Located along the Kentucky River in the Upland South, Frankfort is the principal city of the Frankfort, Kentucky micropolitan area, which includes all of Franklin and Anderson counties.

The literal and figurative heart of this gracious southern state is the capital city of Frankfort, perfectly positioned on the shores of the Kentucky River between Louisville and Lexington.

Welcome to Frankfort. As home to the State Capitol, Kentucky State University, award-winning distilleries, thriving businesses, and the picturesque Kentucky River, the culture of our Commonwealth flows through Frankfort.

Frankfort, capital (since 1792) of Kentucky, U.S., and seat of Franklin county, located 50 miles (80 km) east of Louisville and 26 miles (42 km) northwest of Lexington. Frankfort was founded in 1786 on the Kentucky River by Gen. James Wilkinson.

Here are 10 things you’ll want to put on your Frankfort, Kentucky, itinerary. Bourbon is big business in Kentucky; in fact, there are more barrels of bourbon aging right now within the state lines than there are residents.

See what other travelers like to do, based on ratings and number of bookings. Book these experiences for a close-up look at Frankfort. From quick jaunts to full-day outings. These rankings are informed by Tripadvisor data—we consider traveler reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location. 1.