Best & Fun Things To Do + Places To Visit In Frankfort, Kentucky. #Top Attractions

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Deciding to travel to Frankfort, Kentucky? Here is our hand-picked list of the top activities and attractions in Frankfort, Kentucky so you can make the most of your time there. Scroll down for the best things to do in Frankfort, Kentucky and the best places to visit in Frankfort, Kentucky. Wondrous Drifter, a Web 3.0 travel startup, hopes to have a significant impact on the world.

Capitol Education Center

 Capitol Education Center, Frankfort, Kentucky
Capitol Education Center is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

The Capitol Education Center is known as a haven for learning about Kentucky.

Located near Kentucky State Capitol, the Capitol Education Center is a place of learning for any child or adult.

The Capitol Education Center used to be a former equipment storage facility. 

However, it was renovated and changed to a modern learning center.

Check out its unique exhibits to educate, interact, and engage visitors about the geography and government of Kentucky. 

It is known as a developing media collection. It collects, gathers, and provides civic resources and information regarding facts, such as the history of the Old Capitol in Frankfort and Kentucky’s State Capitol.

This educational center tries to provide information to its visitors in a local and sustainable environment.

There are other learning materials developed by the KET and collections as part of its digital interactive media.

This educational center is the place to go if you love to learn.

Address: 706 Capitol Avenue Loop, Frankfort, KY 40601

Capital City Museum

Capital City Museum, Frankfort, Kentucky
Capital City Museum is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

The Capital City Museum is one of the top attractions in Kentucky.

Check out the Capital City Museum to learn about Kentucky’s history, which features an exhibit displayed in one room.

It is a small museum in Frankfort with over 200 years of history in the small historic downtown city of Frankfort. 

The museum is beside the remains of the famed 150-year-old Capital Hotel, which is now a museum component in its own right.

The Capital City Museum showcases collections and artifacts for its exhibits when presenting Frankfort’s history and Franklin County.

There are fascinating exhibits to see about Kentucky’s history, such as the Kentucky River, the Capitol Hotel, The Veteran’s Hall, and Senator Gobel’s assassination.

The Capital City Museum has many memorabilia collections in Frankfort s of many different aspects of life. 

Such memorabilia collections include things regarding the police department, local firefighters, past furniture, agricultural tools, and more in this museum.

Guess what? This museum even has other exhibits to showcase, such as film exhibits to take its visitor back in time to what was the old Frankfort before.

It is a unique place to visit and learn about Frankfort’s history. 

Address: 325 Ann St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

Castle and Key Distillery

Castle and Key Distillery Frankfort Kentucky
Castle and Key Distillery, Frankfort, Kentucky / amanderson2 / Flickr

The Castle and Key Distillery is a unique place to visit as an elaborate distillery complex in the city of Frankfort.

Colonel Edmund Haynes Taylor Jr. built this place in 1887. 

The Castle and Key Distillery is a distillery complex with a natural stone castle.

Colonel Edmund got the inspiration to bring the Castle and Key Distillery based on the grandeur of European castles. 

This property features a springhouse, and European-style castle, and a sunken garden. 

In 1920, the distillery had to close down due to being neglected and changing numerous owners when facing Prohibition 1920. 

However, two individuals soon purchased in 2014 who had the same vision and restored it to its former glory. 

The Castle and Key Distillery is now a place where visitors can book a tour to learn the history of this iconic place. 

Visitors can even go around, like seeing the outside castle, the sunken garden, and getting the chance to taste their Rhy Whisky with a cocktail.

This place is one of a kind as a lovely castle and to enjoy a fine distillery.

Address: 4445 McCracken Pike, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

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Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary

Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary, Frankfort, Kentucky
Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

The Clyde E. Buckley Animal Sanctuary in Frankfort, Kentucky, is a must-see for any environment and wildlife enthusiasts.

This wildlife sanctuary is full of land located in the Kentucky River with over 374 acres.

This land property was once owned in 1967 by Emma Buckley. The Wildlife Sanctuary used to be a memorial place for her husband.

But soon, the one who manages the Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary is the Kentucky Audubon Society.

They established this sanctuary as a refuge to promote and protect the native animals and plants in eastern Kentucky.

