Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Kentucky State Capitol

    4.6 (36 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

    Kentucky State Capitol Photos

    Recommended Reviews - Kentucky State Capitol

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Floral clock on state grounds
    Debi R.

    Great tour of a beautiful Capitol building. The dome is being refurbished. The grounds are so pretty. There is ample close Parking.

    Flag Posted with review 02/27/23
    Marianne W.

    Kentucky, officially the Commonwealth of Kentucky, is a state in the Southeastern region of the United States. It's one of the states of the Upper South. It borders Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio to the north, West Virginia to the northeast, Virginia to the east, Tennessee to the south, and Missouri to the west. Its northern border is defined by the Ohio River. Its capital is Frankfort, and its two largest cities are Louisville and Lexington. Its population was approximately 4.5 million in 2020. I lived in Kentucky for Ten Years off and on. I married and divorced in Kentucky. My daughter was born there and I have a lot of family and friends that still live in Kentucky after all these years. As for the capital in the city of Frankfort, for about ten months I visited the Capital weekly. I had a family member that moved there temporarily so I visited. The atmosphere was very much like all the larger cities in Kentucky. It was just on a grander scale. Besides my family and friends that are dear to me, I never quite felt like I fit in to the Kentucky Culture. I'll never forget when I tried to rent an apartment and the women boldly said "You must be from New York" and refused to rent it to me. There was always those closed minded individuals even in a college town. Yes I would like to return to visit. One of my dearest friends of 55 years is currently in the hospital. I made friendships that last a lifetime. There's a lot of good people I would love to see. I'd have to be there for at least two weeks and travel from one city to another. Maybe I'll visit next lifetime. Right now I keep in touch on Facebook. Before you decide to reside in Kentucky spend time there. I may be jaded but I wouldn't make this decision lightly.

    Shelby Z.

    The Kentucky State Capitol is small, but charming. For some reason, it took me 26 years of living in Kentucky to actually get over to visit it. They do offer tours, but via reservation and at very limited timeframes. I just explored the outside. The outside area is nice, there's a small courtyard and cute neighborhood wrapped around. You can tell the building itself is old, but it's still pretty fascinating to get to see the architecture up close. It's worth a detour for sure!

    Kentucky State Capitol, Frankfort
    Bruce K.

    Not open to the public during the pandemic, this is the 37th on my quest to visit all 50 capitols https://www.yelp.com/collection/ucwQvyGY8sZEDHaN49HU5Q and leaves Tallahassee and Baton Rouge east of the Mississippi that I have yet to visit https://www.yelp.com/collection/LdpbQ1GIW9MpQTtmVmX-8Q. Frankfort is the capital city of the Commonwealth of Kentucky (bonus points if you can name the other three Commonwealth states) and is also the seat of Franklin County. Interestingly not named after the city in Germany, it is believed that the city was named after an event in the 1780s where Pioneer Frank Ford was killed, "Frank's Ford" became Frankfort. True? Not true? It's a good story and that's what matters. The city has always been the location of the capital. Kentucky was the 15th state to join the Union, on June 1, 1792. The Capitol building is the house of all three branches of government - executive, legislative and judicial. The first floor contains the offices of the governor and his or her staff as well as the lieutenant governor, secretary of state and attorney general. The second floor has the state Supreme Court and the chambers of the justices. The chambers of the House of Representatives and Senate face each other on opposite ends of the third floor. The building was constructed between 1905 and 1909, then was dedicated in 1910. It is in the Beaux-Arts style. Access is permitted (current pandemic aside) by passing through a metal detector. [Review 13556 overall, 875 of 2020.]

    Bryan R.

    This place is a must to visit. If you go for a tour ask for Nick then ask for the "Cadillac tour". He was awesome, answered alot of questions from our girls and gave them a good lesson on the 3 branches of government. I even learned alot. It was a cold day so we didn't enjoy the grounds as much as I was hoping but the inside is amazing. So much history, paintings, sculptures and architecture. I was hoping the had pizza in the canteen but it was closed.

    Ophelia M.

