In This Article
Looking for a peaceful Bluegrass getaway with historic charm and artistic flair? Head to Danville, Kentucky! Known as the “City of Firsts,” Danville is home to early Kentucky history, vibrant arts, and scenic countryside. Whether you’re touring museums, attending live theatre, or enjoying bourbon country, Danville blends small-town warmth with cultural depth.
Danville, KY Highlights:
- For Couples: Stroll through Constitution Square Historic Site – Enjoy peaceful gardens and learn where Kentucky became a state.
- For Families: Have fun at the Great American Dollhouse Museum – Miniature worlds, history, and whimsy delight visitors of all ages.
- For Adventurous Travelers: Hike or paddle at Herrington Lake – Fish, boat, or explore trails just a short drive from downtown.
- For History Buffs: Tour the Ephraim McDowell House – Visit the home of the “father of abdominal surgery” and discover 19th-century medicine.
- For Arts Lovers: Catch a show at Norton Center for the Arts – World-class performances and exhibits hosted by Centre College.
Best Time to Visit Danville, KY
The best time to visit Danville is in the spring (April–May) and fall (September–October), when the weather is ideal for walking tours, lake adventures, and festival-going. Fall colors and spring blooms add scenic beauty to outdoor attractions.
How to Get to Danville, KY
- If you are traveling by car: Danville is located along US-127 and KY-34, about 40 miles south of Lexington and 1.5 hours from Louisville.
- By Plane: The closest airport is Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington, roughly a 45-minute drive from Danville.
- By Bus: Some regional bus and shuttle services connect Danville to other central Kentucky towns.
Where to Stay in Danville, KY
- Danville’s Hampton Inn – Comfortable, modern hotel with a pool and free breakfast near Centre College.
- The Farm Inn – Stay on a working farm just outside town with rustic charm and tranquil scenery.
- Chateau Bourbon B&B – Elegant bed & breakfast near the Bourbon Trail for a romantic and relaxing retreat.
Best Things to Do in Danville, KY
1. Step Into Miniature Worlds at The Great American Dollhouse Museum
© The Great American Dollhouse Museum
The Great American Dollhouse Museum is home to a collection of more than two hundred miniature buildings and houses, populated with people at play and work and furnished in great detail. Housed within a historic national guard armory featuring steel bowstring trusses and 20-feet high ceilings, this unique museum is the only one specializing in United States social history in miniature form in the country. From mansions to the industrious Shaker Village to the factory district, guests can meander through a variety of avenues as if they were in a real town, looking into the open businesses and houses.
344 Swope Dr, Danville, KY 40422, Phone: 859-236-1883
2. If You Love Outdoor Theater, Catch a Show at Pioneer Playhouse
© backup16/stock.adobe.com
The Pioneer Playhouse is the oldest dinner theatre in the state of Kentucky, presenting a variety of Off-Broadway musicals and plays. The grounds of the playhouse include a nineteenth-century village featuring early 1900’s antiques from the town of Danville and store fronts. A state historic landmark, the Pioneer Playhouse has been a part of the Danville community for more than sixty-five year, providing memorable stories beneath the stars. The theater itself was hand built using recycled materials that date back over the last two hundred years. The Box Office was featured in the “Raintree County” movie as a train station.
840 Stanford Rd, Danville, KY 40422, Phone: 859-236-2747
3. Sip, Savor, and Explore at Wilderness Trail Distillery
© Wilderness Trail Distillery
The family owned and operated Wilderness Trail Distillery is set on more than 160 acres of land in Danville, Kentucky. Starting operations in 2012, Pat Heist and Shane Baker use their over 28 years of experience of fermentation expertise and a love of whiskey to craft some of the finest bourbon whiskey in the state. The distillery prides itself on non-chill-filtered whiskeys, low-barrel proof entry, the sweet mash process, and using locally sourced grains. Tours of the Wilderness Trail Distillery are offered Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00am until 5:00pm, with a break from noon to 1:00pm.
4095 Lebanon Rd, Danville, KY 40422, Phone: 859-402-8707
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
4. Walk Through History at Constitution Square Historic Site
© Constitution Square Historic Site
The Constitution Square Historic Site is both an open-air museum and park. Known as “the birthplace of Kentucky,” the site where Kentucky officially became the fifteenth state in the Union on June 15 of 1792. Visitors can tour the park and take a look at the cabins where the state’s history was made and the Constitution of Kentucky was drafted. Celebrating the early political history of Kentucky, the Constitution Square Historic Site consists of three replica buildings that had stood on Danville’s original town square, which include the courthouse where ten constitutional conventions were held between the years of 1785 and 1792.
105 E Walnut St, Danville, KY 40422, Phone: 859-236-7794
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
5. Unleash Your Creativity at the Art Center of the Bluegrass
© Community Arts Center
The Art Center of the Bluegrass in the middle of historic Danville is a vibrant organization for the visual arts. Featuring works by national, regional, and local artists in rotating exhibits, the art center also offers a wide array of art classes designed to inspire both adults and children alike to explore creativity in a judgement-free and supportive atmosphere. Three exhibit galeries change every couple months, highlighting a new selection of artwork. The Art Center of the Bluegrass is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:00am until 7:00pm and Saturdays from 10:00am until 5:00pm.
