Bardstown KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bardstown, Kentucky.
1. Willett Distilling Company
FAMILY-OWNED BOURBON LEGACY
Willett Distilling Company offers intimate, informative tours showcasing a tradition-rich bourbon-making process amidst beautiful grounds. Visitors can experience the family-owned distillery's heritage while enjoying their curated gift shop and on-site coffee bar. The distillery provides a genuine glimpse into Kentucky's bourbon craftsmanship with personalized attention to detail.
2. Lux Row Distillers
ELEGANT BOURBON EXPERIENCE
Lux Row Distillers welcomes visitors with its elegant setting and tree-lined approach to experience Kentucky bourbon at its finest. The distillery offers an array of tastings and unique experiences such as barrel sampling and chocolate pairings. Guests can immerse themselves in the bourbon-making process while enjoying the sophisticated atmosphere.
3. Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience
ICONIC BOURBON HERITAGE CENTER
Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience provides visitors with an immersive journey through one of Kentucky's most established distilleries. The experience offers educational tours, tastings, and interactive exhibits that showcase the history and production of bourbon. Guests can explore the extensive facilities while learning about the brand's significant contribution to America's native spirit.
4. My Old Kentucky Home - Golf And Museum
HISTORIC ESTATE AND RECREATION
My Old Kentucky Home combines a historic site with recreational activities featured on the Kentucky quarter. Visitors can tour the famous Federal Hill mansion that inspired Stephen Foster's iconic song while also enjoying the well-maintained golf course. The state park offers a perfect blend of Kentucky heritage and outdoor leisure activities for history buffs and sports enthusiasts alike.
5. The Stephen Foster Story
MUSICAL HERITAGE PERFORMANCE
The Stephen Foster Story brings to life the music and legacy of America's first great composer through vibrant theatrical performances. Set against the backdrop of My Old Kentucky Home State Park, this long-running outdoor musical celebrates Foster's timeless songs and the antebellum South. Visitors are transported to the 19th century through elaborate costumes, choreography, and heartfelt renditions of classics like 'Oh! Susanna' and 'My Old Kentucky Home.'
6. Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum
LIVING HISTORY ENCLAVE
Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum offers visitors a glimpse into mid-19th century Kentucky through authentic period buildings and exhibits. The open-air museum features relocated historic structures that create an immersive environment showcasing daily life during the Civil War era. Visitors can explore the carefully preserved artifacts and reconstructed scenes that bring this pivotal period in American history to life.
7. Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
SPIRITS THROUGH TIME
Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History chronicles America's relationship with whiskey from pre-colonial times to post-Prohibition in fascinating detail. Located in historic Spalding Hall, the museum houses rare artifacts including antique bottles, advertising materials, and authentic moonshine stills. Visitors can trace the evolution of distilling practices and the cultural significance of whiskey in American society through the comprehensive exhibits.
8. Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral
HISTORIC CATHOLIC LANDMARK
Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral stands as the first Catholic cathedral west of the Allegheny Mountains, representing a significant religious milestone in American frontier history. The historic church features stunning architecture, exquisite paintings donated by European nobility, and beautiful stained glass windows. Visitors can appreciate both the spiritual and historical significance of this landmark that has served the faithful since its completion in 1819.
9. The Old Talbott Tavern
HISTORIC FRONTIER INN
The Old Talbott Tavern has been welcoming travelers since the late 1700s, earning its reputation as one of America's oldest western stagecoach stops. The historic establishment offers both dining and lodging in rooms where notable guests like Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Boone, and Jesse James once stayed. Visitors can enjoy traditional Kentucky cuisine while soaking in the authentic atmosphere complete with original murals and architecture that has survived centuries.
10. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
ROLLING CULINARY JOURNEY
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train offers a unique dining experience aboard vintage 1940s dining cars while traveling through the scenic Kentucky countryside. Passengers enjoy gourmet multi-course meals prepared in the train's galley kitchen as they journey through historic Bourbon Country on a 2.5-hour excursion. The elegant atmosphere, complete with white tablecloths and attentive service, creates a memorable blend of fine dining and railway nostalgia.
11. McIntyre's Winery & Berries
HOMEGROWN WINE EXPERIENCE
McIntyre's Winery & Berries offers visitors a taste of Kentucky through their handcrafted fruit wines made from berries grown on their family farm. The welcoming tasting room provides a casual atmosphere to sample their distinctive wines ranging from blackberry to blueberry and seasonal specialties. Guests can tour the production facilities, learn about the winemaking process, and purchase bottles to take home as a unique Kentucky souvenir.
12. Preservation Distillery
CRAFT BOURBON TRADITIONS
Preservation Distillery offers an intimate craft bourbon experience in a picturesque farm setting that honors traditional small-batch production methods. As Bardstown's first craft distillery, they focus on limited-quantity, pot-distilled bourbon made with time-honored techniques and no automation. Visitors can enjoy personalized tours that provide insight into their grain-to-glass philosophy while sampling distinctive expressions that reflect Kentucky's bourbon heritage.
13. Bardstown Burger
LOCAL BURGER HAVEN
Bardstown Burger serves up delicious handcrafted burgers in a casual, welcoming atmosphere that locals and tourists alike enjoy. The restaurant specializes in fresh, never-frozen beef patties with creative toppings and homemade sides that showcase Kentucky flavors. Visitors can refuel with these satisfying quick bites while exploring Bardstown's attractions, making it a perfect lunch stop during a day of bourbon touring.
14. The Bardstown Bourbon Company Kitchen & Bar
MODERN DISTILLERY DINING
The Bardstown Bourbon Company Kitchen & Bar offers a contemporary dining experience that perfectly complements their state-of-the-art distillery operations. The restaurant features a farm-to-table menu with dishes designed to pair with their extensive bourbon selection and creative cocktails. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside through floor-to-ceiling windows while savoring meals that highlight local Kentucky ingredients and culinary traditions.
15. Spalding Hall
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
Spalding Hall stands as one of Bardstown's most significant historic structures, having served as a seminary, hospital during the Civil War, and now home to multiple museums. The impressive three-story brick building houses the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History and the Bardstown Historical Museum within its storied walls. Visitors can explore the beautifully preserved architecture while discovering exhibits that showcase both local history and Kentucky's bourbon heritage.