30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Frankfort, KY
Are you thinking about going to Frankfort, Kentucky, and want to find fun things to do there? Don’t look any further! You’re in the right place. We’re going to talk about the 30 funniest and best things to do in Frankfort, KY. These tours will make your trip unique.
Frankfort is the capital city of the U.S. state of Kentucky and the county home of Franklin County. It is on the banks of the Kentucky River and is full of history, culture, and natural beauty. There are lots of fun things to do in this beautiful capital city to keep you busy and happy.
Anyone can find something fun to do in Frankfort, whether they like being outside, learning about other cultures, shopping, eating, and a lot more. Visit the Capital City Museum to learn about history, the Kentucky State Capitol and Old State Capitol to learn about government, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial to honor veterans.
30 Best & Fun Things To Do In Frankfort, KY (2024)
1. Kentucky State Capitol
Start your trip to Frankfort by seeing the Kentucky State Capitol, which was built in 1910 and is a beautiful example of neoclassical architecture.
It is the fourth fixed building since the state became a nation in 1792. The Capitol building has 70 famous columns, sculptures of important people from Kentucky, and paintings for decoration. The Capitol is on the National Register of Historic Places and is home to all three parts of the state government.
As one of the fun things to do in Frankfort, you can go on a guided tour and learn about the city’s past. You can also look at the ornate rotunda and see where the state’s lawmakers work.
Address: 700 Capital Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
2. Capital City Museum
One of the many free things to do in Frankfort, KY, today is to immerse yourself in Frankfort’s rich history at the Capital City Museum.
This museum tells stories about the city’s political history, its place in the Bourbon industry, and other local topics. It is located in the heart of downtown Frankfort and is housed in the remaining part of the Capital Hotel.
Leslie W. Morris Park at Fort Hill is another free place where people can meet up to talk about history and nature. When you go, you can either go on your own or with a guide and learn about the past of the town.
Address: 325 Ann St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
3. Old State Capitol
One of the cheap things to do in Frankfort, Kentucky, is to visit the Old State Capitol and step back in time. The Kentucky General Assembly met here from 1830 to 1910. It is now known as the Old Statehouse.
This Greek Revival building is now a museum that shows the political past of Kentucky. The building has a unique stone stairwell that stands on its own, and during the Civil War, the Confederate Army occupied the only pro-Union State Capitol.
The Old State Capitol is made of Kentucky River limestone and has a dome on top that lets a lot of light into the building.
Plan a tour of this historic building as part of your trip to Frankfort. You can learn about the politics and personalities of people who lived in Kentuckiana in the 1800s and early 1900s.
Address: 300 W Broadway Street, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
4. Cove Spring Park
Exploring Cove Sprin Park with your family is a fun thing to do outside in Frankfort, KY. It’s a natural oasis with beautiful walks, waterfalls, and historical sites.
There are streams, springs, waterfalls, wooded ravines, and other natural and historic features spread out over 250 acres of this beautiful park. It also has trails for biking, walking, observing wildlife, teaching about the environment, and more. There are 6 miles of trails with interpretive signs.
The park also has a 3D range and a static shooting range that is open during certain times of the year. The park also has places to have picnics, which makes it a great place for families to get away from the city and enjoy some peace and quiet.
Address: 100 Cove Spring Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
5. Liberty Hall Historic Site
The Liberty Hall Historic Site is one of the most important places to see in Frankfort. It is in downtown Frankfort, right on the Kentucky River.
John Brown, who served as Kentucky’s first U.S. Senator, constructed two historic homes at the National Historic Landmark Liberty Hall Historic Site in 1796.
The property has a four-acre garden, Liberty Hall, a Georgian-style mansion, and the Orlando Brown House, a Greek Revival home with pictures and furniture from the Brown family.
One of the things to do in Frankfort is to plan a tour of this historic place.
Address: 202-218 Wilkinson Street, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
6. Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum
Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum has been around since 1919 and is one of the best places for kids to visit in Frankfort, KY.
A chance to sample the original Bourbon Ball chocolate is part of trips offered by this family-run attraction. They also give you a look at how candy is made.
When you go, learn about the past of this family-run business, Ruth Booe’s life, and how she and her family have dealt with tragedy and hard times.
Address: 116 E 2nd St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
7. Leslie Morris Park At Fort Hill
At Fort Hill’s Leslie Morris Park, there are lots of fun things for the whole family to do in Frankfort, Kentucky.
This historical spot was very important during the Civil War and is named after Mr. Leslie Morris, who gave the land to the City of Frankfort.
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This 124-acre park has two earthen forts from the Civil War, a picnic pavilion, paved hiking trails, and woodchip paths with benches and explanatory signs. It also has beautiful views of downtown.
During the Civil War, this historical place was very important. Today, people can look at the well-preserved earthwork defenses and hike along trails with great views of Frankfort.
The Sullivan House Visitor’s Center is in the park and is open to the public during certain times of the year. The house also has a place to meet and a gift shop, and it’s where most tour guides work.
Address: 400 Clifton Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
8. Salato Wildlife Education Centre
Nature lovers can have a good time in Frankfort, KY, by going to the Salato Wildlife Education Center to learn about the state’s animals.
There are interpretive and hands-on displays and presentations about native plants, animals, and fish at the Salato Wildlife Education Center. Both kids and adults will enjoy the interactive exhibits. There are also two fishing lakes, picnic spots, shelters, and about four miles of hiking trails.
The building also lets people see a lot of different animals, like a black bear, bald eagle, bobcats, deer, bison, and more, both inside and outside.
Address: 1 Sportsman’s Ln, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
9. Capital Bowl
Looking for fun things to do in Frankfort, KY, tonight? Then, head to Capital Bowl, an entertainment centre that offers interactive family fun to both locals and visitors.
There are 24 bowling lanes with synthetic lanes and automatic scoring in the entertainment center. There are also large video walls and sleek bar seating. They also have shields for kids younger than 10 years old.
The entertainment center also has a restaurant and bar where you can get tasty food and cool drinks. It’s a full package for family fun.
Address: 80 Anderson Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
10. Frankfort Country Club
Booking a tee time at Frankfort Country Club is one of the best things to do in Frankfort, KY, this weekend.
Since it opened in 1949, the Frankfort Country Club has been one of the best places to play golf in Kentucky. This championship course has 18 holes, is 6595 yards long, and has a par of 72. It’s fun for both experienced and new golfers.
Frankfort Country Club has more than just a golf course. It also has a full-service Pro Shop with unique golf gear, clothing, and accessories.
Address: Golf Course, 101 Duntreath Street, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
11. Elkhorn Creek
A fun thing to do in Frankfort, KY, during the summer is to do things outside at Elkhorn Creek, an 18.3-mile-long stream that flows through several central Kentucky counties.
The stream’s name comes from the way it looks. It drains an area of 499.5 square miles. Elkhorn Creek is one of the most beautiful and longest creeks in Kentucky. It’s a great place to fish, boat, and kayak.
Several kinds of fish live in Elkhorn Creek. These are catfish, rock bass, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, carp, crappie, and bluegill.
You can paddle along the beautiful route or cast a line in the water to catch bass and bluegill during your stay.
Address: Frankfort, KY, United States.
12. Buffalo Trace Distillery
Established in 1805, Buffalo Trace Distillery is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States.
Even though Buffalo Trace Distillery is best known for its bourbon, it also makes vodka, rye whisky, and other drinks.
As part of your plans for Frankfort, visit this famous distillery to learn about how bourbon is made and to try some award-winning spirits.
Address: 113 Great Buffalo Trace, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
13. River View Park
River View Park is one of the most beautiful and well-known parks in Frankfort. It is in downtown Frankfort and runs along the Kentucky River.
This beautiful park by the river has lots of fun things for the whole family, like a pavilion, picnic tables, a fishing pier, and two miles of walking paths with historic sites. A moving dock lets canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and other paddle boats get into the river from the park.
There is also a stage in the park, which makes it a great place to spend the night with family and friends.
Address: 404 Wilkinson Blvd., Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
14. Josephine Sculpture Park
One free thing for art fans to do in Frankfort is to go to the Josephine Sculpture Park. This park has more than 80 sculptures spread out over 30 acres of lovely rolling fields.
There are changing displays in the park that show sculptures and murals made by artists from Kentucky, the US, and other countries. There are also bird watching spots and picnic tables in the park, as well as miles of walking tracks.
You can look at the art installations, take part in workshops, and enjoy the peaceful scenery with your pet on a leash during your stay.
