My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Step into history at Federal Hill, the inspiration for 'My Old Kentucky Home,' with guided tours, musicals, and beautiful grounds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more intimate tours
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into history at Federal Hill, the inspiration for 'My Old Kentucky Home,' with guided tours, musicals, and beautiful grounds.
"Our guide sang 'My Old Kentucky Home' with remarkable talent and emotion, bringing the song and history to life."
📸 No Photos Inside Mansion
Remember, interior photography is not allowed in the historic home. Enjoy the moment and the stories!
🎶 Catch a Musical
Check the schedule for 'The Story of Stephen Foster' for an unforgettable historical and musical experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Mansion Tour
Federal Hill Mansion
Step back in time with a guided tour of the beautifully preserved 19th-century mansion, filled with original artifacts and compelling stories.
The Story of Stephen Foster
Stephen Foster Amphitheater
Experience a moving musical performance that brings the life and songs of Stephen Foster to life, often featuring powerful renditions of 'My Old Kentucky Home'.
Beautifully Landscaped Grounds
Park grounds
Wander through serene gardens and mature trees, offering a peaceful escape and a poignant reminder of the site's complex history.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tours in Advance
Respect Photography Rules
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 No Photos Inside Mansion
Remember, interior photography is not allowed in the historic home. Enjoy the moment and the stories!
🎶 Catch a Musical
Check the schedule for 'The Story of Stephen Foster' for an unforgettable historical and musical experience.
🌳 Explore the Grounds
Take time to stroll the beautiful grounds; they hold significant history and offer peaceful reflection.
🍪 Try a Biscuit Tour
Participate in unique events like the biscuit tour for a tasty and educational experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 No Photos Inside Mansion
Remember, interior photography is not allowed in the historic home. Enjoy the moment and the stories!
🎶 Catch a Musical
Check the schedule for 'The Story of Stephen Foster' for an unforgettable historical and musical experience.
🌳 Explore the Grounds
Take time to stroll the beautiful grounds; they hold significant history and offer peaceful reflection.
🍪 Try a Biscuit Tour
Participate in unique events like the biscuit tour for a tasty and educational experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the knowledgeable and passionate guides who bring the history of Federal Hill to life, often with moving musical performances. The beautiful grounds offer a peaceful, albeit somber, reflection on the past. While tours can feel a bit rushed upstairs, the overall historical and aesthetic experience is highly valued.
"We recently visited My Old Kentucky Home State Park and took the guided tour of the historic home — an experience that was both beautiful and deeply moving. Our guide, Kit, was passionate and incredibly knowledgeable about the history of this exceptional place. She shared the story with grace, warmth, and genuine enthusiasm, especially when speaking about her hero, Rebecca Carnes Rowan, whose life she recounted with great care and admiration.
The most unforgettable moment came when Kit sang “My Old Kentucky Home” in parts, explaining the meaning and history behind each verse as she went. As one of the professional actors in The Story of Stephen Foster, she sang with remarkable talent and emotion, bringing the song — and the history — to life in a way that touched us deeply.
The grounds of the home, with their old and towering trees, offer a sense of peace while also carrying a somber weight — a quiet reminder of the difficult history of slavery connected to this place. This balance of beauty and historical truth made our visit even more meaningful."
Lalo Perez
"Great historical tour at My old Kentucky Home. They have people who walk you through the first and second floor and explain the history of each item. It was informative and interesting.
No photos or videos are allowed inside."
H Halverson
"Great priced and well kept golf course! You can see heaven hill distillery from holes on the front 9. Kentucky does it right!"
Jacob Lamping
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located in Bardstown, Kentucky. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. Many visitors arrive as part of a trip exploring the Bardstown area, known as the Bourbon Capital of the World. +1
Yes, the park is situated in Bardstown, KY, a hub for bourbon distilleries and historic sites. It's also a good base for exploring other state parks near Bardstown, KY.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a day trip, offering a rich historical experience combined with beautiful scenery.
The park is located at 4488 Bardstown Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004. GPS navigation systems will easily guide you there.
Public transportation options directly to the park are limited. Most visitors opt for personal vehicles or ride-sharing services, especially when visiting distilleries in the area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission fees vary depending on the activities you choose, such as mansion tours or special events. Check the official park website for the most current pricing. The golf course also has separate green fees.
It is highly recommended to book your mansion tour tickets in advance, especially during peak season or for specific times, to guarantee your entry.
Park hours can vary seasonally, and specific attractions like the mansion tours or amphitheater shows have their own schedules. It's best to check the official park website for the most up-to-date information.
Information on discounts for seniors, children, or group rates is typically available on the park's official website. Inquire directly with the park for details.
