With Homecoming right around the corner, there’s no better time to discover Richmond — the place Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) proudly calls home. Whether you’re an alum returning to campus, a parent visiting for the weekend, a student looking to explore beyond your usual routes or a future Colonel, you’ll find the perfect mix of local charm and outdoor adventure in Richmond, Kentucky.
Relax and Recharge
For those craving the outdoors, Lake Reba provides a scenic escape just minutes from campus. Whether you’re fishing, kayaking or enjoying a picnic, the park is a favorite among students and locals. Its playgrounds and walking paths make it an ideal destination for families spending the weekend in Richmond.
Shop, Sip and Stroll Downtown
Within walking distance of campus, downtown Richmond is the heartbeat of the community. Local shops and restaurants line Main Street, many of them owned or managed by EKU graduates who’ve turned their Colonel pride into thriving businesses. Visitors can grab a coffee, browse boutiques filled with locally made goods and enjoy the atmosphere that defines this historic district.
Cheer for the Colonels
Of course, no fall weekend in Richmond would be complete without cheering on the Colonels at EKU’s Roy Kidd Stadium. EKU Homecoming weekend, Oct. 24-25, brings together students, alumni and the entire community. See a preview of 2025 Homecoming events.
Step Back in Time
Take a tour of the White Hall State Historic Site, a mansion built in 1799 and once home to Cassius Marcellus Clay. While in northern Madison County, check out Fort Boonesborough State Park, a reconstructed 18th-century fort, with living-history demonstrations, scenic river views and hiking trails that highlight Kentucky’s frontier past.
Richmond is a community filled with stories, local pride and opportunities for adventure. Strategistico named Richmond as one of the Cheapest and Safest Places to Live in Kentucky.
With a convenient location in the heart of Kentucky, EKU’s campus provides a small-town college feel in Richmond and big city vibes in nearby Cincinnati, Louisville and Lexington. As EKU welcomes alumni and families back to campus, it’s the perfect moment to explore the places that make campus feel like home.
“I love the small town feel of Richmond and how much support small businesses offer to EKU and its students,” said Amelia Smitha, 2024 graduate.
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Eastern Kentucky University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, educational specialist, and doctorate degrees.