Looking for the best and fun things to do in Bardstown, KY?
Bardstown is located in Nelson County of Kentucky, it is known for producing the best bourbon and hence is referred to as the “Bourbon Capital of the World ”.
This city is considered one of the smallest cities in Kentucky, despite being a small city there are many things to see and explore here.
Bardstown has lots of beautiful parks, historical Museums, shopping malls, antique shops, restaurants for you to visit and have a quality time with your family and friends.
For a fun vacation, here are the top things to do in Bardstown, KY.
Things to Do in Bardstown
1. The Women’s Civil War Museum
The Women’s Civil War Museum
One of the most interesting places to visit in Bardstown is the Women’s Civil War Museum; you will love it here, especially if you are a history fanatic.
Women’s Civil War Museum tells so much about the great sacrifices women made during the Civil War and how hard they fought to survive.
During the Civil War, women were crucial in journalism, medicine, suffrage, military service, writing, the arts, and much more.
The museum has many historical artifacts showing how brave women were during the war and how willing they were to join the armies to fight.
Women’s Civil War Museum also contains various artifacts and exhibits displaying their journey as nurses and many more.
The museum showcases a good collection of guns, Confederate swords, cannons, union uniforms, and several others.
People who visit this museum tend to understand how strong women are when united and how significant they are in every sector.
Address:204 E Broadway St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
2. The Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum
The Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum
The Museum is highly recommended, especially if you’re a history enthusiast, there are many things to see or do in the Museum.
Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum displays original historical artifacts that tell stories of the struggles between the Gulf of Mexico and Georgia, union forces and Confederacy, and between the Appalachian Mountains and the Mississippi River.
You also get to see and understand the terrible war is how hard people fought to survive and how difficult it was to get food and drinking water.
Old Bardstown Village Civil War Museum has other sites which send messages about slavery, Cavalry, Politics, Navies, Infantry, and Artillery during the period of war.
This museum serves as an eye-opener. Visit to find out more facts about the Civil War, it is worth the visit.
Address:310 E Broadway St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
3. Bardstown Peddlers Mall
If you are in for an amazing shopping experience, Peddlers Mall is a place you would love to shop.
Peddlers Mall is a family-owned mall that specializes in antiques, oddities, collectibles, vintage items, furniture, and much more.
They sell at a reasonable price, and they offer great customer service and a friendly atmosphere for you to have a wonderful shopping experience.
You can also shop online on their app or website, and the shipping fee is very affordable. Peddlers Mall is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am-8pm, and Sunday 12pm -6pm.
Address:1020 Granite Dr, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
4. Bardstown Bowling Center
One of the fun things to do in Bardstown is bowling at Bardstown Bowling Center for a great bowling experience.
Browning is more fun when played with your family and friends, and it gives you a wonderful bonding experience.
Bardstown Bowling Center has a spot where you can get delicious food and flavorful drinks, and there is also a room for arcade games.
Different bowling leagues are usually organized for all ages, where you get to compete with people of your age group.
Bardstown Bowling Center hosts birthday parties and celebrations of all kinds for different ages; bowling parties are always the best to get ready for a fun night.
Bardstown Bowling Center is a fun center excellent for you and your family and friends to have an amazing fun experience.
Address:1012 Commerce Blvd, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
5. The Rusty Rooster
Shopping at the Rusty Rooster is one of the top things to do in Bardstown. Rusty Rooster is the number one place to go if you want something unique.
The Rusty Rooster has an amazing collection of unique and rare items, and there is always something new and special to shop for.
The shop is well maintained, neat, and orderly put together so that anyone who walks in would be enticed by its beauty.
In Rusty Rooster, you get to shop for nice and unique items you can’t get elsewhere and for a reasonable price.
The staffs are friendly and helpful when attending to customers; Rusty Rooster is open from Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, and Saturday from 10am-4pm(closed on Sunday).
Address:620 Bloomfield Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
6. Shaq & Coco
Shaq & Coco
Shaq & Coco is a beautiful store decorated with unique items; you get to see different designs and patterns you have not seen before in the clothing sections.
