The Completely Free Museum Hiding in a Kentucky Park is a Must-Visit

Although Danville is not one of the largest cities in Kentucky, it has an outsized place in the Bluegrass State's history. Known as "The City of Firsts," Danville was the state's first capital and home to its first courthouse. In June 1792, Kentucky became the Union's 15th state in Danville. Visitors can learn about the events leading to Kentucky's statehood at the Constitution Square Historic Site, a free open-air museum in Danville.

The three-acre site is on East Walnut Street, near Main Street. Visitors can walk around several historic buildings on the property, including a post office, courthouse, jail, and meetinghouse. Most of the on-site buildings are reconstructions created with detailed plans of the originals. Interestingly, the plans called for the jail to have nine-inch thick walls. The post office building is original and was the first post office west of the Allegheny Mountains. It is not in its original location, however. The local historical society moved the building two blocks to its current location.

Visitors can also see the Watts-Bell House, a home built in the early 1800s by William Watts for a prominent businessman named David Bell. Another 19th-century home, the Goldsmith House, is also on the property.

While moving between buildings, visitors to the historic site can enjoy the manicured paths and landscapes. There is an area called Governor's Circle, which celebrates Kentucky's first governor, Isaac Shelby. There are also picnic tables, public restrooms, and the Danville Boyle County Visitors Center and Gift Shop.

Visitors can gain insight into the historic meetings held on the property in the 18th century. From 1784 to 1792, delegates held ten conventions to discuss the specifics of forming the state of Kentucky. Kentucky's constitution was especially important because it set a precedent for the formation of other states.

The creation of the Constitution Square Historic Site began in the 1930s but wasn't completed until the 1950s. The Second World War halted unnecessary construction projects, which delayed the project.

The site hosts the annual Constitution Square Festival each September. Festival-goers can browse the wares of dozens of artist vendors, shop at a farmer's market, and enjoy live music. Food trucks provide lots of tasty dishes. The free event is family-friendly.

Danville is a fantastic town in Kentucky of about 17,000 people. It's a great place to visit during winter, with excellent museums, restaurants, and shops. The Great American Dollhouse Museum is a great place to visit, and La Cosa Nostra serves delicious Italian food on Main Street.

If you'd like to stay overnight in Danville, Kentucky, consider this two-bedroom Airbnb, which is within walking distance of Main Street.