Frankfort, Kentucky Travel Guide

City Capital city of Kentucky, United States

On a bend of the Kentucky River, Frankfort hosts the ornate State Capitol, the Kentucky Historical Society, and riverside trails. Travelers visit nearby distilleries, horse country, and the hilltop burial grounds at Frankfort Cemetery.

Costs

$80-$140 USD per day

Small capital with modest prices; bourbon tours can raise costs.

Safety

Relatively safe; typical small-city concerns

Low violent crime; watch for petty theft in busy areas.

Best Time

April-October

Warm weather; bourbon tours and river activities are best spring-fall.

In This Guide

Why Visit Frankfort, Kentucky?
Top Things to Do
Plan Your Visit
Where to Stay
Where to Eat

Time

—

Weather

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Population

28,391

Infrastructure & Convenience

Walkable government district; most visitors drive between attractions.

Popularity

Attracts history buffs, bourbon tourists, and regional visitors.

Known For

Kentucky State Capitol, Buffalo Trace Distillery, bourbon heritage, Kentucky River, historic downtown, Governor's Mansion, state museums, annual festivals

Buffalo Trace Distillery in Frankfort claims to be the oldest continuously operating U.S. distillery.

Why Visit Frankfort, Kentucky? #

Kentucky’s state capital blends sober government architecture with bourbon culture and riverside charm. The State Capitol overlooks the Kentucky River, while Buffalo Trace Distillery and nearby bourbon trails draw spirits enthusiasts for tastings and tours. Local dining nods to regional classics like burgoo and hot brown variants. Compact neighborhoods and scenic riverfront walks give a quiet, reflective counterpoint to the lively bourbon scene.

Top Things to Do in Frankfort, Kentucky

All Attractions ›

Kentucky Horse Park

Equine theme park and working horse farm

Park

Don't Miss

Kentucky State Capitol - Imposing domed capitol building with marble interiors and guided visitor tours available.
Buffalo Trace Distillery - Historic distillery offering guided tours, tastings, and a look at bourbon production.
Old State Capitol Museum - Antebellum brick building housing exhibits on Kentucky's political history and early statehood.

Hidden Gems

Salato Wildlife Education Center - State wildlife facility featuring live animals, educational exhibits, and riverfront trails.
Duncan Tavern Museum - Restored early-19th-century tavern showcasing frontier life, artifacts, and period rooms.
Liberty Hall Historic Site - Early American mansion and garden interpreting prominent state's early political and social history.

Day Trips

Lexington - Horse farms, Keeneland racecourse, and bourbon distilleries about thirty minutes' drive away.
Versailles and Woodford Reserve - Visit Woodford Reserve distillery and nearby historic estates on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Best Time to Visit Frankfort, Kentucky #

Visit Frankfort from late spring to early fall for pleasant drives, parks, and bourbon-related outings. Winters bring cold snaps and occasional snow, so pack warm layers if traveling then.

Winter

December - February · -5°C - 6°C (23°F - 43°F)

Cold, sometimes snowy with freezing nights; indoor distillery tours and cozy restaurants are enjoyable, though outdoor exploration is limited on icy days.

Spring

March - May · 5°C - 24°C (41°F - 75°F)

Blooming trees and warming temperatures make drives through horse farms and state parks exceptionally pleasant; spring festivals pick up steam.

Summer

June - August · 20°C - 31°C (68°F - 88°F)

Hot, humid summers are great for river activities and bourbon tastings but expect afternoon storms and sticky evenings-air conditioning becomes essential.

Best Time to Visit Frankfort, Kentucky #

Climate

Frankfort, Kentucky's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical - Humid Subtropical climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -5°C to 31°C. Abundant rainfall (1135 mm/year), wettest in May.

Best Time to Visit

AugustJuneJuly

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

40°

Warmest Month

-21°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 5°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

0°

Feels Like Freezing

0°C

Temperature

-5° – 5°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

78 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.3

UV Index

Low

9.7h daylight

February

February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -4°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

2°

Feels Like Cold

2°C

Temperature

-4° – 8°

85%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

80 mm

Rainfall

3.6 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.5

UV Index

Low

10.6h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (107 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

54 Acceptable

Comfort

7°

Feels Like Cold

7°C

Temperature

1° – 14°

82%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

107 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

11.8h daylight

April

April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (100 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

64 Good

Comfort

13°

Feels Like Cool

13°C

Temperature

6° – 20°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

100 mm

Rainfall

3.7 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.3

UV Index

High

13.1h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (119 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

74 Very Good

Comfort

18°

Feels Like Cool

18°C

Temperature

11° – 25°

81%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

119 mm

Rainfall

3.0 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

1.6

UV Index

Very High

14.1h daylight

June

June is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 16°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

22°

Feels Like Mild

22°C

Temperature

16° – 29°

79%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

110 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.9

UV Index

Very High

14.6h daylight

July

July is the warmest month with highs of 31°C and lows of 18°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

25°

Feels Like Warm

25°C

Temperature

18° – 31°

76%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

110 mm

Rainfall

2.4 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.9

UV Index

Very High

14.4h daylight

August

August is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 18°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

