Bardstown Travel Guide

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Nestled in the heart of Kentucky, Bardstown is a charming city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Known as the "Bourbon Capital of the World," Bardstown is a haven for whiskey enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

One of the main attractions in Bardstown is the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, a journey through the state's most famous distilleries. Visitors can explore the rich history and craftsmanship behind world-renowned bourbon brands like Maker's Mark and Jim Beam. The trail also offers a chance to sample a wide variety of bourbons and learn about the distillation process.

For those interested in history, Bardstown boasts a rich heritage dating back to the late 18th century. The city is home to several beautifully preserved historic sites, including My Old Kentucky Home State Park. This Federal-style mansion served as the inspiration for Stephen Foster's famous song and showcases the grandeur of antebellum Kentucky.

Another must-visit landmark is the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral, the first Catholic cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains. With its stunning architecture and intricate stained glass windows, the basilica is a testament to the city's deep religious roots.

Nature enthusiasts will also find plenty to explore in Bardstown. The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest offers over 16,000 acres of pristine woodlands, meadows, and streams. Visitors can hike through miles of trails, go fishing, or simply enjoy a picnic surrounded by nature's beauty.

To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, be sure to visit Bardstown during the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival. This week-long celebration showcases the best of Kentucky bourbon, with tastings, live music, and a chance to meet master distillers. It's an experience that shouldn't be missed for any whiskey aficionado.

Alternative names: Established: 1780 (244 years ago)Population: 13.1 thous.Area: 12.09 mi²Elevation: 643 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°48'39"N, 85°27'59"W

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KentuckyUnited States

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Bardstown Top Attractions

Bardstown Attractions - What to See and Explore

Bardstown offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, My Old Kentucky Home, Bardstown Civil War Museum, Wickland. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Specialty museum
Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History is a museum in Bardstown, Kentucky, that chronicles the history of American whiskey from Colonial days through the 1960s.
Museum • History museum
My Old Kentucky Home
My Old Kentucky Home State Park is a state park located in Bardstown, Kentucky, United States. The park's centerpiece is Federal Hill, a former plantation home owned by United States Senator John Rowan in 1795.
Museum • Military museum • History museum
Bardstown Civil War Museum
The Civil War Museum in Bardstown, Kentucky, is a collection of five attractions along what is called "Museum Row". It was established in 1996 by Dr. Henry Spalding. The leading attraction is the Civil War Museum, which is the fourth largest American Civil War Museum and is dedicated to the Western Theater of the war.

Museum • Walking tours • Tours
Wickland
Wickland is a historic mansion in eastern Bardstown, Kentucky. It has been the home of three state governors: two for Kentucky, and one in Louisiana.
Church • Greek Revival architecture
Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral
The Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral is a Catholic parish church at 310 West Stephen Foster Avenue in Bardstown, Kentucky.
Monuments and statues
Confederate Monument of Bardstown
The Confederate Monument of Bardstown, in Bardstown, Kentucky was erected in 1903 in the Bardstown St. Joseph's Cemetery to honor the sacrifice of 67 Confederate States Army soldiers, who died during the American Civil War.
Church
Church of St Thomas
The church of St Thomas, the Apostle and Howard-Flaget House is a historic Roman Catholic church and home located at Bardstown, Nelson County, Kentucky. The church is a brick, cross-shaped plan with a round apse. It was designed by Baltimore architect Maximilian Godefroy and built 1813–1816. It closely resembles Godefroy's earlier St.
37°48'33"N • 85°28'3"W
Nelson County Jail
The historic Nelson County Jail in the Bardstown Historic District in Bardstown, Kentucky is a property on the National Register of Historic Places.
Historical place
Spalding Hall
Spalding Hall is a building listed on the National Register of Historic Places in Bardstown, Kentucky. It was built in conjunction with the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral. The hall was originally built in 1826 and named for Bishop Martin John Spalding. It was the main building of St.
37°48'39"N • 85°28'0"W
Artists Barrel
Museum • Shopping
37°48'34"N • 85°28'2"W
Fine Arts Bardstown Society
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
Greek Revival architecture
Anatok
Anatok was a historic mansion in central Bardstown, Kentucky. The two-story, double-pile, brick Greek Revival home was built in 1847 for Charles and Matilda Haydon. The home had a limestone foundation, four brick interior end chimneys, and a standing seam hipped roof. It was named Anatok in the 1890s by then-owner James L. Druien.
Museum • History museum
Bardstown Historical Museum
The Bardstown Historical Museum is a museum of local history in Bardstown, Kentucky, USA, that is located in Spalding Hall, along with the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History.
Neighbourhood
Bardstown City Schools
Bardstown City Schools is a school district located in Bardstown, Kentucky that was established in 1908. It operates Bardstown High School, Bardstown Middle School, Bardstown Elementary School, Bardstown Primary School, and Early Childhood Education Center.
37°49'42"N • 85°27'38"W
Ben Johnson House
The Ben Johnson House is in the northern outskirts of Bardstown, Kentucky. It was built in 1851 in a Greek Revival style for state senator and lieutenant governor William Johnson.
Neighbourhood
Bardstown Historic District
The Bardstown Historic District, comprising the center of Bardstown, Kentucky, is a registered historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

Day trips

Bardstown – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Bardstown, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory (Louisville), Churchill Downs (Louisville), Pleasant Hill (Harrodsburg).

35 milesNW
Museum
Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory, Louisville
The Louisville Slugger Museum & Factory stands as a testament to America's favorite pastime, baseball, in the heart of downtown Louisville, Kentucky. Celebrating the iconic Louisville Slugger baseball bat, this museum and working factory offers both baseball...
32 milesNW
Legendary horse-racing track
Churchill Downs, Louisville
Churchill Downs, located in the vibrant city of Louisville, Kentucky, stands as an iconic landmark in the world of horse racing. This legendary racecourse, known for its rich history and tradition, is the hallowed ground of the Kentucky Derby, often referred to as "The...
40 milesE
Historical place, Museum, Nature and wildlife
Pleasant Hill, Harrodsburg
Pleasant Hill, nestled in the heart of Mercer County, Kentucky, is a historical gem that offers visitors a unique glimpse into America's past. Known more widely as the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, this tranquil site once housed a thriving community of Shakers, a...
30 milesNW
Zoo, Park, Outdoor activities
Louisville Zoo, Louisville
The Louisville Zoo, a verdant oasis nestled in the heart of Louisville, Kentucky, is a celebrated destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families alike. This zoological garden provides a unique opportunity to explore the wonders of the animal kingdom in a setting...
35 milesNW
Library
Sons of the American Revolution, Louisville
The Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) is an esteemed historical society located in the vibrant city of Louisville, United States. This organization, dedicated to preserving the memory of the patriots who fought for American independence, offers a rich experience...

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Best Time To Visit Bardstown

Learn when is the best time to travel to Bardstown weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Bardstown?

The top attractions to visit in Bardstown are: