Tucked inside a scenic valley of the Kentucky River, Frankfort, Kentucky, has fewer than
30,000 residents. It may seem an unlikely candidate for the Kentucky capital city, but its
pioneer-era resilience, graceful charm and unequaled hospitality epitomize the spirit of
Kentucky—and the American frontier.
Frankfort is a small town with big-time attractions. It’s steeped in history yet bursting with
personality. Whether you ve got a hankering for history, an avidity for architecture or simply
the urge to unwind, Frankfort offers a break from the ordinary.
Big Bids, Buffalo Tracks and the Birth of a Capital
To understand Frankfort, one must begin in the 1770s and 1780s, when migration to
Kentucky took off. Trailblazers like Daniel Boone had opened the way west; national
independence heightened the interest in rising to the challenge.
Early settlers put down stakes at a shallow Kentucky River crossing along an ancient
buffalo trace.” With rivers and trails serving as wilderness highways, the location was ideal
for trading and shipping farm products and bourbon to nearby towns and far-flung places
like New Orleans. The settlement came to be known as Frank s Ford, honoring Stephen
Frank, a settler who was killed there by Native Americans. Eventually, the name evolved
into simply Frankfort.
When Kentucky became the 15th state in 1792, five commissioners were appointed to
select a permanent capital. Tiny Frankfort won out over larger cities like Lexington and
Louisville through sheer determination—and a generous community effort.
Local landowner Andrew Holmes offered his log house to serve as the capital free of charge
for seven years. Other residents sweetened the deal with empty town lots, more than $200
worth of locks and hinges, 10 boxes of glass, 1,500 pounds of nails and $3,000 in gold to
defray construction costs. The commissioners chose Frankfort.
A Palace in the Bluegrass: The State Capitol Building
Widely considered one of the most stunning state capitols in the U.S., no visit to Frankfort
is complete without seeing the architectural triumph of the Kentucky State Capitol.
Completed in 1910, this Beaux-Arts masterpiece blends grand classical Greek and Roman
architecture with lavish French ornamentation.
Unfortunately, the interior is closed to the public until 2029 while it undergoes a nearly
$300 million renovation. But don t be dismayed—the exterior of the Capitol is still a must
see attraction for its imposing façade and its equally impressive 33-acre grounds. Designed
by the Olmsted Brothers of New York City s Central Park fame, the grounds feature
manicured lawns, sculpture gardens and the 34-foot-wide, fully operational Floral Clock
that is covered in thousands of living flowers.
Architectural Icons and Political Assassinations
Perched on a bluff overlooking the capitol, Berry Hill Mansion is a grand Colonial Revival
estate built in 1900 by distillery executive George Franklin Berry. Constructed from stone
hewn from the property, its showpiece is an elaborate Gothic Revival music room whose
intricate woodwork took European artisans two years to carve.
For a deeper dive into Kentucky history, visit the magnificent Old State Capitol downtown.
The statehouse from 1830 to 1910, it is a National Historic Landmark celebrated for its rare,
self-supporting stone staircase and striking Greek Revival design that symbolically links a
young state republic to the ancient cradle of democracy. A true architectural gem designed
by Kentucky architect Gideon Shryock, the old building could no longer accommodate a
growing legislature and expanding governmental needs by 1910, and it was replaced by the
new Kentucky State Capitol.
Visitors can stand in chambers where the Great Compromiser” Henry Clay debated
contentious issues of the 19th century—and outside on the very spot where Kentucky
Governor William Goebel was shot in 1900, the only U.S. governor assassinated while in
office.
World-Class Relics, Reels and Wrestlers
To truly appreciate Frankfort s rich cultural tapestry, visit the Capital City Museum. Just a
five-minute walk from the Old State Capitol, this beloved museum is free and chronicles
more than 200 years of local life, political history, and river-town culture.
Its eclectic collection includes items ranging from a 19th-century metalworking lathe that
crafted the world-famous Frankfort Kentucky Reel used by at least four presidents,
including uber-outdoorsman Teddy Roosevelt, to memorabilia belonging to professional
wrestling icon Miss Elizabeth.”
Across the street, the world-class Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History serves as
the state’s premier history museum and genealogical research center. It brings Kentucky
history to life with innovative educational displays, vast archives and captivating exhibits
such as “A Kentucky Journey,” which traces 12,000 years of state history through
thousands of artifacts. Highlights include a pocket watch that belonged to Abraham
Lincoln and a cast of Daniel Boone’s skull.
A few blocks away, Liberty Hall offers another glimpse into early American life. A landmark
property featuring two exactingly preserved early American homes with original period
furnishings, it was built by John Brown, one of Kentucky’s first U.S. Senators, who wanted
to give a house to each of his two sons. Be sure to browse the family’s impressive art
collection, explore 4.5 acres of lush gardens bordering the river and enquire about the
estate’s famous “Gray Lady” ghost story!
Boutiques, Bourbon and Bites
One of Frankfort s greatest attractions is its walkable, charming downtown. Many highlights
are included on the self-guided Historic Frankfort Walking Tour, which takes visitors past 42
historic sites.
Along the brick-lined sidewalks, visitors can browse artsy boutiques and antique galleries
and find refreshment at bourbon bars, chocolate shops and locally owned restaurants
offering everything from Southern comfort food to upscale farm-to-table cuisine.
The Perfect Half-Day Frankfort Itinerary
- 9:00–10:30 AM | The Political Heart: Stroll the Kentucky State Capitol grounds and
admire the architecture and Floral Clock. - 10:30–12:00 PM | Downtown History: Explore the Thomas D. Clark Center for
Kentucky History and the free Capital City Museum. - 12:00 PM–1:30 PM | Local Flavor & Shopping: Browse Saint Clair Street shops, then
enjoy lunch at Bourbon on Main. - 1:30–3:00 PM | Timeless Architecture: Visit the Old State Capitol and stroll the
gardens at Liberty Hall.
Ready to Plan Your Weekend Getaway to the Bluegrass? Frankfort is proof that a capital city doesn’t need a massive footprint to leave a monumental impression. By merging its pioneer roots and dramatic political history with refreshing, walkable energy, this riverside gem offers an escape that is as enchanting as it is restful and relaxing.