What to do and see in Frankfort, Kentucky (KY): The Best Sights & Landmarks

October 16, 2021 Concepcion Newsome

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. Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial

365 Vernon Cooper Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601 http://www.kyvietnammemorial.net/
Excellent
81%
Good
15%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 94 reviews

Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial

This 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 HaroldLVaughn - Walton, United States

Built like a sundial so that the gnomon (look it up, I had to) casts a shadow onto the circular surface. The whole thing is designed so that the shadow falls on the names of the honored dead highlighting the month and year of their sacrifice.

2. Frankfort Cemetery

215 E Main St, Frankfort, KY 40601-2315 +1 502-227-2403 http://www.frankfortcemetery.org
Excellent
64%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 211 reviews

Frankfort Cemetery

The grave of Daniel Boone, which has been open for more than 150 years, is the biggest draw at this cemetery.

Reviewed By bradwN9107IR - Winchester, United States

My wife and I made the trip from Lexington up to Frankfort specifically to see Daniel Boone's alleged grave (Missouri claims that we stole the wrong body when we exhumed him from there back in the 1850's). We wound up spending hours at the site though looking at the historic graves of governors, soldiers, and many more. Perched on a hill overlooking the Kentucky river, and the state capitol building, this cemetery offers breathtaking views, history lessons, and lots of gravestones that are truly works of art.

3. Old State Capitol

300 W Broadway St, Frankfort, KY 40601-1980 +1 502-564-3016 http://history.ky.gov/old-state-capitol/
Excellent
59%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 118 reviews

Old State Capitol

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. Governor's Mansion

704 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601-3448 +1 502-564-8004 http://governorsmansion.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
56%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 45 reviews

Governor's Mansion

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.

5. New Capitol Building

700 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601-3410 +1 502-564-3449 http://capitol.ky.gov
Excellent
67%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 259 reviews

New Capitol Building

Reviewed By katemK2806BC - Lewis Center, United States

Stumbled upon the capitol after dinner in downtown Frankfort. Stunning architecture, especially at night!

6. Daniel Boone Burial Site

215 E Main St, Frankfort, KY 40601-2315 +1 502-227-2403 http://www.frankfortcemetery.org
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 141 reviews

Daniel Boone Burial Site

Reviewed By stevekimberlym - Pulaski, United States

If you are a history buff, it is a worth while visit. When you get to the cemetery just follow the yellow line, it will carry you straight to the grave. It's also a nice view of the state capitol building.

7. Floral Clock

700 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601-3410 +1 502-564-3449 http://www.kentuckytourism.com/group_tour_operator/floral-clock/1529/
Excellent
49%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 94 reviews

Floral Clock

8. Kentucky State Capitol

700 Capital Ave, Frankfort, KY 40601-3410 +1 502-564-3449 https://capitol.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx
Excellent
67%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 21 reviews

Kentucky State Capitol

Reviewed By Thor1412 - Horace, United States

This historic 1910 capitol is an impressive building by itself. A lot of history has been preserved in the rotunda and surrounding hallways. Be sure to “look up” the Kentucky State Capitol and “look up” at the ceiling to appreciate the magnificent painted murals. People will see lots of decorations on a free walk through the building. There are 70 enormous columns and lots of sculptures. The glass floor on the second floor of the library was awesome to walk on.

9. Old Governor's Mansion

420 High St, Frankfort, KY 40601-2175 +1 502-564-3449
Excellent
43%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
7%
Terrible
7%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 14 reviews

Old Governor's Mansion

Built in 1797, it served as the residence of 33 governors until a new one was built in 1914.

10. Switzer Covered Bridge

Jones Lane, Frankfort, KY
Excellent
32%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
10%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 31 reviews

Switzer Covered Bridge

Reviewed By Thor1412 - Horace, United States

The historic 1855 Switzer covered bridge over North Elkhorn Creek has been reconstructed. People can literally “walk through history” free. Unfortunately, someone has painted graffiti on the bridge

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