This sanctuary has other spots to see, including fifth acres of fields, two ponds, mineral deposits, and limestones as part of this place.

Any visitor visiting this sanctuary can enjoy doing things around the area, such as book-guided bird walks and bird watching.

There is even a presentation where thousands of students, families and other visitors attend to stroll across the countryside per year.

Come to this worthwhile place to experience the outdoor nature and wildlife.

Address: 1305 Germany Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

Cove Springs Park

Cove Springs Park Frankfort Kentucky
Cove Springs Park, Frankfort, Kentucky / Guillaume Capron / Flickr

Cover Springs Park is a place visitors cannot miss in Frankfort for its natural scenery and historical features.

It is in the northern part of Frankfort, with over 240 acres. 

Check out the many areas in the park, filled with sightseeing places to be from the streams, wetlands, waterfalls, and other natural surroundings Cove Springs Park has to offer.

Among its many features is the main waterfall, Hurst Falls. The Hurst Falls is a waterfall in Cover Springs Park among the significant places to go around with a wooden deck and platform for looking around.

Furthermore, there are numerous historic features, such as the crumbling limestone overflow tower and the ruins of the old stone dam within the park.

Making it suitable for anyone to enjoy the outdoors, like hiking on its six trails, all over a 3-mile walking distance.

Having a stroll in this park can be suitable for nature observation, picnicking, environmental education, and hiking in the park.

This park is worth a visit, as it is free of charge and accessible till dusk. 

Address: 100 Cove Spring Rd, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

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Governor’s Mansion

Governors Mansion, Frankfort, Kentucky
Governors Mansion, Frankfort, Kentucky / Warren LeMay / Flickr

Where does the Governor of Kentucky live?

The Governor lives at the Governor’s Mansion’s official residence of the Commonwealth in Kentucky. 

This official mansion is a public building and a private home for the Governor to host or handle political, social, or ceremonial matters.

The Governor’s Mansion was built in 1914 and had twenty-six governors living in this mansion.

In 1972, the Governor’s Mansion became listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The mansion’s design is based on Marie Antoinette’s summer home, the Petit Trianon at Versailles, and features a Beaux-Arts design. The mansion even has a French neoclassical theme in the interior of the mansion.

Nowadays, the Governor’s Mansion is among the rarest executive residences in America and is open to visitors for public tours. 

This mansion provides tours every once a month. They also have guided professionals to guide and tour you to see the mansion’s rich history, furniture, and architecture.

This Governor Museum is the place to visit to get a feel of what it is like where the Governor of Kentucky works.

Address: 704 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

Josephine Sculpture Park

Josephine Sculpture Park, Frankfort, Kentucky
Josephine Sculpture Park is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

The Josephine Sculpture Park is a great place to visit if you seek a park to keep you entertained.

This ark was opened in 2009 by a person who grew up on a farm, Melanie VanHouten. 

She eventually opened this park, led by her inspiration for making at and by the farm.

The park is named tribute to her grandmother, who always supported her.

You have to see the mansion’s 40 works of art for any visitor to stroll and look around with some permanent and temporary displays as the residents and seasons of the park change to keep or add something new.

Some of the decorated artworks and sculptures are from local or international artists.

This park has exhibitions from any artist of any style or age for visitors to enjoy. It even offers other activities such as classes, theater events, and workshops to promote the art and this sculpture park.

The Josephine Sculpture Park is a must-see park to see the unique art in Kentucky.

Address: 3355 Lawrenceburg Rd, Frankfort, KY, United States

Juniper Hill Golf Course

Juniper Hill Golf Course, Frankfort, Kentucky
Juniper Hill Golf Course is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

The Juniper Hill Golf Course is a great place to play if you’re a sports fan.

Since 1957, this golf course has had 18 holes and has been among the most famous game in Frankfort, Kentucky. 

Its golfing course has a golfing area that is over 6,417 yards.

This golf course is a suitable place to play for its well-trimmed fairways and greenery. 

Playing here may be challenging as you play the sport at times, but it tends to be fun simultaneously. 

