My Old Kentucky Home State Park wilderness guide
State Park · KY

My Old Kentucky Home State Park

My Old Kentucky Home State Park preserves the historic Federal Hill mansion and surrounding grounds, offering visitors a mix of history, scenic landscapes, and recreational opportunities in Bardstown, Kentucky.

State Park3244+ Trails
DesignationState Park
Total Wilderness Area324
Elevation / TerrainDiverse Wilderness
Field Editorial Guide

About My Old Kentucky Home State Park

My Old Kentucky Home State Park preserves the historic Federal Hill mansion and surrounding grounds, offering visitors a mix of history, scenic landscapes, and recreational opportunities in Bardstown, Kentucky.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located in Bardstown, Kentucky, and centers around the historic Federal Hill mansion, famously linked to Stephen Foster's iconic song "My Old Kentucky Home." The park's rolling hills, mature trees, and limestone bluffs frame a peaceful setting along with gardens and walking paths. The Federal Hill mansion, built in the 1790s, provides an important glimpse into antebellum architecture and Kentucky’s cultural heritage. Visitors can tour the mansion, enjoy guided interpretive programs, and explore the park's grounds. Beyond history, the park offers outdoor recreational activities including walking and hiking along scenic trails, picnicking, and seasonal event participation such as the popular Kentucky Homecoming festival. Birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts observe local wildlife, with common species including songbirds and deer. The park features a golf course and an amphitheater for concerts and cultural events. With its combination of historic importance and outdoor appeal, My Old Kentucky Home State Park is a valuable destination for visitors seeking cultural enrichment and light outdoor recreation. Located just outside Bardstown, it is easily accessible and offers well-maintained facilities including visitor services.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near My Old Kentucky Home State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Federal Hill Mansion – Historic antebellum home with guided tours✦ Sunken Garden – Formal gardens dating to the 1930s with seasonal flowers✦ Kentucky Homecoming Festival – Annual event celebrating Kentucky music and culture✦ Limestone bluffs and scenic overlooks along the walking trails
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in My Old Kentucky Home State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Park Recreation

Walking

Available in My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Park Recreation

Historic Tours

Available in My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Park Recreation

Bird Watching

Available in My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Park Recreation

Golf

Available in My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Park Recreation

Cultural Events

Available in My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Park Recreation

Educational Programs

Available in My Old Kentucky Home State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in My Old Kentucky Home State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No entrance fee; tours of Federal Hill mansion require admission fee

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near My Old Kentucky Home State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Bardstown, Kentucky
⌖ 0.59 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Bardstown, Kentucky

Bardstown, KY offers gentle hiking, scenic road biking, and peaceful paddling in a town rich with history. Surrounded by beautiful parks and rivers, it’s a welcoming spot for outdoor lovers seeking both nature and culture.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
New Haven, Kentucky
⌖ 12.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

New Haven, Kentucky

New Haven, Kentucky offers a peaceful outdoor escape with kayaking on the Salt River, calm hiking trails, and excellent fishing spots. Perfect for travelers seeking quiet country roads, birdwatching, and camping away from the crowds.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Clermont, Kentucky
⌖ 13.66 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Clermont, Kentucky

Clermont offers tranquil getaways with outdoor fun at Bernheim Arboretum and bourbon history at the Jim Beam Distillery. Perfect for hikes, picnics, and nature exploration year-round.

Spring and Fall
Explore Town
Lebanon Junction, Kentucky
⌖ 15.19 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Lebanon Junction, Kentucky

Lebanon Junction is a peaceful town in Kentucky ideal for outdoor lovers seeking quiet hiking, biking, fishing, and paddling opportunities along the scenic Ohio River corridor.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Mount Washington, Kentucky
⌖ 17.05 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Mount Washington, Kentucky

Mount Washington is a friendly small town in Kentucky offering easygoing hiking, biking, and paddling opportunities. With local parks and quiet nature spots, it’s a great base for low-key outdoor days with family or friends.

Spring through Fall
Explore Town
Salt River, U.S. Virgin Islands
⌖ 18.45 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Salt River, U.S. Virgin Islands

Salt River in the U.S. Virgin Islands offers brilliant snorkeling, scenic kayaking, and relaxed beachcombing on vibrant coral reefs and soft white sands. This coastal hotspot blends rich history with thriving wildlife and warm Caribbean waters.

December to April
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in My Old Kentucky Home State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Open‑cockpit Biplane Flights Above Bardstown’s Bourbon Country
ADVEXPEDITION
Bardstown, Kentucky
AirplaneADV Bookable

Open‑cockpit Biplane Flights Above Bardstown’s Bourbon Country

Scenic sorties out of Bardstown with views of Kentucky’s countryside and distilleries — this guide explains available flight lengths, what to bring, and why these tours feel like a living history lesson.

AirplanePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Santa Claus Express
ADVEXPEDITION
New Haven, Kentucky
TrainADV Bookable

Santa Claus Express

Experience holiday magic aboard the Santa Claus Express train at the Kentucky Railway Museum. This 1.5-hour festive journey features Santa visits, holiday treats, and scenic Kentucky views—perfect for family holiday fun.

TrainCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Behind The Scenes Guided Tours
ADVEXPEDITION
New Haven, Kentucky
Guided TourADV Bookable

Behind The Scenes Guided Tours

Step behind the scenes at Kentucky Railway Museum for an exclusive look into historic locomotive restoration and railroading history. Discover hidden workshops and explore vintage steam engines in action.

Guided TourCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip