Conveniently located off three exits of Interstate 75, Richmond provides a quaint community that is vested in its citizens, its productivity and excellent quality of life. This thriving city in Central Kentucky is one of the fastest growing in the Commonwealth. Its growth has produced strategic economic development resulting in a growing school system, increased retail and small business, advanced resources for the community and additional national and international events in the city.
In 2010, our fine community welcomed the new Richmond Centre which featured stakeholders such as Chick-fil-A, Panera Bread, Belk, JC Penney, Buffalo Wild Wings, Pieratt’s and Meijer. Our most recent addition is the EKU Center for the Arts, located in the heart of Richmond. Nationally recognized shows visit our city on a weekly basis, such as The Lion King, Sleeping Beauty, The Temptations & Four Tops, Jerry Seinfeld, Riverdance and The Nutcracker. Visit the attractive campus of Eastern Kentucky University, celebrating over 100 years of educating future leaders.
We offer Lake Reba Recreational Complex, featuring youth baseball and soccer fields, miniature golf, walking paths, a golf course, large playground, fishing and (non-motorized) boating. We are unique in that we offer a great history at the Battlefield of Richmond, Fort Boonesborough State Park and White Hall State Historic Site, where you can enjoy tours and stories of our past. Events you may find during your visit to Richmond include Special Olympics (May), Summer Concert Series at Irvine McDowell Park, Pattie A. Clay Auxiliary Charity Ball (June), Taste of Richmond (June), Fourth of July Extravaganza (Lake Reba Park), Pops at the Park (August), CityFest (September), Great American Festival & Kids Fest (September), Taste of Richmond: Fall Festival (October), Halloween Hoedown (October), Annual Commerce Awards Banquet (November), and Annual Christmas Parade (Main Street).
We invite you to feel the spirit of Richmond, Kentucky, and enjoy the many wonderful opportunities within Madison County. Spring in this area of the country offers beautiful Dogwoods, amazing tulips and the great feeling of summer to come. Schedule a tee time at one of our four golf courses, visit our many retail shops, or just take in the beauty of Central Kentucky. Call the Richmond Chamber at 859.623.1720 or Tourism at 859.626.8474 before you make your next trip… we love visitors!
Tourism
Richmond was founded in 1798 by Colonel John Miller, a Revolutionary War soldier. In 1798, the Kentucky Legislature authorized the moving of the Madison County seat from nearby Milford to the land owned by Col. Miller. The move was bitterly opposed by about 300 residents of Milford and a fight to retain the seat resulted between Dave Kennedy, who represented Milford, and William Kearly, who represented the new site.
Although history does not record the results of the brawl, the county approved the move in March 1798 and two acres of land were purchased from Col. Miller. Court was held in his barn. On July 4, 1798, the site was officially named Richmond in honor of Miller’s birthplace, Richmond, Virginia.
The Tourism office is located in the historic Irvinton House Museum is Richmond’s only local museum. Exhibits include items from the community as well as Eastern Kentucky University’s J.T. Dorris Collection. The House features one of the only seven remaining Revolutionary War uniforms in the United States.
The museum is also home to several events throughout the year. Located in the center of the city’s Irvine McDowell Park, the museum grounds are subject to several public events. In April, the house is host to the Easter Eggstravaganza. The event features inflatable play equipment, games, an Easter egg hunt and food vendors. During June and July, the city hosts Summer Concerts in the Park. The free outdoor concert series features music from several genres and is a great family fun event. In September, the City of Richmond, Great American Festival comes to town and potters and arts and crafts vendors take over the grounds. Kids Fest is also located in the park during the Pottery Festival.