    When visiting a new state, if our destination is at all near the capitol, we try to make it a point to visit the capitol building. So, as you can imagine, I've seen my share of capitol buildings. And, though, we weren't able to venture inside, strictly from the outside, thus far, Kentucky is my favorite. The green grounds, the way the road and long path lead up to it, the lamp posts, and the blooming trees all conspire to convey a charming stateliness that hearkens to a different time. The grounds are pristine and beautifully maintained. While we were there the trees flanking the wide entry path up to the entrance were in bloom and smelled divine. The capitol building in Kentucky is located in a small town. We went in the evening and there were many locals walking the grounds (for an evening walk), which added to the overall charm of the spot. Definitely worth the trip from Louisville to check it out! Get to it!

    Joseph G.

    I've been here as a chaperone on several field trips with my daughters throughout the years. Very historic and visually stunning building. The kids always enjoy this portion of the field trip when visiting our state capital. While it is very hard to contain there excitement with the open halls and huge staircases the tour guides do a good job of keeping them focused with fun facts and info along with the educational tidbits too.

    Vivian W.

    I came here to get authentication for my China document, it's easy to call and get answer for my questions, so I'm fully prepared when i arrive. When i arrive, I'm surprised that the state capital building is so nice and when i walk inside, it's beautiful, and everyone is friendly. It's easy to find the secretary of state's office, and get my doc to be authenticated. No requirement for appointment, you just walk in. Unbelievable!

    Melissa B.

    Absolutely FREE to tour and walk around the Kentucky State Capitol Building inside and outside on the grounds!!!! Let me first start by saying, it was like stepping back in time. A different era, I can just imagine the people in their different clothes and styles. I just like to let my imagination run wild!!! We parked in the circular drive for free...and then we went inside to the security check in. We showed our license and went through security metal detector. We stopped at the information desk, got a map and off we went on our Free self guided tour of all 3 levels of the building. It was started in 1904 and finished in 1910...took 6 yrs to complete. There is gorgeous white alabaster marble EVERYWHERE!!!!!! The rotundra is spectacular!! In the middle is a outstanding statue of President Abraham Lincoln. Also there are 4 other statues with him, Jefferson Davis, Henry Clay, Ephraim McDowell and Alben Barkley. We were able to see the Doll Collection of all the Kentucky First Ladies in replicas of their Inaugural Ball Gowns. There is a quilt of all the counties of Kentucky, portraits of Kentucky judges..Absolutely GORGEOUS architecture...if you have about an hour to kill...you should wonder these halls and take your own gander at its BEAUTY!!!!

    Chris M.

    Beautiful architecture, fantastic landscape, and lots to see! There is a rose guardian, a giant floral clock and fountain, and plenty of parking. Heads up, hours for tours are on weekdays not the weekend. This is not the original capital building for KY and was built 1904 to replace the original. The original building is not to far away but could not house the growth of KY government officials. Our family enjoyed visiting and as you can see by the phots posted there are plenty of great photo opportunities. I look forward to coming back on a weekday to go through the tour.

    Capitol mall?
    David B.

    So this is where all the marble went!!! On the way to Louisville I noticed the sign for the capitol building which turned out to be a pleasant (albeit very very brief) visit on the trip back. First, I was a bit confused. (not difficult to accomplish- don't feel special) Is it the "old" capitol building or the governor's mansion just behind the newer building? Eh...walked around it, as it's being redone/remodeled to the newer building. If you squinted enough and came at night, it almost looks like the Sacramento one but with a much more lovely Capitol Mall. Googling them up, many capitol buildings look similar. Hmm. Then I went inside! Seemed pretty empty- was given a map which told me where things were on each of the 4 floors. The Supreme Court section is smaller than California (for obvious reasons) and was empty. Most of the place was empty actually. Security at each door seemed very concerned with my reasoning for wanting to visit. I really just wanted to visit another state's capitol building and check another off the list...so I did!

    Anthony M.

    Unfortunately I didn't get to see the inside of this place but the outside was absolutely beautiful. I came in the end of the summer and the weather here was fantastic. The lawns are well-kept and it was very clean.

    Laurie V.

