Location: Frankfort
Top Things to do in Frankfort
Countries
Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Frankfort, Kentucky (KY)
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. Broadway Clay Studio and Gallery
2. 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.
3. Governor's Mansion
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
Built in 1914 as the new Governor's mansion, this is the oldest official governor's residence in the United States.
Reviewed By dewaynep2016 - Elizabethtown, United States
I had a great time taking the 30-minute tour. The house is four floors but only the first floor is accessible to the public. The docent covered everything from governor history to the history of the executive mansion itself with sprinklings of facts about the first ladies and artifacts in the residence. It is worth doing if you are near the Capitol and have some time to kill.
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. Buffalo Trace Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,423 reviews
Buffalo Trace Distillery has been following the global spread of COVID-19 which has allowed us to refine and progressively implement new protocol. After months of careful planning, we are thrilled to announce we will be reopening to visitors on July 1. We are implementing many new procedures to address safety for our visitors and staff. An inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists in any public place where people are present, and these policies follow expert guidance to maximize visitors’ health and safety. As with other organizations, Buffalo Trace Distillery has a phased approach. Please visit, https://www.buffalotracedistillery.com/visit-us/covid-19-what-to-expect.html, for more information about what you can expect at the Distillery and watch a short video outlinein our precautions.
Reviewed By 690richb - Fishers, United States
Buffalo Trace has one of the best distillery tours on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail!! Our tour guide, Eugene, was very knowledgeable about the distillery and bourbon history. Loved seeing my favorite bourbon, Blanton’s, being bottled. High light of the tour for me. Highly recommend this stop on the Trail.
6. The Grand Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
Grand Theatre Built originally built in 1911 as a vaudeville house and converted to a movie house in1941. After being closed in the 60's a multi-million dollar renovation the Grand reopened it's doors to both critically acclaimed films and live events.
7. New Capitol Building
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 259 reviews
Reviewed By katemK2806BC - Lewis Center, United States
Stumbled upon the capitol after dinner in downtown Frankfort. Stunning architecture, especially at night!
8. 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.”
9. Three Boys Farm Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 162 reviews
Reviewed By mikesX5815UN
If you are in the Frankfort Kentucky area, Don't pass up the opportunity to visit three boys farm. This is a great little distillery off the beaten path. They have a great philosophy, Hunter, the master distiller is a great guy who definitely knows what he's doing. You can do cask strength barrel tastings in the visitor center and the distillery tour across the way is very interesting and informative.
10. Glenns Creek Distillery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 91 reviews
Want to see, understand and make Bourbon then Glenns Creek's small Pot still distillery located on the Former Old Crow Distillery Property at 3501 McCracken Pike Frankfort, Kentucky 40601 is the stop for you! Home of OCD #5 single barrel, barrel strength Bourbon, Café Ole' Bourbon, Cuervito Vivo! Bourbon, Stave + Barrel Bourbon, Ryskey Whiskey, Kentucky Prohibition Rum, S'otit Vodka, Hamilton Spirit, Hamilton Dark, Hamilton Smoke. If you have seen our big brothers AND still wondered how Bourbon is made come see us!
Reviewed By hynds1797
Very casual and informative look at a small craft distillery. Prior commitments about Covid enforcements have some merit but the place is open air with fans blowing to circulate the air. Distancing practiced at the bar but you can’t wear a mask and drink (obviously). Masks were required when not at the bar but not strictly enforced. Tour size limited to 8 people. Enough about Covid, Bourbons are excellent and Dave gives you a lot of information that you won’t get in the industrial sized tours. Really enjoyed this as a highlight of our trip through KY.
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