Rich heritage, vibrant arts, and endless vistas in Boyle County, Kentucky

Tucked into central Kentucky, Boyle County is home to meandering countryside, charming towns, and rich history.

The county seat of Danville is known as the Birthplace of Kentucky. In the 1770s, the area’s central location on the “Wilderness Road,” blazed by Daniel Boone, led pioneers through Danville, which became a gathering spot for early settlers and political activity. Constitution Square, a free, open-air museum in the center of town, is a must-stop for history lovers. It marks the site where the state’s first constitution was signed, and visitors can peek inside the first Post Office west of the Allegheny Mountains, a meetinghouse, a jail, and a schoolhouse. Grayson’s Tavern (circa 1795), where pioneers discussed plans and politics over warm meals, now serves as the Danville-Boyle County Convention and Visitors Bureau. History lovers can also tour the McDowell House & Apothecary Shop Museum, once the home of a trailblazing physician who performed the world's first successful abdominal surgery more than 200 years ago.

Today, Danville is home to Centre College and a vibrant downtown district. Grab a fun seasonal drink at Dry Stack Roastery + Coffee Bar or The Hub Coffee House Café and stroll to unique shops like Plaid Elephant Books, Cerci on Main, Wine Seller, and more. Take a tour of Wilderness Trail Distillery to learn about the history and science behind one of Kentucky’s biggest industries. Adults and children alike will love The Great American Dollhouse Museum, which showcases over 200 dollhouses and miniature buildings, recreated in remarkable detail. When it’s time to grab a bite to eat, no matter what you’re craving for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there’s sure to be a local joint to hit the spot. A few favorites include Copper & Oak, Morley’s Backyard, The Red Rooster Café, Waffle Stop Café, Melton’s Deli, and La Cosa Nostra. For those with a sweet tooth, you can’t beat the handmade creations at Sweets by Cindy or Burke’s Bakery.

Danville has a lively arts and entertainment scene. The Art Center of the Bluegrass hosts local and regional art exhibits, classes, camps, and workshops. Creatives of all ages can enjoy the space—there’s a free Mini Makers Club for little ones aged 0 to 5, and The Art Studio hosts drawing, painting, and other workshops for all ages and is open for drop-in crafts and painting six days a week. Centre College’s Norton Center for the Arts welcomes a variety of performances to its stage—from world-renowned touring musicians to comedians, Broadway musicals, and plays. This gorgeous, architecturally distinct venue was designed by the Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation’s William Wesley Peters. Enjoy dinner and a show at the historic Pioneer Playhouse, which has hosted “Theater Under the Stars” since the 1950s. This unique, outdoor venue is built from reclaimed materials, including 200-year-old hand-hewn beams repurposed from a Danville livery stable and floorboards from the Kentucky School for the Deaf. The box office was originally used as the train station in the classic 1957 film “Raintree County,” which was shot in Danville. And for music lovers, the longstanding Great American Brass Band Festival fills Danville’s streets with soulful sounds every June.

In nearby Perryville, the seemingly pristine countryside is a stark contrast to the violent history held here. Perryville Battlefield State Historic Park commemorates the storied 1862 Civil War battle, which left more than 7,600 killed, wounded, or missing. It is one of the most unaltered Civil War sites in the nation, with today’s vistas virtually identical to those seen by soldiers on the day of the destructive Civil War battle. In the same vein, the town’s original Merchants Row still stands. Today, visitors can still enjoy the historic buildings, which feature local businesses such as Chaplin River Antiques and The Barrel Boutique.

Boyle County’s picturesque landscape seems to roll on endlessly. Enjoy the views and take a scenic drive to Penn’s Store, the oldest country store in the U.S. continuously owned and operated by the same family since 1850. The storefront serves as a natural gathering spot, and live music often emanates from the front porch. If you’re planning to check it out, please note that hours are limited, and the store is usually only open on Saturdays and Sundays.

The county’s rich culture is on full display every October at Forkland Heritage Festival. Held in the countryside framed by farms, forests, and the North Rolling Fork River, this longstanding annual event features antique farm equipment, horse and wagon rides, soap and sorghum making, local and regional craft booths, and old-fashioned foods such as ham and biscuits and homemade pies.

While you are in the area, be sure to visit Dry Branch Farm Market, a Kentucky Farm Bureau Certified Farm Market that sells farm-fresh meat raised on their local farm. The downtown Danville market is a one-stop shop for high-quality, local products, from ice cream and produce to spices and gifts.

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For your convenience, Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance has multiple insurance agents located in Boyle County. Click here for more information.

The 120 is a blog produced by Kentucky Farm Bureau highlighting each of Kentucky's 120 counties—because we're well-known for knowing Kentucky well.