You can also shop for high-quality shoes and other amazing items that can serve as a gift to yourself or your family.
Shaq & Coco offers great customer service and a friendly environment for the guest to feel free while browsing through the items in the shop.
Shaq & Coco is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am-5:30pm( closed on Sunday).
Address:111 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004-1554
7. Spalding Hall
Spalding Hall
The museum houses a collection of rare whiskey artifacts of over 50 years, starting from colonial times to the prohibition days.
If you’re a lover of American history or Bourbon, you will definitely cherish the time you spent here, and there are lots of things to see and explore.
Spalding Hall was used during the Civil War as a hospital; it was transformed into a museum that holds lots of valuable historical artifacts after the war.
The museum also has a well-organized gift shop, where you can get that unique gift for your loved ones. Spalding Hall is open to everyone free of charge, but you’re allowed to make donations if you choose to.
It is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Sunday from 12pm-4pm(closed on Monday).
Address:114 North Fifth Street Bardstown, KY
8. Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar
Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar
A visit to Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar is one of the top things to do in Bardstown for some delicious meals.
Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar is one of the best and most highly rated restaurants in Bardstown; that’s the more reason you should stop by.
They have a large menu for you to choose from, including steak and eggs, grilled cheese sandwiches, ribeye, country breakfast, chicken salad, and much more.
Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar serves delicious and high-quality American-style breakfast and brunch dishes for a reasonable cost.
The staff and owners are very helpful and considerate, and they serve meals in portion sizes that are quite large and decent.
Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 6:30am-9pm and Sunday from 6:30am-9pm. Make sure Mammy’s Kitchen & Bar is on your list so you don’t miss out on their delicious dishes.
Address:116 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
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9. Bardstown Art Gallery
A visit to Bardstown Art Gallery is one of the top things to do in Bardstown, KY, for a wonderful experience.
Bardstown Art Gallery was built in 1971; it isn’t wrong to say it is the oldest private art gallery still active in Kentucky.
The gallery focuses on authentic paintings in watercolor or oil created by Jim Cantrell, a famous artist. The gallery also showcases woodcuts, drawings, ceramics, collages, etching.
Bardstown Art Gallery also features a comprehensive collection of great books, DVDs, and CDs of late Thomas Merton, who served at the Abbey of Gethsemani as a Trappist monk.
Address:214 W Stephen Foster Ave Bardstown, KY 40004
10. The Blind Pig Bourbon Market
Blind Pig Bourbon Market is one of the best places where you can get that delicious bourbon and every other thing related to bourbon.
You will find other beautiful items like clothes, furniture, glasses, bottle, and other bourbon-themed items in this store.
Blind Pig Bourbon Market is focused on bourbon; the owner and staff have pretty good knowledge about the bottles and everything in the shop.
They don’t offer bourbon gifts but also bourbon food, decanters, bourbon candy, caps, and several others.
Blind Pig Bourbon Market is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am-6pm, and Sunday from 12pm-5pm. Visit Blind Pig Bourbon Market with your friends and family for a wonderful bourbon experience.
Address: 212 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
11. The Willett Distilling Company
The Willett Distilling Company is one of the best companies in Bardstown when it comes to producing whiskey and bourbon.
The company was built in 1936 by Thomas Willett; since then, they have produced different whiskey and bourbon.
The Willett Distilling Company also takes their guests on company tours, showing them every step of how whiskey and bourbon are produced.
There is a tasting room, where you get to taste all their latest products and new ideas. The staff is nice and welcoming, available to guide you every step of the way.
If you’re a lover of whiskey or bourbon, not just any whiskey or bourbon but the typical Kentucky Rye whiskey and Kentucky Bourbon, make sure you visit the Willett Distilling Company.
Address:1869 Loretto Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004-2200
12. The Original Lincoln Home
The Original Lincoln Home
The Lincoln Homestead State Park is one of the best places to spend quality time with your family and friends.
This park is where Lincoln and his family lived from 1811 to 1186. In 2001 the Lincoln boyhood home was added to the National park system.
