Discover Bullitt County: Bourbon, Nature and History
Accommodation in Bullitt County
Bullitt County combines the distinctive landscape of the Knobs Region with bourbon experiences, nature and vivid regional history. The approximately 300-square-mile county lies on the edge of Kentucky’s outer Bluegrass Region. Numerous isolated, steep-sided and often cone-shaped hills made of shale, limestone and sandstone characterize the landscape. The Salt River crosses Bullitt County from east to west and divides the county. This creates a varied mix of scenery, attractions and culinary stops for planning your trip.
Bourbon, Wine and Local Flavors
A particular focus is the Wine, Whiskey and Ale Trail in Bullitt County. It includes nine destinations: the James B. Beam American Outpost, Four Roses Warehouse & Bottling, Coxs Creek Distilling Company, four local wineries, Salt River Brewing Company and Gallant Fox Brewing Company. The nine stops are located within 10 miles of one another. You can experience the trail as a guided or self-guided tour and plan tastings at your own pace.
The Beam Made Bourbon experience at James B. Beam includes a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour with tasting. It ends at the American Outpost with a guided tasting. James B. Beam recommends booking distillery tours online in advance to secure your desired spot and preferred time. Four Roses offers bourbon tastings and visits providing insights into bottling and aging; the distillery, warehouse and bottling experiences are available year-round. A vacation rental in Bullitt County can therefore be especially appealing if you would like to combine culinary discoveries with additional excursions.
Forests, Trails and Outdoor Activities
Daytime hiking and wildlife observation are permitted in the Knobs State Forest and Wildlife Management Area. Use is generally limited to daytime hours unless hunting regulations provide for longer periods. The area was originally a tree farm and became Kentucky’s first Forestry-Legacy project. Ninety-six percent of the area is forested, while the remaining area is seeded with native warm-season grasses. Anyone choosing accommodation for a stay focused on nature experiences should take this time restriction into account when planning each day.
The Forest Giants Trail in Bernheim also offers a clearly defined trail experience: the round trip is 2 miles long and begins at the visitor center. Bernheim Forest and Arboretum in Clermont, Kentucky, covers more than 16,000 acres of forest and has more than 40 miles of hiking trails. Notable experiences include the three sculptures completed in 2019 as part of the installation Forest Giants in a Giant Forest by Thomas Dambo. They were created from recycled and natural materials. The Canopy Tree Walk takes visitors 75 feet above the forest floor, while the 17-acre Playcosystem nature play area provides another attraction.
History to See and Experience
The Old Stone Jail was built in 1891 by the McDonald Brothers of Louisville. It still stands in its original location and original form directly next to the Bullitt County Courthouse. Visitors can enter the building when the courthouse is open; an automated audio system tells several stories about the jail. The Bullitt County History Museum collects, presents and interprets the history of the county and its people. Two exhibition rooms are dedicated to the county’s heritage, and there is also a free research room with local historical and genealogical resources.
Further historic traces lead to Salt River Furnace, a 33-foot-high stone blast furnace. It was built in 1832 and produced 700 to 800 tons of iron and castings annually until operations ceased in 1853. Bullitt’s Lick was an early site of commercial salt production in Kentucky, discovered by Captain Thomas Bullitt in 1773. Lloyd House in Mount Washington is a late-Victorian Italianate-style house that was restored in 1880 and has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places since 1993. It depicts life in Mount Washington in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The house is a drive-by museum; a reservation is required for an interior tour.
Fun Excursions and Practical Information
Kart Kountry complements the historic and scenic impressions with active entertainment. Thunder Road is a 1.5-mile go-kart track. Kart Kountry also has two 18-hole miniature golf courses with numerous curves and turns and, upon request, an accessible miniature golf course for wheelchair users. The two-seater bumper boats are intended for one adult and one small child; the driver must be at least 18 years old and the passenger must be at least 40 inches tall. Bumper boats with water cannons are also available.
For quieter breaks, Shepherdsville City Park offers a 114-acre recreational landscape. Shepherdsville City Skate Park is open from sunrise to sunset. In Lebanon Junction, the Splash Park is open from the last day of school through Labor Day, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Lebanon Junction also hosts the annual Main Street Festival with inflatables, vendors, food and live music. For further orientation, you can also view the information about Shepherdsville.
Consider which experiences should shape your trip planning and choose your accommodation accordingly. This way, you can consciously discover Bullitt County with its landscapes, traditions and distinctive attractions.
For the broader travel overview: Kentucky.
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