401 W Main St, Danville, KY 40422, Phone: 859-236-4054
6. Travel Back in Time at the McDowell House Museum
© McDowell House Museum
The McDowell House Museum offers visitors a chance to tour the historic McDowell House of Danville, an eighteenth-century and early nineteenth-century home, gardens, and apothecary. Guided tours are offered Monday to Saturday from 10:00am to noon and 1:00pm to 4:00pm, as well as Sundays from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. During the tour, which lasts between forty-five and sixty minutes, guests will hear about pioneer surgeon Dr. Ephraim McDowell’s story and view the meticulously restored house, the gardens, and his medical office. The McDowell House Museum is open from the beginning of March through the end of October.
125 S 2nd St, Danville, KY 40422, Phone: 859-236-2804
7. Savor Sophisticated Sips at Elmwood Inn Fine Teas
© Elmwood Inn Fine Teas
Situated in the historic downtown district of Danville, Elmwood Inn Fine Teas is a retail shop and tasting bar offering more than 140 different types of tea. Guests can browse the many specialty tea products available in this unique tea shop and immerse themselves within the intoxicating scents and tastes in one of the finest tea gardens around. The owners of Elmwood Inn Fine Teas, Bruce and Shelley Richardson, have written more than a dozen books and appear at cultural events, universities, and festivals all over the world. The tea shop is open from 9:00am until 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
135 N 2nd St, Danville, KY 40422, Phone: 859-236-6641
8. If You’re Craving World-Class Performances, Visit the Norton Center for the Arts
© Norton Center for the Arts
Norton Center for the Arts is a performing arts venue that hosts a variety of award-winning musicians, singers, dancers, and comedians from all over the world during its world-class performing arts series. Designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s William WEsley Peters, the center first opened its doors as the Centre College Regional Arts Center in 1973 with its Opening Night Gala featuring Otello. The 85,000-square-foot venue complex features beautiful exhibition and performance spaces, along with academic facilities for drama, music, and art. The two theaters have consistently received praise from both audiences and performers alike.
300 W Walnut St, Danville, KY 40422, Phone: 859-236-4692
Where to Eat in Danville, KY
- Bluegrass Pizza & Pub – A local favorite for wood-fired pizzas and craft beers in a casual downtown setting.
- The Hub Coffee House & Café – Cozy stop for coffee, sandwiches, and small bites with a local vibe.
- Copper and Oak – Upscale dining with Southern fusion cuisine and bourbon-forward cocktails.
If you are interested in local events:
- Great American Brass Band Festival (June) – A unique, free music festival celebrating brass bands from across the country.
- Downtown Harvest Fest (October) – Fall-themed fun with hayrides, crafts, and live music in historic downtown.
- Danville Christmas Parade (December) – Festive floats, lights, and community celebration to kick off the holiday season.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Danville, Kentucky:
- Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site (15 min) – Walk Civil War trails and tour the museum at Kentucky’s largest battlefield.
- Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (25 min) – Explore preserved Shaker buildings, hike trails, and dine at a farm-to-table restaurant.
- Harrodsburg (25 min) – Visit Kentucky’s oldest town, Old Fort Harrod State Park, and local shops.
- Bardstown (30 min) – Sip bourbon, ride the dinner train, and discover “The Most Beautiful Small Town in America.”
- Herrington Lake (20–30 min) – Boating, fishing, and lakefront dining in a peaceful natural setting.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Danville, Kentucky located?
- Danville is a small city in the heart of Kentucky’s Bluegrass Region.
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What is Danville known for?
- The city is famous for its small-town charm and Southern hospitality.
- Danville is known as a "place where Preservation Meets Progress", valuing both history and modern development.
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Why is Danville called "The City of Firsts"?
- Danville has a history of pioneering achievements, earning its nickname as “The City of Firsts”.
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What cultural attractions does Danville offer?
- Danville is one of the few designated Cultural Districts in Kentucky, offering a rich history and a vibrant arts scene.
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What are some must-visit places in Danville?
- Visitors can explore museums, distilleries, and the state’s oldest outdoor dinner theatre.
At a Glance:
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. |
The Farm, LLC – A charming countryside stay with beautiful views. |
Visit Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill – Explore historic buildings and scenic trails. |
Summer (June-August) – Warm and perfect for outdoor activities. |
Hampton Inn Danville – A comfortable stay with modern amenities. |
Explore Constitution Square Historic Site – Learn about Kentucky’s statehood origins. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air and stunning fall foliage. |
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Danville – A convenient and cozy option. |
Attend the Kentucky Bourbon Festival – Experience bourbon tastings and local culture. |
Plan Your Trip