Address: 3355 Lawrenceburg Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
15. Kentucky Military History Museum
One of the unique things to do in Frankfort, KY, today is to revisit the commonwealth’s military history in time at the Kentucky Military History Museum.
The Kentucky Military History Museum is in the 1850 State Arsenal and has a lot of Kentucky, Union, and Confederate memorabilia, such as uniforms, flags, guns, and other gear that can be recognized.
At the museum, people can take a guided walk and learn about the history, architecture, and unique artifacts of the State Arsenal. You also learn about what the Arsenal did during the Civil War.
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Address: 125 E Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
16. The Grand Theatre
Catching a performance at the Grand Theatre is one of the fun things to do in Frankfort, KY, at night.
This historic venue was built in 1911 and has seen many events, such as plays, concerts, and movie showings. Check out their schedule of upcoming shows to get the most out of your stay. Then, enjoy a night of culture and fun.
Address: 308 St Clair Street, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
17. Frankfort Cemetery
One of the unusual things to do in Frankfort today is to visit Frankfort Cemetery, the resting place for notable figures of Frankfort’s heritage.
Today, one of the interesting things to do in Frankfort is to visit Frankfort Cemetery, where important people from Frankfort’s history are buried.
The cemetery was built in 1844 on a hill with a view of the Kentucky River and the Kentucky State Capitol. Daniel Boone and other famous people are buried there.
People who visit Frankfort Cemetery can honor the dead, take a peaceful walk through the grounds, and learn about Frankfort’s past from the monuments and memorials.
Address: 215 E Main Street, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
18. Sky Zone Trampoline Park
To have fun with your family near Frankfort, go to Sky Zone Trampoline Park, which has fun things for both kids and adults to do.
This indoor trampoline park is in Lexington, Kentucky, and it has a speed zone, sky ladder, zip line, freestyle jump, sky slam, dodgeball, foam zone, parkour blox, bent wall, ninja warrior course, and sky climb, among other things.
The park has lots of fun things to do, and Sky Zone Trampoline Park is also a great spot for birthday parties, family get-togethers, team parties, and other events.
Address: 3644 Boston Rd. #130, Lexington, KY 40514, United States.
19. Old Governor’s Mansion
Today, the Old Governer’s Mansion is one of the best places to visit in Frankfort. It is one of the oldest presidential homes still in use in the United States.
There have been 33 governors of Kentucky who live in the Old Governor’s Mansion, which was built in 1798 and is also called the Lieutenant Governor’s Mansion. The mansion has a long and interesting past that shows how the state has grown and changed over time.
People who want to see how Kentucky’s government leaders lived can make an appointment to tour this historic mansion.
Address: 420 High St, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
20. Franklin Square Cinema
One of the romantic things to do in Frankfort, KY, tonight for couples is to catch their favorite movie at Franklin Square Cinema.
Opened in 1973 and operated by Republic Theatre, this intimate movie theatre offers a comfortable atmosphere with high-back rocker seats, spacious row spacing, and stadium seating. It also features a multi-screen local film house in a shopping center with concessions and the latest technology with digital projection, and surround sound.
To see a movie, check their schedule and spend a few hours with your partner and family to see the latest blockbuster release.
Address: 1303 US-127, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
21. Capital Escape And Axe Throwing
Another fun thing to do in Frankfort, KY, with family and friends is to experience an immersive, captivating, and challenging adventure at Capital Escape and Axe Throwing.
This escape room, which opened in 2021, requires players to find hidden hints, solve puzzles, find secret passages, avoid lasers, break the safe, and work together to get out of the room before time runs out.
Because there are four rooms, each with a different theme, it’s a great experience. The Captain’s Treasure, The Witches’ Spell, Operation End Invasion, and Merlin are some of the escape rooms that you can choose from.
There are four target lanes at the axe-throwing facility. Each target has its own unique target projection device and a safety mat around it.
Address: 108 Myrtle Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
22. Floral Clock
Look at the Floral Clock, a one-of-a-kind landmark made of more than 10,000 flowers. It’s one of the best things to do in Frankfort.
The huge clock is a 34-foot-wide planter that weighs 100 tons and hangs over a pool of water that reflects light. It is on the grounds of the Capitol. They are grown in a greenhouse close to the state center. The house hand is 15 feet long and the minute hand is 20 feet long. The clock’s hands move thanks to a device inside the stone base that holds it up.