81 Excellent

Comfort

24°

Feels Like Mild

24°C

Temperature

18° – 30°

71%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

94 mm

Rainfall

2.2 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.7

UV Index

Very High

13.5h daylight

September

September is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

20°

Feels Like Mild

20°C

Temperature

14° – 27°

69%

Humidity

Humid

Weather

84 mm

Rainfall

2.3 m/s

Wind

Calm

1.3

UV Index

High

12.3h daylight

October

October is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (70 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

14°

Feels Like Cool

14°C

Temperature

7° – 21°

73%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

70 mm

Rainfall

2.6 m/s

Wind

Calm

0.8

UV Index

Moderate

11.1h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 14°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (86 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

56 Acceptable

Comfort

8°

Feels Like Cold

8°C

Temperature

2° – 14°

78%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

86 mm

Rainfall

3.2 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.4

UV Index

Low

10.0h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

42 Poor

Comfort

3°

Feels Like Cold

3°C

Temperature

-3° – 8°

86%

Humidity

Very Humid

Weather

97 mm

Rainfall

3.4 m/s

Wind

Light Breeze

0.2

UV Index

Low

9.4h daylight

How to Get to Frankfort, Kentucky

Frankfort, Kentucky's capital, is best reached by road from nearby airports such as Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington or Louisville (SDF). There is no Amtrak service into Frankfort, so most travelers arrive by car or regional bus.

By Air

Blue Grass Airport (LEX): Blue Grass (Lexington) is the nearest commercial airport to Frankfort, about 45-60 minutes’ drive. Car rental and taxi options at LEX make the onward trip straightforward.

Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF): Louisville is another option, roughly 1-1.25 hours’ drive to Frankfort depending on route and traffic; rental cars and rideshares provide direct access to the city.

By Train & Bus

Train: Frankfort is not on the national Amtrak network; the nearest Amtrak stations are in Lexington and Louisville (depending on route). From those stations the easiest onward travel is by car or regional bus.

Bus: Intercity and regional bus carriers serve Kentucky towns, but regular direct bus service to Frankfort can be limited; check Greyhound or regional bus operators for current routes and schedules.

How to Get Around Frankfort, Kentucky #

Frankfort’s state-capital core is compact and pleasant to walk for sightseeing around the Capitol and downtown. To explore neighborhoods, distillery sites and parks you’ll likely want a car; parking is generally easy outside peak times. Public transit is limited and taxis or rideshare can be sparse, so plan transport ahead for evenings or trips outside town.

Where to Stay in Frankfort, Kentucky #

Budget

Near Capital Complex / I-64 exits - $60-110/night

Frankfort has modest budget chain motels and inns close to the state capitol. Limited hostel-style choices.

Choice/Value motels (Frankfort area) - Budget chain options near I-64
Red Roof Inn (nearby Lexington/Louisville) - Economy option if staying farther out

Mid-Range

Downtown / Near Capitol - $110-160/night

Mid-range chain hotels and a few boutique guesthouses serve business and state visitors - comfortable and convenient.

Hilton Garden Inn (regional) - Common mid-range brand in the region
Country Inn & Suites / Best Western - Comfortable, business-oriented stays

Luxury

Downtown (limited) / Lexington area for luxury - $180+/night

Frankfort has limited luxury hotels. For true upscale properties, look to Lexington or Louisville (30-60 minute drive).

Higher-end stays in nearby Lexington/Louisville - Luxury requires a short drive
Historic inns in the region - Charming, upscale options outside town

Where to Eat in Frankfort, Kentucky #

Local Food

Frankfort's small-city scene focuses on hearty American comfort food, local grills and a handful of Mexican and pub-style spots frequented by locals.

The Thirsty Tourist - Casual pub with local comfort dishes
Banjo Grill - Regional American menu, sandwiches and steaks
Mama Rita's - Popular Mexican spot with local following

Coffee & Bakery

Small cafés and bakeries are neighborhood hubs for coffee, pastries and sandwiches - perfect for a relaxed morning before exploring the state capitol.

Highland Coffee House - Local roasts and light sandwiches
Morgan's Bakery & Café - Fresh pastries and breakfast sandwiches
Riverfront Café - Casual coffee shop near downtown

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Frankfort, Kentucky's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Burger

American

Sandwich

Chicken

Pizza

Italian

Seafood

Tex Mex

Barbecue

Ice Cream

Coffee Shop

Wine

Bakery

Bourbon

Mexican

Steak House

Nightlife in Frankfort, Kentucky #

Frankfort has a low-key nightlife centered on local bars, taverns and occasional live-music nights. Evenings tend to attract a steady local crowd rather than out-of-town partygoers. Bourbon enthusiasts will find distillery tours and tastings a popular evening activity, though most after-dark entertainment remains modest.

Buffalo Trace Distillery - Historic distillery offering tours, tastings and on-site bourbon experiences.

Shopping in Frankfort, Kentucky #

Frankfort’s shopping is small-scale: antiques, boutique shops and a few specialty stores cluster downtown. Bourbon-related merchandise is a local specialty-distillery gift shops carry bottles and branded items that visitors often look for. For big-box retail and a broader mall selection you may need to drive to larger nearby cities.