If every visitor or guest needs help, Juniper Hill Golf has its staff to accommodate people by offering guidance such as showing helping tricks and tips to any play playing golf. 

Currently, this golf course offers golf associations applicable to anyone, whether man, woman, children, or seniors. 

There even has golf tournaments and charity events for any golf professional around the country to play.

Besides playing golf, Juniper Hill Golf includes a small pro shop and tennis court to find something new.

The Juniper Hill Golf Course is a must-see location if you plan a Kentucky trip.

Address: 800 Louisville Rd., Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

Kentucky Military History Museum

Kentucky Military History Museum, Frankfort, Kentucky
Kentucky Military History Museum is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

Kentucky Military History Museum is the place to learn about the military history in Kentucky.

It is in downtown Frankfort as a fortress-like structure constructed in 1850.

This museum has served as a state arsenal in Kentucky and a collection of military displays for over one hundred years.

In Kentucky, men and women were involved in the military for more than 200 years.

This place is even where women manufactured munitions during the Civil War, pointing out the women’s involvement in the military. 

There are many collections of various objects such as uniforms, guns, flags, and other things from Kentucky, Confederate memorabilia, and Union.

Furthermore, go see the other things recounted in this museum on display, such as military items like bullets, helmets, and rifles, and even showcases the stories of the Kentucky soldiers.

This museum is now a place that offers tours where any visitor can learn Kentucky’s military history.

The Kentucky Military History Museum is a worthwhile visit to learn about Kentucky’s military.

Address: 125 E Main St., Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Frankfort, Kentucky
Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Frankfort, Kentucky/ Anthony / Flickr

To get a glimpse of what happened in the Vietnam War, they built the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial tribute to the fallen.

It was built in 1988 to honor the 1,108 Kentucky veterans that fought, protected, and laid out their lives for their nation. 

Each of their names is carved in blue-gray granite so that the sundial pointer’s shadow will highlight their names on their death anniversary.

Even people who went missing or prisoners got buried in front of the gnomon of this memorial site.

Thus, every person who died in the Vietnam war has a personal tribute.

To any visitor visiting here, this memorial is unique for its stunning piece using mathematical-based design. 

The memorial also features being made of giant sundials with a stainless steel gnomon and a granite plaza beneath it.

It has a large crowd come to visit and become a splendid tribute to the Vietnam War’s fallen people every year. 

To honor those who sacrificed their lives, you must visit this memorial site.

Address: 365 Vernon Cooper Dr, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

Leslie Morris Park at Fort Hill

Leslie Morris Park at Fort Hill, Frankfort, Kentucky
Leslie Morris Park at Fort Hill is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

Leslie Morris Park at Fort Hill is more than just a park as it may walk you through the past.

This park is famous for being an old site during the Civil war between Union troops fighting against the Confederate invaders. 

It is famous that this park had two earth forts during the American Civil war.

Fort Hill was listed in the National Register of Historic Places and opened as a public park in 1999.

The park offers places to explore around downtown Frankfort with picnic pavilions, hiking trails, and stunning views.

You have to come to this park, for there are leading trails found in the Capital City Museum or at each trailhead in the park. If you stroll around further in the park, you may see the stunning views of Kentucky River Valley and the cave somewhere in the park.

For further explanation about the park’s historic site, visitors will get to see flyers and wayside panels as they stroll around the park. It will explain what had transpired in this park.

This park is a must-visit to stroll around and be in an old war zone.

Address: 400 Clifton Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

New Capitol Building

New Capitol Building, Frankfort, Kentucky
New Capitol Building is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

The New Capitol Building is one of the best places to visit in  Kentucky.

The New Capitol Building is now known as the seat of government in Kentucky since 1792.

This building is known as the fourth structure in the state after replacing the old Capitol made in 1830.

Despite the state’s increasing administration, the site is still standing today in downtown Frankfort.

In 1910, it was built and designed based on the Beaux-Arts style. Its other designed features include Tennessee marble, Vermont granite, dark green Italian marble, Vermont granite, Indiana limestone, and White Georgia marble as part of the design of this elegant building.

If anyone searches for a place for any ceremonial activities, the New State Capitol has its Reception Room used for events such as ceremonies. 

To any visitor going to this place, it has many exhibitions with various art pieces in the building. 

Among its iconic pieces is the Lincoln statue in the rotunda and doll collections belonging to various First Ladies.

The New State Capitol is a peculiar place to see why it is new and improved compared to the old one.

Address: 700 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

Old Governor’s Mansion

Old Governors Mansion Frankfort Kentucky
Old Governors Mansion, Frankfort, Kentucky / Jimmy Emerson, DVM / Flickr

The Old Governor’s Mansion is where you can find High Greek Revival architecture at its finest.

Out of the many residences in the United States, the Old Governor’s Mansion is a well-known resident of Kentucky’s Lieutenant Governor.

This historic mansion was built in 1798 and showcases how much Kentucky as a state has evolved.

It has been a residential area of the Lieutenant Governors since 1956. It is said to have thirty-five governors living with their families in this historic mansion. 

Over the years, the mansion was renovated, particularly in 1858, with a famous Greek Revival style, Federal style, and a few Victorian details.

Then in 1872, it served as the Governor’s office, and the last Governor who lived here was James McCreary. 

This museum is now an iconic landmark for visitors to see its furniture and ornaments, even on the National Register of Historic Places.

Visit this museum to see the mansion’s architecture and history.

Address: 420 High St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

Old State Capitol

Old State Capitol, Frankfort, Kentucky
Old State Capitol is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

Just across downtown Frankfort is a unique building called the Old State Capital. 

The Capitol served as the place where the government seated it in Kentucky from 1831 until 1910, when the current capitol building today replaced it.

The one who designed this state capitol is an architect named Gideon Shryock, who based it on a Greek Revival style similar to that of a Greek temple.

There are no windows but a self-supporting staircase to handle the pressure and keep the place still.

During the American Civil War, it was damaged and soon restored as it was. 

In 1920, it was soon converted into a museum and was the workspace of the Kentucky Historical Society. This group maintains and handles the tours for visitors intrigued to see the Old State Capitol.

If ever you plan on visiting, there are tours available to explore this 19th-century landmark.

It begins in the Thomas D. Clark Center as people tour around the Old State Capitol and learns this spot’s history and architecture.

Visiting the Old State Capitol is worth the visit to learn about this iconic state capitol.

Address: 300 W Broadway St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

Salato Wildlife Education Center

Salato Wildlife Education Center, Frankfort, Kentucky
Salato Wildlife Education Center is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

In the Salato Wildlife Education Center, you’ll find educational exhibits featuring local plants and wildlife species.

This unique Frankfort center is on the grounds of Kentucky Fish and Wildlife and Resources. 

This educational facility has indoor and outdoor exhibits to showcase this center’s many things.

Check out the various animals such as elks, turtles, bobcats, and other wildlife species.

You can check out its Eastern Forest Diorama to see live turtles, snakes, and huge aquariums with native fish up close. 

This facility center has various habitats home to its animals, such as running streams, lush mountains, marshes, and hilly prairies.

There have other facilities on-site like shelters, picnic areas, and two fishing lakes fully stocked. Anyone can even stroll around the paved and hiking trails at this open facility.

There is also more as this facility center provides hunting and fishing licenses as an educational center about wildlife during its operating hours.

This educational center is a place you have to visit to learn and see fascinating wildlife.

Address: 1 Sportsman’s Ln, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

The Floral Clock

The Floral Clock, Frankfort, Kentucky
The Floral Clock is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

The Floral Clock is one of the best things to do in  Kentucky.

The Floral Clock is just behind Kentucky’s State Capitol to see a one-of-a-kind clock.

The one who commissioned the clock was Governor Bert T. Combs in 1961. This clock now stretches over 34 feet and is full of flowers in Kentucky.

This iconic clock was a joint project by the Garden Club of Kentucky and the government of Kentucky.

There is even a pool beneath the clock that people use as a wishing well or for those who throw in coins for funded scholarships. 

The Floral Clock has over 10,000 flowers in it with a spinning hour hand and minute hand.

Every year, the Capitol gets workers to change the Floral Clock and develop new designs for the clock yearly. The workers usually have the first pant for about eight months before the planting season when they make a unique design like a clock filled with flowers.

