We all know about the Seven Wonders of the World — the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and beyond. But Bardstown is no slouch when it comes to dazzling sights, unusual attractions and magical experiences. Here, we’ve gathered the Seven Wonders of Bardstown, from forest giants to age-old stone taverns.
My Old Kentucky Home
“The sun shines bright on My Old Kentucky Home!” Famed songwriter Stephen Foster penned those words back in 1852. But they’re truer than ever during a visit to My Old Kentucky Home itself. Located just a short distance from downtown Bardstown, this beautifully maintained grand 200-year-old mansion and plantation was once the home of the Rowan family. Today, it’s all open to the public for tours and events that bring Bardstown’s rich history and culture to life.
The Forest Giants of Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest is a wonder all on its own, with 16,000 acres of pristine wilderness for visitors to explore. But the attraction is taken to another level by the presence of a family of oversized forest giants. Created by famed Danish artist Thomas Dambo, these three enormous creatures were made using repurposed and sustainable materials; as the years go by, they’ll slowly become part of the forest, so catch them while you can!
Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Everywhere you look, the Bourbon Capital of the World (AKA Bardstown) is steeped in the history of whiskey. The very best place to get your bearings on this rich heritage is the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. Housed in the lovingly restored Spalding Hall, it’s an immersive journey that takes visitors from the pre-Revolutionary War period through the dark days of Prohibition to the present day. The museum will leave you with a much deeper appreciation of the spirit through an array of incredible artifacts, exhibits, and memorabilia.
The Abbey of Gethsemane
A Trappist monastery might not be the first thing you’d expect to find in the heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country. But the Abbey of Gethsemane has been waiting to be discovered for more than 170 years. Visitors of all spiritual inclinations are welcome at the 1,500-acre Abbey, where 40 Trappist monks live, pray and work to this day. Visit the serene chapel, view historic structures and explore secluded nature trails that take you through breathtaking pastoral scenery.
Old Talbott Tavern
The “1779” emblazoned on the outside of the Old Talbott Tavern tells you that this is not your average watering hole. Since the late 1700s, it’s served as the stopping point for countless travelers, including King Louis Phillippe, Stephen Foster and the infamous outlaw Jesse James — who legend tells us left two bullet holes in an upstairs mural as a calling card. You can still see them today, and enjoy a meal at the Old Talbott, enjoying a range of southern classics along with a bourbon collection boasting more than 200 bottles.
The Deere John Project
No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you. The Deere John Project, situated in nearby Bloomfield, is a mind-boggling art installation that features 10 full-size John Deere Tractors partially buried in a field. It’s the quirky work of photographer/curator Linda Bruckheimer, who also runs the incredible vintage shop Nettie Jarvis Antiques, which you should definitely pay a visit to while in the area.
Heaven Hill Distilleries
Bardstown is home to many distilleries, of course. But only one of them has been named the World's Largest Tour-able Distillery by the World Record Academy. With 61 acres and 57 rickhouses, it’s an awe-inspiring site for bourbon lovers. The all-new Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience® gives visitors the chance to go behind the scenes to learn the distillery’s epic saga and see firsthand how they make they make their world-famous bourbon.