Frankfort KY

Frankfort – Nestled along the banks of the Kentucky River, Frankfort is a small capital city with a big heart and rich heritage. Known for its charming downtown, beautifully preserved architecture, and role in Kentucky’s bourbon legacy, it’s the perfect place to slow down and soak in historic Southern charm. Whether you're touring grand capitol buildings, strolling through scenic river paths, or savoring local flavors, Frankfort offers a warm welcome and an unforgettable experience in the heart of the Bluegrass State.

• Population: ~28,000
• Weather: Four distinct seasons; mild springs and falls, warm summers (70-90°F), and chilly winters.
• Places To Visit: Kentucky State Capitol, Old State Capitol, Buffalo Trace Distillery, Liberty Hall Historic Site, Cove Spring Park.
• Top Activities: Bourbon tastings, kayaking the Kentucky River, visiting historical museums, exploring local art galleries, enjoying seasonal festivals.
• Famous Food: Hot brown sandwich, burgoo stew, bourbon-glazed ribs, and southern-style fried catfish.

Frankfort, KY, the state capital of Kentucky, offers a range of career opportunities driven by government, healthcare, education, and manufacturing sectors. With its charming small-town feel and steady employment growth, Frankfort provides a solid foundation for job seekers and professionals alike. Here are some of the top careers in this region.

Top 5 Jobs in Frankfort, KY

Frankfort, KY may be a small capital city, but it’s filled with charming spots where students can destress, connect with friends, and soak in the laid-back Kentucky vibe. Whether you love being outdoors, grabbing a good bite, or just enjoying small-town hospitality, there’s something here for every kind of student looking for fun.

Josephine Sculpture Park – Just a few minutes from downtown, this outdoor art space is peaceful, creative, and perfect for a walk with friends or solo reflections. There are often events, like star-gazing nights and art workshops, that make it a cool hangout spot beyond the usual parks.

Downtown Frankfort – The historic downtown area is full of cozy coffee shops, local boutiques, and beautiful architecture. Grab a latte at Kentucky Coffeetree Café, hang out under the trees at the Old Capitol lawn, or catch live music during summer weekends.

Buffalo Trace Distillery – One of the oldest and most famous distilleries in the U.S., it’s a must-visit—even if you’re not into bourbon. The free tours are fun, laid-back, and offer a glimpse into Kentucky culture. Plus, the grounds are gorgeous if you just want to walk around and relax.

Salato Wildlife Education Center – Nature lovers will love this lowkey gem. It features native Kentucky animals and walking trails that are peaceful and scenic. Great for an afternoon picnic or to disconnect from screens for a bit.

CapCity O’s – Mini Donuts & More – An Instagrammable hidden gem! Located in a cute food truck park, this is the perfect stop for a sugar fix and chill vibes. They often have lawn chairs, music, and a rotating lineup of food trucks.

Cove Spring Park – With scenic trails, waterfalls, and picnic areas, it's a great escape into nature close to campus. Perfect for hiking with friends, doing a little photography, or even taking your journal with you to just breathe and reflect.

The Grand Theatre – This vintage theater hosts movies, concerts, and community events. When you want a cultural night out that isn’t your typical big box cinema, The Grand delivers a more relaxed, indie vibe.

Kentucky River Viewpoints – Just walking along the river can be a peaceful and fun way to unwind. There are benches and lookouts along River View Park where you can people-watch, sketch, read, or simply enjoy the water.

Frankfort may fly under the radar, but that’s part of what makes it great for students. It’s easy to find your go-to spots, make meaningful connections, and enjoy a slower pace without missing out on fun. Find your favorite places, and make this city your chill zone.

Frankfort, Kentucky’s charming capital city, is recognized not only for its rich history and scenic beauty but also for its commitment to higher education. The city is home to reputable colleges and universities that offer diverse academic programs and professional development opportunities for students from all walks of life.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in Frankfort

Kentucky State University (KSU) – As Frankfort’s most prominent public university, KSU is a historically Black institution renowned for its excellence in liberal arts, agriculture, business, nursing, and the sciences. The campus fosters an inclusive environment where students are encouraged to achieve personal and academic growth.

Bluegrass Community & Technical College – Lawrenceburg Campus – While the main campus is in Lexington, the nearby Lawrenceburg campus serves many Frankfort students with affordable associate degree and technical certification programs in various fields, including health sciences, information technology, and business.

Sullivan University – Lexington Campus – Although based in Lexington, Sullivan’s proximity to Frankfort makes it a popular choice for local students seeking programs in business administration, culinary arts, and healthcare. The university is praised for its strong career support and flexible class schedules.

Eastern Kentucky University – Regional Campus – EKU extends its reach to Frankfort students through regional programming. Known for its education, criminal justice, and nursing degrees, EKU provides flexible options for adult learners and transfer students seeking a quality public education.

Western Kentucky University – Elizabethtown-Fort Knox Regional Campus – About an hour from Frankfort, WKU’s regional campus is a convenient option for area students interested in business, teaching, and social work degrees, with transfer pathways and hybrid courses tailored to working adults.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in Frankfort

Midway University – Located just 15 minutes from Frankfort, Midway University is recognized for its vibrant campus, equine studies program, business, nursing, and education degrees. This private institution offers a supportive learning environment and strong career preparation.

Georgetown College – A respected private liberal arts college less than 30 miles from Frankfort, Georgetown College is known for its strong humanities, biology, chemistry, and education programs. The college emphasizes critical thinking and leadership.

Transylvania University – Situated in nearby Lexington, Transylvania University is one of the nation’s oldest private universities. It offers rigorous programs in the arts, sciences, business, and pre-professional fields within a close-knit, intellectually stimulating environment.

Asbury University – Located in Wilmore, about 45 minutes from Frankfort, Asbury is a private Christian university with popular programs in media communication, education, business, and the sciences. Its nurturing campus is ideal for students seeking both academic and spiritual growth.

Spalding University – Based in Louisville but accessible to Frankfort residents, Spalding University offers flexible online and hybrid programs in nursing, psychology, writing, and social work. Spalding is distinguished for its commitment to service learning and community engagement.

Frankfort’s proximity to these public and private institutions provides residents and newcomers with a wealth of educational opportunities—whether you’re beginning your academic journey, seeking career advancement, or simply looking to learn something new. The city’s commitment to accessible, high-quality higher education truly helps open doors to lifelong success.

Frankfort, KY may be a small city, but it offers excellent options when it comes to quality education. Whether you're looking for strong academics, inspiring arts programs, or competitive athletics, Frankfort’s public and private high schools are committed to helping students grow and succeed. Here’s a roundup of the top schools that are making a big impact.

Top Public High Schools in Frankfort, KY

• Franklin County High School – Known for its dedicated faculty and variety of Advanced Placement (AP) courses, Franklin County High School offers students robust academic programs paired with competitive sports and extracurricular activities.
• Western Hills High School – A top-performing school in the district, Western Hills places a strong focus on college readiness and career exploration. The school also boasts a successful music and sports department that gives students a well-rounded experience.
• Frankfort High School – Located in the heart of the city, Frankfort High is one of the oldest high schools in Kentucky and continues to embrace innovation in education. Known for its small class sizes and inclusive environment, it helps students thrive academically and socially.
• Panther Academy – This smaller, alternative learning school caters to students seeking a non-traditional learning path. With personalized instruction and strong mentoring, Panther Academy provides a nurturing environment for those who need extra support.
• Capital City Prep Charter School – A growing charter school in the area, Capital City Prep focuses on individualized learning and character development. Its small student-teacher ratio and academic support services help students stay on track and achieve their goals.

Top Private High Schools in Frankfort, KY

• Frankfort Christian Academy (FCA) – Offering a faith-based education grounded in academic excellence, FCA provides students with small classes, dedicated teachers, and a strong sense of community. Their curriculum balances core academics with Christian values and service opportunities.
• Good Shepherd Catholic School – Serving grades pre-K through 8, this school’s reputation often carries into private high school options and transfers. Many high-performing students launched from here into prestigious private or boarding schools within Kentucky and beyond.
• Capital Day School – While it officially serves up to 8th grade, Capital Day is highly regarded for preparing students for elite private high schools in the state. Many Capital Day alumni go on to attend boarding schools like Sayre School or Lexington Catholic High.
• Blue Grass Baptist School – Located just outside Frankfort, this private institution offers a traditional, Bible-based curriculum with an emphasis on moral and academic development. It's a great choice for families seeking a strong spiritual foundation in education.
• The Lexington School (Feeder, but notable) – Though not in Frankfort directly, The Lexington School is a leading PK-8 institution whose graduates often enroll in top-ranked high schools across Kentucky, including within the Frankfort area. Its reputation extends throughout the region.

Each of these schools brings its own strengths to the table. Whether public or private, Frankfort’s high schools are committed to equipping students with the tools they need to succeed in college, careers, and life. From advanced academics to caring communities, families in Frankfort can feel confident knowing great education is close to home.

Frankfort, Kentucky, is the charming capital of the Bluegrass State, known for its rich history, government institutions, and small-town feel. While Frankfort does not host any major professional sports teams like those in big cities such as Los Angeles or New York, it's still a spirited place where college athletics, minor league teams, and regional sports enthusiasm thrive.

