To visit this modern university, make your way to Frankfort. You'll find lots of other interesting attractions in the area, like Kentucky State Capitol, Buffalo Trace Distillery, and Prodigy Vineyards & Winery.
Kentucky State University Tours
![Kentucky State University was chartered in May 1886 as the State Normal School for Colored Persons, only the second state-supported institution of higher learning in Kentucky.[1] During the euphoria of Frankfort's 1886 centennial celebration, the city donated $1,500 towards the purchase of land for a new college on a bluff overlooking Frankfort.
The new school formally opened on October 11, 1887, with three teachers, 55 students, and John H. Jackson as president.[1] Recitation Hall (now Jackson Hall), the college's first permanent building, was erected in that year.
KSU became a land-grant college in 1890, and the departments of home economics, agriculture and mechanics were added to the school's curriculum.[1] The school produced its first graduating class of five students in the spring of that year. A high school was organized in 1893. This expansion continued into the 20th century in both name and program. In 1902, the name was changed to Kentucky Normal and Industrial Institute for Colored Persons. The name was changed again in 1926 to Kentucky State Industrial College for Colored Persons.](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/7262/80b239a0-cf4a-4e00-8ea0-fb6e64265ab6.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Kentucky State University
Plan a trip to see Kentucky State University
Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
21c Museum Hotel Lexington
Downtown Lexington
Save 100% on your flight
Price was $792, price is now $592 per person
$592
per person
Apr 24 - Apr 26
found 1 day ago
Roundtrip flight included
Chicago (ORD) to Lexington (LEX)
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
Provided non down pillows. Got us in early. Very accommodating.
Reviewed on Feb 23, 2026
The Sire Hotel Lexington, Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Downtown Lexington
Price was $1,229, price is now $1,031 per person
$1,031
per person
May 8 - May 11
found 19 hours ago
Roundtrip non-stop flight included
Boston (BOS) to Lexington (LEX)
9.4/10 Exceptional! (838 reviews)
I have stayed there several times. Always enjoyable. Clean and friendly.
Reviewed on Feb 4, 2026
Reviews of Kentucky State University
4.2
Top Destination
5/5 - Excellent
John
City in itself The arboretum is wonderful
5/5 - Excellent
Verified traveler
Spent an afternoon at the UK Arboretum reading and soaking up beautiful surroundings. Amazing grounds and picturesque setting for reading and enjoying God’s creation!
Popular places to visit
Old State Capitol
You can study the exhibits at Old State Capitol, a museum with a storied past, during your trip to Frankfort. You can seek out the hiking trails in this family-friendly area.
Kentucky Governor's Mansion
Kentucky Governor's Mansion is just one of the places to see in Frankfort, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event in the area, or seek out the hiking trails.
Buffalo Trace Distillery
You can take time to visit Buffalo Trace Distillery during your travels to Frankfort. You can seek out the hiking trails while in the area.
Kentucky State Capitol
After visiting Kentucky State Capitol, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Frankfort. Attend a sporting event in the area, or seek out the hiking trails.
Cove Spring Park
You can take time to visit Cove Spring Park during your travels to Frankfort. Attend a sporting event in the area, or seek out the hiking trails.
Frankfort Cemetery
Learn about the local history of Frankfort when you take a trip to Frankfort Cemetery. You can seek out the hiking trails while in the area.
