Top 15 Attractions in Bardstown, Kentucky

Kentucky’s second-oldest city, characterized by Georgian and Federal architecture, is recognized as the Bourbon Capital of the World.

Bourbon has been produced in Bardstown since 1776, and the industry continues to thrive, with new distilleries emerging each year.

Visiting Bardstown and exploring the aging warehouses and distilleries is reminiscent of touring champagne cellars in Reims. One could spend an entire week visiting a different distillery each day and still not experience them all.

Bardstown boasts a remarkable selection of historical landmarks, ranging from the site of the historic former plantation at My Old Kentucky Home to the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral, adorned with exquisite paintings by both Renaissance and Baroque artists.

1. My Old Kentucky Home State Park

Among the 200+ songs penned by Stephen Foster (1826-1864), the one that resonates deeply in the Commonwealth is the ballad “My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night” (1852), which is famously performed at the Kentucky Derby and was designated the official State Song in 1928.

Subsequently, in the 1930s, the song’s lasting popularity led the Commonwealth of Kentucky to acquire the former plantation, Federal Hill (1795), along with its surrounding 235 acres of meticulously maintained gardens and farmland.

Foster was related to the owners, the Rowan family, and is believed to have visited this estate.

Touring the mansion, which has a history spanning over 200 years, reveals a collection of fine art, antiques, and original architectural features.

Your guide, dressed in period attire, will perform a rendition of “My Old Kentucky Home.” Additionally, one of Kentucky’s premier golf courses is located on the premises, complemented by an outdoor amphitheater where the biographical Stephen Foster Story musical is staged, as will be discussed later.

2. Bardstown Historic District

Exploring the heart of Bardstown on foot is one of the most rewarding experiences, as you uncover the city’s historic sights.

The city features a wealth of historic architecture; in fact, over a third of the 279 contributing properties in the historic district were constructed between 1780 and 1850.

Be sure to visit the Cobblestone Path, which runs along the eastern side of the district, dating back to 1785, alongside notable sites like the historic Old Talbott Tavern (1779), the Nelson County Jail (1800), Bardstown Station (1860), and Spalding Hall (1839), which will be addressed later in the article.

The former Nelson County Courthouse now houses the Bardstown Visitor Center, serving as an excellent introduction to the city.

Much of the local commerce, featuring appealing independent shops and dining options, is concentrated in Court Square and extends northward along 3rd Street for several blocks.

3. Kentucky Bourbon Festival

During a week in mid-September, thousands of bourbon enthusiasts converge on Bardstown to celebrate the region’s rich bourbon industry, which dates back 250 years.

This festival commenced in 1991 as a modest gathering of 250 individuals but has since expanded into one of the state’s largest annual events, attracting over 50,000 attendees from various countries.

The festival aligns with National Bourbon Heritage Month, and numerous activities unfold on the elegant grounds before the historic Spalding Hall.

Events include a vintage and rare bourbon auction, tasting experiences, culinary workshops, presentations by industry experts, live music, and the World Championship Bourbon Barrel Relay Race, a competition centered around bourbon barrel rolling.

4. Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral

This distinctive landmark derives its name from its designation as the original and former cathedral for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville, the first cathedral established west of the Allegheny Mountains.

Constructed in the Greek Revival style between 1816 and 1823, the Basilica of St. Joseph stands out due to its exceptional collection of European art, donated by illustrious figures such as Pope Leo XII, King Louis-Philippe of France, and Francis I of the Two Sicilies.

As you tour the interior, you will encounter significant works, including the Martyrdom of St. Bartholomew by Mattia Preti, The Coronation in Heaven of the Mother of God by Murillo, two pieces by Early Renaissance master Jan van Eyck, and three paintings by Baroque artist Anthony van Dyck from the 17th century.

5. Willett Distilling Company

Founded in 1936, Willett is another esteemed bourbon producer, having resumed production of its own labels in 2012 after a 32-year hiatus (1980-2012), while still bottling numerous external brands as a contract bottler.

The history of this small-scale distillery, situated on the original Willett Farm site, becomes evident upon stepping onto the grounds, where great care has been taken to preserve the main distillery building, aging warehouses, cistern room, and various other elements of interest on the property.

The water used comes from underground, spring-fed lakes, and the distillery continues to utilize vintage belt and pulley fan mechanisms from the turn of the century.

Hour-long tours provide comprehensive insights into the Willett family and the whiskey-making process, culminating in a guided tasting, plus a personalized glass as a keepsake.

6. Civil War Museum

A short walk from downtown Bardstown leads you to this group of five museum attractions, all with a shared historical theme.

Your priority should be the Civil War Museum and the Women’s Museum of the Civil War, which are recognized as the largest and most comprehensive museums in the United States focusing on the Civil War’s Western Theater.

Visitors can explore over 8,000 square feet of artifacts chronicling the conflict between the Union and Confederacy, spanning from the Appalachian Mountains to the Mississippi River in the west, as well as Georgia and the Gulf of Mexico to the south.

This complex is adjacent to the Old Bardstown Village, featuring ten original log structures from the 18th and 19th centuries, in addition to the military-themed General Hal Moore Military Museum, dedicated to the esteemed veteran of the Korean War and Vietnam War.

7. Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History

Among Bardstown’s exquisite attractions is Spalding Hall, an impressive Federal-style building erected in 1839 as the college for St. Joseph’s Basilica.

This structure replaced an earlier building from 1826, which was lost to fire. Spalding Hall has a rich history and has served various purposes, including as a hospital for Union soldiers during the Civil War.

Currently, it houses two museums, the first of which is an essential companion for visitors touring Bardstown’s distilleries.

The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History presents a detailed educational timeline regarding whiskey in America, from colonial times through to the present.

A diverse assortment of exhibits includes authentic moonshine stills, temperance advocate Carrie Nation’s hatchet, Prohibition-era prescriptions for medicinal alcohol consumption, and Abraham Lincoln’s own liquor license from his days as a bartender in the 1830s.

8. Wickland, Home of Three Governors

One of Kentucky’s most distinguished Georgian residences is located in Bardstown, not far from My Old Kentucky Home.

This is Wickland, a three-story brick mansion constructed in 1815 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973. During the period from March to October, tours are available, providing insights into the building’s illustrious history.

Charles A. Wickliffe (1788-1869), the 14th Governor of Kentucky, commissioned Wickland, engaging architect John Rogers, who also designed the Basilica of St. Joseph.

The home subsequently housed his son, Robert C. Wickliffe (1819-1895), the 15th Governor of Louisiana, alongside his grandson, J. C. W. Beckham (1869-1940), the 35th Governor of Kentucky. Inside, visitors can admire the remarkable cantilever staircase and exhibits related to the Civil War.

9. Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience

At Heaven Hill’s headquarters and bottling facility in Bardstown, visitors gain insights into the story of America’s largest independent, family-owned, and operated distilled spirits company, established in 1935.

Heaven Hill produces an array of renowned whiskey brands, including Evan Williams, Elijah Craig, Old Fitzgerald, Larceny, and Rittenhouse Rye.

Although the bottling facility is not open to the public, the Bourbon Experience, a newly enhanced attraction, is a primary draw.

This experience includes museum exhibits showcasing the founding Shapira family, an 11-minute film presentation, the stylish Five Brothers Bar, and a diverse selection of tasting experiences.

One option is the “You Do Bourbon” experience, enabling participants to taste, bottle, and personalize their very own bourbon to take home.

10. The Stephen Foster Story

During the summer months, the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre within My Old Kentucky Home State Park serves as the venue for The Stephen Foster Story, a musical that has been performed annually since 1959.

Written by Paul Green (1894-1981), a playwright known for period dramas, the musical narrates Foster’s life, love, and struggles against a backdrop of a turbulent antebellum period, featuring over 50 of his most renowned compositions.

Additionally, there is an indoor, air-conditioned matinee performance on Saturdays, along with regular concerts at the amphitheater as part of Bardstown’s Live at the Park series.

11. Lux Row Distillers

Your journey through bourbon culture can continue in Bardstown at Lux Row Distillers, one of the newest destinations along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Owned by Luxco, Lux Row Distillers opened its doors in 2018, marking the company’s entrance into the bourbon market.

This facility produces several brands, including Rebel (noted for its smoothness with hints of vanilla and caramel), Daviess (which blends ‘wheated’ and ‘ryed’ mash bills for a spicy finish), the charcoal-filtered Ezra Brooks, the limited-edition Blood Oath, and David Nicholson, which possesses sweet honey and butter notes.

The Lux Row experience involves a 45-minute walking tour of the distillery and its impressive barrel houses, followed by a 15-minute guided tasting session.

12. Bardstown Historical Museum

For those interested in history beyond whiskey, the Bardstown Historical Museum, also located in Spalding Hall, recounts over two centuries of local history, boasting a wealth of artifacts.

Exhibits include documents pertinent to Abraham Lincoln, papers from the pioneer era, artifacts related to Stephen Foster, Civil War uniforms, and intriguing Native American finds.

Visitors can also discover items associated with St. Joe Prep, which occupied Spalding Hall until 1968.

Notable displays feature a long rifle crafted around 1835 by renowned gunsmith Jacob Rizer and an exceptional collection of American silver, dating between 1860 and 1990.

13. James B. Beam Distilling Co.

Located slightly further away in Clermont is the distillery for the world-renowned Jim Beam brand, which has a legacy tracing back to the late 18th century. Thus, it is often referred to as the “family home of American whiskey.”

For an immersive experience, consider the 90-minute Beam Made Bourbon tour of the distillery, where you will learn how the Beam family has crafted Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey for over two centuries.

If time is limited, opt for the 20-minute “Meet the Family” tasting session, which features favorites such as Knob Creek and Basil Hayden’s, accompanied by interesting anecdotes.

Other options include a four-hour behind-the-scenes tour, a culinary tasting experience, a mixology workshop, and the opportunity to become a distiller for a day.

14. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

A visit to the James B. Beam Distilling Co. pairs well with a trip to the largest privately owned natural area in Kentucky.

This area was established in 1929 by Isaac Wolfe Bernheim (1848-1945), the founder of I.W. Harper. He acquired these 16,000+ acres at a reduced price due to previous iron ore extraction and hired the Olmsted Firm to landscape the park.

The Bernheim Arboretum opened its gates to the public in 1950 and encompasses more than 40 miles of trails, offering a multitude of sights across its knobs, valleys, ridges, and hollows.

Essential attractions include the 75-foot-high Canopy Tree Walk, the scenic Fire Tower (961 steps), Isaac’s Cafe (which sources ingredients from the arboretum’s Edible Garden), and the LEED-certified Visitor Center featuring art exhibits and a wonderful Wildlife Viewing Room.

15. Abbey of Gethsemani

This monastery, located approximately 15 minutes south of downtown Bardstown, belongs to the Order of Cistercians of the Strict Observance, commonly known as the Trappists.

Founded in 1848, the Abbey of Gethsemani serves as the motherhouse for all Trappist monasteries in the United States, set upon a functioning farm spanning over 2,000 acres.

A notable resident was Thomas Merton (1915-1968), a prominent social activist and theologian.

Visitors can explore the Welcome Center, which features museum displays and a video about monastic life, alongside a gift shop offering items produced at the monastery, such as handmade fruitcake and bourbon fudge.