Old KY Capital exterior
1 / 10

Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History

4.8
·230 reviews·Frankfort, United States

Explore Kentucky's rich past through interactive exhibits, recreated historical rooms, and the Hall of Governors. Fun for all ages!

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Old KY Capital exterior

Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore Kentucky's rich past through interactive exhibits, recreated historical rooms, and the Hall of Governors. Fun for all ages!

4.8
(230 reviews)

"Really neat museum. Price includes the old state capital and the military museum which makes it well worth it."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ Combo Ticket Value

Your ticket often includes access to the Old State Capitol & Military Museum. Great value!

🧸 Kid-Friendly Zone

There's a dedicated play area for younger children. Keeps them entertained!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.8 · 230 reviews

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking🚻 Accessible restroom

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hall of Governors

Hall of Governors

Kentucky Historical Society

See official portraits of every Kentucky governor in an interactive gallery. Step into their shoes and learn about leadership through the ages.

TikTok
1850s Library & Legislative Rooms

1850s Library & Legislative Rooms

Thomas D. Clark Center

Step back in time with recreated 1850s library and legislative spaces. Experience the atmosphere of Kentucky's past political and intellectual hubs.

Reddit
Interactive Displays

Interactive Displays

Thomas D. Clark Center

Engage with dynamic exhibits that bring Kentucky's history to life. Perfect for all ages, these displays make learning fun and memorable.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit to Kentucky History

Discover Kentucky's rich past at the Thomas D. Clark Center. Allow ample time to explore exhibits, from early statehood to the mid-20th century. Consider combining your visit with the Old State Capitol and Military Museum for a comprehensive historical experience. Reddit

Interactive Exhibits & Family Fun

Engage with interactive displays and a dedicated play area for younger visitors. The center offers a fun and educational experience for all ages, making it a great stop for families looking to learn about Kentucky's heritage. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Afternoons
Why
Interactive play area is popular
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Gangsta Rap over Classical Music 😆. FRANKFORT, KENTUCKY!!! Saturday October 5th, I will be performing live at Memories Event Venue, Hustle & Flow #31 KSU Homecoming Edition, pull up.
@ryzehendricksmusic
47.1K likes • 479.8K views

🎟️ Combo Ticket Value

Your ticket often includes access to the Old State Capitol & Military Museum. Great value! Reddit

🧸 Kid-Friendly Zone

There's a dedicated play area for younger children. Keeps them entertained! Reddit

They also have a Butterfly House & the Sage Garden Cafe on site too! 10/10 receomend checking out Wilson Nurseries if youre ever in Kentucky looking for plants! 🌿😍 #houseplantshopping #placestovisitinkentucky #rareplants
@__.madsb.__
10.7K likes • 111.1K views
Hi! 👋🏻 Welcome to Ford Acres! If you’re a photographer looking for a beautiful wide open space to take family photos with your clients at then we are here for you! You can take photos with the cows or use our beautiful land. We’re also open for Highland cow visits (which make for a really fun date night or family fun day!) Send us a message today! #fordacres #farmlife #farm #highlandcows #kentuc...
@fordacres
7.7K likes • 75.3K views

📚 Research Library Access

Don't miss the research library for a deeper dive into KY history. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Frankfort

Combine your visit with walks along the Kentucky River. Reddit

Where to next? Comment below! #frankfort #kentucky #frankfortkentucky
@clipguesser
7K likes • 121.5K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Combo Ticket Value

Your ticket often includes access to the Old State Capitol & Military Museum. Great value! Reddit

🧸 Kid-Friendly Zone

There's a dedicated play area for younger children. Keeps them entertained! Reddit

📚 Research Library Access

Don't miss the research library for a deeper dive into KY history. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Explore Frankfort

Combine your visit with walks along the Kentucky River. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(230 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Thomas D. Clark Center for its comprehensive look at Kentucky history, from its early days to the mid-1900s. The interactive displays and a dedicated children's play area are frequently highlighted as positives, making it a great stop for families. The value of combo tickets, including access to other historical sites, is also a significant draw. Reddit

"Great slice of Kentucky history; from the beginning of the state through mid 1900’s. Very nice interactive displays and an educational play area for the younger kids. We thoroughly enjoyed our stop in the research library as well."

