Frankfort Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, the city of Frankfort is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With its rich history, captivating architecture, and breathtaking natural beauty, Frankfort offers a unique and unforgettable travel experience.

Steeped in political history, Frankfort is home to the Kentucky State Capitol, a stunning architectural masterpiece that dominates the city skyline. Visitors can take a guided tour of the Capitol building, marvel at its grandeur, and learn about the state's political heritage. Just a stone's throw away is the Governor's Mansion, a magnificent Greek Revival mansion that showcases the opulence of Kentucky's governors.

For history enthusiasts, a visit to the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History is a must. This state-of-the-art museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history and culture of the Bluegrass State. From interactive exhibits to engaging displays, visitors can immerse themselves in the past and gain a deeper understanding of Kentucky's unique heritage.

Nature lovers will find solace in the picturesque landscapes that surround Frankfort. The Kentucky River, flowing gracefully through the city, offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic walks along its banks. The scenic trails of Cove Spring Park provide a tranquil escape from the bustling city, with lush greenery and cascading waterfalls creating a peaceful oasis.

Frankfort also boasts a vibrant arts and cultural scene. The Kentucky History Center and Museums, located in the heart of downtown, showcases a diverse range of art exhibitions and hosts engaging events throughout the year. The Capital City Museum takes visitors on a journey through Frankfort's past, highlighting its unique cultural heritage.

Food lovers will delight in the culinary offerings of Frankfort. From classic southern cuisine to international flavors, the city's restaurants offer a wide range of options to satisfy every palate. Visitors can savor traditional Kentucky dishes such as fried chicken and bourbon-infused delicacies, or explore the global flavors offered by the city's diverse culinary scene.

Alternative names: Established: 1786 (238 years ago)Population: 27.8 thous. (2019)Area: 15.07 mi²Elevation: 502 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 38°11'53"N, 84°52'33"W

Location

KentuckyUnited States

Contact

Website

Social media

Add

Frankfort Top Attractions

Frankfort Attractions - What to See and Explore

Frankfort offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Kentucky Governor's Mansion, Colored Soldiers Monument in Frankfort, Old State Capitol, Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • History museum • Architecture
Kentucky Governor's Mansion
The Kentucky Governor's Mansion is a historic residence in Frankfort, Kentucky. It is located at the East lawn of the Capitol, at the end of Capital Avenue. On February 1, 1972, it was added to the United States National Register of Historic Places.
Memorial
Colored Soldiers Monument in Frankfort
The Colored Soldiers Monument in Frankfort, Kentucky's Green Hill Cemetery, at the junction of US 60 and US 421, is the only Kentucky monument honoring black soldiers that participated in the American Civil War, and one of only four in the entire United States.
Museum • History museum • Architecture
Old State Capitol
The Old State Capitol, also known as Old Statehouse, was the third capitol of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The building is located in the Kentucky capital city of Frankfort and served as home of the Kentucky General Assembly from 1830 to 1910.