A lot of people like to take pictures at the Floral Clock. It looks especially nice when it’s fully bloomed in the spring and summer.
Address: 700 Capital Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
23. Paul Sawyier Public Library
The Paul Sawyier Public Library is more than just a place to borrow books. It’s a hub for the community and has activities for people of all ages.
There are a lot of books, e-books, podcasts, newspapers, magazines, and Spanish language materials for both kids and adults at the Paul Sawyier Public Library. There are also meeting rooms and computers with Microsoft Office packages.
There are also events for families, storytimes, and fun programs for people of all ages at the library, making it a great place for everyone.
Address: 319 Wapping Street, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
24. Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial
One of the most unique things to do in Frankfort is to pay tribute to America’s fallen heroes at the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial was built in 1988 with a view of the state Capitol to honor Kentucky veterans who served our country in the Vietnam War. Each veteran’s name is carved into granite below the tribute sundial. On the anniversary of each soldier’s death, the point of the gnomon’s shadow touches that soldier’s name.
There are 1,103 names on the memorial, and 23 of them are for soldiers who were missing in battle. This site is a quiet spot to think and remember things.
Address: 365 Vernon Cooper Ln., Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
25. Juniper Hill Park And Aquatic Center
One of the family-friendly things to do in Frankfort, KY, in the summer is to escape the summer heat at Juniper Hill Park and Aquatic Center.
This water park is great for families because it has many pools, big and small water slides, a lazy river, a zero-depth entry pool with a water play structure, a splash pad for little kids, a diving board, a leisure and lap swimming pool, a rock climbing wall, and a waterfall.
Additionally, this cutting-edge building is open during certain times of the year for swimming for fun, private swimming, parties, water exercises, and swimming lessons.
Address: 800 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
26. Juniper Hill Golf Course
Another fun weekend activity to do in Frankfort is to book a tee time at Juniper Hill Golf Course, one of the most popular golf courses in Kentucky.
This municipal golf course, which opened in 1957 and has 18 holes, is good for golfers of all kinds, from beginners to professionals. It is 6,147 yards long, has 104 slopes, and has a par of 10.
The golf course has a driving range, practice bunkers, a pro shop, putting greens, a diner, and a large pavilion, among other things.
Address: 800 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
27. East Frankfort Park
Getting lost in East Frankfort Park is a great thing to do with kids and pets in Frankfort, KY. There are lots of fun things to do in this beautiful park for both locals and visitors.
This park is 47.5 acres and has many things to offer, such as 2 baseball and softball fields, batting cages, picnic shelters, a volleyball court, an 18-hole disc golf course, a dog park called “Bark Park,” tennis courts, and nature trails for walks.
East Frankfort Park is a great place for family games, parties, and get-togethers because it has lots of fun things to do.
Address: 315 Hickory Drive, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
28. Berry Hill Mansion
In Frankfort, Kentucky, George Franklin Berry constructed the Berry Mansion, which is a must-see for history enthusiasts.
This mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places because it is on a hill just west of downtown and has a view of the state government building.
This mansion, which sits on 37 acres, is open for tours and shows off its beautiful building and elegant interiors. Fans of history and people interested in Kentucky’s past will love this draw.
Address: 700 Louisville Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
29. Jim Beam Nature Preserve
The Jim Beam Nature Preserve is in Nicholasville, Kentucky, which is less than an hour’s drive from Frankfort. It’s a fun place to be outside near Frankfort.
This 115-acre nature park was created in 1995 and is a beautiful place to hike, take nature walks, take pictures, and watch wildlife.
As part of your plans in Frankfort, check out the paths, take in the views, and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Address: Payne Lane, Nicholasville, KY 40356, United States.
30. Lakeview Springs Golf
There are lots of fun things to do with your family, and you can play sports at the park.
Address: 112 Park Avenue, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.
31. Prodigy Vineyards & Winery
One fun thing for wine lovers to do in Frankfort, KY, is to visit Prodigy Vineyards & Winery, which is one of the city’s best wineries.
This winery has a great wine tasting room where people can learn about and enjoy the flavors that are made at the farm. In Prodigy’s tasting room, you can find a wide range of delicious wines for all tastes.
People can take a walk through the vineyard, learn about how wine is made, and try different wines in the tasting room.
Address: 4686 Versailles Road, Frankfort, KY 40601, United States.