15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn't Miss (2024)

Are you looking for the best things to do in Frankfort, Kentucky but not sure where to start? We have got you covered! Not usually on the top of any vacation destination lists, we think people are missing out! Known for it’s bluegrass music, kind people, picturesque mountains, and horse racing (hello Kentucky derby!), Kentucky is a state you need to see to believe! The weekend getaway destinations are in a class of their own and the hiking is a hidden gem!

There are so many places to visit in Kentucky, but we always find ourselves coming back to Frankfort! Most notably, Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky, but it also has wonderful distilleries, a plethora of historical sites, and so much more to do!

Every state in the union boasts its own personality. The things that make it special, unique, and the interesting ways it contributes to this melting pot of Americans. Kentucky is no different! Keep reading and we will let you know what to do in Frankfort!

15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn't Miss (1)

15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn’t Miss

Buffalo Trace Distillery

One of the best things to do in Frankfort for adults is a trip to Buffalo Trace Distillery! Along the bourbon trail, this distillery has complimentary tours and tastings! You can register beforehand to ensure a spot on the tour!

While it technically isn’t on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, it is still one of the Best Distilleries in Kentucky and a place many people put high on their list!

The Buffalo Trace Distillery motto is “Honor Tradition, Embrace Change” and what more could you want from a bourbon? There are eight different tours to choose from including The Trace Tour, The Bourbon Barrel Tour, and the Arboretum and Botanical Tours. If you are feeling a little more adventurous, they also have the Hard Hat Tour and The Ghost Tour!

Because of the nature of Buffalo Trace Distillery, this is one of our most recommended things to do in Frankfort Kentucky for couples!

15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn't Miss (2)

Liberty Hall Historic Site

One of our favorite places to visit in Frankfort in the Liberty Hall Historic Site. Their mission is to serve the public by preserving collections and sharing stories of urban life in early Kentucky. If you are looking for a peek into the past and the early days of the United States and of Kentucky specifically, then this is the spot for you!

There are two tours per day and both explore both houses on the property. Liberty Hall and the Orlando Brown House are surrounded by four acres of beautifully kept lawns and gardens. The first part of the tour covers the years 1801-1838 and shows you the first floor rooms and work areas of the time. The tour covers both the elegant life of the homeowners, and the difficult life of the enslaved peoples that were owned by them.

The second floor gives the opportunity to tour one of Kentucky’s haunted places, the bedroom where the Gray Lady Ghost has been spotted! Chalk full of knowledge, Liberty Hall Historic Site is one of the most educational Frankfort activities!

Kentucky State Capitol

Visiting the Kentucky State Capitol is one of our favorite things to do inFrankfort with kids! Since statehood in 1792, Louisville, Lexington, and Frankfort had a long and bitter battle over who would be the capitol city and house the state’s government. Although a capitol building was built in downtown Frankfort in 1830, the permanency of Frankfort as the capitol was not decided until 1904 when this building was erected!

Although not one of the oldest historical sites inFrankfort, the Capitol building is still over 100 years old. This building is actually the fourth capitol building in the state’s history because it keeps outgrowing the buildings its in!

Tours leave frequently from the Tour Guide’s Desk or you can snag a brochure and do a self guided walking tour of the Capitol Building. Each state’s capitol building is enriched with history and culture. Touring the Kentucky State Capitol is one of the best free things to do in Frankfort.

15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn't Miss (3)

Kentucky Historical Society

The Kentucky Historical Society is one of the most popularthings to see inFrankfort! Under their tutelage is the Thomas D. Clark Center, the Old State Capitol, and the Kentucky Military History Museum. Whether you visit just one, or visit them all, you will feel like you know a little bit more about Kentucky. These historical sites inFrankfort illustrate the foundations from which the state was built on.

Recognizing that the state was built on the backs of enslaved peoples and by the displacement of native peoples, the original Kentuckians, the Historical Society works to preserve the history, the bad and the good.

Open to both researchers and visitors, each of their sites holds a special piece of Kentuckian history. For the history or for the walking, visiting the Kentucky Historical Society is one of the best places to visit in Frankfort!

