In search of the best and fun things to do in Danville, KY? Danville, known as the “Birthplace of the Bluegrass,” is 35 miles Southwest of Lexington and spans roughly 15.09 square miles.
Today, this city, which is the county seat of Boyle County, is a bustling community on the southern edge of Kentucky’s notable Bluegrass Region.
The city has ample water supply, efficient roads and infrastructure, and an educated workforce. It also has countless attractions that tell the story of its humble beginnings.
Danville is home to Centre College, one of the most reputable small liberal arts colleges in America, founded in 1819.
These attractions include state parks, stately homes, country stores, cemeteries, battle reenactments, hand-carved woodwork & modern art glass, and bourbon distilleries.
Are you planning a trip to Danville? Let’s explore the best things to do in Danville, KY.
Things to Do in Danville, KY
1. Visit the Norton Center for the Arts
Norton Center for the Arts
Visiting the Norton Center for the Arts is one of the top things to do in Danville, KY, especially for art enthusiasts. It has a yearly visitation reaching more than 55,000.
Norton Center for the Art houses a world-class performing art series of experienced touring artists. Within the 85,000-square-foot complex are beautiful performance and exhibition spaces and outstanding academic facilities for drama, art, and music.
The Center’s two theatres have attracted constant praise from performers and audiences.
Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton, ZZ Top, Yo-Yo Ma, The Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, and touring Broadway dance and musical companies worldwide have all performed at the Norton Center.
This performing art center at Center College, used for the first time in 1973, is situated on the eastern side of the school and near downtown Danville.
The vice presidential debates in the presidential election of 2012 and 2030 were also held here.
Address: 600 W Walnut Street, Danville, KY 40422, United States
2. See how bourbon is produced at Wilderness Trail Distillery
Some of the few things differentiating Wilderness Trail Distillery from other distilleries are its locally sourced grains, unique sweet mash method, absence of chill filtration, and low entry proof for barrels.
The owners of this family-operated bourbon distillery, which opened in 2012, are two fermentation specialists with comprehensive backgrounds in ethanol manufacturing.
The tours they offer from Tuesday to Sunday allow visitors to explore the interior operations of the distillery. Visitors will learn about the science behind the production of whiskey.
They can also learn about the processes that make Wilderness Trail’s bourbon different from others. A visit to this distillery should be on your itinerary of top things to do in Danville, KY.
Address: 4095 Lebanon Road, Danville, KY 40422, United States
3. Buy tea at Elmwood Inn Fine Teas
Have a taste of varieties of tea at Elmwood Inn Fine Teas. For over 25 years, Elmwood Inn Fine Tea has sourced and packaged specialty teas for shops, coffee companies, restaurants, and gift stores across North America.
Their tasting bar and retail shop located in historic downtown offers over 150 blended and single-estate teas.
Check out specialty tea products and immerse yourself in the stimulating tastes and scents from the best tea gardens in the world.
Since Elmwood Inn Fine Teas is family-owned, you will find their customer service friendly and personal.
Address: 135 N 2nd St, Danville, KY 40422, United States
4. Walk the grounds of the Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
On October 8, 1862, cannon explosions destroyed the rural peace of this scenic countryside and the death cries of young soldiers.
Perryville became the site of the state’s most violent Civil War battle, leaving over 6,000 killed, injured, or missing.
An interpretive museum is close to where numerous Confederate soldiers killed in the Battle of Perryville were laid to rest.
The park museum narrates the battle of the South’s final attempt to gain possession of Kentucky.
The battlefield is among the country’s most untouched Civil War sites; the vistas visible today are those that the soldiers witnessed on that disastrous day in 1862.
The unaltered nature of much of the battlefield, a museum, and a vast expanse of well-maintained trails make this one of the finest Civil War battlefields to visit.
Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site is in Perryville, KY, 14 minutes from Danville, KY.
Address: 1825 Battlefield Road, Perryville, KY 40468, United States
5. Purchase local products at Boyle County Farmer’s Market
From April to October, the Boyle County Farmer’s Market is held every morning on Saturdays in the historic Constitution Square.
Here, you can purchase locally and seasonally produced food and ingredients while supporting small businesses and learning the origin of the cuisines.
Baked products, fresh produce, plants, grass-fed meat, flowers, jam & jellies, honey, sauces, organic balm and soaps, handcrafted items, freshly roasted coffee, and various cooked foods are all available on a regular Saturday.
Boyle County Farmer’s Market also features live music. Exploring this Market is one of the best things to do in Danville, KY.
Address: 105 East Walnut Street, Danville, KY 40422, United States
6. Visit Millennium Park
Within Millennium Park is a 2.5-mile outer loop trail system suitable for strolls. The trail provides runners, bikers, and walkers vast usage of all the passive and active areas of the park.
Located around the trail system are swings and benches, providing serene breaks for walkers.
The Millennium Lake is the signature facility of Millennium Park. It houses numerous ducks that provide entertainment and fun for all visitors. Fishing off the bank of the Lake is an extra attraction to this park.
The Lake fountain provides a picturesque backdrop to a peaceful setting for the inexperienced or experienced angler.
Millennium Park’s central picnic/play area is close to the Community Trust Bank Shelter and contains different play equipment.
Additional amenities include countless baseball diamonds, a playground for children, a dog park, basketball courts, a skate park, a picnic shelter, and a soccer complex. Millennium Park is no doubt one of the best places to visit in Danville, KY.
Address: Cunningham Drive, Danville, KY 40422, United States
7. Tour the Hemp Highway
Danville is close to the region of the first-known hemp cultivation in Kentucky, dating back to 1775. The Hemp Highway of Kentucky begins with the 14 historical site markers in 12 Kentucky counties discussing hemp in Kentucky.
Thirteen of these markers are situated in 11 counties extending through the Bluegrass’s heart. The historical markers present pivotal events and characters in the rich hemp history of Kentucky.
Furthermore, the Hemp Highway of Kentucky identifies important places of interest in every county. These sites are all linked to the past or the future of the hemp industry in the Commonwealth.
Historical attractions include renovated mansions originally constructed with hemp-generated wealth.
You may also find contemporary businesses located in warehouses and other structures constructed by pioneers in the hemp industry.
Address: Danville, KY, United States
8. Marvel at the Art Center of the Bluegrass
Art Center of the Bluegrass
The magnificent old post office structure, completed in 1909, is adjacent to the Boyle County Courthouse. It is one of the best places to visit in Danville, KY.
Since 2005, this Art Center has been a flourishing center for community art participation, helping to expand Danville’s outstanding depth of artistic ability.
The center hosts typical juried shows for landscapes, still lifes, and more. You can attend the Plein Artists of Central Kentucky’s yearly display in August.
Modern exhibitions have covered Appalachian culture & art in Kentucky, contemporary abstract & quiltmaking, and individual collections by artists such as Sarah Wiltsee, David Ray Farmer, and Wayne Daugherty.
Each year, the Art Center arranges a changing schedule of exhibitions that displays the works of regional, local, and international artists.
Furthermore, the center offers various classes for students of all ages, open studios, workshops, and luncheon lectures as an aspect of its art education.
Address: 401 W Main Street, Danville, KY 40422, United States
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9. Partake in the Great American Brass & Festival
Great American Brass & Festival
The four-day Great American Brass Brand Festival happens in early June in downtown Danville, attracting tens of thousands of people.
The two significant events are on Friday, where a Bayou & Brass party takes place, and on Saturday, which starts with a parade & nonstop activities lasting till midnight.
The occasion has been going on for over 25 years. It features a hot air balloon race, a 5k run, a parade downtown Main Street, picnics, brass band performances, and many other activities.
The Great American Brass & Festival draws performers from all over the country and abroad. Attending this festival should be on your list of what to do in Danville, KY.
Address: 209 W Main Street, Danville, KY 40422, United States
10. Make your way to the Jacobs Hall, Kentucky School for The Deaf
Jacobs Hall, Kentucky School for The Deaf
The Kentucky School for the Deaf, established in 1823, educates hard-of-hearing and deaf children from elementary to high school. It was the first school for the deaf west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Jacob Hall, its oldest surviving building constructed in 1857, is a National Historic Landmark.
The Kentucky School for The Deaf is open daily. It reflects the institution’s past by imitating a dorm and a classroom from the mid-1800s.
It is also used for various events and activities and is home to a museum
Address: 303 S 2nd Street, Danville, KY 40422, United States
11. Stroll the streets of Downtown Danville
Downtown Danville
Among the fun things to do in Danville. KY, is to wander on Downtown Danville’s streets.
Several attractions on this list are located in or just a brief walk from downtown Danville, at the junction of Main Street and Third Street.
This neighborhood overflowing with independently owned shops is better explored on foot to appreciate its beautifully painted storefronts and many imposing landmarks.
In Downtown Danville, many intriguing local stores provide toys, bike parts, tea, jewelry, gifts, antiques, and more.
The area also features a lively food & drink scene with Southern delicacies, pizzerias, bakeries, a coffee shop, a delicatessen, and modern dining.
Address: Danville, KY, United States
12. Walk the grounds of the Mcdowell House Museum
Mcdowell House Museum
Among your itinerary of what to do in Danville, KY, should be to see where the first successfully recorded ovarian cyst removal surgery occurred.
