FORT KNOX KY: IN-DEPTH WELCOME CENTER

By Paul Mooney

Introduction

Welcome to Fort Knox! Perhaps best known for its proximity to the famous United States Bullion Depository, this vital US Army post has a lot more to it than a vault full of gold. Named for Henry Knox, George Washington’s Chief of Artillery and America’s first Secretary of War, this post has been one of the Army’s most vital installations since the Civil War. Covering nearly 109,000 acres of Kentucky’s Bullit, Hardin, and Meade counties, Fort Knox was best known among the military as the home of the US Army Armor Center for over six decades. It’s now the home of the Army Human Resources Center of Excellence, which includes Army Human Resources Command, and US Army Cadet Command, which conducts all summer training for ROTC cadets from colleges across America. So the moving of the Armor Center in 2011 has in no way diminished the importance of this storied post. Continue reading for an in-depth guide to help aid you in your transition to living and working on Fort Knox.

Where Is Fort Knox?
Google Map View
Getting There – Directions to the Base
Where Should I Live Near Fort Knox?
What Schools are Near Fort Knox?
What’s the Weather Like in Fort Knox?
Things to Do Near Fort Knox

Where is Fort Knox?

Fort Knox Visitor Center

17 Bullion Blvd Fort Knox, KY 40121

Phone:

1 (502) 624-7011 or 1 (502) 624-7019 Fort Knox sits in Kentucky on the Ohio River, next to the small city of Radcliff and between the larger cities of Louisville to the north and Elizabethtown to the south. I-65 runs along the eastern edge of the base, making it easy to travel to and from the post.

Fort Knox Map

Fort Knox Directions

Getting to Fort Knox from any of the surrounding cities, towns, and transportation hubs is no sweat. Local highways crisscross the area around the post and I-65, which runs right through nearby Elizabethtown connects them all to the interstate system.

Driving Directions

From Louisville International Airport/Louisville, KY

From Terminal Dr, take I-264 E / I-65 S ramp
Take ramp onto I-65 S for 6.3 mi
Take exit 125 and merge onto KY-841 W / Gene Snyder Fwy
After 10.1 mi, take exit 1 for US-31W / US-60 toward Fort Knox / Louisville
After 0.2 mi keep left at fork, following signs to Fort Knox
Turn left onto US-31W S / Dixie Hwy
After 17.7 mi, take Bullion Blvd East ramp toward Fort Knox
After 0.2 mi, merge onto Bullion Blvd
End at Bullion Blvd (Chaffee Gate) Fort Knox, KY

From Elizabethtown, KY

Head southeast on Meadow Ln toward N Mantle Ave
Turn right at the 1st cross street onto N Mantle Ave
In 0.2 mi, turn right onto US-31W N/W Dixie Ave
Continue to follow US-31W N for 13.3 mi
Use the middle lane to take the E Bullion Blvd exit toward Fort Knox
In 0.3 mi, use the left lane to merge onto Bullion Blvd
End at Bullion Blvd (Chaffee Gate) Fort Knox, KY

From Lexington, KY

Take the exit onto I-65 N toward Louisville
After 122 mi take exit 91 toward Paducah / Fort Knox
In 0.9 mi, merge onto Wendell H. Ford Western Ky Pkwy
In 0.6 mi take exit 136 to US-31W Bypass N toward Fort Knox
Turn left onto US-31W N / Dixie Hwy
After 11.8 mi, take Bullion Blvd East ramp toward Fort Knox
In 0.3 mi, merge onto Bullion Blvd
End at Bullion Blvd (Chaffee Gate) Fort Knox, KY

Transit Authority of Central Kentucky

The Transit Authority of Central Kentucky, or TACK, offers several ways for personnel to get on, off, and around the post. For a reasonable monthly rate, you can enjoy their comprehensive van pool and park and ride services.

Buses

The closest major bus station is in nearby Louisville and offers easy access to bus trips to and from anywhere Greyhound can take you.

Flights to Fort Knox Kentucky

The closest airport to Fort Knox is right in nearby Louisville. Named for the legendary boxer and Louisville native, the Muhammad Ali International Airport is an easy drive from post. So it’s easy to get here from anywhere or, alternatively, to travel anywhere in the world from the post.

Fort Knox Transportation Office

Whether you stay in for one tour or 20 years plus, everybody in the military has to move eventually. Get the assistance you need for your next PCS at the Fort Knox Transportation Office.

Fort Knox Transportation Office

25 West Chaffee Avenue, Building 1384 Fort Knox, KY 40121

Phone:

1 (502) 624-2037

Fort Knox Transportation Office Hours

Monday through Friday -
0730-1630

Entering Fort Knox and Post Amenities

Getting to Fort Knox is fairly easy, no matter how you chose to travel. But remember: if you do not have a valid military ID, you may have to stop at the visitor control center to gain post access. Click here for more information on the visitor control centers at Fort Knox.

