Visit the My Old Kentucky Home State Park

Visit the My Old Kentucky Home State Park

If you’re planning a trip to Kentucky, one destination you won’t want to miss is My Old Kentucky Home State Park. Located in Bardstown, Kentucky, the park is home to the Federal-style mansion that inspired Stephen Foster’s famous song “My Old Kentucky Home.” In addition to the historic mansion, the park offers a wide range of activities for visitors of all ages.

Here are some things you can do when you visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park:

Tour the Mansion

The centerpiece of the park is the beautiful mansion that served as inspiration for Foster’s famous song. Visitors can take a guided tour of the mansion, which includes a detailed history of the house and the families who lived there. You’ll get to see the home’s original furniture, artwork, and decor, giving you a glimpse into life in the early 19th century.

Explore the Gardens

The park features several beautifully maintained gardens that offer a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the scenery. The formal garden features a variety of flowering plants and a reflecting pool, while the sunken garden is a quiet spot for reflection. The rose garden is particularly stunning, with hundreds of varieties of roses in bloom during the spring and summer months.

Hike the Trails

My Old Kentucky Home State Park is home to several hiking trails that wind through the park’s lush woodlands. The longest trail is the 39-mile Bourbon Trail, which takes hikers on a tour of some of Kentucky’s most famous distilleries. If you’re looking for a shorter hike, the 2.5-mile Sister’s Trail is a great option. This trail takes you through the forest and along the banks of the Beech Fork River.

Picnic

The park has several picnic areas that are perfect for a family lunch or a romantic picnic for two. The picnic areas are equipped with grills, so you can cook up some burgers or hot dogs while you enjoy the beautiful scenery. The park also has several playgrounds for children, so the little ones can burn off some energy while you relax.

Visit the Gift Shop

The park’s gift shop is a great place to pick up souvenirs, including books, postcards, and t-shirts. You can also purchase tickets for the mansion tour and other park activities.

Attend Events

My Old Kentucky Home State Park hosts several events throughout the year, including a craft fair, a Christmas candlelight tour of the mansion, and a summer concert series. Be sure to check the park’s calendar to see what events are happening during your visit.

Stay Overnight

If you want to extend your stay in the park, you can rent one of the park’s 39 camping sites or stay in one of the park’s cottages. The camping sites are equipped with electricity and water, and the cottages offer all the comforts of home.

Whether you’re interested in history, hiking, or just enjoying the great outdoors, My Old Kentucky Home State Park has something for everyone. With its beautiful mansion, stunning gardens, and miles of hiking trails, it’s a must-see destination for anyone visiting Kentucky.