FORT HILL


The Leslie Morris Park atop Fort Hill features two Civil War forts, the Sullivan House Visitor Center, Gippy Graham Pavilion, a scenic downtown Frankfort overlook and several hiking trails. The park is open to vehicular traffic year round, daylight to dusk.
 
You can take a self-guided tour of the historic sites or natural trails, we have produced maps which highlight important features. Maps are available at trail heads or at the Sullivan House Visitor's Center. You may also download a map here.

Leslie Morris Park at 
Fort Hill 


Welcome to the capital city battlefield. In 1864, local militia soldiers repulsed an attack on Frankfort by the Confederate cavalry raiders from Fort Boone, one of the two earthwork forts located on the hill. Known locally as "Fort Hill," this historic site and wilderness area is perched on a high hill overlooking downtown Frankfort. During the 19th century, the hill was known as Blanton's Hill for the family that owned the hilltop. By the middle of the 20th century efforts began to develop the site as a historic park. Many development plans were proposed but rejected, and the park did not open until 1999. Now the Leslie W. Morris Park on Fort Hill, named for the property owner from whom the city of Frankfort acquired the land, offers a historic area around Fort Boone and the New Redoubt, as well as acres of wilderness and meadows right in the middle of Frankfort--Kentucky's capital city.

Whatever Your Interests...

Whatever your interests, the park has something for you. Other than the forts, the park offers dry-stone masonry fences, original Civil War roads, and the re-internment site for an early Frankfort cemetery. If you are a fan of nature, spend a day hiking through the 124 acres of forest. A herd of deer lives on Fort Hill and quiet visitors see them often. The nature trails include many bird houses and allow for easy bird-watching at the bird blind. Views of downtown Frankfort are truly spectacular from the hill by Fort Boone.

Accessibility: Due to the historic nature of the park, no cars are allowed through the forts nor the walking paths. The paths to Fort Boone and the New Redoubt are both paved. In addition, part of the nature trail paths are also paved.

Unfortunately, the Sullivan House is not accessible to those in wheelchairs. Surrounding the historic park are over 124 acres of forest. Crisscrossed by historic dry-laid stone fences, the forest is home to many species of wildlife. A herd of deer lives on Fort Hill and quiet visitors often see them. Views of downtown Frankfort are truly spectacular from the hill.

Visitors may walk to the park from downtown Frankfort. The trail begins behind the Urban Woods apartments. The trail is a 19th century road, which has been virtually unchanged in over a century. Connecting trails with interpretive markers lead through the park. Vehicular access is by way of the Clifton Ave. gate on the north side of the park. For more information about the park call the Capital City Museum at 502-696-0607.

Directions:

By foot: If you're interested in hiking to the top of the hill, the best path is up the historic Military Road. A public parking lot is behind the Urban Woods apartment complex off Wilkinson Boulevard. The trail is a 19th century road, which has been virtually unchanged in over a century. The trail is steep, with several switchbacks, and is recommended for the casual to moderate walker. The top of the trail feeds directly into the Civil War paths, at the New Redoubt.

By car: The main entrance into the park is off of Riley Road. An additional entrance is available off of Clifton Avenue. We recommend using 400 Clifton Avenue as the main address in your GPS. To enter the park from Buffalo Trace Visitor’s Parking Lot, continue straight down Riley Road until turning left at Pleasant Hill Drive.

Parking: Parking is available at the Sullivan House and at the Re-interment Site. This should easily guide you to the entrance of the park.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact the Capital City Museum front desk. The museum is open from 10 - 4, Monday - Saturday. The phone number is (502) 696 - 0607.

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The Capital City Museum

325 Ann Street
Frankfort, KY 40601
502-696-0607
City of Frankfort, Department of Parks, Recreation and Historic Sites

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Capital City Museum
citymuseum@frankfort.ky.gov

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