McDowell Ephraim, a pioneering surgeon, resided in a preserved Federal-style residence that overlooks Constitution Square.
The home was built slowly, commencing in 1795. After McDowell purchased it in 1802, he added the present clapboard exterior and the small office behind the rear porch.
The first successfully documented removal of an ovarian cyst happened here in 1809 under the direction of Ephraim, making history at this location.
Even though the patient, Mrs. Jane Crawford, underwent this medical procedure without antisepsis or anesthesia, she went on to live for an extra 32 years.
You can learn more about McDowell’s works through a tour and take in the carefully recreated house & pharmacy, equipped with medical artifacts and period pieces.
Address: 125 S 2nd Street, Danville, KY 40422, United States
13. Spend a night at the Beaumont Inn
Beaumont Inn
The Beaumont Inn, a bed and breakfast, has accommodated visitors since 1845.
The inn is located in the center of downtown Harrodsburg. It is within strolling distance of numerous attractions in the city.
It was once known as Daughters College for over 40 years before Colonel Thomas bought it in 1849. Until 1916, the institution was previously known as Beaumont College.
Mr. Glave Goddard and his wife bought it in 1917, and two years later, they converted it into the Beaumont Inn.
After 100 years, Goddard’s grandkids continue to refine the art of southern hospitality.
The family’s fourth and fifth generation of the family now welcomes visitors to the Beaumont Inn to witness its legacy and hospitality.
Have a great time in this park-like environment of centuries-old forest trees, peacefully hidden from the cares of the everyday work world.
Beaumont Inn is located in Harrodsburg, 16 minutes from Danville, KY.
Address: 638 Beaumont Inn Dr, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, United States
14. Catch a show at Pioneer Playhouse
Pioneer Playhouse
One of the fun things to do in Danville, KY, is to see a show at Pioneer Playhouse.
Pioneer Playhouse is Kentucky’s oldest outdoor theater. It has accommodated alums like John Travolta, Lee Majors, and Jim Varney.
Its box office was built by MGM as a set for the Danville-shot Raintree County movie starring Montgomery Clift & Elizabeth Taylor.
Eben Charles Henson, a Danville native who moved to Manhattan after the Second World War to pursue a career in theater, established the Pioneer Playhouse in 1950.
When Eben’s father became sick, it was paused, so Eben used his resourcefulness and creativity to build the theater nearer to his house.
This Pioneer Playhouse, built with wood from the Kentucky School for the Deaf, historic Center College Structures, and two century-old timbers from a nearby livery stable, is an outstanding place.
Generally, five plays are presented beneath the stars every season and moved inside on rainy nights.
Address: 840 Stanford Road, Danville, KY 40422, U.S
15. Explore Devine’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
Owned by Glenn and Martina Devine, the Devine’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch is a famous attraction in Harrodsburg. It is located on the James McAfee Farm.
Devine’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch has operated since 2007 to entertain the entire family.
The maze features over ten acres of corn and is accessible to the public from late September to early November.
It contains attractions like wagon rides, ziplines, a corn cannon, and a petting zoo.
The Farm offers an interactive dairy cow named Mable the Marvelous Milking Moo, who educates kids about where milk comes from.
One of its primary attractions is the three corn mazes slashed into the shape of a Kentucky map, the Devine’s logo, and a horse.
Furthermore, Devine provides night-time flashlight tours of the corn maze for those searching for adventure.
Address: 623 Talmage Mayo Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, United States
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16. Admire the dollhouse at The Great American Dollhouse Museum
The Great American Dollhouse Museum
The Great American Dollhouse Museum documents American social history via the lens of dollhouse replicas situated on the northern side of the Central College campus.
Over two hundred dollhouses are on display, each spotless and equipped with remarkable levels of detail.
The collection is so extensive that it provides a thorough chronology of American history, from pre-colonial Native Americans to the Old West, Colonial Period, early Southwest, and contemporary times.
Another impressive exhibit depicts a full-scale replica village from the start of the 1900s. It is neatly split into business, residential, and industrial districts and contains a Shaker town on the outskirts.
The third and last area is an enchanting forested fantasy world with witches & elves, trolls residing there, and a walk-in den of a dragon.
Address: 344 Swope Drive, Danville, KY 40422, United States
17. See notable Sites in the Historic Harrodsburg Downtown
Historic Harrodsburg Downtown
The area is also home to numerous historical landmarks, such as the Beaumont Inn, constructed in 1845. You can also discover the Harrodsburg First Presbyterian Church, established in 1793.
Several occasions, such as the Kentucky Bourbon Festival and the Harrodsburg Heritage Day, occur downtown.
The downtown area on Main Street is crammed with various gifts and specialty stores, restaurants, and activities.