Salato Wildlife Education Center

Salato Wildlife Education Center is one of the best things to do inFrankfort with kids! From lowland marshes to running streams, your group will get to experience the diverse regional ecosystems of Kentucky! With a wealth of fish, animals, birds, and plants, there is plenty to see and learn about!

The fisheries exhibit will have you getting up close to snakes, giant turtles, and the native fish in their large aquariums! Outside there are paved wheelchair accessible paths to see bison, bobcats, birds, and do not forget the Dragonfly Marsh!

262 acres of area to explore at the Salato Wildlife Education Center makes it one of the best outdoorsy things to do in Frankfort Kentucky!

15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn't Miss (4)

Kentucky Vietnam Memorial

One of the most sobering historical sites inFrankfort is the Kentucky Vietnam Memorial which honors the 1,108 Kentuckians who have fallen. With one of the largest granite memorials in the nation, the site is really something to behold.

Constructed in 1988 with a view overlooking the state capitol, each veteran’s name is engraved precisely so that the shadow of the sundial will touch their name on the anniversary of their death. Behind the gnomon the names of all those Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action so that the shadow will never fall on their name.

One of the most touching free things to do in Frankfort, the Kentucky Vietnam Memorial should not be missed!

Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours and Museum

Handcrafting chocolates since 1919, Rebecca Ruth Chocolates is one of our favorite attractions in Frankfort! Family owned and Kentucky proud, these chocolatiers boast being the home of the Bourbon Ball!

You can tour the chocolate factory Monday-Saturday, but the chocolate is only made Monday through Thursday so plan accordingly! The tours are approximately thirty minutes long and they will show you the candy making process and talk about their 100 year history!

Of course on your way out, you must buy some of their delicious chocolates from their store. Our favorites are of course the bourbon truffles and the french vanilla creams! Please stop at Rebecca Ruth’s Chocolates for one of the most delicious things to do in Frankfort!

15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn't Miss (5)

Cove Spring Park

One of our favorite free things to do in Frankfort is explore Cove Spring Park! This park and nature preserve is 240 acres of wetlands, springs, waterfalls, and forested ravines. From walking, hiking, nature observation, and environmental observation, this park has room for it all!

There are three miles of trails throughout the preserve. The thirteen trails criss cross and overlap each other, but also offer their own unique experience. The Raceway Spur is less than a half mile there and back, but offers a beautiful view of the top of the waterfall. The Sky Trail is a .61 mile loop that offers views of downtown Frankfort and Fort Hill. You can even see the Capitol Dome on a clear day. Sky Trail is paved so it is wheelchair and stroller accessible!

Cove Spring Park is one of the best things to do in Frankfort for couples who are looking to spend some time outside without breaking a sweat!

15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn't Miss (6)

The Grand Theatre

Located in historic downtown, the Grand Theatre is one of the most romantic things to do in Frankfort for couples! Built in 1911, this historic theatre is the only remaining of the five theaters that operated downtown. Originally a vaudeville house, the Grand Theatre started showing “talkies” in the 1920’s.

In the 1940’s the original theatre became the entrance and a 600 seat addition was built behind it! Sadly the theatre closed in 1966, but has since been bought by a nonprofit. Until they raise the funds to restore it to its grandness, the theatre is being used for arts programming and fundraising.

Catching a show at The Grand Theatre is like stepping back in time and it’s one of our favorite things to do in Frankfort KY.

West Sixth Farm

Located in a 100 year old building, the West Sixth Farm is one of the best things to do in Frankfort for adults! The taproom is open seasonally and has a large pavilion with seating throughout the property!

West Sixth Farm is truly a place you can spend the day! They have 30 acres that includes the hop yard, apple cider orchard, blackberry bushes, and a catch and release fishing pond. There is a food truck on site, but you can also bring your own picnic lunch or dinner (or both)! Beer is allowed anywhere on the property so grab a bottle or a pint and go on an adventure!

Tours are available on Saturdays that will take you all over the property! There are also four miles of trails for your to explore! Definitely check out West Sixth Farm, one of the most fun Frankfort activities!

