Discover Simpson County

Simpson County brings together history, art, and a variety of interests: in Franklin, historic districts and architecture meet museums, murals, and changing art exhibitions. There are also tours of bourbon production, Kentucky Downs, and a golf course overlooking Drake’s Creek. These themes can provide a starting point for planning your vacation: first consider whether historic sites, art, local history, or sporting experiences should shape your stay.

Historic Traces Around Franklin

Franklin has three historic districts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The cityscape also includes an Italianate-style courthouse built in 1882 and the town square. Together, they provide an architectural framework for the town’s history: the square and courthouse stand alongside the three protected districts as landmarks in their own right.

Individual buildings also tell stories of different chapters in history. Octagon Hall was built in 1847 as the home of the Andrew Jackson Caldwell family. The Sandford Duncan Inn’s construction and later use should be distinguished: the building was constructed in 1819, and it began operating as an inn on a major road in 1822.

The Jailer’s Quarters served as a jail from 1830 to 1879; the historic rooms now house the Simpson County Archives and Museum. The Simpson County History Center is another museum, with artifacts that explore Franklin’s history. These offer different ways to engage with the past: the former use of the Jailer’s Quarters and collection items related to the town’s history.

Art and Remembrance

The Gallery on the Square displays works by more than 90 artists from Kentucky and Tennessee who are members of the Simpson County Guild of Artists and Craftsmen. Its exhibition changes every six weeks and includes all art forms. Art enthusiasts will find a broad range of styles alongside changing exhibitions.

The Simpson County Murals offer a different view of history: eight realistic murals depict scenes from 200 years of Simpson County history. They are located on a 200-foot retaining wall on US Highway 31W at Exit 2 off I-65, next to the office and visitor center of the Simpson County Tourism Commission. While the murals depict historic scenes from the county, the Gallery focuses on changing works in a variety of styles.

The African American Heritage Center is a cultural and educational institution. It shares African American history and heritage and helps preserve them for future generations. It adds a distinct focus on history, cultural education, and remembrance to the area’s historic themes.

Bourbon, Motorsports, and Views

Tours at Dueling Grounds Distillery explain how Small-Batch-Linkumpinch Bourbon is made. Bourbon enthusiasts can get a firsthand look at the production process. Kentucky Downs offers a different focus: it is the only racetrack in the country with a European-style layout.

Views of Drake’s Creek are another experience on offer: holes 12 and 13 at Kenny Perry’s Country Creek Golf Course look out over the creek. In 2025, the Summer Nights Concert Series offered free concerts on Friday evenings at Franklin’s town square. If you’d like to include concerts in your plans, check the dates for the relevant edition.

Choose the Right Focus for Your Vacation Rental

If you’re looking for a vacation rental in Simpson County, first decide which experiences will be the deciding factor for your stay. Franklin offers a focus on historic districts, architecture, and art; a tour of Dueling Grounds Distillery offers a different emphasis on bourbon.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Franklin, Carter County, Campbell, Thomas County, Christian County, Graves County, Estill County, Grant County.

For the broader travel overview: Kentucky.