Frankfort, Kentucky is a beautiful city with lots of natural charm. This welcoming town was first explored by English settlers during the early 1750s. In 1786, American soldier James Wilkinson decided to purchase 260 acres of land near the Kentucky River. This portion of land would soon be developed into Downtown Frankfort. After Kentucky was granted statehood in 1792, Frankfort was chosen as the state capital. By the turn of the 19th century, the town of 600 had already established its own United States post office. The town began to experience considerable growth, and by 1810 the population had blossomed to over 1,000 citizens. Frankfort was eventually incorporated as a city in 1849. Today, the city is home to nearly 29,000 residents.
Visit the Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History to learn more about Frankfort, as well as other parts of the state. The facility features a genealogical research library, graphic collections, and a gift shop. Next, stop by the Liberty Hall Historic Site. Constructed in 1796, the site was once occupied by General James Wilkinson and Senator John Brown.
Have you ever wanted to get an up close and personal view of an alligator or a black bear? How about a bald eagle or a bobcat? Check out the Salato Wildlife Education Center to experience all of this and more. The center houses indoor exhibits, outdoor exhibits, fishing lakes, and hiking trails.
Don't leave town without enjoying some of Frankfort's delectable cuisines. For a hearty American meal in a cozy, laid-back atmosphere, head over to Bourbon on the Main. Menu items include old-fashioned cheeseburgers, Kentucky beer cheese, and bread pudding. Serafini is an upscale eatery that offers Italian dishes, an extensive Bourbon selection, and views of the Kentucky Old State Capitol Building.
Campgrounds Near Frankfort, Kentucky
Conveniently located near 1-95 and historic Georgetown, Whispering Hills RV Park is an ideal camping option. This family-friendly site features an on-site pond, a waterslide, and a playground area. Other amenities include shower facilities, Wi-Fi access, and full hookups.
Kentucky Horse Park Campground is the perfect destination for horse lovers. Located within Kentucky Horse Park, this unique RV campsite offers opportunities for horseback trail rides, pony rides, and live equine shows. The campground itself provides back-in sites, a swimming pool, laundry services, and shower facilities.
Elkhorn Campground provides direct access to the Elkhorn River, a nine-hole putt-putt golf course, a general store, and a laundry mat. This pet-friendly RV park also offers free Wi-Fi services, a swimming pool, and close proximity to Louisville and Lexington.
At the RV campground at Fort Boonesborough State Park, you will have access to full hookups, pull-through sites, a camp store, and hot showers. You can even enjoy the facility's hiking trails, swimming pool, and miniature golf course.
State Parks Near Frankfort, Kentucky
Established in 1931, General Butler State Park gets its name from General William O. Butler who fought in both the War of 1812 and the Mexican War. He and his family once occupied the Butler House, an 1859 Greek Revival home that sits within the confines of the 791-acre park. The park houses a conference center, a golf course, and a hilltop lodge. The 30-acre Butler Lake offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and paddle boating. Mountain biking and hiking trails are also available.
Featuring a restored 18th-century fort that was once inhabited by Daniel Boone, Fort Boonesborough State Park is an ideal location for history buffs. Here, you can enjoy living history productions, period craft presentations, and scenic views of the historic Kentucky River. The river is stocked with catfish, bluegill, and bass, making it the perfect place for fishing enthusiasts. With handmade furniture, hand-dipped candles, jams, coon skin caps, and slingshots, the on-site gift shop showcases Kentucky's down-home heritage. Recreational activities at the park include hiking, golfing, birding, and boating.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park is a site that features Federal Hill, a historic 7,500-square-foot mansion that was once owned by U.S. Senator John Rowan. This popular mansion has been referenced in one of Stephen Foster's ballads, featured on a United States postage stamp, and displayed on the 2001 Kentucky state quarter. The park features an amphitheater, an indoor theater, hiking trails, an 18-hole golf course, and two tennis courts. With a large diversity of bird species, this charming park is a great place for avid bird watchers. Goldfinches, Carolina wrens, and red-bellied woodpeckers are just a few of the birds that can be found here.
National Sites Near Frankfort, Kentucky
Camp Nelson National Monument is a 525-acre site that once served as a Union Army base and supply storage house during the American Civil War. Used as a recruiting spot and a safe haven for enslaved African American soldiers, this historic monument played a key role in the abolishment of slavery. Soldiers who agreed to enlist were granted emancipation. Camp Nelson was responsible for over 10,000 of Kentucky's 23,000 African American recruits. The site includes a museum, reconstructed Army barracks, and hiking trails.
Located in the nearby state of Ohio, the William Howard Taft National Historic Site serves as the birthplace and former childhood home of President William Howard Taft. Built in 1845, the home encompasses three acres and boasts a Greek Revival architectural style. After the Taft family moved out of the home in 1899, the property went through several modifications. Outbuildings were demolished and the front veranda was replaced with a porch. In 1970, the United States government took possession of the property. Because Louise Taft, President Taft's father, left behind well-preserved letters and diary entries, preservationists were able to restore the home back to its original design.
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park preserves President Abraham Lincoln's birthplace and childhood home. The park includes Sinking Spring Farm, the exact site of President Lincoln's birth. Although the site's original log cabin has been demolished, a symbolic cabin has been erected in its place. Other historical buildings include Gollaher Cabin and Lincoln Tavern. Hiking areas, a visitor center, a bookstore, and a theater are also contained within the park.
National Forests Near Frankfort, Kentucky
Daniel Boone National Forest sits on over 700,000 acres of land. You will experience breathtaking views of cliffs, ravines, forested slopes, lakes, rivers, and streams during your visit. The rugged terrain makes this area ideal for rock climbing and mountain biking. Other available recreational opportunities include hiking, boating, and horse riding. You may even encounter some of the forest's beautiful wildlife creatures. The area is inhabited by deer, hummingbirds, chipmunks, hawks, wild turkeys, and gray foxes. Primitive hunters will love this location, as only primitive weapons are allowed on the land. Permitted weapons include crossbows and muzzleloaders.
Situated in the hills of southern Indiana, Hoosier National Forest is a sight to behold. Spanning over 202,000 acres, this massive forest consists of lakes, reservoirs, streams, and over 200 miles of trails. Some of the scenic trails on this extensive trial system include Hardin Ridge Trail, Birdseye Trail, Oriole West Trail, and Hickory Ridge Trail. Along with hiking, you can participate in a host of other recreational activities, such as horseback riding and mountain biking.
Located in the state of North Carolina, Nantahala National Forest measures a whopping 530,000 acres. This gorgeous forest, which was officially established by President Woodrow Wilson in 1920, serves as one of the wettest regions in the United States. The forest spans six counties, including Graham, Swain, Macon, Jackson, Transylvania, and Cherokee. The region is made up of diverse terrain, waterfalls, and acres of old-growth trees. Available recreational activities include whitewater rafting, fishing, hiking, and camping.
