Where is Fort Knox, Louisville, Kentucky?

Written by | Updated On: December 09, 2025, 14:28 ET

Fort Knox is located in the state of Kentucky, USA. It lies between Louisville and Elizabethtown and is situated in a large military area. It is famous for being a United States Army base and for holding a large part of the country’s gold reserves.

Fort Knox Location Map, Louisville, Kentucky

Top Attractions Inside Fort Knox

  • Fort Knox Historic Site – Preserved military fort with 19th-century stone structures and defensive walls.
  • Visitor Center – Exhibits and information on the fort’s history, architecture, and military significance.
  • Guided Tours – Walkthrough tours exploring barracks, parade grounds, and fortifications.
  • Fortifications & Ramparts – Impressive stone walls, bastions, and defensive structures.
  • Military Artifacts – Displays of historic weapons, uniforms, and memorabilia from the fort’s operational period.
  • Scenic Views – Overlooks of the surrounding Maine countryside and the Penobscot River valley.
  • Picnic & Walking Areas – Trails and outdoor spaces for enjoying the historic environment and landscapes.

Fort Knox Facts

Official NameFort Knox
LocationHardin, Meade & Bullitt counties, Kentucky, USA
Latitude & Longitude37.9161° N, 85.9562° W
Total Area~109,000 acres (≈445 km² / 172 mi²)
Established / Built1918 (as Camp Knox), permanent military post since 1932
Named AfterHenry Knox — first U.S. Secretary of War
Managed ByUnited States Army / U.S. Army commands
RegionGulf Coast / South-central Kentucky
AddressFort Knox, KY 40121, USA
Zip Code40121
Area Code502
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneEastern Time (ET) - UTC−5 Standard / UTC−4 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptU.S. Army Military Base & Gold Depository
Sections / FacilitiesBarracks, training grounds, administrative buildings, armored vehicle ranges, United States Bullion Depository, General George Patton Museum of Leadership
Famous Attractions / FeaturesUnited States Bullion Depository (gold vault) - Patton Museum - Armor Training Grounds
Annual VisitorsRestricted; museum & base tours accessible to public by appointment or events
Entry Fee TypeRestricted / Appointment Only (Gold Vault not open to public)
Ticket Price RangeFree (museum & base tours) / Restricted areas require security clearance
Ticket OptionsGuided museum tours, ROTC visits, special base events
Best Time to VisitSpring & Fall (for museum and training area access)
Nearby AirportLouisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) – ~35 miles (56 km)
TransportationCar access, military vehicle access only in restricted areas, limited public tour access
Official Websitehttps://home.army.mil/knox/

Distances from Fort Knox to Nearby Landmarks

  • General George Patton Museum of Leadership – 8.0 km (5 mi)
  • Tioga Falls – 3.1 km (1.9 mi)
  • Otter Creek Outdoor Recreation Area – 9 km (5.6 mi)
  • Vine Grove, Kentucky – 9 km (5 mi)
  • Radcliff, Kentucky – 5 km (3 mi)
  • Elizabethtown, Kentucky – 24 km (15 mi)
  • Shepherdsville, Kentucky – 24 km (15 mi)
  • Louisville, Kentucky – 44 km (27 mi)
  • Corydon, Indiana – 38 km (24 mi)
  • Hodgenville, Kentucky – 40 km (25 mi)