Tucked away in the Bluegrass region of Kentucky lies a small city with a big history. Founded in 1789, Richmond is a place of legends, home to pioneering individuals like Daniel Boone and Kit Carson. Today, visitors to Richmond will find plenty of activities that pay homage to the city’s past while still offering a wide range of modern attractions. Whether you’re looking for outdoor fun, historic features, or good times with friends and family, here are ten things to do in Richmond KY.
20 Best Things to Do in Richmond (KY)
| Place | Location | Opening & Closing Time | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fort Boonesborough State Park | 4375 Boonesboro Rd, Richmond, KY 40475 | 8am – 4:30pm | $8 per adult, $5 per child |
| White Hall State Historic Site | 500 White Hall Shrine Rd, Richmond, KY 40475 | 9am – 5pm | $10 per adult, $8 per senior, $4 per child |
| Battle of Richmond Visitors Center | 101 Battlefield Memorial Hwy, Richmond, KY 40475 | 9am – 4pm | Free admission |
| Chenault Vineyards | 2284 Barnes Mill Rd, Richmond, KY 40475 | 12pm – 6pm | Free admission |
| Baldwin Farms | 1113 Tates Creek Rd, Richmond, KY 40475 | Open 24 hours | Free admission |
| Richmond Area Arts Center | 399 W Water St, Richmond, KY 40475 | 10am – 5pm | Free admission |
| Redhouse Art Gallery & Custom Framing | 315 W Main St, Richmond, KY 40475 | 10am – 5pm | Free admission |
| Old Fort Golf Course | 10279 Old Richmond Rd, Richmond, KY 40475 | 7am – 7pm | Varies depending on season |
| The Terrapin Grill & Oyster Bar | 310 S 3rd St, Richmond, KY 40475 | 11am – 9pm | Varies |
| River View Farm | 255 S Keeneland Dr, Richmond, KY 40475 | By appointment only | Varies |
| Madison County Farmers Market | 400 Richmond Mall, Richmond, KY 40475 | 9am – 1pm (Sat) | Free admission |
| Berea College | 101 Chestnut St, Berea, KY 40404 | Varies depending on location | Free admission |
| Waco Mammoth Site | 3115 Lexington Rd, Waco, KY 40385 | 9am – 4pm | $8 per adult, $6 per senior, $4 per child |
| Blue Grass Railroad Museum | 175 Beasley Rd, Versailles, KY 40383 | 10am – 4pm (Sat), 12pm – 4pm (Sun) | $8 per adult, $7 per senior, $5 per child |
| Berea College Art Gallery | 101 Chestnut St, Berea, KY 40404 | 10am – 5pm (Mon-Sat) | Free admission |
| Berea Arboretum & Nature Preserve | 204 N Broadway St, Berea, KY 40403 | Sunrise – Sunset | Free admission |
| Raccoon Creek Recreation Area | 5486 Kirksville Rd, Richmond, KY 40475 | 6am – 10pm | Free admission |
| Raven Run Nature Sanctuary | 3885 Raven Run Way, Lexington, KY 40515 | 9am – 5pm | Free admission |
| Mountain Mushroom Fest | 1 Courthouse Square, Irvine, KY 40336 | Varies depending on event | Free admission |
| Red River Gorge Geological Area | 3451 Sky Bridge Rd, Stanton, KY 40380 | Open 24 hours | Free admission |
Fort Boonesborough State Park
Situated at the original location of Daniel Boone’s Fort Boonesborough, this state park offers boat rides, camping, fishing, swimming, and more. Guests can explore the fort site and take in views of the Palisades from the river, purchase handmade items from the park’s gift shop, or camp onsite to learn what it was like to be a pioneer.
White Hall State Historic Site
With features such as an intricate Italianate-style mansion and a sprawling lawn, White Hall State Historic Site is a beautiful glimpse at Richmond’s past. The 10,000 square foot home was once the residence of Cassius Clay, friend of Abraham Lincoln and Ambassador to Russia. Guests can explore the house and grounds or book a guided tour to learn more about its history.
Battle of Richmond Visitors Center
Located along Battlefield Memorial Highway, this visitors center houses exhibitions on the Battle of Richmond, which happened during the American Civil War in 1862. Learn about the battle at a museum exhibit, or stroll through the grounds where the battle took place.
