
Capital City Museum
Discover 200 years of Kentucky's heritage at this free museum, featuring unique exhibits and a charming gift shop.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Capital City Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover 200 years of Kentucky's heritage at this free museum, featuring unique exhibits and a charming gift shop.
"The Capital City Museum is an excellent free smaller museum right in the heart of Frankfort, KY."

🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy exploring Kentucky's history without an entry fee. Donations are welcome!
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking is available but shared. Try visiting earlier or later to avoid the 1 PM rush.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Miss Elizabeth Exhibit
Discover the fascinating life and career of the professional wrestling legend, Miss Elizabeth. A must-see for fans and history buffs alike.

Kentucky Heritage Exhibits
Journey through 200 years of Kentucky's rich history, from colonial times to modern-day stories and local legends.

Hands-On Children's Area
Engage young minds with interactive displays designed for children, making history fun and accessible for the whole family.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Admission & Parking Tips
Exhibit Highlights & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy exploring Kentucky's history without an entry fee. Donations are welcome!
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking is available but shared. Try visiting earlier or later to avoid the 1 PM rush.
⬆️ Upstairs Exhibits
Note that the elevator is currently out of service, impacting access to some upstairs displays.
🤝 Friendly Staff
The staff are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, eager to share local history.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Free Admission!
Enjoy exploring Kentucky's history without an entry fee. Donations are welcome!
🚗 Parking Patience
Parking is available but shared. Try visiting earlier or later to avoid the 1 PM rush.
⬆️ Upstairs Exhibits
Note that the elevator is currently out of service, impacting access to some upstairs displays.
🤝 Friendly Staff
The staff are incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable, eager to share local history.
🛍️ Cute Gift Shop
Browse unique souvenirs and local crafts in the charming museum gift shop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Capital City Museum for its free admission, engaging exhibits on local history, and the popular Miss Elizabeth display. The friendly and knowledgeable staff significantly enhance the visitor experience, making it a welcoming place to learn about Frankfort's heritage. Some minor drawbacks include shared parking and a temporarily out-of-service elevator affecting upstairs access.
"Visited from Charleston WV to see the new exhibit on Miss Elizabeth, and attended one of the main event movie nights. Ellie and the team were so welcoming and helpful, and the Elizabeth exhibit is tremendous. The museum itself is large and covers a ton of local history, with some fascinating exhibits. There are even a couple rooms with hands on experiences for children.
Can't wait to come back again. Thanks for the hospitality!"
Tunereview
"The Capital City Museum is an excellent free smaller museum right in the heart of Frankfort, KY. The museum offers a wide range of exhibits that span everything from colonial times to the modern era. One of my favorite parts was the exhibits on famous people from Frankfort. They had a great exhibit on Miss Elizabeth of professional wrestling fame. It is definitely worth checking out."
B A
"Cute little museum. Had to see Ms Elizabeth exhibit. Cool little gift shop. Free admission."
rebecca thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Capital City Museum is located in the heart of Frankfort, KY. While specific public transport details aren't widely shared, it's easily accessible by car. Parking is available on-site, though it can get busy, especially around 1 PM.
Yes, there is parking available at the museum. However, it's shared with other businesses, so finding a spot might be challenging during peak times like 1 PM.
The museum is in Frankfort, and while there are areas to park and walk to the Kentucky River, the museum itself is a distinct destination. Check local maps for river access points near the museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Capital City Museum offers free admission! It's a great way to experience local history without any cost. Donations are appreciated to support their exhibits.
Operating hours can vary, and it's always best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Since admission is free, advance booking is typically not required for general visits. However, for special events like movie nights, it's advisable to check for ticketing information.
The museum has exhibits upstairs, but the elevator is currently out of service, which may affect accessibility for some visitors. It's recommended to call ahead to confirm current accessibility status.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The museum features a wide range of exhibits covering 200 years of Kentucky's heritage, from colonial times to modern-day figures like Miss Elizabeth. There are also hands-on experiences for children.
Yes, the museum offers a couple of rooms with hands-on experiences specifically designed for children, making it a family-friendly destination.
Photography policies can vary by museum. It's best to look for signage upon entry or ask a staff member if personal photography is permitted.
A visit can be relatively short, as it's described as a 'cute little museum.' You could easily pair it with other activities in the area, but you could spend an hour or more exploring the exhibits.
The exhibit focuses on the life and career of Miss Elizabeth, a notable figure in professional wrestling, showcasing her impact and story.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The museum itself does not appear to have a cafe or restaurant. However, Frankfort has various diners and eateries nearby that you could visit before or after your museum tour.
Typically, museums discourage bringing outside food and drinks into exhibit areas to protect the artifacts. It's best to consume them outside or in designated areas if available.
📸 📸 Photography
While not explicitly stated, many museums allow personal photography for non-commercial use. It's always a good idea to check for signs or ask staff for clarification.
The exhibits themselves, particularly the Miss Elizabeth display and historical artifacts, offer great photo opportunities. The overall ambiance of a history museum can also be quite picturesque.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While admission is free, be aware that the elevator to upstairs exhibits is currently out of service, which might affect accessibility for strollers or those with mobility concerns. However, the main floor exhibits and the children's areas offer plenty to explore. The friendly staff are also great at making the experience enjoyable for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there's no cost to enter, consider supporting the museum through a donation or by purchasing a souvenir from their charming gift shop. Parking is available, but it's shared, so factor in potential time spent looking for a spot. It's an excellent way to experience Frankfort's heritage affordably.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Kentucky's Heritage
One of the standout features is the dedicated exhibit on Miss Elizabeth, a prominent figure in professional wrestling. This section provides a unique glimpse into her career and impact, drawing visitors with its specific focus. Beyond this, the museum showcases a variety of local history, including military history and films made in the area, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for all.
For families, the museum offers hands-on experiences in dedicated children's rooms, making history accessible and fun for younger visitors. While the elevator is currently out of service, impacting upstairs access, the museum's commitment to preserving and presenting local heritage remains strong, making it a worthwhile visit for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike.
Visitor Experience and Amenities
While admission is free, the museum does offer a cute gift shop where visitors can find unique souvenirs and local crafts. Practical amenities like bathrooms are available. However, it's important to note that parking, though provided, is shared with neighboring businesses, which can sometimes lead to challenges in finding a spot, particularly around 1 PM.
Accessibility is a consideration, as the elevator to the upstairs exhibits is currently down. This means visitors with mobility issues may have limited access to certain displays. Despite this temporary inconvenience, the museum's core offerings and the exceptional service from its team make it a highly recommended stop for those exploring Frankfort.
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