Connect with us

Kentucky

Frankfort

6 Exciting and Educational Things to Do in Frankfort, KY

Published

on

What many people do not know is that Frankfort is actually the state capital of Kentucky and not more well-known cities like Louisville or Lexington. But what people also don’t know is that Frankfort is just as exciting a city like any other state capital. So, the next time you visit the city, take in some of these things to do in Frankfort, KY.

1. Visit the New Kentucky State Capitol Building

New Kentucky State Capitol Building
Source: wymt.com

Surprisingly for a quiet city, Frankfort, Kentucky boasts one of the most beautiful and scenic capitol buildings in America. 

This building is filled with white marble rooms made for elegant events for the members of high society, and these rooms are decorated with numerous statues of Kentucky’s prominent figures, such as President Abraham Lincoln. The state capitol truly exudes both beauty and history.

And the best part of it is that the entrance is free! You have the option to tour yourself around with the help of a brochure, but tours are also given by a guide, especially when you are in groups.

Opening hours: 8 am to 4 pm (Tuesday—Friday), 10 am to 2 pm (Saturday)

2. Explore the city’s historic buildings

Liberty Hall
Source: aminoapps.com

As states’ capital cities go, Frankfort has its fair amount of old monuments, places, and houses that display the city’s history. Most of these buildings have been preserved as they were, so its as if they were frozen in time. 

Taking a step into the walls of these historical structures is like taking a step back in time.

Liberty Hall Historic Site

Entrance fee: $6 for adults, $3 for kids between 5 to 18 years old, free for kids below 5 years old

Opening hours: 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (Saturday–Sunday)

Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History

Entrance fee: $8 for adults, $6 for veterans and children 6-18 years old, free for kids 5 years and old

Opening hours: 10 am to 4 pm (Wednesday), 10 am to 8 pm (Thursday), 10 am to 5 pm (Friday–Saturday)

Old State Capitol

Entrance fee: $8 per person

Opening hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tuesday—Friday), 10:30 am to 4:30 pm (Saturday)

3. Check out the Kentucky Floral Clock

Kentucky Floral Clock
Source: roadsideamerica.com

Obviously one-of-a-kind while unexpectedly alluring, this state monument is unique in its own way. This clock is one Frankfort’s most visited, and therefore, hottest tourist spots

Originally built for political purposes, for the possibility of using the growing flowers within the clock to tell time, the clock is now iconic for its quite-funny initial purpose.

Today, it is displayed for everybody to see, right behind the state capitol building. 

4. Spend a day in Cove Spring Park

Cove Spring Park
Source: flickr.com

If you’re the type to get into numerous or extensive physical and outdoor recreational activities to pass the time, then a visit to Cove Spring Park is all you need to do to be satisfied. 

A true gem of nature, the 240-acre park offers a whole wide range of activities, fit for almost everyone. A few of these activities include:

  • Hiking
  • Trekking
  • Archery

Not only is the park extremely scenic, but it also boasts a gorgeous set of waterfalls, some picnic grounds, sky trails, as well as all the other essential amenities. 

Tips for going to Cove Spring Park:

  • Whichever activity you choose to do, always prepare a first aid kit for emergencies.
  • Be knowledgeable on how to navigate your way through forests as to not to get lost.
  • Make sure you’ve got a buddy with you, especially when you’re hiking or trekking.
  • Always wear sunscreen!

5. Ride along the Elkhorn Creek

Elkhorn Creek
Source: kestersonn

If you’re more into the quiet, romantic boat rides, or just more into the water than recreation on land, then you must try at a row along Elkhorn Creek.

This 18.3 mile-long body of water stretches across Frankfort is only as breathtaking as the grand waterfalls at the other end of it.

These waters are the perfect place for recreational kayaking and canoeing, which are great ideas for a family bonding trip or maybe a romantic first date.

Note:

  • There are rentals for kayaks and canoes by the creek.
  • Try to kayak or canoe in the water a few moments after a shower of rain, so you don’t find yourselves bottoming against the seafloor due to shallow waters.

Aside from water-related activities, Elkhorn Creek also has a camping ground if you want to spend the night under the stars and wake up to the sound of the water.

6. Catch a show at The Grand Theater

The Grand Theater
Source: Flickr.com

One of Frankfort’s most iconic and most popular spots for both locals and tourists, the Grand Theater was first built as a home to vaudeville performances back in the 1910s and then revamped as a film house in 1941. 

Now, it hosts a wide scope of performances—such as live musical events, and film showings—which keep the people in Frankfort entertained. 

The tickets may be a tad bit pricey, although that depends on who’s set to own the stage or what movie is playing, no matter the price, rest assured that it’s almost surely going to be worth it.

Opening hours: 10 am to 3 pm (Monday-Friday)

While these are only a few things to do while in the Bluegrass State capital, Frankfort offers a vast array of activities to do and numerous other memorable sites to see. So, what are you waiting for? Book a flight to Frankfort and in no time, you’ll find yourself singing Old Kentucky Home!

Lover of all things travel related outside and inside the US. Leo has been to every continent and continues to push to reach his goals of visiting every country.

Trending