Float through Frankfort
Boat tour operators
The Kentucky River
Visit Frankfort by boat!
Explore the natural beauty of Kentucky on your own boat. Travel from the Ohio River through the locks of the Kentucky River to Frankfort.
2023 Lock Schedule
Open Weekends May 21 – October 29, weather permitting.
Fri., Sat., Sun. 10 am – 7:15 pm
Holiday Lock Openings: Mon May 29, Mon July 5, Mon Sep 4
- Lock 1 – Carrollton, KY
- Lock 2 – Lockport, KY
- Lock 3 – Monterey, KY
- Lock 4 – Frankfort, KY – portage available
Beginning September 8, 2023, Lock hours will change to 9am -6:15pm
Learn more from the Kentucky River Authority.
Free Public Docking
- River View Park- 200 ft dock
- Blanton’s Landing – 30 ft dock
Boat Fuel
Fuel is available at:
Frankfort Boat Club Dock
Downtown Accommodations for Boaters
Boater’s rate is available at the Capital Plaza Hotel, with pre-arranged shuttle service available between the hotel and the marina.
Boat Tours
Catch the Bourbon Boat
Experience the Kentucky Bourbon Trail® by boat – a unique way to learn about the Kentucky River’s influence on the history of bourbon. Hop aboard the “Trace of Kentucky” or the “Bourbon Belle” and come see why early whiskey distillers cherished this river and decided to build their fortunes on its banks. Reservations required.
Bourbon Paddle Tours
Canoe Kentucky’s most popular tour, the bourbon paddle tour, is a guided paddle down the Kentucky River through Lock 4 with a stop at Buffalo Trace Distillery for a tour and tasting. There is nowhere else in the county that offers a look at the bourbon distilling industry the way that this tour does! Lunch included.
Public Put-In Locations
Rockin’ Thunder
Departing from Madison and heading up the Ohio River to Carrollton, KY then up the Kentucky River through remote and scenic canyons, you’ll find yourself in Frankfort Kentucky where you’ll tour the historic district, visit unique shops, and maybe even catch some live music. After a night’s rest at the Capital Plaza Hotel and a tour of Buffalo Trace Distillery you will head back down the river to Madison Indiana. Reservations required.
Elkhorn Creek
The Elkhorn Creek is the most popular paddled stream in the state of Kentucky. Whether you are looking for whitewater, remote scenery, small mouth bass fishing or family floats; the Elkhorn is the perfect stream for you.
