Our home away from home for the holidays last year was at the Holiday Inn Express Wickham Inn in Fort Knox, Kentucky. My daughter, who was stationed in Fort Knox, had a full house for Christmas. With a new baby, three boys under the age of eight, and two lively dogs, sleeping arrangements were tight. We opted to stay at the dog-friendly Holiday Inn Express Wickham Inn on the base.
About Fort Knox, Kentucky
Fort Knox’s beginning started in 1917 during World War I when the United States War Department set up an artillery training site in West Point, Kentucky. The land of the nearby farming community, Stithton, was chosen to become Camp Knox. A base was built there as the Field Artillery Central Officers Training School. The name Knox comes from General Henry Knox, who was the first Secretary of War. During the Revolutionary War, he was the Chief of Artillery of the Continental Army.
On January 1, 1932, Camp Knox became Fort Knox. There is also the gold. The United States Bullion Dispensary is right outside one of the base’s gates. An iconic scene from the 1964 James Bond film Goldfinger, with Sean Connery, was filmed here.
About IHG Army Hotels
The Holiday Inn Express Wickham Inn is one of several IHG Army Hotels on military posts. There are 40 posts that have one or more of these hotels that include Staybridge and Candlewood Suites. Depending on the base and availability, civilians are able to stay at them. At the Holiday Inn Express Wickham Inn, I was told anyone can stay there.
About the Hotel
During our stay, fellow guests included several families with children who were passing through Fort Knox to other destinations for the holidays. Cheery Christmas decorations, including a tree in the lobby, created a festive, welcoming atmosphere. In the breakfast room, an electric fireplace with decorations festooning the mantle added to the warm holiday glow. The included breakfast was the usual fare of make-your-own waffles, eggs, bacon or sausage, yoghurt, cereals, and a variety of pastries and breads.
- Get a Car Rental
- Buy Travel Insurance
Although the hotel is on the base, it is like any other Holiday Inn Express with impeccable service. The staff is friendly and informative. The business center and fitness room are well-appointed and cared for, and there is a picnic area with a gazebo and grills at the back of the hotel. Although there isn’t a playground, there are several residential neighborhoods with playgrounds close by.
If you’re hungry, there is a kiosk area with a robust selection of snacks and microwave meals.
About our Room
Our double queen room was roomy enough so that our son and our dog, who came with us on this trip, had space to spread out. Also, there was room in the closet for presents and places for snacks on the counter and shelf above the refrigerator. Because the refrigerator and bathroom vanity sink are separate from the main section of the room, it helped us keep the room tidy over our three-night stay.
The furniture, including a dresser, desk, desk chair, side tables, and lighting, is contemporary and well placed. A microwave, coffee maker, iron, and ironing board rounded out the amenities. With three of us needing outlets to charge phones, we found charging spots easy to access.
More About Fort Knox
If you do visit the base, civilians are able to access the food court at The Exchange. There you’ll find several fast-food options and places to sit.
I highly recommend The General George Patton Museum of Leadership. The museum has a connection to Fort Knox, but you don’t have to get on the base to have access. In addition to displays about Patton, other exhibits cover aspects of military and Fort Knox history. The history includes ROTC and women in the military.
Not Far from Louisville
Because Fort Knox is less than an hour from Louisville, checking out Louisville’s holiday offerings is worth the short drive. We headed to Lights Under Louisville through the Mega Caverns. This drive-through lights display is extensive and well worth it.
Access to a Hotel on a Base
In order to get on a base to be able to stay at the hotel, you need a government-issued ID like a valid Read ID driver’s license. Check on requirements before you book a room. Each base varies. You’ll need to stop at a base security office. These also vary.
Our son-in-law booked our room by calling the hotel, but you can book through the hotel’s website. There are two Holiday Inn Express hotels at Fort Knox. The other one is Holiday Inn Express Newgarden Inn. We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express Wickham because that one had a pet-friendly room still available.
Check rates online at
Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