Check-in Procedures For Incoming Personnel

All Soldiers coming to Fort Knox for 30 days or more, whether for training or as a PCS, must check-in at the Processing Control Station (PROC CS) in Rockenbach Hall, Building 2020, 159 Black Horse Regiment Road, Room 130. Those here on permissive temporary duty (PTDY) orders must report to their unit first, then the PROC CS. The PROC CS is open 0730 to 1600 Monday through Thursday and 0830 to 1600 on Friday. Soldiers who arrive after duty hours must proceed to the Department of Emergency Services (DES) in Building 298 on Gold Vault Road.

Processing Control Station (PROC CS)

159 Black Horse Regiment Road, Room 130 Rockenbach Hall, Building 2020

Phone:

1 (502) 626-0183

Processing Control Station Hours

Monday through Thursday -
0730-1600
Friday -
0830-1600

Fort Knox Visitor Center

The post visitor center is 150 yards before and to the left of the main gate (Chaffee). It’s open from 0600 to 2100, 7 days a week. You can learn everything you need to know about the types of visitor passes as well as the requirements for obtaining them through the Fort Knox Access Control page.

Fort Knox Visitor Center

17 Bullion Blvd Fort Knox, KY 40121

Phone:

1 (502) 624-7011

Fort Knox DEERS

Whether you need to make changes to your admin profile, get a new CAC card, or anything else DEERS can do, the Fort Knox office is here for your convenience. For an even easier process, book an appointment online and avoid the wait.

Fort Knox DEERS Office

26 Pershing Dr Bldg. 1384, Room 103, 25 West Chaffee Avenue Fort Knox, KY 40121

Phone:

1 (502) 624-4401

Fort Knox DEERS Office Hours

Walk-In Hours:

Monday through Thursday
- 0730 - 1600
Friday
- 0830 - 1600

Appointment Hours:

Monday through Thursday
- 0830 - 1600
Friday
- 0830 - 1600

Fort Knox Gate Hours

Chaffee Gate:
The post’s main gate. Open 24/7 year-round, including federal and training holidays.
Wilson Gate:
Open 0600 to 2000 Monday-Friday, closed all federal holidays.
Brandenburg Gate:
Open 0600 to 1300 Monday-Friday. Outbound-only lanes open 1500 to 1800 Monday-Friday. Closed all federal and training holidays.

Fort Knox Commissary

From groceries to grub, home goods to deli items, the Fort Knox Commissary has everything you need to keep your kitchen and pantry stocked.

Fort Knox Commissary

933 Gold Vault Road Building 121 Fort Knox, KY 40121

Phone:

1 (502) 624-8525

Fort Knox Commissary Hours

Monday -
Closed
Tuesday -
Saturday - 0900 - 1930
Sunday -
1100-1800

Fort Knox Exchange

127 Gold Vault Rd. Ft Knox, KY 40121 United States

Phone:

502-942-4300

Fort Knox Exchange Hours

Monday through Saturday - 0900-2000
Sunday - 1000-1800

Fort Knox Barber Shops

Getting a regular haircut is a necessity when you’re in the military. And with multiple locations around Fort Knox for a trim, you’ll have no trouble keeping your hair freshly cut.

Barbershop Locations & Hours

Bldg. 2013

Phone:

1 (502) 942-1332

Hours:

Monday through Friday 0800 - 1600

Bldg. 5929

Phone:

1 (502) 942-6873

Hours:

Seasonal

Main Exchange

127 Gold Vault Rd.

Phone:

1 (502) 942-3817

Hours:

Monday through Saturday -
0900-1700
Sunday -
1100-1600

Fort Knox Post Office

Need to ship something, send a letter, or pick up a package? Fort Knox has the convenience of two US Post Office locations to meet all your needs.

Fort Knox Post Office

120 N Knox St Frnt

Phone:

1 (502) 942-1244

HRCOE Post Office

1556 Spearhead Division Ave

Phone:

1 (502) 942-1244

Fort Knox Finance Office

Whatever your financial situation or needs, the post’s Defense Finance And Accounting Service is here to help. Stop by or call the Fort Knox Defense Military Pay Office for expert assistance in all financial matters.

Fort Knox Finance Office

25 W Chaffee Avenue Bldg. 1384 Fort Knox, KY, 40121

Phone:

1 (502) 624-8010

Hours:

Monday through Friday 0800 - 1600

Fort Knox Legal Office

Legal issues can be a real headache to deal with, but professional help can make them far, far easier to get through. The Fort Knox Legal Assistance Division is here to help service members and their families get assistance and advice on all things related to the law.

Fort Knox Legal Office

Bldg 1310, Pike Hall Fort Knox, KY , 40121

Phone:

1 (502) 624-2771

Hours:

Monday through Wednesday -
0900 - 1600
Thursday -
1300 - 1600
Friday -
0900 - 1600

Fort Knox Library

With over 120,000 items you can check out, from books to video games, the Barr Memorial Library is a great resource for Soldiers and their families looking for fun and educational resources. They even offer downloadable content like movies and ebooks.