Best Lodging Options Near Kentucky State University
Check availability on hotels close to Kentucky State University
The Delegate
106 E. Broadway Street Frankfort KY
Capital Plaza Hotel
405 Wilkinson Blvd Frankfort KY
Bluegrass Inn
635 Versailles Road Frankfort KY
Home2 Suites by Hilton Frankfort
105 Allen Way Frankfort KY
Hampton Inn Frankfort
1310 U.S. 127 South Frankfort KY
Heated Pool, Hot Tub, Mini Golf, Theater-Sleeps 28
Frankfort KY
Sleeps18~7500SqFt~Creek~Bourbon Trial~Sauna~Hot Tub~Themed Spaces~Luxe Amenities
Frankfort KY
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Lexington W - Versailles by IHG
365 Commerce Drive Versailles KY
Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Georgetown, KY
131 Darby Dr Georgetown KY
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Explore a world of travel with Expedia
- Cabin Rentals in Kentucky
- Frankfort Hotels
- Hotels near Frankfort Cemetery
- Kentucky Hotels
- Casino Hotels in Kentucky
- Hotels near Leslie Morris Park
- Hotels near Daniel Boone Burial Site
- Golf Hotels in Kentucky
- Family Hotels in Kentucky
- Luxury Hotels in Kentucky
- Resorts & Hotels with Spas in Kentucky
- Adults Only Resorts & in Kentucky
- Hotels on the Lake in Kentucky
- Honeymoon Resorts & in Kentucky
- Cheap Hotels in Frankfort
- Hotels with an Indoor Pool in Kentucky
- B&B in Kentucky
- Motels in Kentucky
- Romantic Hotels in Kentucky
- Cabin Rentals in Frankfort
- Luxury Hotels in Frankfort
- Beach Hotels in Kentucky
- Hotels near Greenhill Cemetery
- B&B in Frankfort
- Hotels with smoking rooms in Kentucky
- Pet-Friendly Hotels in Frankfort
- Winery Hotels in Kentucky
- Ski Hotels in Kentucky
- Fishing Resorts & in Kentucky
- Waterpark Hotels in Kentucky
- Pet-Friendly Hotels in Kentucky
- Hotels with a Lazy River in Kentucky
- Hotels with Early Check-in in Kentucky
- Hotels on the River in Kentucky
- Hotels with an Indoor Pool in Frankfort
- Hotels with Kitchenettes in Kentucky
- Rv Parks in Kentucky
- Historic Hotels in Frankfort
- Historic Hotels in Kentucky
- Houseboats in Kentucky
- Quiet Resorts & in Kentucky
- Resorts in Kentucky
- Hotels with Connecting Rooms in Kentucky
- Hotels with Bars in Frankfort
- Farmstay in Kentucky
- Hotels with Waterslides in Kentucky
- 5 Star Hotels in Frankfort
- Resorts in Frankfort
- Cheap Hotels in Kentucky
- Hotels with Balconies in Kentucky
- Boutique Hotels in Frankfort
- Lodges in Kentucky
- Extended Stay Hotels in Kentucky
- Vacation Homes in Kentucky
- Condo Rentals in Kentucky
- Hotels with Fireplaces in Kentucky
- Hotels with an Outdoor Pool in Kentucky
- Hotels with Restaurants in Frankfort
- Rainforest & Jungle Hotels in Kentucky
- Hotels with Hot Tubs in Frankfort
- Hotels with Suites in Kentucky
- Villas in Kentucky
- Castles in Kentucky
- Waterpark Hotels in Frankfort
- Oceanfront Hotels in Kentucky
- Red Roof Inn Hotels in Frankfort
- Hotels with Hot Tubs in Kentucky
- Kentucky Vacations
- Daniel Boone Burial Site
- Greenhill Cemetery
- Frankfort Vacations
- Old Governor’s Mansion
- Rebecca Ruth Candy Tours & Museum
- Kentucky State Capitol
- Buffalo Trace Distillery
- Church of the Ascension
- Visit Frankfort
- Kentucky Governor's Mansion
- All inclusive Vacation Packages Kentucky
- Visit Kentucky
- Kid friendly Vacation Packages Kentucky
- Car rentals near Kentucky
- Car rentals near Frankfort
- Van Car Rentals in Kentucky
- Hertz Rental Cars in Kentucky
- Enterprise Rental Cars in Kentucky
- Alamo Rent A Car Rental Cars in Kentucky
- Budget Rental Cars in Frankfort
- Convertible Car Rentals in Kentucky
- Enterprise Rental Cars in Frankfort
- Hertz Rental Cars in Frankfort
- Budget Rental Cars in Kentucky