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Danville is where it all began for Kentucky. While still part of Virginia, soon after the Revolutionary War, many locals wanted Kentucky to become a state. After 10 constitutional conventions at the courthouse in Danville, on June 1, 1792, Kentucky became the Union’s 15th state.

Today you can visit Constitution Square in downtown Danville – where the state’s early leaders met to draft the state’s constitution – and visit historic cabins and other buildings dating back to the city’s early years.

Many important historical occurrences are directly tied to Danville and Boyle County, from the Civil War battle in Perryville that was a turning point of the war in Kentucky, to a groundbreaking surgery performed by Dr. Ephraim McDowell in 1809, to being the location of so many new things in America’s push west that it earned Danville recognition as “The City of Firsts.” Today you can visit the Perryville Battlefield and walk the grounds where thousands of casualties occurred in a matter of hours on Oct. 8, 1862, tour Dr. McDowell’s home to hear the story of his famous surgery, and explore many other historic locations in Danville and throughout Boyle County.

While history is significant to Danville’s identity, the town is known for much more, including the arts, bourbon experiences, events like the Great American Brass Band Festival, and a culinary scene with offerings that will satisfy the palates of those whose travels include the search for new dining experiences.

And food does pair well with a visit to Danville to experience the new GLASS National Art Museum, to see a world-class performance at the Norton Center or summer stock theatre at the Pioneer Playhouse, and as a complement to the distilled spirits produced here in town.

For those traveling Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, a tour and tasting at Wilderness Trail Distillery is a must. Beginning in the summer of 2024, you can be among the first to visit the new Luca Mariano Distillery, where corn used to distill their bourbon is grown right on the property. And for those seeking a unique distillery experience, arrange a tour, tasting, and dinner at Blue Rook Distillery, specializing in sugarcane spirits instead of bourbon.

Danville offers several “only here” experiences, like the Great American Brass Band Festival, a free music-themed celebration towards the first weekend of June each year. The Great American Dollhouse Museum also offers a unique experience, with more than 200 intricate and detailed miniature buildings and displays. Travel to southwest Boyle County, through Junction City and the picturesque Forkland community, and pay a visit to Penn’s Store, in operation since 1845 and operated by the same family since 1850.

While Danville and Boyle County offer plenty of experiences, its central location in Kentucky also makes it a fantastic base camp for visits to other nearby attractions like Shaker Village, numerous thoroughbred horse farms, the state’s many bourbon distillery experiences and some of the most beautiful backroads in the state.

If you are considering a visit to Danville – or perhaps hosting a meeting or convention here – contact us and we’ll be happy to assist you in planning a memorable experience.