Chenault Vineyards
Head to Chenault Vineyards for some locally-made wine and a relaxing atmosphere. Set against the rolling hills of central Kentucky, the family-owned vineyard offers tours, tastings, and a patio area for taking in the views.
Baldwin Farms
No trip to Richmond is complete without a trip to Baldwin Farms. From their annual Pumpkin Festival in the fall to their acres of Christmas trees in December, there’s always plenty to do. Activities include pony rides, hay maze, dirt hill climbing, and more.
Richmond Area Arts Center
Run by the Richmond Area Arts Council, the Arts Center provides visual and performing arts programs for both adults and children. You’ll find everything from archery to zumba classes, plus art exhibits, concerts, and theater performances.
Redhouse Art Gallery and Custom Framing
Browse the selection of artwork at Redhouse. Featuring a wide variety of artists from the local region, the gallery houses paintings, prints, sculptures, and photographs, plus custom framing and repair services.
Old Fort Golf Course
Experience the beauty of Richmond’s countryside with a game of golf at Old Fort Golf Course. The course is open to the public year-round and features a driving range, bar and grill, and a fully stocked pro shop.
The Terrapin Grill & Oyster Bar
For a delicious taste of Richmond, The Terrapin Grill is a must-try. This restaurant offers traditional Southern favorites like fried chicken, sandwiches, burgers, and salads all made with locally sourced, farm-fresh ingredients. The extensive menu is accompanied by daily specials and a variety of craft beers.
River View Farm
Get up close and personal with animals at River View Farm. Located on 765 acres of beautiful land, the farm is home to more than 14 different species of animals, from horses and donkeys to peacocks, guinea hens, and llamas. Feed the animals, take a wagon ride, and explore the farm.
Richmond, Kentucky has it all: outdoor fun, history, and a delicious menu of restaurants. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer stay, take some time to explore the city and discover why it has become such a popular destination in the Bluegrass region.
Madison County Farmers Market
If you’re looking for fresh produce and unique items, head to the Madison County Farmers Market. Held every Saturday from April through October, the market features locally grown vegetables and fruits, homemade jams and jellies, and products from local artisans and makers.
Berea College
Founded in 1855, Berea College is the first interracial college in the South and the only one that still requires all students to work. Spend a day on campus exploring the chapel and attending a few lectures.
Waco Mammoth Site
Just a short drive away in Waco, Texas lies an incredible discovery: 241 bones from 15 Columbian mammoths that were discovered in the 1980s. Visit the site to learn more about the area’s history and the ancient animals that roamed here.
Blue Grass Railroad Museum
Take a step back in time at the Blue Grass Railroad Museum. This museum houses a variety of railroad artifacts dating back to the 1800s as well as several restored engines and cars. Don’t miss the G-16 steam locomotive or the historical artifacts.
Berea College Art Gallery
The Berea College Art Gallery features works from both local and national artists, ranging from paintings to sculptures. Take a guided tour or attend one of the special events featuring lectures, classes, and workshops.
Berea Arboretum & Nature Preserve
Escape into nature at the Berea Arboretum & Nature Preserve. This 120-acre site is home to five self-guided trails, each offering a different experience such as streamside walking, wildflower identification, and birdwatching.
Raccoon Creek Recreation Area
Hit the trails with friends and family at Raccoon Creek Recreation Area. With over 10 miles of trails, this park offers something for everyone: fishing, camping, hiking, biking, horseback riding, and more.
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
Raven Run Nature Sanctuary features nearly 900 acres of woodlands, streams, and meadows, plus 13 miles of trails for exploring. Stop by the visitor center to learn more about the sanctuary and its many species of plants and animals before venturing out on your own.
Mountain Mushroom Fest
Every May, Richmond hosts the Mountain Mushroom Fest, an annual celebration of mushrooms and local food. Along with several mushroom species, visitors will find vendors offering handmade crafts, live music, and other entertainment.
Red River Gorge Geological Area
Located just outside of Richmond, the Red River Gorge Geological Area is home to some of Kentucky’s most dramatic natural features, including towering sandstone cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and lush vegetation. Hike the trails or enjoy activities like rock climbing and rappelling.