ATTRACTIONS

Historic Homes & Buildings

• Abbey of Gethsemani
  3642 Monks Road • Bardstown, KY 40051
  Trappist, Kentucky
  502-549-3117
  This Abbey was founded in 1848 by the Order of Trappist Cistercians. Displays and videos tell visitors about the monastary life and there is a bookstore with Gethsemani Farms' products and gifts. The monks also open their doors to spiritual seekers from around the world. more...  map

• Mansion, The
  1003 North Third Street • Bardstown, KY 40004
  502-348-1688
  This beautiful 1851 Greek Revival home is where the first Confederate flag was raised in Kentucky. Daily guided tours feature period antiques.  map

• Saint Joseph's Proto-Cathedral
  310 West Stephen Foster Avenue • Bardstown, KY 40004
  502-348-3126
  When the cornerstone was laid in 1816, this became the first Catholic cathedral west of the Alleghenies. It is listed as a national landmark and contains 17th century European paintings and other gifts donated by Pope LeoXII and King Louie Phillippe of France, among others.  more...  map

• Wickland
  US 62
  502-348-5428
  The home of three governors, this Federal-style house, built around 1825 - 1828 features Georgian architecture and outstanding antique furniture. Wickland is open for self-guided tours.

Historic Sites & Monuments

• Old Bardstown Village
  310 East Broadway • Bardstown, KY 40004
  Museum Row
  502-349-0291
  This re-creation of a frontier village is complete with cabins dating from between 1776 and 1820. Along with frontier homes, visit the Wheel Wright's Shop, Forge, and Stillhouse. An Indian Museum is also on site. more...  map

Museums & Galleries

• Civil War Museum at Old Bardstown Village
  310 East Broadway • Bardstown, KY 40004
  downtown
  502-349-0291
  Housed in Bardstown's old water works and icehouse, this museum is the fourth largest Civil War Museum in the United States. It primarilly tells the story of the War of the Western States in a series of geographical and chronological exhibts. Included in this museum are Infantry, Cavalry, and Naval Artillery rooms. more...  map

• Kentucky Railway Museum
  136 South Main Street • New Haven, KY 40051
  502-549-5470, 800-272-0152
  The Kentucky Railway Museum is one of the oldest rail museums in the United States. It has a variety of railroad artifacts, over 100 different railroad cars and locomotives, as well as a large model train building, and gift shop. You can also see the beautiful Rolling Fork River Valley, as you ride 22 miles on a restored passenger train. more...  map

• Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
  114 North Fifth Street • Bardstown, KY 40004
  Located in Historic Spalding Hall
  502-348-2999
  Features of this museum include copper stills dating from 1787, Prohibition medicinal whiskies, antique bottles, jugs and barrels, temperance banners, rare documents, and a Master Distiller Joe L. Beam & 7 Sons exhibit.  more...  map

• Wildlife/Natural History Museum
  310 East Broadway • Bardstown, KY 40004
  Museum Row
  502-349-0291
  A large collection of North American animals in their natural habitat, as well as, fossils and minerals from around the world can be seen at this museum. more...  map

• Women of the Civil War Museum
  302 East Broadway • Bardstown, KY 40004
  Civil War Museum
  502-349-0291
  Located in the historic Wright Talbot House, this museum highlights the many roles that women played in the Civil War. It tells their stories through the use of letters, personal artifacts, and paintings. more...  map

Parks, Gardens & Zoos

• Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
  State Highway 245 • Bardstown, KY 40110
  Clermont, Kentucky
  502-955-8512
  Established in 1929 by Isaac W. Bernheim, this renowned arboretum and 14,000 acre forest is the perfect place to spend the day. Visit the Nature Center, or enjoy the 30 miles of hiking trails, the picnic area, and lakes. There is also a cafe with a lunch menu, and a gift shop that offers a variety of unique items, including one-of-a-kind handcrafted Kentucky arts and crafts. more...  map

Vineyards, Wineries & Breweries

• Chapeze House
  107 East Stephen Foster Avenue • Bardstown, KY 40004
  502-349-0127
  Home to the Kentucky Bourbon Society, Kentucky Bourbon Cooking School, and Chapeze Distillery, Chapeze House is the world home of Kentucky Bourbon and fine food tastings. The mansion, itself, was built in 1810 by Ben Chapeze, and the Distillery was developed in 1846. Experience Southern hospitality as you enjoy Afteroon Tea, or come for the Kentucky Bourbon and Fine Food Tasting each Friday. This site is also available for weddings, private dinners and parties. more...  map

• Four Roses Distillery
  624 Lotus Road • Bardstown, KY 40013
  Cox's Creek, Kentucky
  502-543-2264
  Come visit this distillery where the bottling is done by hand and the Bourbon ages in white oak barrels. The distillery is housed in a 1911 Spanish Mission-syle building, which is listed on the National Register of Historic places. Tours are available and a gift shop is on site. more...  map

• Heaven Hill Distilleries Bourbon Heritage Center
  1311 Gilkey Run Road • Bardstown, KY 40004
  502-337-1000
  Learn how Bourbon is made, and the history of Kentucky's Bourbon industry, at this center, through interactive exhibits. You can also tour a working rickhouse, receive a tutored tasting, and create your very own personalized bottle to take home. more...  map

• Jim Beam American Outpost
  Highway 245 • Bardstown, KY 40110
  Clermont, Kentucky
  502-543-9877
  Learn about the heritage and production of fine Bourbon at this 200 year old distillery. View the Beam family home, which is listed as a National Historic Site, and sample Jim Beam bourbons. more...  map

• Maker's Mark Distillery
  3350 Burk's Springs Road • Bardstown, KY 40037
  Loretto, Kentucky
  270-865-2099
  Tour the only operating distillery in the United States designated as a National Historical Landmark and see how bourbon whiskey is made. The distillery was built in 1805 as a gristmill distillery and became the home of Maker's Mark in 1953. The tour includes the Master Distillers House built in the 1840's; Toll House; the Firehouse, complete with an antique fire engine; Still House circa 1805; Fermenting Room; and Barrel Warehouses, which date back to the late 1800's or early 1900's. more...

• Springhill Winery
  3205 Springfield Road • Bardstown, KY 40008
  Bloomfield, Kentucky
  502-252-9463
  Learn about Kentucky's Wine Heritage as you view historic displays, tour the winery cellar, and experience how fine wines are made. Visit the Tasting Room and Gift Shop to complete your trip. more...  map