This clock is a well-known attraction to stop by and take pictures for Capitol Visitors.

Come and see this one-of-a-kind clock you cannot miss behind Kentucky’s State Capitol.

Address: 700 Capital Ave., Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

The Grand Theater

The Grand Theater, Frankfort, Kentucky
The Grand Theater is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

Visit The Grand Theater as Frankfort’s center to experience and witness the art.

This theater is among the five operating theaters known for its music, arts, and theater in the historic downtown of Frankfort.

They built the theater initially as a vaudeville house with 135-seats in 1911. The theater soon turned into a movie theater a few years with 680 seats in 1941.

Then in 2009, it reopened as a new theater with a performing and visual art theater and 428-seat performing. It was a further improvement to accommodate providing the residents and visitors of Franks with a better experience of enjoying cultural opportunities in downtown Frankfort.

They used it before as a movie theater showcasing silent movies. Soon after, it develops being the concert house and movie theater it is today.

There are a series of events featuring theater events, movies, live exhibits, and even a children’s theater event every year. 

Anyone can go her any enjoy by buying tickets whether online or directly.

Come to the Grand Theater to experience one of the best theaters in Frankfort.

Address: 308 St. Clair Street, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

The Vest-Lindsey House

The Vest-Lindsey House, Frankfort, Kentucky
The Vest-Lindsey House is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

The Vest-Lindsey House is a well-known house as one of Frankfort’s oldest homes.

Located at Corner in Celebrities Historic District in Kentucky, the Vest-Lindsey House is known for its iconic house and its divided history during the Civil War.

They built this house in the early 1800s as a federal-style mansion. 

It initially had Victorian features dating back before, but the owners had undergone and made many changes to the house over the years passed. They soon renovated the place to look like its original appearance.

The house is famous for its previous notable owners who have lived in this residence, such as the Union Army forces inspector general, Daniel Weisiger Lindsey, and Senator George Graham Vest from Kentucky.

Presently, the Vest-Lindsey is under the Kentucky Division of Historic Properties and stands tall as an ideal example of Federal-style architecture.

This house is even known as a state meeting house for people. 

The Vest-Lindsey House is a peculiar house with a unique history and notable residents.

Address: 401 Wapping Street, Frankfort, KY 40601-2607, United States

Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History

Thomas D Clark Center for Kentucky History Frankfort Kentucky
Thomas D Clark Center for Kentucky History, Frankfort, Kentucky / Lee Wright / Flickr

To learn more about Kentucky and its history, Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History houses many things for you to know.

On April 15, 1999, this state center opened its doors to the public. 

It has hosted many visitors and researchers ever since. The Kentucky Historical Society is the one that has been operating this educational facility and museum. 

This center has served as a state center, research library, and state museum that hosts many things, from rotating exhibits in the museum to educational programs and other special events.

The whole facility of Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History is over 167,000 square feet.

There is a lot to see full of the 12,000-year history of Kentucky, with more than 3,000 items, displays, manuscripts, and collections in its exhibitions.

One signature exhibition for any visitor to try should be “A Kentucky Journey,” for anyone to be guided and see all the collections this educational center has to offer. 

This place is where you can learn all about the history of Kentucky.

Address: 100 W Broadway St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

River View Park

River View Park, Frankfort, Kentucky
River View Park is one of the best places to go in Frankfort, Kentucky

Bring your kids to River View Park if you are searching for a fun spot to take them.

This park is known for its stunning water view from many viewpoints on the Kentucky River. The River View Park in Frankfort is a place to relax, play, and picnic.

It has places to go and see, such as historical sites, monuments, hiking trails, and old bridges.

You have to see some of its iconic figures such as the refurbished 1800s bridge, the three original Kentucky counties’ monuments, and other sites.

The River View Park is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, such as hiking on the park trails, bringing a kayak or canoe to the water, having a picnic lunch, and lots more.

This park also has a boat dock for visitors to tour around the Kentucky River by taking the “Nancy Wilkinson,” a touring boat.

This park is worth a visit to spend time outside in Frankfort.

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Address: 404 Wilkinson Blvd, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States

 

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