Tours inside it are by reservation only so book a spot in advance to enjoy its endowments. Interestingly, there are weddings and other events that take place in the house.
Old Governor's Mansion
Address: 420 High St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
Website: Old Governor’s Mansion
5. Explore Liberty Hall
In order to gain insights into early Kentucky life, visit this establishment. It’s a learning center equipped with furniture, artifacts, gardens, and documents about John Brown, Kentucky’s first senator, and his family. Gardens in this facility are well kept and frequented by butterflies, making them a nice spot to relax and unwind. Besides, you get to see plants like milkweed and asters in the gardens. This facility is a must-visit for people interested in Kentucky’s history.
Liberty Hall
Address: 202-218 Wilkinson St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
Website: Liberty Hall
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 11:30am - 2:30pm (closed on Sun)
Price: 9 USD onwards
6. Go hiking at Cove Spring Park
This beautiful park is perfect for people looking to indulge in fun outdoor activities like picnicking, hiking, and nature walks. Hiking is one outdoor leisure activity not to miss out on in Frankfort, Kentucky. In this park, there are many hiking trails within easy to moderate levels. Also, while hiking, you get to see waterfalls, wildflowers, and remnants of an old reservoir. Besides, you also witness wild animals like otters, deer, foxes, and muskrats.
Cove Spring Park
Address: 100 Cove Spring Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
Website: Cove Spring Park
Opening hours: 6am - 9pm (daily)
7. Indulge in fishing at Elkhorn Creek
Go fishing at this magnificent creek that prides itself on having beautiful scenery. This fishing spot is known for a variety of fish like smallmouth bass, channel catfish, and rock bass. After fishing, hang around the creek to enjoy the fresh air and cool breeze. You also get to see other wild animals like turtles, snakes, and deer in this natural body. Other outdoor recreational activities to engage in are like canoeing and kayaking.
Website: Elkhorn Creek
8. Tour Capital City Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Gain insights into Frankfort’s heritage in this wonderful museum. It’s clean, quiet, and well maintained thus making learning and exploration easy and fun. Take a guided tour of the facility and learn interesting historical facts. The tour guides are knowledgable and easy to interact with, too. There are artifacts dating back to 200 years ago, making the museum more attractive.
Capital City Museum
Address: 325 Ann St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
Website: Capital City Museum
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
9. Sample drinks at Buffalo Trace Distillery
A stroll inside this distillery shows you the hard work and passion that goes into creating a world-class alcoholic drink. Tours around the distillery is fun and educational at the same time. Sample tasty drinks like Buffalo Trace whiskey, Eagle Rare, and Wheatley Vodka that are made in the distillery. As you’re taken around the establishment, you learn the distillery’s history, production, and future plans. Don’t forget to pass by their gift shop for souvenirs and presents.
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Address: 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
Website: Buffalo Trace Distillery
Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 10am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
10. Laze around Josephine Sculpture Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Sit or stroll around Josephine Sculpture Park and enjoy wildlife and contemporary sculptures. It’s free and fun to explore, making it a must-visit travel destination. This park is home to beautiful art sculptures strategically placed around well-maintained grassy trails. The over 70 sculptures are unique and intriguing, adding to the uniqueness of the park. There are also events and festivals that are held in the facility that are worth checking out.
Josephine Sculpture Park
Address: 3355 Lawrenceburg Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States
Website: Josephine Sculpture Park
Opening hours: 7am - 8pm (daily)
Price: Free
The captivating Frankfort
It doesn’t have to be boring because you’re in Frankfort, Kentucky, for the first time. You also don’t have to wait to hear stories about this captivating town. Get away from your normal routine and indulge in recreational activities and create unforgettable moments.
History
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