Kimberly Riggle

"Really neat museum. Price includes the old state capital and the military museum which makes it well worth it. There's a little play area for kids as well."

Ash mash

"Kentucky Historical Society tickets prices are great. We went to the KY old state capital building, KY historical society museum and KY military museum.
Nice museum with friendly staff. We got to learn a lot about KY history."

Nikki Black

What People Like

Great slice of history
Interactive displays
Kid-friendly play area

What People Dislike

Limited dining on-site

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History is located in Frankfort, KY. Visitors can typically drive and find parking nearby. Some suggest parking to walk to the Kentucky River, indicating accessibility to scenic areas. Reddit

While specific parking details aren't always highlighted, general advice for visiting Frankfort suggests finding parking to access attractions and walk along the river, implying parking is available in the vicinity. Reddit

Frankfort is a walkable city, and the Center is often visited in conjunction with the Old State Capitol and Military Museum, suggesting it's feasible to walk between these sites. Reddit

Many visitors combine the Thomas D. Clark Center with the Old State Capitol and Military Museum. Exploring on foot allows you to appreciate the town's charm and river views. Reddit

Information on public transport to the Center is limited, but Frankfort is a relatively small city, and driving or ride-sharing services are common ways to get around. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices are considered great value, often including access to the KY Old State Capitol Building and KY Military Museum. It's recommended to check the official website for current pricing. Reddit

While advance booking isn't always explicitly mentioned, it's a good practice for popular attractions, especially during peak seasons, to ensure entry. TikTok

Admission typically covers the Thomas D. Clark Center, the Old State Capitol building, and the Military Museum, offering a comprehensive historical experience. Reddit

Information on specific discounts is not readily available, but it's always worth inquiring about potential group rates or special offers when purchasing tickets. TikTok

Operating hours can vary, so it's best to consult the official Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times. TikTok

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Center features exhibits covering Kentucky's history from its beginnings through the mid-1900s, including interactive displays and a recreated 1850s library and legislative rooms. Reddit

Yes, there's a very neat educational play area specifically designed for younger children, making it a family-friendly destination. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for any signage or ask staff about restrictions on photography, especially for flash use. TikTok

Most modern museums strive for accessibility. It's recommended to contact the Center directly to inquire about specific accessibility features like ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. TikTok

The Hall of Governors is an interactive gallery within the Kentucky Historical Society that displays official portraits of every governor, offering insights into Kentucky's leadership history. TikTok

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Center itself does not appear to have a full-service restaurant, but there is a Sage Garden Cafe mentioned in relation to a nearby nursery. TikTok

Frankfort offers various dining options. Visitors have mentioned looking for diners and enjoying meals like large cheeseburgers and fries. TikTokReddit

Generally, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside museum exhibits. It's best to consume them in designated areas or before entering. TikTok

Given the presence of a children's play area, it's likely that family-friendly restaurants are available in Frankfort. Many diners and casual eateries would be suitable. Reddit

Frankfort offers a range of cuisine. Casual dining, including burgers and diner-style meals, seems to be a popular choice among visitors. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

The Hall of Governors offers unique portrait opportunities. The recreated historical rooms also provide atmospheric backdrops for photos. TikTok

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff about restrictions on photography, especially for flash use, to avoid damaging artifacts. TikTok

Frankfort has several photogenic spots, including the Switzer Covered Bridge, which is known for its romantic past and potential for unique shots. TikTok

Museum lighting is typically designed for exhibit preservation and viewing, which can be somewhat dim. Natural light might be available in certain areas, but flash photography is often restricted. TikTok

Consider the Hall of Governors for presidential-themed photos or the recreated historical rooms for a vintage feel. The surrounding historical architecture of Frankfort also offers great photo ops. TikTok

You may also like

1 of 2
Thomas D. Clark Center for Kentucky History (2026) – Best of TikTok, Instagram & Reddit Travel Guide