Things to do in Frankfort
Bourbon, history, art, and the river. The places worth your afternoon, whether you live here or are passing through. See them on a map.
Buffalo Trace Distillery
The big one, on the river just north of downtown, with a range of tours, a gift shop and the John G. Carlisle Cafe on site. Book tours online ahead of time, since popular slots fill weeks out.
Castle & Key Distillery
The restored Old Taylor distillery on McCracken Pike, with its limestone castle, sunken gardens and the keyhole-shaped springhouse. Worth the drive for the grounds alone, and they make gin as well as bourbon.
Floral Clock at the State Capitol
The working clock face planted with thousands of flowers behind the Capitol, set over a pool where people toss coins. Google currently lists the Capitol building itself as temporarily closed, but the grounds and the clock are open to walk.
Old State Capitol
The 1830 Greek Revival capitol in the middle of downtown, run by the Kentucky Historical Society. Look for the stone staircase that holds itself up with no center support.
Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History
The Kentucky Historical Society's main museum and research library, a short walk from the Old Capitol. A good rainy-day stop, and the library is a real resource if you are tracing family history.
Liberty Hall Historic Site
Two historic Brown family houses near the river, Liberty Hall and the Orlando Brown House, with gardens that run down toward the Kentucky River. A quiet place for a walk even if you skip the house tour.
Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum
The South Frankfort candy company, making chocolates here since 1919, known for its bourbon balls. Short factory tours and a shop full of chocolates make it an easy stop with kids or out-of-town guests.
Salato Wildlife Education Center
Kentucky Fish and Wildlife's nature center off Louisville Road, with more than 40 native species, including black bears, elk and bald eagles, plus walking trails and fishing lakes. A reliable morning out with kids.
Josephine Sculpture Park
Open fields on Lawrenceburg Road dotted with large outdoor sculptures you can walk among. Bring the dog, let the kids run, and check their calendar for workshops and festivals.
Capital City Museum
A downtown museum focused on Frankfort's own story, from the river town days through state government and bourbon. A good primer for newcomers and a quick stop between lunch and errands.
Frankfort Cemetery
Daniel and Rebecca Boone's graves sit on a bluff here with one of the best views of the Capitol and the river valley. A quiet walk with a lot of Kentucky history in it.
Cove Spring Park
A city park with about three miles of trails, boardwalks over wetlands and a small waterfall, plus an archery range. Restrooms are at the lower entrance on Cove Spring Road.
Canoe Kentucky
The local outfitter for paddling Elkhorn Creek and the Kentucky River, with canoe and kayak rentals and shuttle service. Call ahead to check water levels and book a trip.
Grand Theatre
The restored downtown theater on St. Clair Street, hosting concerts, classic movies, comedy and community shows. Check the schedule and grab dinner on St. Clair before the show.
Tour times and hours change with the seasons. Check the website before you go.