Must See Sights and Landmarks in Frankfort Area

"Located in downtown Lexington, the Mary Todd Lincoln House is positioned just at the center of West Main Street. Built between 1803 and 1806, the museum is made from attractive Georgian brick and previously used as an inn and a tavern. It was so until 1932 when Mary Todd’s father bought the building so his family can use it."

"Lexington is also home to the Mary Todd Lincoln House, the family residence of the future wife of the sixteenth President of the United States. Hourly tours are available Monday – Saturday."

"Looking for more things to do in downtown Lexington with a little history involved?. The Henry Clay Estate is a great option for something to do in the area!. A huge Italianate home with two wings and surrounded by greenery and forest, it is a testament to old Lexington."

"Part historic home and part public park with storybook gardens, Ashland was the Italianate estate of famed statesman and great compromiser Henry Clay (1777–1852), one of Kentucky's favorite sons."

"Grand and historic with its Doric columns and red-brick walls, the Waveland State Historic Site is one of the best-preserved examples of the American plantation era still standing in Kentucky. It’s set in its very own square of greenery on the south-western edge of the city, offering a glimpse at the regal lifestyles lived by the area’s 19th-century landowners. A grand example of an antebellum mansion from the era, guests here can tour the opulent interior rooms (once the home of the local Bryan clan) and the sweeping grounds, where an old ice house, some slave quarters and a classic southern smokehouse still stand."

"Waveland is a historic antebellum plantation home that has been restored and reopened to the public. The grounds of Waveland contain the extravagant main house and with three outbuildings, which include slave quarters, a smokehouse, and an icehouse. The home is now operated daily, and guided tours provide education and insight into the family and enslaved peoples who lived and worked on the grounds of Waveland."

"Built in 1847, this plantation gives visitors a sneak peek into the opulent lifestyles of the area’s landowners in the 19th century."

"The Lexington Cemetery is full of history and graves interspersed with beautiful trees, and peaceful resting sites. It not only is the final resting place of popular citizens of Lexington, but is also home to three places marked in the National Register of Historic Places. The Confederate Soldier Monument pays a tribute to the Civil War veterans...Read more"

"The Lexington Cemetery was established as a public cemetery in 1849. It highlights the social, political, military, and environmental history of the community. The cemetery is also a beautiful green space, encompassing more than 170 acres of land."

"McConnell Springs is a beautiful rush of wilderness and thick greenery that decorates the fringes of Lexington along the north. It is named after William McConnell, a frontiersman who used this area for his and his compadres’ camp in 1775. The group arrived here at the beginning of the American Revolution and named the beginning of this settlement after a Massachusetts town, also called Lexington."

"McConnell Springs is a twenty-six acre natural areas park located at the historic springs where the city of Lexington, Kentucky was named...."

"For fast-paced sports and thrilling shows, Rupp Arena is definitely the place to go. Located in the heart of downtown, it’s the home court of the Kentucky Wildcats – one of the most successful college basketball teams in the country. Named after legendary coach Adolph Rupp, the multi-purpose arena opened in 1976 and is in the Central Bank Center."

"Rupp Arena is a focal point of sports excellence and is well-known for its marquee matchups, taled history, and top-quality entertainment and events all through the year. This would be a dream location for any sports lover at all. This arena was opened in 1976 and is named after Adolph Rupp, a legendary college basketball Coach."

"One of Lexington’s most prestigious institutions and largest employers, the University of Kentucky campus covers much of the city’s downtown. Its expansive grounds feature amazing monuments and impressive art museums, as well as countless halls, colleges and libraries. Established in 1865, the institute has expanded considerably with numerous residence halls and recreation facilities now scattered across the site."

"Having started as the Agricultural and Mechanical College, the University of Kentucky was opened in 1865 by John Bowman and gained its current name in 1916. This university is home to the University of Kentucky Art Museum. Well-known for its permanent collection (that changes exhibits regularly), you will see different forms of art, including prints, photographs, paintings, sculptures, and more."

"The university is open to visitors with prior tour bookings. Visitors can check out the entire campus and residential buildings attached to the university. you are allowed to move around classes and attend portions of lectures."