Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Lawrenceburg, KY

Summary:

Located west of the Kentucky River, Lawrenceburg is a quaint town in Central Kentucky renowned for its significant beverage industry.

Two of the globe’s most esteemed bourbon brands, Wild Turkey and Four Roses, are situated in Lawrenceburg, offering informative tours and tasting events.

Additionally, the town boasts a pair of award-winning wineries, with vineyards established in the 1990s on picturesque local farms.

Lawrenceburg’s downtown area is inviting, characterized by its stylish storefronts and a variety of family-owned enterprises. During the warmer months, the town hosts numerous events nearly every weekend, ranging from concerts to cruise-ins.

1. Wild Turkey Distillery

Wild Turkey is among the most recognized names in the whiskey industry, producing straight bourbon in Lawrenceburg since 1940.

The distillery is situated on a unique location, 275 feet above the Kentucky River, and is managed by the esteemed father-son duo of master distillers, Jimmy and Eddie Russell.

During the hour-long Barrel to Bottle tour, visitors will observe a 40-foot column still in operation, witness newly-distilled bourbon flowing into handcrafted oak barrels, and stroll through the timber aging warehouses.

Wild Turkey has recently introduced an upscale Visitor Center, where guests can sample both Wild Turkey and the acclaimed Russell’s Reserve range.

2. Four Roses Distillery

Founded in 1888, the Four Roses distillery was among the few to persist during Prohibition due to its medicinal whiskey license.

Visitors can appreciate the rich history of this location from the moment they arrive, greeted by the grand distillery building designed in the Spanish Mission revival style, erected in 1910.

The Visitor Center has been recently expanded to present the extensive history of the Four Roses brand, along with its distinctive bourbon-making approach.

Guided tours commence at the Visitor Center on the hour and last approximately 90 minutes, with insights into the distillation process provided.

The experience concludes with an invitation to Bar 1888, where guests can sample a variety of seasonal cocktails or taste one of Four Roses’ ten exclusive recipes or special edition bottlings.

3. Downtown Lawrenceburg

The Lawrenceburg Commercial Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, reflecting a century of history from 1850 to 1950.

This district is located on Main St, from North Alley to Court St, and on Court St from Main St to the Southern Railway tracks.

One notable structure here is the Anderson County Courthouse, which dates back to the early 1860s after a fire destroyed its predecessor. It features Beaux Arts details from the 1910s after suffering damage in another fire.

Take some time to explore the quaint downtown area, enjoying the beautifully painted storefronts. Local businesses range from charming gift shops to a fashion boutique, art gallery, ice cream parlor, deli, and coffeehouse.

A unique feature of Lawrenceburg is its bustling social calendar, with shopping events, monthly summer cruise-ins, food trucks, live music, and an annual festival celebrating the beloved Kentucky dish, burgoo.

4. Anderson County History Museum

For insights into Lawrenceburg and its surroundings, the Anderson County History Museum, located on College St in downtown, offers a free entry. The museum is set in the historic Old Carnegie Library, which opened its doors in 1908.

Visitors can spend a few moments delving into local history, exploring military artifacts, historical tobacco farming equipment, period furniture, portraits, domestic items, and exhibits related to Lawrenceburg High School from over a century ago.

This facility also accommodates the genealogical library and serves as the Lawrenceburg-Anderson County Tourism Office.

5. Anderson County Community Park

The principal public recreation area in Lawrenceburg is this expansive park, conveniently located near downtown.

Anderson County Community Park features numerous sports facilities, catering to competitive baseball, softball, and soccer, while also appealing to casual visitors seeking outdoor relaxation.

The park includes a basketball court, a disc golf course, an excellent playground, a stocked fishing pond, and a skate park, along with a paved trail encompassing the park’s perimeter, extending over a mile.

There are a couple of sheltered areas, and if they are occupied during your visit, ample picnic tables and grills can be found throughout the park.

6. Anderson County Farmers’ Market

This seasonal market is uniquely situated at a historic railroad depot that was previously based in downtown Lawrenceburg.

The Old Depot has found a new location on U.S. 127, north of the town, where the market operates from Friday to Sunday, April to November.

Visit to find locally grown fruits and vegetables, freshly roasted coffee, flowers, honey, eggs, local cheeses, pies, pastries, farm-raised meats, and unique crafts, ranging from candles to bourbon barrel art.

The market hosts various events throughout the season, including a farm-to-fork dinner and a monthly kids’ day.

7. Young’s High Bridge

East of the Wild Turkey distillery, the Young’s High Bridge spans the Kentucky River, completed in 1889.

Extending over 1,650 feet in length, this bridge rises 283 feet above the river. It is part of the Lexington Extension of the Louisville Southern Railroad, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 2013, the bridge was transformed into a bungee jumping platform, managed by the highly experienced Vertigo Bungee company, operating one weekend each month from May through September.