The Lincoln Homestead State Park now serves as a component for Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site.
The park contains a fully equipped playground for the children to explore and have great fun. The golf course has about eighteen holes spread out on the hills.
The Lincoln Homestead State Park also features a gift shop to get beautiful souvenirs and articles.
This park holds lots of history, and it is well maintained, which makes it perfect for families to hang out.
Address:7120 Bardstown Rd, Hodgenville, KY 42748, USA.
13. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
Dining on a train is one of the fun things to do in Bardstown; you get to enjoy delicious meals too.
“My Old Kentucky Dinner Train” takes you on a two-hour journey when traveling across the countryside of Kentucky.
During your journey, you will be offered sumptuous dishes such as a cheeseburger, pan-seared pork sirloin, salted caramel cheesecakes, roasted corn powder, Mahi Mahi, prime rib, apple dumplings, and much more.
Aside from the amazing dishes, the sight of the outside environment when you look out the window is so refreshing, filled with beautiful wildlife & hiilks, plants, flowers, and trees.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train offers fantastic food, a wonderful ambiance, and a great experience.
My Old Kentucky Dinner Train is open from Monday to Friday from 8am-5pm (closed Saturday and Sunday). This is perfect for couples, family, and friends for an amazing experience.
Address: 602 N 3rd St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
14. Bardstown Community Park
If you are searching for fun activities to do in Bardstown, then you will enjoy your visit to Bardstown Community Park.
The park features a fully equipped playground consisting of many swings and slides for children to have great fun; the park is large, giving the kids enough room to play.
There are special sites perfect for picnics with many picnic tables, and it also features a basketball court, horseshoe pits, etc.
Bardstown Community Park has sand volleyball courts and wooded trails perfect for walking and hiking.
Bardstown Community Park is open all days of the week from 8am-9pm; this is the best place to have great fun with family and friends.
Address:407 E Halstead Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
15. The Old Talbott Tavern
The Old Talbott Tavern
A visit to Old Talbott Tavern is one awesome way to spend your day in Bardstown; it is a historical building built during the 1700’s.
The Old Talbott Tavern comprises a bar and restaurant that offers nice drinks and amazing dishes.
There is a nice menu for you to pick from; it includes veggie burgers, pot roast, bourbon walnut chicken with grits, and many more.
You also get to choose from their amazing drink menu, including nice wines, beers, spirits, and cocktails. There is also a cozy area where visitors relax and enjoy the live music, although not regularly.
The Old Talbott Tavern is a perfect place to visit and spend time with your family and friends while you enjoy a nice meal, tasty drinks, and a friendly atmosphere.
The Old Talbott Tavern is open from Sunday to Thursday from 11am-8pm, Friday and Saturday from 11am-9pm.
Address:107 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
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16. The Historic Cobblestone Path
The Historic Cobblestone Path
Historic Cobblestone Path might sound boring and unexciting for most people, but the moment you visit it, you will understand how unique this place is.
Historic Cobblestone Path is a path with lots of history; this paved road was said to have been built around 1785 and 1825; it is one of the oldest in the whole state of Kentucky.
This path is owned by the community but has some restrictions and is only open to pedestrian traffic. When you visit this path, you will see and understand how the early residents lived and survived.
Historic Cobblestone Path tells so much about the locals’ way of living during that era. The path has a scenic view surrounded by beautiful natural amenities.
The Historic Cobblestone Path was valuable to Kentucky’s transportation history, so it was included in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989. Historic Cobblestone Path served as the main entrance to Bardstown many years back.
The Historic path is open every day from 7am-7pm.
Address:209 E Broadway St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
17. The Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival
The Annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival
Attending the annual Kentucky Bourbon Festival is one of the best things to do in Bardstown. Bardstown is popularly known as the “Bourbon Capital of the World.”
Kentucky Bourbon Festival is a 4-day long festival, that begun in 1992, with about two hundred and fifty(250) people who came together to dine and taste bourbon; over the years, more than fifty thousand (50,000) people from different parts of the world now attend the festival.
