Frankfort on the Kentucky River

Frankfort is the capital of the state of horses, bourbon, and wine, Kentucky. It sits on the banks of the Kentucky River.

In downtown Frankfort, the Old State Capitol served as the seat of the Kentucky government from 1831 to 1910. The building was built in the Greek-Revival style, to resemble a Greek temple. In 1920 the capitol became a museum and the building is on the National Register of Historic Places.

The New Capitol Building was completed in 1910. It was built in the Beaux-Arts style. The interior is decorated with white Georgian marble, dark green Italian marble, and gray Tennessee marble. The Reception Room is used for ceremonies and has hand-painted walls with murals and scagliola that look like Gobelin tapestries. Displays of artwork can be found all through the building.

Visitors enjoy the lovely Floral Clock on the grounds of the state capitol. It is covered with flowers native to the state of Kentucky. Beneath the clock is a pool of water used as a wishing well. The coins thrown in the fountain are used to fund scholarships.

The Salato Wildlife Education Center is just a few miles from Frankfort. This is an educational facility with indoor and outdoor interpretive and interactive exhibits displaying native animals and plants. Visitors can see the wide range of Kentucky habitats – mountains, hilly prairies, marshes, streams, and animals. Inside the highlights are the Eastern Forest Diorama, live snakes, giant turtles, and native fish in large aquariums. Outside there are paved trails that lead to bison, bears, and eagles. There are picnic areas and fishing is available.

The Governor's Mansion is the official residence of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Since 1914 it has been home to 26 Kentucky governors. The mansion is the governor's private home and an official public building. Built in the Beaux-Arts design the building is on the National Register of Historic Places. It is open to public tours.

The Liberty Hall Historic Site consists of two historic homes built by John Brown the first senator of Kentucky. He built them for his family with formal and informal gardens. Liberty Hall is a Georgian-style mansion built in 1796.

The Orlando Brown House was built in the Greek-Revival style for Brown's son.

Both houses are decorated with family portraits, furnishings, and a collection of watercolors by American Impressionist painter Paul Sawyier. Visitors can participate in programs featuring life in old Kentucky with activities like hearthside cooking, crafts, music, activities for children, seminars, lectures, exhibits, and various events. Guided tours of Liberty Hall are available.

Cove Springs Park is a beautiful nature preserve and park with wetlands, waterfalls, streams, springs, forests, and ravines. There are historic features like the ruins of an old stone dam and a crumbling limestone overflow tower. The park is a great place for hiking, enjoying nature, and picnicking. Two shelters have interpretive displays with the historic and natural features of the park.

The Old Governor's Mansion was completed in 1798. It is the oldest American official executive residence still in use. The Lieutenant Governor of Kentucky has been using it since 1956. The last governor to live here was James McCreary. The mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places.

Elkhorn Creek is one of the best smallmouth bass streams in Kentucky. It offers opportunities for paddling and floating. Located on the outskirts of Frankfort it flows to the Kentucky River. Along the banks are several campgrounds. Canoe Kentucky rents boats and offers shuttle services. Fishing is popular and there are yearly kayak fishing tournaments.

The Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial sits on a hill that overlooks the state capitol building. It was completed in November 1988 and features a huge sundial with a stainless steel gnomon and granite plaza beneath it. Carved into the plaza are the names of 1104 Kentuckians who died in Vietnam.

The Vest-Lindsey House is one of the oldest homes in Frankfort. This Federal-style mansion was built in the early 1800s. There have been many notable residents and notable authors and artists have visited here.

The Josephine Sculpture Park is decorated with sculptures and artwork from international artists. Visitors can view and interact with dozens of artworks and see native plants and wildlife. The sculpture park offers workshops, classes, and theater events. The grounds can be rented for parties, weddings, and family gatherings.

The Switzer Covered Bridge is one of the scenic back roads and thirteen classic covered bridges. It crosses the North Elkhorn Creek in Franklin County. This bridge was designated as the official covered bridge of Kentucky and added to the National Register of Historic Places.

River View Park is situated on both sides of the Kentucky River. It is a lovely place for relaxation. Activities include hiking and picnicking. Kayaks and canoes can be rented. There are 16 historical sites with information about prehistoric, Native American, and early settlers in the area.

The Clyde E. Buckley Wildlife Sanctuary is situated along the Kentucky River. The sanctuary protects and showcases the native plant and wildlife of eastern Kentucky. There are two ponds, fields, and limestone and mineral deposits. It is a great place for birdwatching and guided bird walks are available.

Leslie Morris Park is located at Fort Hill just outside of Frankfort. It is the site of a Civil War Battle between Union and Confederate troops. There are two Civil War forts preserved on the site and a Sullivan family log home. The park has hiking trails, picnic pavilions, and great views of downtown Frankfort.

The Buffalo Trace Distillery is a national historic landmark and home to the world's most award-winning bourbon. For over 150 years bourbon has been distilled and aged here. The distillery offers five different tours with a sample of their bourbon at the end.