15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn't Miss (7)

Josephine Sculpture Park

The Josephine Sculpture Park is one of the best free things to do in Frankfort! Founded on the grounds of her grandparents’ farm, Melanie Van Houten created this rural park decorated with sculptures and artwork from international artists!

Guests can view and interact with numerous works of art while exploring the native plants and wildlife. If you are looking to learn, Josephine Sculpture Park also offers workshops and classes. Theatre events and other art programs are used to promote the arts! Open from dawn until dusk, the Josephine Sculpture Park is one of the most interesting tourist attractions inFrankfort!

Kentucky River Tours

Perhaps one of the most interesting ways to see a city is from the water. The Kentucky River Tours is one of the best things to do in Frankfort for couples because is anything more romantic than bourbon on the water?
Kentucky River Tours offers over ten different tours to choose from. Whether you are just looking to spend some time on the river, to learn about the bourbon trail, or learn more about the history there is a tour for you. The sunset cruise is one of the most wonderful things to do inFrankfort at night because you get to see the sunset and seeing the city lights come alive.

We can’t recommend the Kentucky River Tours enough!

15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn't Miss (8)

The Floral Clock

Located on the west lawn of the capitol grounds, The Floral Clock is one of the most interesting things to do in Frankfort, KY! 34 feet across and filled with thousands of plants that are changed out seasonally, this clock is without a doubt, one of them most interesting things you will see.

Giving off Alice in Wonderland vibes, the clock is a great backdrop for a photo opportunity and a great place to have lunch! Visiting The Floral Clock is one of our favorite free things to do in Frankfort that gives a nice little walk through the beautiful Capitol grounds and let us know how long until dinner!

Mortimer Pibb’s Public House

One of the best things to do in Frankfort for couples on a date night is to swing through Mortimer Pibb’s Public House. This taste of Ireland in Frankfort is the perfect place to get to know someone new or to spend some one on one with your love after a crazy day.

The atmosphere is so charming and really transports you to another place.. another time. They have a handful of beers on tap, a delicious cocktail menu, and a fun food menu included pretzels and beer cheese, soup, and a grilled pimento cheese.

The best way to learn about a new town is to hang with the locals, and Mortimer Pibb’s Public House is the perfect place. Swing by and have a pint in one of the best things to do in Frankfort at night!

15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn't Miss (9)

Louisville Mega Cavern

Louisville Mega Cavern is one of the coolest things to do near Frankfort! Located an hour west, these caverns are quite the experience! Most caverns are a walking tour to see stalagmites, but this is so much more!

You can zipline through the caverns, take a tram through if you’re not up for walking, and there is even the option to bike! More than that, there is an event space within the caverns that is 100 feet underground and rentable for your next event for 250 people! They even have catering partners to make food and beverage service so much easier.

Louisville Mega Cavern is one of the coolest things to do inFrankfort with kids and they won’t be able to stop talking about it! We can’t recommend it enough!

15 Best Things To Do In Frankfort KY You Shouldn't Miss (2024)

FAQs

What is Frankfort best known for? ›

Frankfort is the birthplace of the famous Kentucky Bourbon Ball, introduced by Rebecca Gooch and Ruth Hanly Booe. This story begins in 1919, when two substitute teachers decided to venture into business, something unheard of for women back in that time.

Is Frankfort, KY worth visiting? ›

Frankfort, Kentucky

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.

What is there to do in Frankfort, KY today? ›

Top Attractions in Frankfort
  • Buffalo Trace Distillery. 2,656. Distilleries. ...
  • Castle & Key Distillery. 876. Distilleries. ...
  • Glenns Creek Distillery. 182. Distilleries. ...
  • Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum. 378. Speciality Museums. ...
  • Cove Springs Park. Parks. ...
  • Salato Wildlife Education Center. 172. ...
  • Frankfort Cemetery. 227. ...
  • New Capitol Building. 274.

What is a fun fact about Frankfort Kentucky? ›

During the Civil War, Frankfort was the only Union capital occupied by Confederate troops. Frankfort is located astride a double curve in the Kentucky River in the central portion of the state and is known for having one of the most beautiful capital buildings in the country.

