Kentucky State Capitol
Frankfort, KY
A Beaux-Arts capitol of 1910 with a marble interior and a large floral clock on the lawn. Free self-guided and guided tours on weekdays; the old capitol is downtown.
The Kentucky State Capitol is the seat of government of the state of Kentucky in the capital, Frankfort, at 700 Capital Ave. It opened in 1910 and cost just under two million dollars. Guidebooks praise it as one of the most beautiful state capitols in the United States.
The rotunda holds sculptures of notable figures, along with murals, changing exhibitions and the First Lady Doll Collection. On the west lawn, the Floral Clock shows a flower clock about 10 metres across. Guided tours lead through the interior, for example to the entrances of the two legislative chambers.
The Old State Capitol of 1830, in Greek Revival style on W Broadway Street, with a self-supporting staircase, is downtown and offers tours of about half an hour. Check times for both buildings in advance.
- Nearest town
- Frankfort, KY
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 38.1866, -84.8753
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January–February. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Elkhorn CampgroundMotorhome stopover4 mi from Kentucky State CapitolMotorhomes
- Ky River CampgroundCampsite7 mi from Kentucky State Capitol
- Lake Shelby CampgroundMotorhome stopover19 mi from Kentucky State CapitolMotorhomes
- Whispering Hills RV ParkMotorhome stopover19 mi from Kentucky State CapitolMotorhomes
- Camp on the KentuckyMotorhome stopover21 mi from Kentucky State CapitolMotorhomes
- Cummins Ferry RV Park, CampgroundMotorhome stopover21 mi from Kentucky State CapitolMotorhomes
All campsites in Kentucky · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Kentucky State Capitol?
Kentucky State Capitol is in Frankfort, KY, at GPS 38.1866, -84.8753. It is about 10 mi from Lawrenceburg.
Can you camp near Kentucky State Capitol?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Elkhorn Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Kentucky State Capitol?
Kentucky State Capitol is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kentucky horse country: Louisville to Lexington.
What is there to see near Kentucky State Capitol?
Places worth a stop nearby: Keeneland (18 mi), Kentucky Horse Park (20 mi), Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (27 mi) and Bardstown Historic Downtown (41 mi).
When is the best time to visit Kentucky State Capitol?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)