Fort Knox Kentucky is perhaps most well known for the United States Bullion Depository, also known as the Gold Vault. A US army post located just south of Louisville, the army base at Fort Knox is used for US Army Basic Combat Training and is reputed to be impregnable, as depicted in films such as the 1964 James Bond movie, Goldfinger. Although some areas of Fort Knox Kentucky, such as the Gold Vault, are off-limits to the public, there are also several attractions in Fort Knox and in the nearby area that will be of interest to anyone interested in the military.

The Patton Museum at Fort Knox is one of the prime attractions of the area. Named after General George Patton of World War II fame, the museum features many of General Patton's personal belongings as well as exhibits about the First and Second World Wars. The Patton Museum also has an extensive armor and cavalry exhibit, which documents the development of American weapons and armor and also features several historical enemy army tanks. In addition to these permanent collections, this museum at Fort Knox also features visiting exhibits related to US military history. Outside the Patton Museum, tourists can visit the Armor Memorial Park nearby, which commemorates soldiers who were killed in service to their country during any of the wars of the twentieth century.

Another popular attraction at Fort Knox is the Bridges to the Past walking tour of the historic L&N turnpike. The walking tour allows visitors to experience area exactly as it was 150 years ago, with no electric lines, billboards, or other modern distractions. Visitors can also see three historic stone bridges, each more than 150 years old. The trail leads through certain areas in the Fort Knox military base that are used for army training, so it is off-limits to the public except during certain times when military training is suspended in the area. For more information on how you can take part in the Bridges to the Past tour, contact the Radcliff/Fort Knox tourism office.

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Located north of Fort Knox Kentucky is Fort Duffield, Kentucky's oldest, largest and best-preserved Civil War fort. Visitors can hike the trail to the fort where they are treated to a glimpse of the Union Fort as it was in the days of the Civil War, as well as a spectacular view. Civil War reenactments bring the fort to life and educate visitors about its history.

Another worthwhile place to visit near Fort Knox is the Saunders Springs Nature Preserve, located in a hardwood forest, with easy trails that take visitors past waterfalls, caves, and a lake. It has several good picnic areas with views over the lake, and a few historical buildings provide some background information on the history of Saunders Springs. The main spring itself flows from the mouth of a cave, and the remains of an old mill can be seen along the stream.

Fort Knox is only about 30 miles from Louisville, so it can easily be reached for a day trip during a vacation in the state's largest city. There are also more options for hotels in Louisville than there are around the fort, making it simpler to find a place to stay that exactly suits your taste and budget. Fort Knox is 90 miles from Frankfort, so for travelers who don't mind the longer drive, it can also be a day trip from the capital city as well.