What is Frankfurt most known for? ›

Frankfurt – the financial centre, the European city, the traffic hub, the smallest metropolis in the world. When you think of the city on the Main, you think of the Frankfurt Airport, the Paulskirche and Goethe, the Stock Exchange, the Book Fair and the skyline.

What is the motto of Frankfort KY? ›

The motto of the friendly folks who live in this small town on the banks of the Kentucky River states that their city is “Kentucky Distilled”.

What is the most scenic place in Kentucky? ›

Natural Wonders in Kentucky
  • Mammoth Cave.
  • Natural Bridge.
  • Cumberland Falls.
  • Big South Fork.
  • Red River Gorge.
  • Lakes.
  • National Parks.
  • State Parks.

What is the number one thing Kentucky is known for? ›

A hub for horse racing and equine excellence

Kentucky is synonymous with horse racing, particularly the prestigious Kentucky Derby held annually at Churchill Downs in Louisville. Known as “The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports,” the Derby is the first jewel in the Triple Crown of thoroughbred racing.

Where is the best place to live in Frankfort KY? ›

Some of the best neighborhoods in or around Frankfort, Kentucky are Indian Hills, Franklin Heights and Silverlake Farm. Consider buying or renting a home in one of these popular neighborhoods. Is this area right for me?

What is the race population in Frankfort Kentucky? ›

The largest Frankfort racial/ethnic groups are White (73.0%) followed by Black (12.2%) and Hispanic (6.0%).

What is the crime rate in Frankfort KY? ›

Frankfort Annual Crimes
ViolentProperty
Number of Crimes67578
Crime Rate (per 1,000 residents)2.3620.36

Is there a lot to do in Kentucky? ›

Top Attractions in Kentucky

Outdoor adventure center with challenging ropes courses, night-time zipline tours for thrill-seekers, and family-friendly tram rides. Seasonal Christmas light displays enchant visitors. A true BLESSING from Jesus our Saviour was being able to hear Ken Ham speak live at the Creation museum!!

What is Kentucky's oldest town? ›

The City of Harrodsburg Kentucky was founded in 1774 as the first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. As Kentucky's oldest town, the city is located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region and is surrounded by rolling countryside, horse farms, historic stone fences, historic architecture and culture.

What river runs through Frankfort Kentucky? ›

River. Its location on the Kentucky River has caused parts of Frankfort to flood many times.

What is a fun fact about Frankfort Indiana? ›

Frankfort Township was named in 1850 by Frederick Cappel after his native city, Frankfurt-Am-Main, Germany. In 1855, the Joliet and Northern Indiana Railroad built a line through the Frankfort area and named it, "Frankfort Station." When the Village was incorporated, the word "Station" was dropped from its name.

What was Frankfort, Kentucky originally known as? ›

The first English explorers began visiting what is now the Frankfort area in the early 1750s; and evidently the name Frankfort is a shortening of "Frank's Ford," after Stephen Frank, a settler who was killed at or near the site in Indian skirmish in 1780.

Why is Frankfort Indiana called the Gem city? ›

Frankfort is also called the "Gem City' for its brightness in the new electric light era. It was said that you could see Frankfort shine from miles away on the prairie due to the new electric lights and its location.

Why was Frankfort chosen as the capital of Kentucky? ›

Several cities and towns were considered for the prestigious location. However, when Andrew Holmes pledged Frankfort land, money, and building materials for the new capitol building far in excess of the other bids, the location committee was impressed.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Dong Thiel

Last Updated:

Views: 5971

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (79 voted)

Reviews: 86% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Dong Thiel

Birthday: 2001-07-14

Address: 2865 Kasha Unions, West Corrinne, AK 05708-1071

Phone: +3512198379449

Job: Design Planner

Hobby: Graffiti, Foreign language learning, Gambling, Metalworking, Rowing, Sculling, Sewing

Introduction: My name is Dong Thiel, I am a brainy, happy, tasty, lively, splendid, talented, cooperative person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.