Frankfort, Kentucky, is a small town with a blend of old-world charm and strong cultural living. Being the state capital, one can easily find historical locations alongside modern-day facilities.
The Kentucky State Capitol is a beautiful Greek Revival building, situated at the center of state government and offers tours inside to see its magnificent architecture. This is followed by the Old State Capitol, which is fringed by historic exhibitions and reconstituted chambers where the history of Kentucky could be felt. There are regional distilleries offering tours and tastings for bourbon lovers.
It's home to beautiful parks, in Capitol View Park, with views and walks. Here are the 20 best things to do in Frankfort, Kentucky:
1. Explore Great American Dollhouse Museum
For anyone who wonders about detailed craftsmanship and richly created miniature worlds, the Great American Dollhouse Museum is located in Danville, Kentucky. There is an amazing collection of dollhouses and miniature scenes, each minutely furnished and decorated according to times, architectural styles, and cultures.
It's a chance to be impressed by small furniture, tiny paintings, and even small people who seem to inhabit these small worlds. The best part is that it's immersive; guests can wander through and admire the artistry of these meticulous, fanciful spaces. Any lover of art, history, or simply the enchanting world of miniatures would miss out.
2. Drive Through The Woodford Reserve Distillery
Not far from Frankfort, KY, located in Versailles is the Woodford Reserve Distillery, which is among the best locations for bourbon lovers. Rich and award-winning, the bourbon offers guided tours that go into detail about how this golden spirit undergoes fermentation, blending, and aging in the oak barrels.
Start your historic distillery tour and take in the one-of-a-kind copper pot stills; learn about the craft behind every bottle of Woodford Reserve. Taste some of their fine bourbons, an experience truly crowning among Frankfort, KY, attractions because it takes a visitor deep into both the heritage and the artistry of Kentucky bourbon.
3. Experience Shaker Village Of Pleasant Hill
The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is an exciting epitome of the history of Kentucky. It includes the largest and most authentic Shaker restoration in the United States, featuring beautifully preserved buildings, historic exhibits, and beautiful grounds. Visitors can stroll around and admire the small-scale architecture, including some historic meeting houses and craft shops.
From various events and educational programs, one may experience the village throbbing with a wealth of history and culture of the Shakers. It is certainly a required sight on any tour of American history and heritage, and undoubtedly one of the finest attractions around Frankfort, KY.
4. Visit Franklin County Farmers Market
The Franklin County Farmers Market offers a very active market for local produce and crafts. This community market caters to fresh seasonal fruits and vegetables, most of which are from local farms. In addition to this produce, you can get other products homemade baked goods, fine cheeses, handcrafted jewelry, pottery items, etc.
The market is not just a shopping facility; it's also a social point where residents and visitors have a taste of community living. Franklin County Farmers Market means a friendly atmosphere and diversified business spot, creating joy in the heart of any person who loves patronizing local businesses and experiencing fresh, high-quality goods.
5. Stroll Along Kentucky River Walk
The Kentucky River Walk of Frankfort, KY, creates a beautiful stroll along this picturesque and majestic river and offers fantastic views of not only the natural landscape but also of downtown Frankfort. This well-maintained path gives guests the capability to see comfortably beautiful sites along the river and surrounding area.
The Kentucky River Walk is decked with various places along its length to sit and enjoy the view or to take in the local wildlife. Adding to its charm are historical markers and art installations along the route that make up for an ideal Kentucky River Walk, perfect for getting out and enjoying nature while appreciating the serene beauty of Frankfort.
6. Explore Waveland State Historic Site
The Waveland State Historic Site is essential to any visit made to Frankfort, KY. This antebellum mansion is opening up on so many windows into the history and architectural heritage of Kentucky. A beautifully preserved Greek Revival-style mansion, the site is filled with lovely period pieces and artifacts that typify 19th-century elegance.
Tours of the mansion and grounds that explain the history of the people who lived on the estate are available for patrons, as are special events and programming that show even more of the region's bygone era. Waveland State Historic Site is a must-visit for history and architecture buffs.
