Location: Frankfort
Top Things to do in Frankfort
- 1. Buffalo Trace Distillery
- 2. Salato Wildlife Education Center
- 3. Three Boys Farm Distillery
- 4. New Capitol Building
- 5. Frankfort Cemetery
- 6. Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial
- 7. Daniel Boone Burial Site
- 8. Old State Capitol
- 9. Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History
- 10. Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum
Countries
10 Things to Do in Frankfort That You Shouldn't Miss
The city of Frankfort has a long and torturous history. First settled in 1786, the city has survived a failed attempt to make Kentucky a part of the Spanish Empire, an occupation by the Confederate Army, disastrous fires, and flooding from the Kentucky River. 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.
Restaurants in Frankfort
1. Buffalo Trace Distillery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Buffalo Trace Distillery is the oldest continually operating distillery in the United States and we have proudly won more awards than any other distillery in the world. We welcome visitors of all ages to tour our legendary distillery and see first hand how we craft, age, and bottle America's native spirit, bourbon whiskey. All guests are treated to a complimentary tour and tasting of fine Kentucky bourbon as well as old fashioned root beer and bourbon balls. Don't forget to stop by our Gift Shop for authentic distillery products and to pick up a few bottles of the good stuff! HOURS: *Monday-Friday Tours: 9am-4pm departing every hour Gift Shop: 9am-5:30pm *Saturday Tours: 9am-4pm departing every hour Gift Shop:9am-5:30pm *Sunday Tours: Noon-3pm departing every hour Gift Shop: 12pm-5pm *All tours and tastings are FREE! *We have a beautiful Clubhouse that can be rented for events!
Reviewed By jgbtravels - Louisville, KY
This is an old historic distillery that has won numerous awards for their bourbon over the years. It’s a lovely setting just on the outskirts of downtown Frankfort. The best part is that it is free. Remember, many others charge a fee as much as $20 per person to take a tour. Our guide was a retired teacher with a wealth of knowledge about the bourbon industry and very personable. The tour lasts about an hour with a tasting at the end. If you have children they provide root beer for the youngsters. There were folks on our tour from several different states plus folks from Germany and India. It’s a popular tour.
2. Salato Wildlife Education Center
Overall Ratings
5 based on 124 reviews
Reviewed By DJSZCZEP - Avon, Indiana
Nice place to view bison, deer, fawn, bear, bobcats, bald eagle and elk. You can spend a good afternoon viewing the open cages. There is a lake for fishing. A good place for family picnics and an education center on nature.
3. Three Boys Farm Distillery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By Rauy - Melbourne, Australia
What great little distillery operation. I actually caught them just before heading to Maccas for lunch. Glad I did and glad I added them onto my itinerary when visiting from Australia.
Great selection and great information.
I would say this is a must visit if in Kentucky.
4. New Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 193 reviews
Reviewed By runmomof3 - O'Fallon, Missouri
We visited on a Wednesday afternoon during winter break. The building is very pretty and everyone we encountered was very nice. The receptionist was especially helpful, recommending things to see and a place in town to go for lunch. Well worth the drive from Louisville.
5. Frankfort Cemetery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 171 reviews
The grave of Daniel Boone, which has been open for more than 150 years, is the biggest draw at this cemetery.
Reviewed By James H - Coinjock, North Carolina
This cemetery in Frankfort is worth a visit if you are interested in Kentucky's history. Daniel Boone's gravesite is here and usually is where everyone goes to see. But there are Kentucky governors buried here and other famous daughters and sons of Kentucky are interred here as well. One area one should check out is the O'Bannon monument. This monument honors the first military individual to raise the American Flag on foreign soil. This person raised the flag over Tripoli in 1805 when the US defeated the Barbary pirates. Check out the website for the Frankfort Cemetery and go for a walk through Kentucky's History.
6. Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Overall Ratings
5 based on 80 reviews
VietnamThis memorial to Kentuckians killed in Vietnam is a giant sundial whose shadows fall on every name on the anniversary of that soldier's death.
Reviewed By Donald W - Las Vegas, Nevada
We visited this wonderful memorial in May. "The blue-gray granite plaza of the Memorial contains the names of Kentucky’s 1105 citizens who died. Each name is precisely located so the shadow of the sundial pointer touches each veteran’s name on the anniversary of his death". Amazing and emotional site.
7. Daniel Boone Burial Site
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By James H - Coinjock, North Carolina
Hidden away in Frankfort Kentucky, there is a gravesite marking Daniel Boone's burial remains. It is located in Frankfort cemetery overlooking the Capitol on a bluff over the Kentucky River. This cemetery is not readily advertised. I had use Google maps to find cemetery off Glenn's Creek road (turn off East Main Street). Once you are in the cemetery, there are small signs directing you to the gravesite.
This location offers great views of the river, the state Capitol building, and the monument detailing where Daniel Boone and his wife are buried. If you think Daniel Boone was an important person in American History, take some time and visit the gravesite. It is a beautiful spot.
The cemetery itself is a historical overload. Before you depart, check out the monument to the first American military person to raise the American flag on foreign soil in 1805-LT. O'Bannon-USMC
8. Old State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 92 reviews
The Old Capitol is privvy to some of Kentucky's speckled history. Free guided and self-guided tours are available.
Reviewed By B W - Texas
We toured the old capitol after the new capitol building so it was not as impressive, but certainly gave a good historical perspective. We made the guided tour fortunately as there is not a self tour available. The tour guide was knowledgeable and shared some facts as well as stories. The architectural details are wonderful as are the chandeliers. The stone staircase is self supporting. The outside front is very plain and windowless but there is plenty of light inside from the dome and side windows. There was a small library, reception area, house, and senate. The tour leaves from the KY Historical Soc. just down the block. The entry fee ($8) includes 2 other museums as well.
9. Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 78 reviews
The Kentucky Historical Society is the place to turn for anything related to Kentucky history. Our history campus in historic downtown Frankfort includes the premier library for Kentucky genealogy research, interactive exhibits that tell Kentucky's stories from prehistoric to current times, educational activities for all ages and more.
Reviewed By CHARGER407 - Paducah, Kentucky
I been here twice for for business meeting and this place is not only clean but everyone there is friendly.
10. Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum
Overall Ratings
4 based on 159 reviews
Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum offers a guided tour and includes antique candy making equipment as well as new equipment. It continues as family confectionery operation that was founded in the year 1919. They are noted for the invention of Bourbon Balls. Tours and retail are open year round. Tour price includes a chocolate, free chocolate aroma therapy and lots of Southern Hospitality.
Reviewed By AnnB43560 - Sylvania, Ohio
We recommend the bourbon caramel’s and the bourbon truffles. This place is awesome. They let us try lots of different candies and of course we walked away with a large bag of candies and mustard and barbecue sauce and other goodies from their shelves!
TAGS
