Location: Frankfort
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8 Museums 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. Liberty Hall Historic Site
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
Liberty Hall Historic Site was the home of one of Kentucky's most important families. The site contains two houses: Liberty Hall (1796) built by John Brown, one of Kentucky's first United States Senator and the Orlando Brown House (1835), designed by Gideon Shryock, and owned by Senator Brown's second son. The site also includes more than 4 acres of manicured grounds and flower gardens. Guided tours Mon-Sun at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. mid-Mar to mid-Nov. Tours start at steps to Liberty Hall, 218 Wilkinson Street. In 1971 the federal government designated Liberty Hall as a National Historic Landmark. The site is a non-profit educational organization owned by The National Society of The Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.
Reviewed By 83andi
Our tour of Liberty Hall was informative and fascinating. There is plenty of history to the house, and we learned about the Brown family and saw many of their original pieces of furniture and tons of books. Karen was a wonderful guide and is very knowledgeable and passionate about Liberty Hall and the events they host throughout the year. Highly recommend, especially the gardens out back!
2. Broadway Clay Studio and Gallery
3. Old State Capitol
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
The Old Capitol is privvy to some of Kentucky's speckled history. Free guided and self-guided tours are available.
Reviewed By Txtom72 - Dayton, United States
Wed walked the manicured grounds on a bright 62˚F day. The building and its surrounds could tell some great tales - a placid and historic site.
4. Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 97 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 KAQ61
I highly recommend this special exhibit which runs until October. The exhibit showcases two rarely seen sets of paintings by well-known Kentucky Impressionist artist Paul Sawyier. The mounting of the two sets is very well-done with interesting historical tidbits of the Frankfort, KY landmarks depicted in the two sets, which differ in their portrayal of a popular 19th century poem. Photos of those landmarks today are included. I also appreciated the details showcasing the woman poet in addition to Sawyier and his work. The History Center itself is very well-done also.
5. Capital City Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
Reviewed By Thor1412 - Horace, United States
This small free museum about Frankfort and Kentucky is worth a stop. Be sure to go upstairs to see lots of historic items. A stop at the Capital City Museum is a “capital idea.”
6. Kentucky Military History Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
Kentucky has a rich military history. That history is both preserved and explained at the Kentucky Military History Museum. The State Arsenal for more than 100 years and a Civil War-era munitions factory, this Gothic Revival style building houses the exhibits “Kentucky Military Treasures” and “George M. Chinn: Sights Set on Innovation,” and 19th-century war records (available for use by appointment). The Kentucky Historical Society operates the museum with the Kentucky Department for Military Affairs.
7. Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 242 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 O3447AOdebbiec - Palm Bay, United States
They let you taste their bourbon chocolates. So good. Again currently no tours but they are very friendly in their. The building is historic.
8. Josephine Sculpture Park
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 35 reviews
Josephine Sculpture Park is free and open every day from dawn until dusk. Explore nearly 50 contemporary sculptures created by artists from across the globe. Enjoy hands-on activities and exhibitions, scavenger hunts and self guided tours daily. Walking paths are mowed through the native meadows and may be difficult for manual wheelchairs. We are a grass-roots, non-profit organization and our mission is to provide community arts education and creative experiences while conserving the beauty of Kentucky's native, rural landscape.
Reviewed By 690bonnier - Corunna, United States
16-Year-Old Grandson and I saw a few sculptures from the main road of Highway 127 between Frankfort and Harrodsburg KY and decided to explore. Walking groomed grassy pathways, each of the 30 acres offered wonderful huge sculptures of every kind. The posted signage helped a lot to understand some of the pieces.
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