Though Frankfort may be small in size, it punches above its weight when it comes to community pride and support for nearby professional teams. In fact, residents often rally around teams in surrounding areas like Louisville, Lexington, and Cincinnati. Let’s explore the sports culture surrounding Frankfort and the teams locals love to cheer for.

Basketball – University of Kentucky Wildcats & Louisville Cardinals

• University of Kentucky Wildcats – Though not a professional team, UK’s basketball program in nearby Lexington is legendary. The Wildcats have won 8 NCAA championships and are one of the most iconic names in college basketball, producing elite talent like Anthony Davis, John Wall, and Devin Booker.
• Louisville Cardinals – Another powerhouse about an hour from Frankfort, the Cardinals boast 3 NCAA championships. The team has sent stars like Donovan Mitchell and Russ Smith to the NBA, making them a fan-favorite across central Kentucky.

Baseball – Florence Y'alls (Frontier League)

• Florence Y'alls – The Y’alls play in Florence, Kentucky, roughly 90 minutes from Frankfort, and they bring fun, family-friendly baseball to the independent Frontier League. Though not affiliated with MLB, the team offers exciting minor league action and a tight-knit fan community.

Football – Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)

• Cincinnati Bengals – Just over an hour away, Cincinnati is home to the Bengals, a top NFL franchise that recently returned to the spotlight. Led by star quarterback Joe Burrow, the Bengals reached Super Bowl LVI in 2022, and they’ve rekindled NFL excitement throughout Kentucky and Ohio.

Baseball – Cincinnati Reds (MLB)

• Cincinnati Reds – The Reds are one of baseball’s oldest franchises, with 5 World Series titles (including the legendary "Big Red Machine" teams of the 1970s). They offer major-league action just a short drive from Frankfort, drawing baseball fans from across the region.

Soccer – Louisville City FC & Racing Louisville FC (USL & NWSL)

• Louisville City FC – Competing in the USL Championship, LouCity is one of the most successful lower-division soccer clubs in the country. Founded in 2015, they’ve made multiple playoff appearances and built a strong soccer culture in central Kentucky.
• Racing Louisville FC – As an NWSL team, Racing Louisville launched in 2021 and quickly became a major supporter of women’s soccer in the region. Playing in a beautiful stadium built just for soccer, the team has quickly gained popularity and brought national talent to the Bluegrass.

Hockey – Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL)

• Cincinnati Cyclones – A fan-favorite minor league hockey team, the Cyclones play in the ECHL and offer affordable, competitive hockey entertainment close to home. They’ve won two Kelly Cups and serve as a developmental team for higher levels, including the NHL.

While Frankfort itself doesn’t host major professional sports franchises, its ideal location places residents within just a short drive of some of the most enthusiastic sports markets in the Midwest and Southeast. College basketball pride runs deep in every household, and with nearby access to pro football, baseball, and soccer, sports fans in Frankfort never miss out on the action. Whether you're donning Wildcats blue, tailgating for a Bengals game, or cheering at a LouCity match, there’s plenty of sports spirit in Kentucky’s capital city!

Frankfort, Kentucky might be one of the smaller state capitals in the U.S., but it packs a big punch when it comes to charm, history, and quirky facts. Nestled along the Kentucky River, this city offers a mix of natural beauty, southern hospitality, and fascinating trivia. Check out these fun facts about Frankfort:

1. It’s the Capital—But Not the Biggest – Though it’s the capital of Kentucky, Frankfort is actually one of the smallest capitals in the U.S. by population!
2. Named by Mistake? – Legend says that Frankfort got its name after a settler named Stephen Frank was killed at a river crossing—hence “Frank’s ford.”
3. Bourbon Central – Located in the heart of Bourbon Country, Frankfort is home to the iconic Buffalo Trace Distillery, which is one of the oldest continuously operating distilleries in the U.S.
4. A River Runs Through It – The scenic Kentucky River flows right through the city, and you can even spot the historic Singing Bridge connecting both sides of town.
5. Capital With a Castle – That’s right! Frankfort has its own “castle” looking state capitol building. The interior boasts stunning white marble and murals that make it a must-see landmark.
6. Birthplace of a Vice President – Frankfort was the birthplace of Richard M. Johnson, the 9th Vice President of the United States, who served under Martin Van Buren.
7. Tiny Town Vibes – Despite its capital status, you can find small-town charm in every corner—from mom-and-pop shops to cozy coffee spots and local art galleries.
8. Literary Legacy – Beloved poet and author Rebecca Caudill, known for her children’s books, was born in this Kentucky gem.
9. Capital on the Move – The capital of Kentucky was originally in different towns—including Lexington and Louisville—before permanently landing in Frankfort in 1792.
10. Colorful History – Frankfort has seen its share of interesting moments, including a governor’s assassination in 1900 right outside the Capitol—a moment that shook Kentucky politics to its core.