At this festival, there are a lot of fun activities like the tasting of whiskey and bourbon, concerts by popular artists, world championship bourbon barrel relay, food and craft vendors, and lots more.
Kentucky Bourbon Festival was formed to honour the state’s art and history of distilling bourbon and whiskey.
Make sure you don’t miss out whenever you visit Bardstown; the festival is held in September.
Address: 114 N 5th St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
18. Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral
Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral
Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral was built in the early 1800’s; it is located in the heart of Bardstown.
The church was referred to as the Mother Church of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bardstown. It is a very charming church and an excellent place to be, especially if you’re a religious person.
This is a perfect place to meditate and reflect on how merciful God truly is and how significant his word is to you and the world at large.
Basilica of St Joseph Proto-Cathedral is decorated with beautiful paintings colorful glass windows, and wonderful natural amenities surround the church.
Address:310 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
19. The Bardstown Ghost Trek
Bardstown Ghost Trek
The ghost trek is one of the fun things to do in Bardstown, KY, especially if you love creepy or scary stories, items and places.
Bardstown Ghost Trek is a tour where you are taken to some scary area to hunt down ghosts; you will also get to know more about ghost and their history with the town.
The staff are well informed and have a vast knowledge about the haunted places and the ghosts that haunt those places.
If you are ready for an exciting ghost-hunting adventure, visit Bardstown Ghost Trek, and don’t forget to bring your camera or recording device to capture every moment.
Address:116 W Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004-1416
20. The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History is an interesting place to visit, especially for history lovers. Makes one of the fun things to do in Bardstown, KY.
There are many historical artifacts to see and explore, most of which are related to history; you also get to see medicinal whiskey bottles, authentic moonshine stills, antique whiskey bottles, and lots more.
The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History is an educational place and acts as an eye-opener; you get to learn about whiskey you probably didn’t know of.
There are also displays of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington, the former presidents of the United States.
The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Sunday 12pm -4pm (closed on Monday).
Address:114 N 5th St, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
21. Whispering Wheels Roller Rink
Skating is one of the most fun activities in Bardstown’s; it gets better if you skate at Whispering Wheels Roller Rink.
Whispering Wheels Roller Rink is a local skating rink that became active in 1973. Over the years has been a popular destination for locals and tourists.
They offer other services like hosting birthday parties, holiday events and different kinds of events, skating lessons, and many more.
Whispering Wheels Roller Rink is open from Thursday from 1pm-5pm, Friday 1pm-11pm, Saturday from 1pm-10pm.
Address;209 E Broadway Street Bardstown, KY 40004
22. Lux Row Distillers
A tour at Lux Row Distillers is one of the top things to do in Bardstown, KY. You are assured of having a wonderful time.
Lux Row Distillers is a popular destination for locals and tourists who want to enjoy high-quality bourbon.
The visitors are taken on 45 minutes your, where they get to see how the drinks are being processed and packaged; they also get to taste all their latest whiskey collection.
Lux Row Distillers also features other drinks like David Nicholas, Rebel Bourbon, Blood oath, Ezra Brooks, and much more.
You may decide to have your drink there or take it home, whichever one you prefer, your satisfaction is guaranteed. Lux Row Distillers is open from Tuesday to Saturday from 9:30am-4;30pm (closed Sunday and Monday).
Address: 1 Lux Row, 3050 E John Rowan Blvd, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States
23. Fine Arts Bardstown Society
Fine Arts Bardstown Society, commonly referred to as FABS, was established in 2005; it has since become a home of art.
Many professional artists teach the young local artists how to be creative and bring their thoughts to life.
Fine Arts Bardstown Society also showcases artworks made by their artists like pottery, fiber arts, stained glass, photography, wearable art, sculpture, paintings & drawings, stained glass, etc.
The staff is very welcoming & nice, always ready to attend to you and answer any of your questions. it is open every day of the week from 10am-5pm.
At Fine Arts Bardstown Society, you will always find something unique and intriguing that suits you and can serve as a gift to yourself or family and friends.