    Of all the state capitals I've visited, I think this might be the most friendly! The staff at the visitor's desk was so kind and helpful, directing me where to find everything on a self-guided tour. This is also one of the more beautiful buildings I've visited, with a dome that changes colors. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, and parking here was very easy in the visitor lots, beyond the building. Everyone here is laid back and chill and nice......I seriously think there must be something in that bourbon......

    The Capitol from the Overlook area.

    See all

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cindy L.
    218
    1470
    15851

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marianne W.
    5000
    4836
    96144

    3 years ago

    Helpful 42
    Thanks 2
    Love this 43
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 0
    Love this 16
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 15
    Thanks 0
    Love this 17
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joseph G.
    2205
    2906
    39773

    5 years ago

    Helpful 21
    Thanks 0
    Love this 21
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Melissa B.
    1279
    2704
    33391

    8 years ago

    Helpful 26
    Thanks 0
    Love this 24
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of David B.
    1962
    939
    54748

    9 years ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Susi S.
    0
    95
    16

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Very fast service when you know what your going to do didn't know they gave birth certificates the same day.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    16 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Richard F.
    153
    2661
    11703

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    This place is oretty good, but the guy running it isnt. He needs to change. Anyway, good place.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Andrea M.
    174
    23
    5

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lisa B.
    147
    16
    8

    8 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dave S.
    7
    178
    0

    18 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Dwain C.
    1100
    1338
    2769

    10 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Matry P.
    0
    180
    156

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    I'm fortunate to be able to spend much time at the Capitol. I encourage those to tour the State Capitol.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Ask the Community - Kentucky State Capitol

    Review Highlights - Kentucky State Capitol

    The first floor features the Executive Branch -- the Governor's Office, Secretary of State, Attorney General, etc.

    Mentioned in 6 reviews

    Read more highlights

    Verify this business for free

    Get access to customer & competitor insights.

    Verify this business

    Lt Presley O'Bannon Historical Marker - Lt. Presley O'Bannon Historical Marker, Frankfort

    Lt Presley O'Bannon Historical Marker

    5.0(1 review)
    0.7 mi

    From the Halls of Montezuma To the shores of Tripoli;…read moreWe fight our country's battles In the air, on land, and sea; First to fight for right and freedom And to keep our honor clean; We are proud to claim the title Of United States Marine. -Marine Corp Hymn Buried amongst other great men including 17 Kentucky governors, one Vice President of the United States and the only Daniel Boone, you'll find this marker and an obelisk and a headstone denoting the final resting place of Marine Corp Lieutenant Presley N. O'Bannon. The marker reads, "First American to raise U.S. flag on foreign soil at Battle of Derne on shores of Tripoli, April 27, 1805. Led attack that overcame Barbary Coast pirates who were holding 180 American seamen for ransom. O'Bannon came to Logan County in 1807. Served in State Legislature 1812, 17, 20-21, and Senate 1824-26. Died in 1850. Remains moved to Frankfort, 1919." Born in Fauquier County, Virginia, O'Bannon's father was a captain in the Continental Army in the American Revolutionary War and later the commander of Fort Pitt (i.e., Pittsburgh) during the Revolution. Entering the Marine Corp in 1801, Presley O'Bannon commanded a detachment of seven Marines and two Navy midshipmen in diplomatic Consul General William Eaton's small army during the Tripoli campaign of the First Barbary War. In combined operations with the US Navy, he led the successful attack at the Battle of Derna (Libya) on April 27, 1805 which gave the Marines' Hymn its line "to the shores of Tripoli." He became the first man to raise a United States flag over foreign soil in time of war. In recognition of his bravery, he was presented a sword for his part in attempting to restore Prince Hamet Karamanli to his throne as the Bey of Tripoli. This sword became the model for the Mameluke Sword, adopted in 1825 for Marine Corps officers, which is part of the formal uniform today. So yeah, this man is rather important. Stop by when you're visiting Daniel Boone. https://www.yelp.com/biz/daniel-boones-burial-site-frankfort?hrid=V999ceomgWQ1xUHXmmmZhg. Semper Fi. [Review 13569 overall, 888 of 2020.]