Monuments and statues • Memorial • Cemetery
Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Located in Frankfort, Kentucky, overlooking the state capital, Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial contains the name of 1,103 Kentuckians killed in the Vietnam War.
Museum • Architecture • Historical place
Old Governor's Mansion
The Old Governor's Mansion, also known as Lieutenant Governor's Mansion, is located at 420 High Street, Frankfort, Kentucky. It is reputed to be the oldest official executive residence officially still in use in the United States, as the mansion is the official residence of the lieutenant governor of Kentucky.
View point • Forts and castles
Fort Hill
Fort Hill is a promontory overlooking downtown Frankfort, Kentucky. It is the site of two earthwork forts from the American Civil War. Fort Hill is on the National Register of Historic Places and is now a public park.
Monuments and statues
Confederate Monument in Frankfort
The Confederate Monument in Frankfort is placed within a circle of the graves of 68 Confederate soldiers in Frankfort Cemetery in Kentucky. The statue depicts a life size Confederate soldier standing ready, carved from white Carrara marble and standing atop a granite pedestal on a limestone base.
Scenic drives • Cemetery • Outdoor activities
Frankfort Cemetery
The Frankfort Cemetery is a historic rural cemetery located on East Main Street in Frankfort, Kentucky. The cemetery is the burial site of Daniel Boone and contains the graves of other famous Americans including seventeen Kentucky governors and a Vice President of the United States.
State capitol building,
Kentucky State Capitol
The Kentucky State Capitol is located in Frankfort and is the house of the three branches of the state government of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Bridge
Singing Bridge
The Singing Bridge is a two-lane vehicle and pedestrian bridge in Frankfort, Kentucky that is so named because of the humming sound it makes when driven over. As of 2019, the bridge carries over 5,000 vehicles per day across the Kentucky River along St. Clair Street to Bridge Street, joining Downtown Frankfort with South Frankfort.
Museum • History museum • Historical place
Liberty Hall Historic Site
Liberty Hall is a historic house museum at 218 Wilkinson Street in Frankfort, Kentucky. Built 1796-1800 by American statesman John Brown, it was designated in 1971 as a U.S. National Historic Landmark for its association with Brown and its fine Federal-style architecture.
Memorial
Kentucky War Memorial
The Kentucky War Memorial is a memorial to Kentuckians who have died in all wars. On a high-point called the "State Mound" in Frankfort Cemetery in Frankfort, Kentucky, the memorial consists of a 65-foot-tall monument erected in 1850, nine low stone monuments built in a semi-circle, and two low straight monuments.
38°8'6"N • 84°51'23"W
Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary
Museum • Nature and wildlife • Park
38°11'55"N • 84°52'33"W
Capital City Museum
Museum • Specialty museum
38°11'55"N • 84°49'45"W
Frankfort Peddler's Mall
Shopping • Antiques • Flea market
38°11'10"N • 84°52'35"W
Floral Clock
The floral clock in Frankfort, Kentucky, is a landmark located behind the Kentucky State Capitol. Dedicated in May 1961 by Governor Bert T. Combs, the clock was constructed as a joint project between the state government and the Garden Club of Kentucky.
38°11'53"N • 84°52'43"W
Old United States Courthouse and Post Office
The Old United States Courthouse and Post Office building is a former post office and courthouse of the United States federal courts in Frankfort, Kentucky.
38°11'26"N • 84°52'35"W
Jesse R. Zeigler House
The Reverend Jesse R. Zeigler Residence is a Frank Lloyd Wright house in Frankfort, Kentucky. The Zeigler house is the only Frank Lloyd Wright structure built in Kentucky during the lifetime of the famous architect.
Whiskey distillery • Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery
Buffalo Trace Distillery is a distillery in Frankfort, Kentucky, owned by the Sazerac Company. It has historically been known by several names, including the George T. Stagg Distillery and the Old Fashioned Copper Distillery.

Day trips

Frankfort – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Frankfort, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (Louisville), Churchill Downs (Louisville), Keeneland (Lexington).

48 milesW
Museum
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Louisville
The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory stands as a testament to America's favorite pastime, baseball, in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Celebrating the iconic Louisville Slugger baseball bat, this museum and working factory offers both baseball...
49 milesW
Legendary horse-racing track
Churchill Downs, Louisville
Churchill Downs, located in the vibrant city of Louisville, Kentucky, stands as an iconic landmark in the world of horse racing. This legendary racecourse, known for its rich history and tradition, is the hallowed ground of the Kentucky Derby, often referred to as "The...
18 milesSE
Sport venue, Sport, Horse track
Keeneland, Lexington
Nestled in the heart of the Bluegrass region, Keeneland stands as a testament to the time-honored tradition of horse racing in Lexington, Kentucky. This historic racecourse, with its picturesque setting and storied past, has been offering an authentic racing experience...
27 milesS
Historical place, Museum, Nature and wildlife
Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg
Pleasant Hill, nestled in the heart of Mercer County, Kentucky, is a historical gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into America's past. Known more widely as the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, this tranquil site once housed a thriving community of Shakers, a...
22 milesSE
Sport venue, Sport, Horse track
The Red Mile, Lexington
In the heart of horse country, The Red Mile stands as an iconic sports facility in Lexington, Kentucky, with a rich history steeped in the tradition of harness racing. Known as the second oldest harness racing track in the world, it has been a staple in the Lexington...

Show all

Best Time To Visit Frankfort

Learn when is the best time to travel to Frankfort weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

February, March and April are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June.

Average temperatures in °F

JFMAMJJASOND

The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

JFMAMJJASOND

The lowest rainfall is recorded in January and October. Most of it rains in March, May, June and July.

Length of day in hours

JFMAMJJASOND

We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Frankfort?

The top attractions to visit in Frankfort are:

What is the best time to visit Frankfort?

February, March and April are the busiest months in this location. Slightly fewer tourists decide to visit in June. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.