Frankfort offers several distinct reasons to stay: Civil War history at Fort Hill, historic homes and a unique stone staircase, as well as wildlife, the Kentucky River and Bourbon. If you’re looking for accommodation, this variety can help you decide which side of the city will shape your stay: historic sites, guided tours or nature-focused experiences.
Historic Sites and Architecture
At Leslie Morris Park on Fort Hill, two Civil War earthworks are part of Frankfort’s historic character. Earthworks offer a different perspective on history than houses or a state capitol building: here, the focus is on fortifications from the Civil War era. If you’re interested in military history, this site offers a clearly defined thematic focus.
The Liberty Hall Historic Site includes two historic homes, Liberty Hall and the Orlando Brown House, as well as four acres of lawns and gardens. The two homes highlight residential and architectural history; the lawns and gardens are also part of the site. This means the focus extends beyond a single building to include landscaped outdoor spaces.
At the Old State Capitol, the distinctive feature is a specific architectural element: the building has a unique self-supporting stone staircase. It makes the construction itself a tangible architectural subject. Together, the forts, homes and staircase offer different ways to explore history—military fortifications, historic residences and a striking architectural detail.
Wildlife and the Kentucky River
The Salato Wildlife Education Center in Frankfort features more than 40 native species, including black bears, bald eagles, bobcats and elk. These examples give the subject of wildlife a concrete focus. If you’d like to include an interest in nature in your trip, you can focus here on native species rather than thinking about nature only in general terms.
The Kentucky River also offers different kinds of experiences: a hiking trail provides a scenic view of the river, while Kentucky River Tours offers historic river tours departing from the Frankfort Boat Club. This distinguishes a view from the trail from a guided perspective on the river’s history. Boat tour schedules may change; check them before booking.
Guided Tours and Bourbon
A guided 45- to 60-minute walking tour is also offered in historic downtown Frankfort. It’s a tour of a stated duration that offers a way to explore the historic center. Tour times and booking requirements may change, so confirm them before your visit.
At Buffalo Trace Distillery, a tour offers an introduction to the history and science of Bourbon. While the tours of the historic center and the river offer different historical perspectives, Bourbon is the focus here. If this subject is among your interests, the tour is another distinct reason to include Frankfort in your travel plans.
Frankfort as a Place to Stay
If you’re planning tours, check the relevant schedules, dates and booking requirements before your visit.
For the broader travel overview: Franklin.