7. Tour Liberty Hall Historic Site
Liberty Hall Historic Site in Frankfort, KY, is an exciting place to learn a little about the very early history of Kentucky and some of its high-profile individuals. There is a historic house and museum with a tour detailing the lives of early leaders of this state, one of whom was its original owner, John Brown a central figure in Kentucky's history.
The restored rooms are beautiful, featuring period furnishings and artifacts detailing what life was like in the 19th century. Interpretive guided tours explain not only the house and its significance but also some of its inhabitants. Liberty Hall Historic Site is well worth a visit to Frankfort for anyone looking to engage with the area's historical foundations.
8. Visit Frankfort Public Library
Looking to engage in activities in Frankfort, KY, the Frankfort Public Library can turn out to be a very versatile destination. That is a friendly library to sit, read, study, or just spend some leisure time. In addition to its vast book, periodical, and multimedia collections, the library also organizes several community-based activities and events all year round.
It further provides access to archives of local history and digital resources, hence forming a rich resource for research and learning. From quiet reading nooks to active community engagement, Frankfort Public Library serves as the hub for cultural and educational enrichment.
9. Dine At Holly Hill Inn
Holly Hill Inn is a well-regarded Southern cuisine restaurant with a historic charm popular with the entire region in nearby Midway, KY. The inn is a beautifully renovated building from the 19th century and has a very warm and welcoming cozy atmosphere to accompany the equally delectable dining. The restaurant features a variety of Southern-inspired dishes with the use of goodies being locally grown and picked.
The restaurant highlights favorites such as fried chicken, shrimp and grits, and pecan pie, only prepared gourmet-style. The ambiance and décor, complimented with an excellent service mode, make this experience memorable and indeed one that epitomizes Southern hospitality.
10. Check Out Frankfort Convention Center
The Frankfort Convention Center is a multi-use state-of-the-art facility hosting different events, exhibitions, and conventions throughout the year. The well-equipped facility can accommodate big groups and small personal events within their versatile facilities, which work for conferences, trade shows, and community events, or any other function.
Modernly equipped and with flexible layout options, it is possible for the Convention Center to adapt to hold various styles of events, from business meetings to cultural festivals. Visitors will also find an update through the center's event calendar on upcoming activities, such as local fairs, expos, and any other events open to the public.
11. Enjoy Cover Spring Park
Cove Spring Park, is a beautiful getaway amidst natural beauty with numerous outdoor activities. The park consists of several hiking trails that twist through verdant woodlands and along chiming streams leading to breathtaking falls and views. These trails are very well-maintained and usable by any casual walker or avid hiker.
One can walk, enjoy the serenity around, watch for local wildlife, and take in the scenic views of the different landscapes within the park. Cove Spring Park is a sure destination for nature lovers and all those who would like to get away from the serenity of Kentucky's natural environment.
12. Wander Through Josephine Sculpture Park
Located in Frankfort, Kentucky, Josephine Sculpture Park is an outdoor area inspiring the union of art with nature. The park comprises a mixed collection of modern-day sculptures scattered against the rolling hills and natural landscapes. As you walk through the park, varied art installations will meet you some abstract and others more traditional each thoughtfully fitting into the environment.
The opportunity to view art and natural beauty makes this park unique, providing a tranquil space. In addition to that, there are periodic art workshops, events, and exhibitions that turn the Josephine Sculpture Park into a lively cultural center on top of its natural beauty.
13. Explore Salato Wildlife Education Center
The Salato Wildlife Education Center offers visitors an engaging and educational experience regarding Kentucky's wildlife and natural habitats. Housed within are various exhibitions of native animals, including reptiles, birds, mammals, and many more, all ensconced in very nice habitats that take after their natural environments.
There are interactive exhibits whereby guests can understand the local ecosystems and conservation efforts put forth in a self-explanatory way. The center has nature trails you can utilize to discover different scenic landscapes and observe wildlife in their environments. If you are interested in knowing more about animal behaviors or conservation, or even just want to go for a great nature walk.
