TOURS

A Kentucky Journey

Located in the Warren and Betty Rosenthal Permanent Exhibits Gallery

Our signature museum exhibition introduces you to 12,000 years of Kentucky history. From bourbon to baseball bats, horse racing to sports cars, Civil War to Civil Rights, Kentucky’s impact is wide. Take a “journey” with us to learn how Kentucky came to be part of the U.S. consciousness.

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Revolution to Statehood: Kentucky's Founding in History and Memory

Located in the Keeneland Changing Exhibits Gallery

This temporary exhibit examines how historical accounts, imagery, and collected objects often reflect memory and perspective rather than strictly factual accounts of the events and people of the time. Kentucky's early history is a complex story of displacement, revolution, and state-building. Complicated stories are not as easy to remember—but stories of heroes, villains, tragedy, triumph, and symbols are more accessible, though less complete, ways to recall the past.

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Toyota Kentucky Hall of Governors

Meet “face-to-face” with Kentucky’s leaders in this museum gallery, which contains portraits of Kentucky governors. Learn about each governor’s administration and the evolution of the governor’s office. 

Thank you for your understanding as we carry out important renovations and restoration work at the Old State Capitol. Please note that some areas may have limited access during this time. Thank you for your patience and support.

The Old State Capitol building (1830-1910) was the setting for lively political debates as lawmakers grappled with such issues of the day as slavery and declarations of war. This Greek Revival building, designed by young Gideon Shryock, the state’s first native-born professionally trained architect, is the third one to have served as Kentucky’s seat of government — two previous buildings burned to the ground. The Old State Capitol building has been restored to the way it looked in the early 1850s and contains pieces original to that time.

Kentucky Military Treasures tells the stories of Kentuckians and their participation in nearly 200 years of conflicts. Even the building is itself a part of military history: the former State Arsenal, the building dates to 1850 and housed a cartridge factory that employed many women during the Civil War. It also played a part in the defense of the capital city from Confederate invasion.

Thank you for your understanding as we carry out important renovations and restoration work at the Old State Capitol. Please note that some areas may have limited access during this time. Thank you for your patience and support.

Guided by museum staff, visitors will explore the Old State Capitol building’s unique architectural features and works of art. We’ll also delve into the politics and personalities of 19th and early 20th century Kentuckians, getting to know the leaders who walked these halls and discussing some of the major issues they debated, such as slavery, response to the Civil War, women’s rights, and civil rights. 

Location: Meet in the History Center main lobby (Commonwealth Hall).

Length: 1 hour; Capacity: 25.

Cost: $12 per person (includes museum admission)

Hours of Availability: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm. 

Guided by museum staff, visitors will explore the Kentucky Military History Museum’s architecture and history, along with some of our state’s most incredible military treasures. Walk in the footsteps of Civil War Kentuckians who fought and worked within these historic walls, and view tools of war from long rifles to modern machine guns, while learning stories of patriotism, courage, and sacrifice.

Location: Meet at the front desk of the Kentucky Military History Museum 

Length: 1 hour; Capacity: 25

Cost: $12 per person (includes museum admission)

Hours of Availability: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Join KHS staff for group experience unlike any other. Blaze your own path through the depths of Kentucky’s unique history, or ramble through the past's seedy and hidden depths. Either way, your group is in for a good time! Some adventures may take place outdoors in various weather conditions or uneven terrain and may not be suitable for all guests. Have questions about accessibility? We’re here to help! 

Please note there is limited availability during peak field trip season of March, April, and May. More information coming soon!

Did you know that many famous Revolutionary War figures visited or lived in Frankfort? Join KHS staff for this walking tour of historic downtown to learn about Revolutionary veterans and leaders like Isaac Shelby, James Wilkinson, Aaron Burr, and the Marquis de Lafayette.  

Location: Meet in the History Center main lobby (Commonwealth Hall).

Length: 1 hour; Capacity: 15.

Cost: $14 per person (includes museum admission)

Hours of Availability: Tuesday - Saturday, 10 am - 5 pm. 

Weather Conditions: Rain or Shine (barring lightning)

Did you know Daniel Boone is buried in Frankfort? Join KHS staff for a guided tour of the resting places of legendary and everyday Kentuckians, learning their stories and how they shaped our state and nation. This tour will especially feature military figures from the American Revolution to the Civil War.

Location: Tour will begin at the Frankfort Cemetery, by Daniel Boone’s grave

Length: 1 hour; Capacity: 15

Cost: $14 per person (includes museum admission)

Hours of Availability: Tuesday—Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Weather Conditions: Rain or Shine (barring lightning)

A private version of one of our most popular public programs.

This ain’t your average walking tour! Sip and stroll your way across Downtown Frankfort as we regale you with local tales of drunkenness and debauchery, corruption, and criminal activity – stories not safe for history textbooks! You can taste the history too, with special drinks available for purchase when we stop in at some local pubs. Length: 1.5 hours; Capacity: 15.

Must be of legal drinking age to participate. 

Cost: $18 per person. Includes daytime admission to all three KHS sites and the evening tour. 

Hours of Availability: Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays between 4:30 pm and 7 pm (EST). 

Weather Conditions: Rain or Shine (barring lightning)