The Historic Downtown Harrodsburg Downtown Area also accommodates the Ragged Edge Community Theatre.
Check out the parks, libraries, and game rooms if you feel like taking a break from shopping.
Address: Harrodsburg, Ky, United States
18. Roam around the Constitution Square Historic Site
Constitution Square Historic Site
Constitution Square Historic Site is a 3-acre park in the heart of Danville. Visitors can see where the first Kentucky Constitution was drafted and signed in this park.
The Supreme Court for the District of Kentucky, established in 1785, conducted its proceedings in this square, known at that time as Crow’s Station. It remained functional until 1972, when Kentucky became a state.
The location was abandoned until it was converted into a state park in 1973. The park has historical markers, monuments, and recreated historical buildings, including the cabin courthouse, jail, stocks, and meetinghouse.
The ancient post office is one of the first structures; it was constructed in 1792. The Governor’s Circle, honoring every Governor of Kentucky, particularly Isaac Shelby, the state’s first & fifth governor, is a unique modern feature of the west side.
Address: 105 East Walnut Street, Danville, KY 40422, U.S.
19. Go golfing at the Bright Leaf Golf Resort
The Bright Leaf Golf Resort has a lush mountain backdrop in the well-known Bluegrass Region.
It offers various golf, clinics, lessons, locker rooms, a restaurant, and a pro shop.
The Bright Leaf Golf Resort offers different golf courses like the Championship, Executive, and Putting course.
The resort offers many courses, such as the nine-hour normal course and 18-hole course, with a water hazard test.
The Bright Leaf Golf Resort also has various clinics like the Women’s, Men’s, and Junior Clinic. Furthermore, it contains Villa suites that face the golf course.
Visitors will find different amenities, such as a fitness center, a spa, and an outdoor pool.
Address: 1742 Danville Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, United States
20. Sample Custom Brews at the Lemons Mill Brewery
The Lemons Mill Brewery was established due to a shared love of beer and friendship. The brewery is located in the historic downtown area of Harrodsburg.
The Lemon Mill Brewery offers various handcrafted beers and a full menu of food items.
Among the handcrafted beer they offer is the Bollock Dark Amber Ale, which tastes like a blend of citrus and malt with a hint of dark chocolate.
Lucky guests may even tour the brewery with one of its owners.
The Lemon Mill Brewery features a rotating menu of guest taps and bottles aside from its 15 brews on tap.
Address: 166 Marimon Ave #12, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, United States
21. Go horseriding at the Big Red Stables
The Big Red Stables is situated in Baile Mam Farm, a gorgeous property featuring pristine streams, blooming meadows, and rolling hills.
The stable offers hayrides, wagon rides, and horseback riding for all ages and levels of experience. You can enjoy horseback riding packages or sign up for private lessons to learn how to ride.
The farm has operated for over 25 years and is one of the oldest working farms in the state.
They also offer hayrides, carriages, and pony rides for visitors who want to enjoy the Kentucky countryside casually.
Address: 1605 Jackson Pike, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, United States
22. Marvel at the beauty of nature at the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hills is a National Historic Landmark in Harrodsburg. The 17-year-old Micajah Burnett came to Pleasant Hills in 1809. No one was aware that he would significantly influence the village’s architecture.
Micajah created the layout and design of Shaker Village, a balanced mixture of geometry, nature, and utility. The village has the most expansive collection of historic buildings, including the Brethren’s Shop, the Dwelling House, and the Trustee’s Office.
There are gardens within the property and a functional farm with heritage-breed animals. The village was then deserted until a group of preservationists purchased the property in 1961.
The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hills is now a living history museum offering visitor tours, educational programs, and workshops.
Address: 3501 Lexington Rd, Harrodsburg, KY, United States
23. Frolic at the Anderson Dean Community Park
The Anderson Dean Community Park, famous during the summer for its beautiful aquatic facility, also offers amenities for the entire family.
The park provides a playground, softball diamonds, sand volleyball, and tennis courts. You will also discover a one-mile paved walking trail, an amphitheater, and more.
In 1993, the Mercer Country Fiscal Court founded the Anderson Dean Community Parks on 213 acres. The park contains an interactive aquatic facility with a spray pad, a zero-depth entry pool, and a water slide.
The Anderson Dean Community Park also features picnic shelters, a playground, a disc golf course, and a walking trail.
This park, located at Louisville Road in Harrodsburg, is open every day from dawn to dusk and is open to the public.
Address: 1501 Louisville Rd, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, United States
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Plan Your Trip to Danville
As the home of Centre College, the city of Danville is a lively place full of colorful annual events and history.
The city is a perfect destination for history lovers. Its attractions will suit a wide range of preferences. Waste no more time and start planning your visit to Danville, KY.