14. Discover Kentucky History Center
The Kentucky History Center is a very engaging museum, one is going to acquire a fine overview from the early days of settlement to the contemporary times of Kentucky. Among the various exhibitions on different subjects are those related to the state's role in the Civil War, its cultural heritage, and the main figures of influence in Kentucky's history.
There are also displays of intricate details, hands-on activities, and displays of various historical artifacts. The museum also hosts educational programs, special events, and temporary exhibitions making it a dynamic destination for anybody interested in learning more about Kentucky's heritage.
15. Tour Rebecca Ruth Candy
Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours combines a behind-the-scenes view of the famous factory with that of the making of the candy itself, housed in Frankfort, KY. Known for its famous Bourbon Ball chocolates, this is your opportunity to see just how the making process goes forward. You're going to explore the production areas inside the factory, and learn about the history of Rebecca Ruth Candy.
Many tours include tastings, allowing visitors to sample confections of many varieties while discovering all the richness of flavors and crafts that make Rebecca Ruth a beloved candy name. It's a sweet blend of history, craft, and delicious confections.
16. Visit Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol in Frankfort, KY, is an interesting place for learning about the legislative part of Kentucky. As a capital from 1827 to 1910, neoclassicism showed an outstanding example of architecture during the early century. Today, it is a museum where one can go through its undamaged interiors to discover processes of the legislature and events that shaped the history of Kentucky.
There are exhibitions on Kentucky's political heritage, like fundamental documents and other artifacts from that time. Tours guide most of the time, enlightening on the building's importance and its place in Kentucky's government.
17. Explore Frankfort Cemetery
Frankfort Cemetery sits on the east hillside, overlooking the cascading mountains of the Kentucky River. This cemetery is famous for its great and serene environment, and clean and well-landscaped grounds. It is so distinguished that it is the final resting place for people like the famous frontiersman Daniel Boone and other important ones in Kentucky's history.
You will find different and interesting historical monuments and graves, each of which has its own interesting historical story. Offers quiet reflection with a touch of reality of the past through the neatly maintained pathways and rich historical nature of the place; thus, it offers a place of worth to all who wish to see Kentucky's heritage.
18. Visit Kentucky State Capitol
The Kentucky State Capitol is impressively huge and architecturally important, with a deep inside view of the government and history of Kentucky. Done in the Beaux-Arts style, it features grand spaces with a great rotunda and magnificently decorated chambers. Guided tours can be taken to further the understanding of this building's history and the legislative process while seeing firsthand some very important rooms like the House and Senate chambers.
The tours often include insights into the political history of the state and architectural details of the capital. Kentucky State Capitol is not just a working seat of government, but it is also, as such, a historical place that offers a detailed understanding of the state's political and cultural heritage.
19. Visit Buffalo Trace Distillery
The Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort, KY, remains a working historic landmark, serving as both a source of entertainment and education in the story of a big Kentucky bourbon producer. Being one of the oldest continuously working distilleries in the nation, Buffalo Trace is home to an interesting and in-depth impression of how bourbon is concocted from the proper scrutiny of ingredients to the aging of grains in those charred oak barrels.
The visit involves a walk through a historic distillery, showcasing the viewer's traditional methods of production and equipment used. The visitors get the opportunity to taste some of Buffalo Trace's great bourbons, giving a really rich taste and craft.
20. Browse Through The Frankfort Art Gallery
The Frankfort Art Gallery is a dynamic community that puts on a powerful display of art exhibits featuring varied works by local talent. Based in Frankfort, KY, this art gallery has a resource center with opportunities for emerging and established artists. It showcases several forms of art, from paintings to sculptures and, at times, even mixed media pieces that represent the flair and creative expression of the local community.
The gallery features many different exhibitions and art events throughout the year, as well as openings, thus becoming a vibrant cultural place for art lovers of all styles. The Frankfort Art Gallery provides you with an open and un-intimidating atmosphere to view the arts.
