Nelson can be explored through a range of experiences: in Bardstown, the attractions span a historic church and several museums to whiskey tours. Train rides and a visit to the Abbey of Gethsemani offer different experiences. To help you choose, consider whether you would like to spend more time on history, a tasting, a train ride or a visit to the Abbey.
Bardstown: Museums and History
The Bardstown African American Heritage Museum is housed in Union Church, a historic church dating from 1812. It is considered the first two-story brick church west of the Appalachians. The Women’s Museum documents the achievements of women of all backgrounds, races and faiths in the 19th century and during the American Civil War. The General Hal Moore Military Museum is dedicated to U.S. General Hal Moore, who was born in Bardstown.
The Civil War Museum focuses on the western theater of the American Civil War. Its campus is in downtown Bardstown, within walking distance of shops, restaurants and historic attractions. Admission to the campus includes access to all museum buildings and exhibits, as well as admission to Old Bardstown Village. Check admission information before your visit. The Village consists of ten original log cabins from the 18th and 19th centuries, forming a colonial-era settlement.
Architectural history is also among the attractions: the Federal-style mansion at My Old Kentucky Home State Park was completed in 1818. If you would like to plan a different activity, Bardstown also offers the historic 18-hole golf course at My Old Kentucky Home State Park.
Bourbon: Tours and Tastings
The bourbon experiences each have a different focus. Bardstown Bourbon Company offers behind-the-scenes tours and tastings with the master distiller. Its tours showcase glass aging houses, the distilling operation and a library of historic spirits. At Lux Row Distillers, five different brands offer insights into whiskey-making under one roof. The Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience combines guided tastings with interactive exhibits. Depending on your interests, you can choose between insights into production and aging, brand variety, tastings and exhibits.
A description from September 2024 characterizes the dishes at Five Brothers Bar & Kitchen at the Heaven Hill Bourbon Experience as inspired by Southern tradition and local flavors. Check before your trip whether the restaurant is currently operating.
Train Rides with Different Durations
The Kentucky Railway Museum offers a 55-minute ride to Gethsemani; the route passes the Log Still Distillery site. The My Old Kentucky Dinner Train combines a two-and-a-half-hour ride with a freshly prepared prix fixe menu served on board. It features four restored dining cars from the 1940s. The ride durations offer a concrete comparison for planning your time, while the destinations and experiences differ.
Dinner Train passengers pick up their boarding passes at the depot check-in counter before boarding. Kentucky Railway Museum schedules vary by season; schedules and menus on the Dinner Train may change. Check the latest information before planning your rides. The Kentucky Railway Museum’s exhibit hall also features artifacts, memorabilia and a large HO-scale model railway.
Abbey of Gethsemani: Day Visit or Stay
The Abbey of Gethsemani welcomes day visitors to services and walks on the grounds; no advance arrangements are required. The visitor center features a film and an exhibit about monastic life. Since its founding in 1848, the Abbey has welcomed men and women of all faiths from around the world as guests. Reservations are required for overnight stays. The arrangements for a day visit are therefore clearly different from those for a stay.
Discover more destinations: Bardstown, Coxs Creek, Franklin, Lyon County, Barren County, Thomas County, Bourbon County, Allen County
For the main travel overview: Kentucky.
