FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY
Kentucky’s Capital. Bourbon Heritage. River Town Charm.
In Frankfort, Kentucky’s capital city, bourbon barrels age quietly along the river while history and hospitality welcome visitors at every corner.
Frankfort may be the seat of state government, but it feels more like a welcoming river town where heritage, craftsmanship, and community come together. Set along the winding Kentucky River between Louisville and Lexington, the city offers visitors an authentic experience rooted in Kentucky tradition.
The city sits at the crossroads of many of Kentucky’s most celebrated experiences. Visitors come for the bourbon, the history, the art, and the quiet beauty of the Bluegrass landscape. What they often discover is a place that invites them to slow down and stay awhile.
Walkable downtown streets lead to historic landmarks, locally owned shops, and restaurants filled with Kentucky flavor. Scenic drives and rolling horse farms surround the city, while distilleries and outdoor spaces sit just minutes away.
Whether planning a weekend getaway or exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail®, Frankfort offers a genuine way to experience the Commonwealth.
A Capital City with Deep Roots
Frankfort became Kentucky’s capital in 1792 and remains at the center of the state’s story. While the Kentucky State Capitol is currently undergoing restoration, visitors can still experience the history and significance of Kentucky’s government throughout the city.
The Kentucky History Center offers engaging exhibits that explore the people, traditions, and events that shaped the Commonwealth. Nearby historic sites such as Liberty Hall provide a look at life in early Kentucky through the preserved home of Senator John Brown.
Frankfort Cemetery sits high above the Kentucky River and provides one of the most scenic overlooks in the region. It is also the final resting place of frontiersman Daniel Boone.
Even the bridges here carry a bit of history. The Broadway Bridge, known locally as the Singing Bridge, produces a distinctive hum as vehicles cross its metal deck. For generations of residents and visitors, that sound has become part of the city’s identity.
At the Heart of Bourbon Country
Frankfort sits at the center of Kentucky’s bourbon heritage and is home to some of the most recognized names in the industry. For many visitors, a trip begins at Buffalo Trace Distillery. Established more than two centuries ago, Buffalo Trace is the oldest continuously operating distillery in the United States and remains one of the most respected names in bourbon.
Just a few miles away, Castle & Key Distillery blends history and innovation on the restored grounds of Colonel E.H. Taylor’s historic distillery. The property features a limestone castle, beautiful gardens, and a restored springhouse that once supplied water for bourbon production.
Frankfort is also home to Glenns Creek Distilling and Whiskey Thief Distilling Co. Each offers its own take on the bourbon experience, from small batch craftsmanship to tasting whiskey straight from the barrel.
Together, these distilleries place Frankfort firmly at the center of Kentucky’s bourbon story.
Sweet Traditions and Local Flavor
Frankfort is also the birthplace of one of Kentucky’s most famous treats. At Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours and Museum, visitors can learn how the bourbon ball was first created in 1919 by two local schoolteachers. Guests can watch candy being made and sample the original recipe.
Downtown Frankfort offers plenty of places to eat, shop, and relax. Locally owned restaurants serve everything from Southern comfort food to contemporary Kentucky cuisine. Coffee shops, bakeries, and boutiques fill historic storefronts overlooking the river and downtown streets.
The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed. It is the kind of place where visitors often discover their favorite spot simply by walking around.
Art and Creativity in the Capital City
Frankfort’s creative spirit shows up throughout the city. The Frankfort Public Art Trail highlights murals, sculptures, and installations placed throughout downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.
Just outside downtown, Josephine Sculpture Park offers one of the region’s most unique outdoor art experiences. Large scale sculptures sit among open fields and walking trails, creating a setting where art and landscape come together.
Throughout the year, Frankfort hosts festivals, art events, and community celebrations that add even more energy to the city’s creative scene.
The Beauty of the Kentucky River
The Kentucky River flows through the center of Frankfort and shapes much of the city’s landscape. Scenic overlooks, riverfront views, and historic bridges appear throughout town.
For outdoor exploration, Cove Spring Park offers wooded trails, waterfalls, and quiet picnic areas just minutes from downtown. Visitors looking for a different perspective can take a riverboat cruise and see limestone cliffs and rolling hills along the river.
Many travelers also arrive in Frankfort by way of Old Frankfort Pike, one of the most beautiful drives in the Bluegrass. The road winds past historic stone fences, horse farms, and gently rolling countryside before leading into the city.
Discover Frankfort
Frankfort brings together many of the experiences that define Kentucky. History, bourbon, art, and outdoor beauty are all part of everyday life here.
You can tour a legendary distillery in the morning, explore Kentucky’s story in the afternoon, and spend the evening enjoying dinner along the river.
It is Kentucky’s capital city, but it still feels like a place where visitors are welcomed like neighbors.
Learn more and start planning your visit at visitfrankfort.com.
Top 5 Things to Do in Frankfort
Tour Buffalo Trace Distillery
Explore one of the most famous distilleries in the world and learn about more than 200 years of bourbon craftsmanship.
Discover Kentucky’s Story
Visit the Kentucky History Center and nearby historic sites that share the story of the Commonwealth.
Walk the Public Art Trail
Find sculptures, murals, and installations throughout downtown Frankfort.
Taste the Original Bourbon Ball
Stop by Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours and Museum to see how this Kentucky classic is made.
Explore Josephine Sculpture Park
Enjoy walking trails and large scale outdoor sculptures just minutes from downtown.