Daredevils from across the country visit Lawrenceburg for this unique experience, not found anywhere else in the eastern United States.

8. Elements Clay Studio

For those seeking a diversion from the Bourbon Trail, Elements Clay Studio is an open pottery facility adjacent to the Four Roses Distillery. Managed by skilled potter Susan Burge, the studio offers an array of pottery programs suitable for all ages and skill levels.

Programs include pottery wheel classes, ranging from a brief 20-minute introduction to a two-hour crash course, as well as an extended five-week wheel-throwing course.

A popular option is the “Paint Your Own Pottery,” available for walk-ins during standard business hours.

The studio is also capable of hosting events and features a vibrant calendar, including wine and pottery nights, collaborating with Rising Sons Winery.

9. Lovers Leap Vineyard and Winery

In 1994, the innovative Sivinski family opted to cultivate 25 acres of vineyards on their farm beside the Kentucky River in the scenic Lawrenceburg countryside.

The winery grows eight varietals, including white grapes such as Vignoles, Vidal Blanc, and Aromella Cayuga White, as well as red grapes including Crimson Cabernet, Petite Pearl, Cynthiana/Norton, and Chambourcin.

Visitors can sample diverse varietal wines and blends during a tasting session (six wines per tasting) at this picturesque venue. Tours offering insights into the craft of winemaking are also available, and guests may enjoy a picnic on warm, sunny days.

10. Rising Sons Home Farm Winery

This charming and approachable winery located in the northern part of Lawrenceburg is operated by a family of Italian descent. Established in 1999, the ten-acre vineyard cultivates seven grape varieties amid a serene Bluegrass landscape.

The winery at Rising Sons has welcomed the public for over a decade, featuring a tasting room that reflects the farm’s Italian connections.

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by the owners and may also meet the family dog, a pet pig, and llamas. A delightful homemade cheese platter can be ordered, alongside unique wine-infused jellies and refreshing sangria.

11. Bluegrass Scenic Railroad and Museum

Across the Kentucky River in Versailles, about ten minutes east of Lawrenceburg, visitors can embark on an 11-mile round trip on a segment of heritage railroad.

The Bluegrass Scenic Railroad employs passenger cars dating from the 1920s and 1930s, pulled by antique diesel locomotives.

Experience a journey through the delightful Bluegrass countryside, passing numerous horse farms before stopping by Young’s High Bridge for stunning vistas of the Kentucky River valley.

Train rides are available on weekends from mid-May through October, accompanied by a calendar of themed events throughout the season, from Mother’s Day celebrations to pumpkin patch rides in the fall.

A wide variety of rolling stock and railroad memorabilia can also be found on static display at the main museum site in Versailles.

12. Josephine Sculpture Park

Situated north of Lawrenceburg, en route to Frankfort, the Josephine Sculpture Park offers a distinct public space that intertwines nature with captivating works of sculpture.

Founded by artist Melanie VanHouten, this park features approximately 70 works created by international artists.

Some pieces are permanent while others are temporary installations, all nestled within 30+ acres of native meadows and newly planted forest, accessible via winding paths. Many sculptures are interactive, ensuring children have an enjoyable experience exploring the park.

13. Food Truck Fridays

Once a month in July, August, and September, a popular downtown event debuted in 2019.

Held at the picturesque Lawrenceburg Green, Food Truck Fridays showcases a variety of local food trucks and beverage vendors that converge at the parking lot.

This event aligns with the Concert on the Green series, featuring concerts commencing at 7 pm, while food trucks begin serving as early as 11 am. Additional information on upcoming concerts can be found on the City of Lawrenceburg website.

14. Buckmeadow Farms

Just a five-minute drive from downtown Lawrenceburg lies a cattle farm that has remained in the same family for over fifty years, now in its third generation.

In recent years, this farm has opened its doors to the public on weekends throughout October for the Buckmeadow Farm Fest.

Activities include hayrides, a five-acre corn maze, and a U-Pick pumpkin patch, along with a variety of activities for younger guests, such as a straw mountain with slides, a jump pad, a ninja warrior course, a trike track, and a petting zoo.

Visitors can also purchase premium beef from Buckmeadow Farms, along with seasonal decorations and concessions.

15. Downtown Cruise-Ins

On the second Friday of each month from April to October, the local Wheels of Time car club organizes a cruise-in along South Main Street in downtown Lawrenceburg.

This event is worthwhile even for those with only a fleeting interest in cars, showcasing up to 250 vehicles.

Representing over seven decades of automotive history, the cars are arranged along the closed street, many with their hoods raised for viewing. Note that the cruise-in will be canceled in the event of rain.