TOURS

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.

Meet “face-to-face” with Kentucky’s leaders in this museum gallery contains portraits of Kentucky governors. Learn about each governor’s administration and the evolution of the governor’s office. Interactive touch screens prompt thought and visitors can write their thoughts on a note board.

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.

https://history.ky.gov/en/visit/group-tours/group-tour-registrationThe 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.

Did you know that Frankfort was the only state capital to be captured by the Confederacy during the Civil War? Join KHS staff for a Civil War walking tour of downtown Frankfort. Learn about the history of the state capital during the conflict and its aftermath, the prominent leaders involved, and the military clashes that raged around the city.   Length: 1.5 hours; Capacity: 15.

Cost: $5 per person (in addition to museum admission)

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

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. Length: 1 hour; Capacity: 25.

Cost: $5 per person (in addition to museum admission)

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

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: 20.

Must be of legal drinking age to participate. 

Cost: Non-KHS member - $25 per person; KHS member - $15 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).