Bardstown isn’t just another small Kentucky town. It’s the Bourbon Capital of the World, where world-class distilleries meet genuine Southern hospitality.
After exploring this destination multiple times, I’ve found what makes Bardstown special. History flows as freely as the bourbon here.
From 1779 taverns to modern craft distilleries, every street tells a story. This guide gives you 9 must-experience activities that showcase Bardstown’s unique blend of bourbon culture, historic attractions, and local charm.
Every recommendation includes exact addresses, distances, and insider details from actual visits. Your Bardstown adventure deserves proper planning. Let’s make it memorable.
Things to do in Bardstown, KY
Bardstown offers plenty of activities for bourbon lovers and history fans. I’ll share the best spots to visit during your stay.
Major Distillery Tours
Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience stands as the town’s flagship attraction, telling the complete bourbon story through interactive exhibits and guided tours.
Lux Row Distillers features a modern facility with beautiful mountain views and fresh, contemporary tour experiences.
Bardstown Bourbon Company represents innovative craft distilling with small-batch production methods.
All three distilleries sit within easy driving distance of downtown Bardstown, typically just 5-10 minutes away by car, making them accessible for day trips.
Educational Bourbon Experiences
Bourbon Capital Academy offers hands-on learning from grain to glass, helping you understand every step of bourbon-making.
The Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History at 114 N 5th St houses impressive collections of rare artifacts and vintage bottles, showing how America’s native spirit developed over time.
Located just 2.2 miles from The Trail Hotel, this museum displays bottles over 100 years old and explains bourbon’s important role in American culture through detailed exhibits.
Bourbon Tasting Venues
The Volstead Bourbon Lounge at 107 E Flaget St creates an authentic speakeasy atmosphere featuring rare and vintage bourbons you can’t find elsewhere, just 2.3 miles from The Trail Hotel.
The Old Talbott Tavern Bar has served drinks since 1779 at 107 W Stephen Foster Ave, maintaining one of the finest bourbon collections in town.
Both venues employ knowledgeable bartenders who help you find the perfect pour for your taste preferences and budget.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
This historic estate at 501 E Stephen Foster Ave connects to Kentucky’s famous song through guided tours showing how wealthy families lived in the 1800s.
Beautiful manicured gardens surround the mansion, creating perfect photo opportunities. Located 2.9 miles from The Trail Hotel, tours run every hour during peak season and take about 90 minutes for the complete experience.
The estate provides insight into antebellum Kentucky life and the inspiration behind Stephen Foster’s beloved composition.
Educational Museums
Kentucky Railway Museum focuses on Civil War and transportation history with steam trains and vintage cars filling detailed exhibits.
The Civil War Museum explains Bardstown’s significant role in the conflict through local battles and military artifacts. Bardstown/Nelson Co.
The African-American Heritage Museum honors the contributions of people of color, preserving important cultural heritage through educational displays.
Each museum offers different perspectives on the area’s rich past, giving you a complete picture of Bardstown’s historical development and cultural significance.
Religious and Spiritual Sites
Abbey of Gethsemani Monastery at 3642 Monks Rd, Trappist, provides peaceful retreat opportunities at this historic Trappist monastery, perfect for quiet reflection.
The serene grounds offer guided tours and famous handmade bourbon fruitcake sampling experiences.
Located 10.1 miles from The Trail Hotel, the monks welcome visitors for prayer and contemplation.
Their gift shop sells handmade goods supporting the monastic community, including preserves, cheese, and spiritual books for meaningful souvenirs.
Historic Downtown Walking Tour
Downtown Bardstown showcases small-town charm through historic streets lined with 19th-century buildings that tell stories of Kentucky’s bourbon boom.
The Bourbon Capital Entertainment District features bars and restaurants offering sip and stroll experiences with handcrafted cocktails.
You can walk at your own pace, stopping whenever something catches your eye. Many buildings date back to the 1800s, displaying architectural heritage that reflects the area’s prosperity during bourbon’s golden age.
Unique Shopping Experiences
Hurst Soda Fountain serves old-fashioned sodas and ice cream in a throwback shop that feels like stepping into the 1950s.
Cactus Annie’s offers local boutique shopping with unique gifts and Kentucky-made products. Making Good Scentz lets you create custom candles through hands-on experiences that make great souvenirs.
Local artisan shops line downtown streets, each with its own personality and specialty items, including handmade pottery, jewelry, and regional crafts.
Street Events and Festivals
Kentucky Bourbon Festival runs September 5th-7th, attracting thousands of visitors for tastings, tours, and live music celebrating America’s native spirit.
Bardstown Arts & Crafts Festival on October 11th & 12th features local artists and makers selling handmade pottery, jewelry, and artwork.
National Bourbon Week spans June 9th-15th with special events throughout town. Book your hotel early during festival times as rooms fill quickly, and these celebrations showcase Bardstown’s community spirit.
Conclusion
Bardstown offers something special for every visitor, from world-class bourbon tours to peaceful historic sites. You now have a complete guide to what to do in Bardstown, KY, that covers the essential experiences locals recommend.
Start with the major distilleries, then explore the museums and downtown charm. Don’t miss the Abbey of Gethsemani for a quiet moment away from the crowds.
Plan your visit around the seasonal festivals if possible. They showcase the community spirit that makes this town truly memorable.
What experience are you most excited to try first? Share your Bardstown plans in the comments below, and feel free to ask about specific attractions or timing your visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top bourbon distilleries to visit in Bardstown,n KY?
The must-visit distilleries include Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience (the flagship attraction), Lux Row Distillers with scenic mountain views, and Bardstown Bourbon Company for innovative craft spirits. All three are within 5-10 minutes of downtown and offer guided tours with tastings.
How far is My Old Kentucky Home State Park from downtown Bardstown?
My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located 2.9 miles from downtown Bardstown, about a 6-minute drive. The historic estate offers guided tours of the mansion and beautiful gardens, with tours running hourly during peak season.
When is the best time to visit Bardstown for bourbon festivals?
The Kentucky Bourbon Festival runs September 5th-7th, National Bourbon Week spans June 9th-15th, and the Arts & Crafts Festival occurs October 11th-12th. Book accommodations early during these popular events as hotels fill up quickly.
What educational bourbon experiences are available in Bardstown?
Visit the Bourbon Capital Academy for hands-on grain-to-glass learning and the Oscar Getz Museum of Bourbon History at 114 N 5th St. The museum features rare artifacts, vintage bottles, and tells the story of America’s native spirit development.
Are there non-bourbon activities to do in Bardstown, KY?
Yes, visit the Abbey of Gethsemani Monastery for peaceful reflection, explore Civil War and railway museums, take historic downtown walking tours, shop at unique local boutiques, and enjoy old-fashioned treats at Hurst Soda Fountain.
