Frankfort is the capital of Kentucky and sits along the Kentucky River. The city is known for bourbon, history, and outdoor views. This guide covers the best things to do in Frankfort KY. It includes daily plans, family stops, and local food ideas.
What is the single best thing to do in Frankfort KY today?
The best thing to do in Frankfort today is to tour the Buffalo Trace Distillery. It is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the country. Visitors can walk through old brick warehouses. They can also see the bottling area and try bourbon.
Top Attractions in Frankfort
Frankfort’s top sights fall into three groups: bourbon, history, and outdoor spots. Start with these if you only have one day. These stops work well for families, couples, and first-time visitors.
The main sights include iconic distilling grounds, the state capitol buildings, and historic downtown parks. At the distilleries, you see how workers craft traditional Kentucky drinks. At the capitol sites, you see grand stone architecture and beautiful green lawns. The local parks offer quiet walking paths and unique outdoor art.
Bourbon and Distillery Tours
Bourbon is one of the main reasons people visit Frankfort. Book distillery tours early because spots fill up fast.
Buffalo Trace Distillery is one of the most visited stops in town. Visitors can see large copper stills and watch workers label bottles by hand. Basic tours and tastings are often free, but availability can change. This makes it a great choice for a quick two-hour stop.
Another good option nearby is Castle & Key Distillery. This site looks like an old stone castle from Europe. It features large gardens, a spring water pool, and outdoor walking paths. It is a good stop for travelers who want scenic views.
Historic Sites and Museums
Frankfort has a rich past that dates back to early American pioneers. The old downtown area is full of classic brick buildings and monuments.
- The Kentucky State Capitol: This active government building features a large stone dome and formal gardens. Visitors can walk inside to see the massive marble columns and statues of past leaders.
- The Old State Capitol: Located right in the middle of downtown, this building looks like an ancient Greek temple. It served as the capitol during the 1800s.
- Liberty Hall Historic Site: This landmark features a grand early American house built by a famous politician named John Brown. Visitors see old clothes, original books, and classic furniture. It also has large lawns that lead down to the river.
- Capital City Museum: This simple downtown museum is free to enter. It holds old tools, historic photos, and items used by early firemen.
- Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History: This center has interactive displays where you can learn about pioneers. Visitors can also listen to old music and look at artifacts from the Civil War.
Outdoor and Nature Activities
The hills around the Kentucky River are full of green woods and deep rocky ravines. You can find peaceful outdoor spaces just a short drive from the downtown shops.
- Cove Spring Park: This park covers 240 acres of protected wetlands and forested hills. It features six miles of easy walking trails and small waterfalls. Some paths use flat wooden boards so visitors do not have to walk in the mud. It is free to enter.
- Josephine Sculpture Park: This outdoor space displays over 80 giant art pieces across 30 acres of open fields. Visitors can walk along grass paths to touch the statues. It is open from dawn to dusk and is free to enter.
- River View Trail: This flat path follows the edge of the Kentucky River. It is a great spot to watch small boats move down the water.
- Frankfort Cemetery: This historic hilltop site holds the grave of pioneer Daniel Boone. It offers one of the best views in the city to watch the sun go down.
Things to Do with Kids
Frankfort has simple family stops that keep children busy without spending a lot of cash.
The Salato Wildlife Education Center is a top choice. This center gives kids a chance to see Kentucky animals. Visitors can walk along paved paths to look at live black bears, bobcats, elk, deer, and bald eagles. There is also an indoor center with live fish and frogs. It costs a small fee to enter.
Another good stop is Juniper Hill Park. This public park features a large playground with swings and slides. It has large trees that give excellent shade on hot summer days. Parents can sit comfortably on benches while kids play outside.
Free Things to Do
You can easily explore Frankfort on a budget because many of the top local sights do not require a paid ticket.
The Capitol Grounds are free to tour. You can walk through the clean landscapes to see the famous Floral Clock. This giant clock is made of thousands of real flowers and tells the time all day long.
Public spaces like Cove Spring Park and Josephine Sculpture Park also offer free entry and free parking. You can spend hours exploring the nature trails or viewing the giant outdoor statues without spending any money. Walking around the outside of the Old State Capitol downtown is another great free activity.
Things to Do This Weekend
Frankfort hosts community gatherings like summer concert series, farmers markets, and art walks on the weekends. You can find a local farmers market on Saturday mornings where residents sell fresh honey, apples, and green vegetables. In the evenings, some downtown streets close down so people can listen to live bands play music outside. You should check the current city travel listings online to see the exact event names and times for your specific weekend dates.
Where to Eat in Frankfort
Frankfort has simple, tasty places to eat right near the main historic sights and downtown shops.
| Restaurant / Stop | Best For | Location |
| Downtown Cafes & Bistros | Sandwiches, soups, and traditional Hot Browns | Old Downtown |
| Local Pizza Shops | Quick casual lunches and craft beer | Near the Riverfront |
| Rebecca Ruth Candy | Famous local bourbon balls and sweet chocolates | Downtown |
A visit to Rebecca Ruth Candy lets you learn how workers invented the original bourbon ball. The shop uses real chocolate and nuts to make these small treats. You can buy a small box to take home to your friends.
One-Day Itinerary
This simple one-day plan helps first-time visitors see the most popular spots in a short amount of time.
- Morning: Start your day with a warm meal at a downtown cafe. Walk over to see the stone steps of the Old State Capitol. Next, drive to the main Kentucky State Capitol to see the Floral Clock and walk through the gardens.
- Afternoon: Head over to Buffalo Trace Distillery for a pre-booked tour. Learn how workers mix grains and age spirits. After your tour, spend an hour walking the shaded paths at Cove Spring Park.
- Evening: Return downtown for dinner at a local restaurant. End your night by driving up to the Frankfort Cemetery overlook to watch the sunset over the city buildings.
Two-Day Itinerary
This two-day plan is perfect if you want to see the outdoor art parks and wildlife centers at a slower pace.
Day 1: History and Bourbon
- Morning: Tour the large halls of the State Capitol and visit the free Capital City Museum.
- Afternoon: Experience the history and tastings during a pre-booked afternoon tour at Buffalo Trace Distillery.
- Evening: Enjoy a nice dinner downtown and buy sweet bourbon balls at Rebecca Ruth Candy.
Day 2: Nature and Art
- Morning: Walk the scenic trails at Cove Spring Park and see the live animals at the Salato Wildlife Education Center.
- Afternoon: Stroll through the giant outdoor art exhibits at Josephine Sculpture Park and take photos with the statues.
- Evening: Take a relaxing walk along the Kentucky Riverfront and enjoy a casual dinner downtown.
Key Takeaways
Frankfort gives visitors a mix of bourbon, history, and outdoor fun. It is a budget-friendly destination with lots of free options for families and couples. Choose one or two places from this guide and build your trip around them.
FAQs
Is Frankfort KY worth visiting?
Yes. Frankfort is worth visiting for its bourbon tours, pioneer history, and free parks. It is a small town that is easy to explore in one weekend.
What is Frankfort KY known for?
Frankfort is known for being Kentucky’s capital city and the home of Buffalo Trace Distillery. It is also famous for its historic downtown and river views.
What are the best free things to do in Frankfort KY?
The best free things are the State Capitol grounds, the trails at Cove Spring Park, and the outdoor art at Josephine Sculpture Park. None of these places require a ticket.
What are the best things to do in Frankfort KY with kids?
The best family stops are the Salato Wildlife Education Center, the playground at Juniper Hill Park, and the open fields at Josephine Sculpture Park.
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Disclaimer
This article is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not professional travel advice. All travel plans should be verified with official sources before visiting. Some images in this post may be AI-generated for illustrative purposes. All trademarks, logos, and copyrights belong to their respective owners.