Address:90 Court Square Bardstown, KY 40004
24. My Old Kentucky Home State Park
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
There are diverse activities to engage in at My Old Kentucky Home State Park. You can tour the historic grounds and mansion, built between 1812 and 1818. The building inspired the image in Stephen Collins Foster’s popular song, “My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night!”
This three-story mansion and farm, originally known as “Federal Hill,” have been home to three generations of the Rowan Family, with Judge John Rowan as its first owner.
The Park features a 39-site campground full of convenience, showers, and restrooms with a grocery store and laundry service across the street. This beautiful site is ideal for hosting your corporate retreat.
You can enjoy the day bird-watching or spend a fulfilling time playing a round of golf at the 18-hole golf course on site.
There is a standing tradition of an outdoor drama featuring “The Stephen Foster Story.” You can find colorful costumes on display, entertaining choreography, and over 50 Foster songs
The picnic area has a playground, grills, a restroom, and a shelter for rent. There are also two tennis courts close to the J. Dan Talbot amphitheater.
If you want an all-around Kentucky experience, then be sure to visit this park.
Address: 501 E Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
25. Heaven Hill Distillery
Experience 85 years’ worth of finely curated American whiskey to lift your spirits while listening to a Bourbon host walk you through the rich history of one of America’s oldest whiskey.
Heaven Hill Distillery was founded in 1935. It is an American family-centered operation in Kentucky. It is the seventh-largest alcohol supplier in the United States.
They offer standard and special tastings such as the Magic of the Mashbill, Whiskey Connoisseur Experience, and You do bourbon.
You do bourbon tasting allows you to try different bourbon products exclusive to that experience. If you’re interested in a bottle, you can rinse, man, label your bottle and explore the hands-on lab.
It’s up to you to learn about history, taste well-made whiskey, explore the exhibit gallery, and buy from the just-improved gift shop, all at Heaven Hill Distillery.
Address: 1311 Gilkey Run Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
26. McIntyre’s Winery
This winery is owned by Debbie and Tommy McIntyre, who was formerly a tobacco producer until he planted his first-acre blackberry and blueberry bushes, giving rise to McIntyre Winery.
There are varieties of dry, sweet, and fruit wines to choose from, allowing customers a fresh perspective on fruit wines.
You can book a tour and tasting session to learn about wines while maximizing the opportunity to taste homemade fruit wines.
Whether you’re a novice, an expert, or a first-timer to the wine world, there is something for every palate and every grade, so why not book a tour today?
Address: 531 McIntyre Ln, Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
27. Sympson Lake
Sympson Lake
Sympson Lake in Bardstown is a lake reservoir spanning 120.5 acres. Though one of the small lakes in Bardstown, it is still an ideal place to bask in nature.
Because it is a home for many animals and plants, it plays a key role in ensuring the region’s biodiversity.
If you’re a nature lover, then this Lake is the ideal place for you. You can spend your time fishing or enjoying boating activities on the Lake.
Your vacation deserves a touch of Sympson Lake!
Address: 1965 Kentucky 2737 Bardstown, KY 40004, United States.
Explore other parts of Kentucky, check out our list of things to do in Paducah, things to do in Owensboro and things to do in Lexington for a fun vacation time.
Plan a Trip to Bardstown
Bardstown is a small town and might look so quiet and boring to you, but you will find yourself exploring many exciting facilities and activities once you visit.
Bardstown might not be a city filled with great adventures, but you have to accept the gorgeous city and its low key energy for you to have a wonderful time.
The city has lots of historical sites and museums perfect for history enthusiasts; if you’re a fan of bourbon and whiskey you’re definitely going to have a great time here.
You could hang out at the parks, game centers with your family and friends for an unforgettable experience.
The city has many delicious traditional dishes, you may visit the local restaurants and try out different delicacies in the town.
Bardstown is a great place to take your kids, it has lots of educational museums, art galleries, gardens, theaters and much more for them to explore.
Plan a trip to Bardstown with your family and friends, for a fun-filled vacation and don’t forget to bring your camera to capture every moment.