    Photos
    Lt Presley O'Bannon Historical Marker - Lt. Presley O'Bannon Historical Marker, Frankfort

    Lt. Presley O'Bannon Historical Marker, Frankfort

    Lt Presley O'Bannon Historical Marker - Lt. Presley O'Bannon Historical Marker, Frankfort

    See all

    Lt. Presley O'Bannon Historical Marker, Frankfort

    Governor's Mansion

    Governor's Mansion

    4.7(3 reviews)
    0.1 mi

    I've visited here in a few field trips with my daughters over the years on there 3rd grade field…read moretrip to the Capital. The governors mansion is always a highlight of the field trip for the class. Lots of history and sites to take in on the visit. Te tour guides always do a good job of handling not only the class and questions but keeping it fun and interesting for the kiddos and adult chaperones such as myself

    This is the Executive Mansion, Home of the Governor and Kentucky First Lady, located at the Capitol…read moreComplex. Located at 704 Capitol Avenue in Frankfort. Regularly scheduled public tours of the mansion are available Tuesdays and Thursday from 9 to 11am we were there on a Friday so was not able to go inside. The mansion officially opened with a large party on January 20, 1914, 96 yrs ago tomorrow. The mansion has 25 rooms, including 2 dining rooms, a grand ballroom, a commercial size kitchen, sunroom, and private living quarters for the Governor and his family The mansion is 80 ft wide and 200 ft long. Made of brick covered by limestone to match the Capitol building. Put on National Register of Historical Places in 1972. The first Governor's mansion is located downtown and built in 1798. There is a formal garden with fountain, very BEAUTIFUL in the spring and summer...definitely going back then to check it out. The current mansion took 2 yrs to build and cost $75,000 to build. Governor James B McCreary and his family were the first to live there. He was the 27th and 37th Governor of Kentucky. It is a tradition when the new Governor and family moves in to the home, they are greeted with a country ham, biscuits and a white cake...thus is a traditional meal for decades. The mansion was inspired with French influences by architect CC and EA Weber. Inspired the French chateaux, Petit Trianon, located at Versailles created by King Louis XV for his mistress, and later given to Queen Marie Antoinette by King Louis XVI.

    Photos
    Governor's Mansion
    Governor's Mansion
    Governor's Mansion

    See all

    Kentucky National Guard Memorial - Kentucky National Guard Memorial, Frankfort

    Kentucky National Guard Memorial

    4.0(2 reviews)
    1.3 mi

    Located at the Capital City Airport (IATA code FFT) and on the public side of the guard gate…read moreentrance, the Memorial honors the Kentucky Guardsmen and Guardswomen who sacrificed their lives in service, beginning with March 19, 1912. That was the date that Kentucky adopted the federal legislation known as the Dick Act which mandated significant change including a name change from Kentucky State Guard to the Kentucky National Guard. The memorial features a 70-foot wide granite circular plaza and at the center, a 22-foot wide granite stone in the shape of Kentucky that bears the names of Kentucky National Guard soldiers who have died in the line of duty. The memorial also includes a 125% life sized bronze statue of Daniel Boone who was arguably one of the most famous members of the predecessors of the Kentucky Guard. Boone National Guard Center is also named in his honor. There is adequate parking and the site is handicapped accessible. There are a number of captions posted that show the history of the memorial project, Daniel Boone (if you haven't been to his Burial Site, you should go https://www.yelp.com/biz/daniel-boones-burial-site-frankfort?hrid=V999ceomgWQ1xUHXmmmZhg) and the Kentucky Guard. [Review 13572 overall, 891 of 2020.]

    The Kentucky national guard memorial is a nice tribute to those that have served in the national…read moreguard. It is easily located in a central position and he has a nice tribute for all the people from Kentucky that have served. I enjoy seeing different monuments and memorials and this is a nice one

    Photos
    Kentucky National Guard Memorial - Kentucky National Guard Memorial, Frankfort

    Kentucky National Guard Memorial, Frankfort

    Kentucky National Guard Memorial - Kentucky National Guard Memorial, Frankfort

    Kentucky National Guard Memorial, Frankfort

    Kentucky National Guard Memorial - Kentucky National Guard Memorial, Frankfort

    See all

    Kentucky National Guard Memorial, Frankfort

    Kentucky State Capitol - landmarks - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...