Overview
Richmond is a city in the Bluegrass Region of Kentucky, about 30 miles (50 km) south of Lexington. The county seat of Madison County, Richmond is best known as the home of Eastern Kentucky University.
3 sights · 4 things to do · 4 places to eat · 2 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Richmond
Battle of Richmond Visitors Center and Battlefield Park
The 2 day Battle of Richmond was the first major battle of the 1862 Kentucky Campaign. This invasion of Kentucky by Confederate armies resulted in the capture of Lexington and Frankfort. The campaign ultimately culminate…
Fort Boonesborough
A replica of the settlement established in 1775 by Daniel Boone where the Wilderness Road met the Kentucky River. The park operates as a living history museum showcasing life on the Kentucky frontier in the late 18th cen…
White Hall
A 44 room Italiante/Georgian mansion owned by emancipationist Cassius Clay.
Chenault Vineyards
A winery that offers tours, wagon rides, and features an on site restaurant.
Deer Run Stable
Features horse riding lessons, trail rides, and boarding for horses.
Downtown Walking Tour of Homes
A brochure for the self guided walking tour can be picked up at the Richmond Visitor Center. The tour showcases over 70 historical buildings, homes, and churches.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Apr–Oct. Summer highs reach about 86°F; winter lows dip to about 21°F. Wettest: May and Jul. (climate data from nearby Natural Bridge State Park)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- LEX Blue Grass Airport, Lexington — 26 mi away. Directions
- SDF Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Louisville — 84 mi away (major hub). Directions
Arrive via car on I-75, or fly in to Lexington, Louisville, or Cincinnati's airports.
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Battle of Richmond Visitors Center and Battlefield Park, Gibson Bay Golf Course
- Lunch Casa Fiesta
- Afternoon Downtown Walking Tour of Homes, Chenault Vineyards
- Dinner Babylon Cafe
- Evening Purdy's Coffee Company
Day 2
- Morning Fort Boonesborough, Deer Run Stable
- Lunch Madison Garden Bar and Grill
- Afternoon White Hall
- Dinner Casa Cafe
- Evening The Paddy Wagon
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
There are many restaurants in Richmond, including most of the national chains for fast food.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
Arrive via car on I-75, or fly in to Lexington, Louisville, or Cincinnati's airports.
Get around
There are several sites for car rental in Richmond, including an Enterprise, Kwik Kars and Hertz Rent-a-car.
By bus
By taxi
- Colonel's Cabs, phone: 859-624-8294.
See
See Battle of Richmond Visitors Center and Battlefield Park
The 2 day Battle of Richmond was the first major battle of the 1862 Kentucky Campaign. This invasion of Kentucky by Confederate armies resulted in the capture of Lexington and Frankfort. The campaign ultimately culminated in the larger Battle of Perryville located near Danville
See Fort Boonesborough
A replica of the settlement established in 1775 by Daniel Boone where the Wilderness Road met the Kentucky River. The park operates as a living history museum showcasing life on the Kentucky frontier in the late 18th century. Besides the fort, the park has a campground, pool, picnic area, and hiking trails.
Do
Do Downtown Walking Tour of Homes
A brochure for the self guided walking tour can be picked up at the Richmond Visitor Center. The tour showcases over 70 historical buildings, homes, and churches.
Go to a park: Million, Irvine McDoud, The Ravine.
Walk Main Street:Art Attack, Gallery on Main, City Hall
Buy
- Richmond Centre, 2139 Lantern Ridge Dr. Mall with cinema and food court. M-Sa 9:30AM-9:30PM, Su 10AM-8PM.
- The Peddler's Mall, 449 Eastern Bypass. Flea Market. Daily 10AM-6PM.
- Currier's Music, 292 S 2nd St. Musical instruments.
Eat
There are many restaurants in Richmond, including most of the national chains for fast food.
Eat Babylon Cafe
Gyros and Mediterranean cuisine.
Eat Casa Cafe
Mexican Cuisine.
Eat Madison Garden Bar and Grill
Drink
Most of the city of Richmond is wet, although some areas inside city limits have voted themselves dry. Package sales of alcohol and bars are available.
Coffee
Drink Purdy's Coffee Company
Located in downtown Richmond, serving coffee, sandwiches, and baked goods
Bars
Sleep
Bed and Breakfast
Lodging
Campgrounds
Stay Fort Boonesborough
A campground located at the state park and on the banks of the Kentucky River. Features 167 campsites with electric and water hookups, shower houses, laundry facilities and a grocery. The campground is open year round. Reservations may be made through the website up to one year in advance.
Go next
Berea - Home of Berea College and known for its many artisans.
Danville - Located to the west of Richmond. The drive along KY 52 passes through scenic countryside.
Lexington - The second largest city in Kentucky is located 30 miles to the north.
Outdoors
Big South Fork National Recreation Area
Nearby
Berea
City / town · 31 listings · 12 mi away
Nicholasville
City / town · 24 listings · 18 mi away
Lexington
City / town · 102 listings · 23 mi away
Danville
City / town · 29 listings · 28 mi away
Mount Sterling
City / town · 6 listings · 29 mi away
Harrodsburg
City / town · 18 listings · 30 mi away
Paris
City / town · 3 listings · 32 mi away
Versailles
City / town · 7 listings · 32 mi away
My experience
Write about your trip here. Notes save automatically in this browser as you type; back them up from My journal.