Fort Knox Library

62 W Spearhead Division Ave Fort Knox, KY 40121

Phone:

1 (502) 624-1232

Hours:

Monday through Friday 0900 - 1700

Fort Knox Hotels

With its proximity to several cities, there are plenty of hotels within short driving distance of Fort Knox. For a full list of IHG Army Hotels, lodging reservations, and affiliated resorts in the area, visit the IHG Army Hotels website. Here are some of your best, closest options:

Hampton Inn & Suites Radcliff-Fort Knox

50 Bourbon St Radcliff, KY 40160

Phone:

1 (270) 351-5777

Holiday Inn Express Radcliff-Fort Knox

30 Bourbon St Radcliff, KY 40160

Phone:

1 (270) 352-4329

Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Louisville South

400 Paroquet Springs Dr Shepherdsville, KY 40165

Phone:

1 (502) 543-8400

Best Western Plus Elizabethtown Inn & Suites

2014 N Mulberry St Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Phone:

1 (270) 900-4518

Hampton Inn Elizabethtown

1035 Executive Dr Elizabethtown, KY 42701

Phone:

1 (270) 765-6663

Hot Tip: Download MyBaseGuide’s Fort Knox Military Relocation Guide for information about hotels near Fort Knox.

Where Should I Live Near Fort Knox?

If you’re considering living on post, check out the available on-post housing options. Otherwise, read on to find out more about living off post.

Major Cities Near Fort Knox

As a census designated place, Fort Knox does not lie within the confines of any city or cities. But the vibrant little city of Radcliff is a wonderful place to visit and live just off post. And the larger cities of Louisville and Elizabethtown lie short distances to the north and south (respectively). With less than a half hour drive from post to either of them, you won’t be missing out on city life while stationed or training here.

Places to Live Near Fort Knox

If you’re not interested in living on post, or if there’s no availability at the time of your PCS, you have plenty of great choices when it comes to places to live near Fort Knox. These three nearby cities are all great places to spend your time while stationed here and all have their own particular charms that make them wonderful places to live. And with less than a half hour drive from the post to any of them, you won’t be missing out on city life while stationed or training here.

Radcliff, KY

Settled in 1919 and incorporated in 1956, this relatively young city is right next to the post. With a population of about 23,000, the proximity of Radcliff to the post makes it an extremely diverse and vibrant city despite its relatively small size. It combines the homey feel of a town with the conveniences of a metropolis like great food, plenty of housing, and lots to do.

Louisville, KY

With a population of nearly 800,000, Louisville is the largest city in the state of Kentucky and a great place to visit or live. With a rich, vibrant history going back centuries the city is a great cultural hub with tons to see and do sitting right on the beautiful Ohio River. From the Kentucky Derby to the place where baseball’s iconic Louisville Sluggers are manufactured, you’ll never be bored if you choose to live in Louisville while stationed at Fort Knox.

Elizabethtown, KY

The seat of Hardin County, this lovely city hosts a population of just over 30,000. Locals like to refer to their home as “E Town.” Another city with a deep, rich history, there’s tons to explore and learn while living here. From museums to water parks, you’ll find all kinds of great things to do right in your own backyard if you decide to make Elizabethtown your home during your time here.

Hot Tip: Look for Fort Knox homes and apartments for rent or sale, and find BAH, PCS, TLA & ETS military housing information at AHRN.com.

Fort Knox Schools

Fort Knox is home to four on-post schools to meet the educational needs of your children:

All are run by the Department of Defense Education Authority (DODEA). Roughly 1,550 students are enrolled across these institutions at any one time, from pre-K to grade 12. There are also nearly a dozen different school districts outside the post within a reasonable distance with enrollment options for your children. Fort Knox’s School Support Services and School Liaison Officers can help you find the best local school(s) for your children and their particular educational needs. Find more local school information at The Best Fort Knox Schools: Daycare – High School.

Fort Knox Weather

We won’t lie to you, your summers here at Fort Knox are going to be on the sweaty side. The post and surrounding regions are within a humid subtropical climate zone. Warm weather will mean high temperatures, high humidity, and above-average rainfall. The winters do tend to be mostly mild, but temperatures can drop down into the 20s. And precipitation can be just as heavy in the cooler months as the warmer ones. You’ll want to have plenty of rain gear, plus clothes to get you through both the hot days and the chilly ones.

Things to Do Near Fort Knox

There’s a ton of great fun to be found when you’re stationed at Fort Knox and plenty of it is right here on the post. The post MWR runs all manner of programs and facilities, from youth sports to golf courses to a water park. And the surrounding areas offer everything from camping to museums to distilleries. Not to mention the sites and activities run by the wonderful Parks and Recreation Departments of Radcliff, Elizabethtown, and Louisville.

Conclusion

Moving to a new post, whether for TDY or PCS, is never an easy process. But we feel confident that you’re going to find your time here at Fort Knox a most rewarding experience. As the post motto goes, “Strength Starts Here.” And whether you’re a service member, military spouse, or another member of the military community, your time at Fort Knox will no doubt strengthen you.

The appearance of U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) visual information does not imply or constitute DoD endorsement.

Last Updated:

9/29/2021

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