Attractions Nearby Frankfort, Day Trips and Excursions

(Frankfort, Kentucky - KY, USA)

Being such a small city means that those staying in Frankfort often find the need to venture outside of its boundaries after a few days of sightseeing here. There are plenty of attractions within driving distance of Kentucky's state capital, generally being ideal for day trips and family excursions, and made all the more accessible by the presence of Interstate I-64 and various highways.

Of course, if you really only have time for one day trip, then it simply has to be the neighboring city of Lexington, where tourist attractions come thick and fast. Nicknamed as the 'World's Horse Capital', Lexington is to be found some 25 miles / 40 km to the southeast of Frankfort and by car, can be reached in approximately 45 minutes. Lexington is simple to travel to by following Leestown Road (Highway US-421) for virtually the entire journey.

Once you arrive in Lexington, you can choose between a real assortment of tourist attractions, with some of the most popular including the likes of the Keeneland Race Course, the Kentucky Horse Park, the Mary Todd Lincoln House, Triangle Park and the Waveland State Historic Site.

General Information

There are lots of other distractions and attractions close to Frankfort, after those of Lexington. Well worth considering are day trips to Louisville, Kentucky. The city of Louisville is a little further away than Lexington, being found just over 50 miles / 80 km to the west, via Interstate I-64. There is certainly plenty going on in Louisville, with families favoring the city's science center, zoo and the resident Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts.

Also extremely popular in Louisville is the Kentucky Derby, which dates back as long as 1875 and takes place every May, drawing in excess of 500,000 spectators. The Kentucky Derby Museum on Central Avenue is certainly a must-see for those interested in the history of this famous horse racing attraction.

Slightly further away than Louisville, although still suitable for excursions, is the famous city of Cincinnati. Situated roughly 76 miles / 122 km to the north of Frankfort, Cincinnati (or 'Cincy' for short) is very much geared towards families. Children will be sure to enjoy day trips to the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens, the Newport Aquarium, the Coney Island theme park and the Museum Center, which comprises the Cinergy Children's Museum, the city's Museum of Natural History and Science, the city's Historical Society and the Robert D. Lindner Family Omnimax Theater.