No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited inside the historic Federal Hill Mansion. This is to preserve the artifacts and the historical integrity of the home.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can take guided tours of the historic Federal Hill Mansion, enjoy outdoor performances at the Stephen Foster Amphitheater, explore the beautiful grounds, play a round of golf, and participate in special events like biscuit tours or bourbon tastings. +2
The song, written by Stephen Foster, evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for home, often associated with the beauty and sentiment of Kentucky. During tours, guides may sing parts of it to illustrate its historical context.
Yes, the park offers family-friendly activities like the biscuit tour and exploring the expansive grounds. The historical tours can also be engaging for older children.
The park hosts various events throughout the year, including historical reenactments, musical performances, bourbon tastings, and seasonal celebrations like Christmas carnivals.
Yes, there is typically a gift shop where you can purchase souvenirs, local crafts, and items related to Kentucky's heritage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the park itself may not have a full-service restaurant, Bardstown offers numerous dining options. Some special events might include food, like the biscuit tour.
The park's grounds are generally suitable for picnics, offering scenic spots to enjoy your own food. Confirm any specific park regulations regarding picnicking.
Bardstown, KY, is known for its culinary scene, with many restaurants offering local specialties and bourbon-infused dishes. You'll find plenty of choices just a short drive away.
Yes, special events like the biscuit tour or bourbon tastings often include food and beverages as part of the experience. +2
Bardstown cuisine often features Southern comfort food, Kentucky classics like the Hot Brown, and dishes that incorporate local bourbon.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior of the Federal Hill Mansion, the expansive grounds with mature trees, and scenic viewpoints offer excellent photo opportunities.
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the Federal Hill Mansion. Visitors are encouraged to focus on the experience and the stories shared by guides.
As with most state parks, drone usage is likely restricted or prohibited to ensure the safety and tranquility of visitors and wildlife. Check park regulations before flying.
Many visitors capture the architectural beauty of the mansion, the natural landscapes, and special event moments. It's also a popular venue for engagement and wedding photography.
Searching on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok using hashtags like #myoldkentuckyhome and #bardstownky will reveal many user-generated photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
It's important to manage expectations regarding the mansion tour for very young children, as interior photography is prohibited and the focus is on historical narrative. However, the overall experience of visiting a grand old home and beautiful park can be a valuable educational outing. Consider packing snacks and drinks for a picnic on the grounds to make the visit more comfortable for everyone.
🥃 Bourbon Enthusiasts
+1Its location in Bardstown, the 'Bourbon Capital of the World,' makes it an excellent stop for those exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail. You can often see distilleries like Heaven Hill from the golf course, adding to the immersive bourbon experience. Combine a visit to the park with tours of nearby distilleries for a comprehensive taste of Kentucky's heritage.
🏛️ History Buffs
Beyond the mansion, the park's connection to Stephen Foster and the iconic song adds a layer of cultural history. Understanding the context of the song and its inspiration provides a richer appreciation of American music and heritage. The well-preserved artifacts and the historical narrative presented make it a compelling visit for anyone interested in American history.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Federal Hill
While the mansion is famously associated with Stephen Foster, who was inspired by its setting to write the iconic song 'My Old Kentucky Home,' it's crucial to acknowledge the full historical narrative. The park actively works to present a balanced perspective, highlighting both the beauty and the difficult truths of the past. This dual narrative makes a visit both aesthetically pleasing and historically profound.
Guided tours are the primary way to experience Federal Hill. Guides, often passionate historians or actors, bring the stories of the house and its residents to life. They share anecdotes, explain the significance of artifacts, and sometimes even perform songs, making the history tangible and emotionally resonant for visitors.
Experiencing 'The Story of Stephen Foster'
Visitors frequently rave about the emotional impact of the performance, particularly when actors sing 'My Old Kentucky Home.' The powerful rendition, often accompanied by historical context about the song's inspiration and meaning, can be a deeply moving experience. The talent of the performers, combined with the evocative setting, creates a memorable theatrical event.
It's advisable to check the performance schedule in advance, as 'The Story of Stephen Foster' typically runs during specific seasons. Booking tickets ahead of time is also recommended, as these shows are popular and can sell out, especially during peak tourist times.
Beyond the Mansion: Activities and Events
The park also frequently hosts special events throughout the year. These can range from immersive historical experiences like biscuit tours, where you can learn about and taste traditional Southern fare, to sophisticated bourbon tastings that highlight Kentucky's signature spirit. Seasonal celebrations, such as Christmas carnivals, add another layer of appeal, transforming the park into a festive destination.
+2For those interested in the broader cultural context, the park's grounds themselves are a significant attraction. They provide a peaceful environment for leisurely walks, picnics, and reflection, allowing visitors to connect with the natural beauty of the Bluegrass State.
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