Summary
- James B. Beam Distilling Company
- Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
- Bullitt County History Museum
- Shepherdsville Country Music Show
- Awesome Flea Market
- Awesome Lazy River
- Forest Edge Winery
- Pine Creek Barrens Nature Preserve
- Four Roses Bottling Facility
- Kart Kountry
- Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery
- Slow Poke Farm
- Shepherdsville Farmers’ Market
- Heritage Hill Golf Course
- Bullitt Blast
Situated in the southern region of the Louisville metropolitan area, Shepherdsville is a quaint town located along the Salt River, encircled by picturesque rolling hills.
Shepherdsville is conveniently located on I-65, attracting visitors for attractions such as the expansive Awesome Flea Market and the adjacent Awesome Lazy River, ideal for tubing activities along the Salt River.
Recognized as the Bourbon Capital of the World, Bardstown lies approximately half an hour to the southeast, but closer still is the historic James B. Beam Distilling Company, where guests can partake in a diverse array of tastings and tours.
In proximity, the remarkable Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest features over three million trees and 40 miles of trails across rugged terrain that was previously mined for iron ore.
1. James B. Beam Distilling Company
In Shepherdsville, you are within reach of the family estate of one of the most renowned and best-selling bourbon brands globally.
Jim Beam has a storied history dating back to the 18th century, with the nearby Clermont distillery referred to as the “family home of American whiskey” and the “birthplace of bourbon.”
You may explore this newly renovated facility, now in its eighth generation of ownership, and partake in a variety of experiences.
Options include guided tasting sessions, 90-minute interactive tours of the distillery, mixology workshops, or culinary tasting experiences.
For those seeking an in-depth experience, consider a half-day behind-the-scenes tour, or even the opportunity to become a distiller for a day.
2. Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest
Isaac Wolfe Bernheim (1848-1945), a pivotal figure in establishing Louisville as a center for bourbon distilling, was the visionary behind this remarkable natural area, which occupies former iron ore pits.
He acquired over 16,000 acres in 1929 and assigned the esteemed Olmsted Firm the responsibility of landscaping.
Today, the Bernheim Arboretum is an extraordinary destination, characterized by a hilly landscape interwoven with more than 40 miles of trails for hiking and biking.
The LEED-certified Visitor Center and Education Center serves as a starting point, with highlights including the Fire Tower, which features a 961-step ascent, the Canopy Tree Walk that rises 75 feet above the forest floor, and thought-provoking art installations, such as a set of three wooden giants by Danish sculptor Thomas Dambo.
3. Bullitt County History Museum
Operated by dedicated volunteers from the Bullitt County Genealogical Society, the Bullitt County History Museum is located in the county courthouse downtown.
This venue features two exhibition rooms filled with well-curated exhibits that chronicle over 230 years of Bullitt County history. The displays recount significant events in the region’s past, such as the L&N Shepherdsville Train Wreck of 1917, which resulted in 49 fatalities.
Additionally, a research room is available, offering free internet access and a continuously expanding collection of genealogical and local historical resources. The museum operates during standard courthouse hours.
4. Shepherdsville Country Music Show
A beloved local entertainment institution for more than 45 years, the Shepherdsville Country Music Show has been delighting families since 1977.
The 500-seat showroom for this cherished tradition is located at 1833 Hwy 44, on the western outskirts of the town, with performances typically commencing at 7 PM throughout the year.
Classic country music predominates, complemented by classic rock and roll, southern gospel, and comedic acts. The show is family-oriented, prohibiting smoking and alcohol.
5. Awesome Flea Market
Throughout the year, every weekend hosts a substantial flea market featuring hundreds of booths just off I-65 in Shepherdsville. Occupying an expansive 70,000 square foot venue, the Awesome Flea Market boasts up to 350 indoor and 350 outdoor vendors.
With a history spanning more than two decades, the market offers an extensive selection of items, including used goods, new products, and handmade crafts.
If you enjoy the thrill of treasure hunting, it is advisable to dedicate several hours to fully explore the offerings.
A food court featuring Old Hickory Barbeque is also available, making it an excellent opportunity for a family outing, alongside a visit to the Awesome Lazy River, which follows.
6. Awesome Lazy River
The Awesome Flea Market is conveniently located along the Salt River, which transforms into a natural water park during the summer months.
Beginning Memorial Day weekend, visitors can enjoy a relaxing few hours floating downstream, with shuttle buses available at the conclusion of the experience.
The Salt River is characterized by its gentle current, allowing for leisurely floating, and it is advisable to rent paddles to enhance the experience. Double tubes are available for rent, and visitors will encounter rope swings along the banks approximately every few hundred feet.
7. Forest Edge Winery
This aptly named winery is situated on the northwestern periphery of the Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest. Forest Edge Winery offers a diverse range of dry, sweet, fruit, and specialty wines.
Prominent varietal wines include the award-winning Summer Daze (Concord), Old Vine Zinfandel, and Merlot, in addition to unique creations such as the chili-infused Forest Fire and Berrylicious (blackberry wine).
The tasting room, featuring a charming shaded patio, is open daily and provides an excellent setting for relaxation after a visit.
8. Pine Creek Barrens Nature Preserve
Located on the eastern outskirts of Shepherdsville is one of the finest examples of a limestone/dolomite barrens complex found in the state.
The Pine Creek Barrens Nature Preserve is not only ecologically significant but also provides an ideal setting for a tranquil woodland stroll conveniently close to town.
This area features open woodlands, dry upland forests, and the most picturesque segment along Pine Creek, showcasing low limestone cliffs and a beautiful mesic forest.
A three-mile trail system, complete with interpretive signage detailing the diverse plant species within the preserve, highlights several rare and endangered species.
9. Four Roses Bottling Facility
The aging warehouse and bottling facility for one of Kentucky’s most cherished bourbon brands is located not far from Shepherdsville, approximately halfway to Bardstown.
Four Roses, trademarked in 1888, is believed to have been in production since the mid-19th century.
While the distillery is situated in Lawrenceburg, visitors can also tour the aging warehouses and bottling plant, participating in guided tours, tastings, and retail experiences.
Tours are conducted hourly, seven days a week, and offer an informative glimpse into the towering stacks of barrels in the rickhouse, illustrating the synthesis of tradition, logistics, and technology at the bottling facility.
The tasting experience is particularly enlightening, permitting guests to sample the classic Four Roses, Four Roses Small Batch, and Four Roses Single Barrel, all served with a souvenir glass.
10. Kart Kountry
Adjacent to the I-65 exit in Shepherdsville lies a substantial family entertainment center offering ample activities for a full day.
Kart Kountry has established itself for over four decades, with Thunder Road being the principal attraction.
Stretching 1.5 miles, Thunder Road is promoted as the largest go-kart track globally. Additional attractions include batting cages, two miniature golf courses, bumper boats, and a vast arcade featuring numerous redemption games.
11. Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery
As Bullitt County’s first commercial vineyard, Wight-Meyer Vineyard and Winery is located on the eastern edge of Shepherdsville, adjacent to the Pine Creek Barrens Nature Preserve.
Spanning 16 acres, Wight-Meyer has garnered multiple awards, offering a fitting blend of premium wine tasting and the natural beauty of rural Kentucky.
At the time of writing, the tasting experience featured six wines, showcasing a diverse assortment of whites, reds, and rosés, encompassing dry to sweet dessert options.
Recent award-winning selections include the best-selling Kentucky Diamond, Riesling, Winter Solstice (a sweet fermented Diamond), and Cabernet Dore (Norton and Sauvignon Blanc).
12. Slow Poke Farm
Situated approximately 15 minutes east of downtown Shepherdsville, this family-owned farm opens its doors to the public each October for an engaging Fall Festival.
Open on weekends throughout the month, guests can enjoy hayrides, pumpkins, a corn maze, a hay maze, and an expanded children’s playground.
Children will delight in meeting the farm animals at Slow Poke Farm. The remainder of the year, it functions as a working farm producing soybeans, corn, vegetables, and cattle. Additionally, a country store is available, accommodating field trips and family outings by prior arrangement.
13. Shepherdsville Farmers’ Market
During the summer, a lively farmers’ market takes place in a lot just a couple of blocks west of Buckman St. For a town the size of Shepherdsville, this market is quite vibrant, operating from June through September and featuring a diverse range of vendors.
The selection of produce evolves throughout the season, offering cabbage, zucchini, carrots, tomatoes, peppers, cauliflower, corn, berries, cantaloupe, green beans, and more.
In addition, visitors will discover eggs, baked goods, preserves, honey, and an array of captivating handmade crafts, such as candles and soaps.
14. Heritage Hill Golf Course
Set in a natural landscape, this Doug Beach-designed course has earned accolades as one of the top public courses in Kentucky and was recognized by Golf Digest among the best new courses in the country upon its opening in 2006.
Characterized by dramatic elevation shifts and stunning vistas, Heritage Hill features zoysia tees and fairways, as well as bent grass greens.
The hilly landscape necessitates the use of carts, with concrete pathways throughout the course.
Providing five distinct tee boxes, the course accommodates a wide range of skill levels, while the fairways are generously wide, forgiving slightly errant tee shots.
15. Bullitt Blast
Every Independence Day, Shepherdsville hosts one of the region’s premier city fairs and fireworks displays.
This collaborative event, organized by numerous local organizations, spans two days and features live music, a spectacular fireworks show, delectable fair food, a beer garden, a car show, a pageant, and various vendors and exhibitors, along with carnival games and rides (on Saturday).
The festivities occur at the city park alongside the Salt River, with free admission available over the two-day celebration.