My Old Kentucky Home State Park
In This Article
In the heart of Bardstown—America’s self-proclaimed “Bourbon Capital of the World”—My Old Kentucky Home State Park preserves the historic Federal Hill plantation mansion that inspired Stephen Foster’s beloved 1853 song, “My Old Kentucky Home, Good Night.” This park blends antebellum history, live musical theater, an 18-hole golf course, and wooded camping into one of the Bluegrass State’s most culturally significant destinations.
Federal Hill Mansion
The centerpiece of the park is Federal Hill, a stately Georgian-style mansion built in 1795 by Judge John Rowan. The brick structure features thirteen rooms across three floors, with period furnishings that reflect the lifestyle of a prominent Kentucky family during the early 19th century. Stephen Foster, one of America’s most prolific songwriters, visited Federal Hill in 1852 as a guest of the Rowan family—reportedly composing “My Old Kentucky Home” during or shortly after his stay.
The song later became Kentucky’s official state song, cementing Federal Hill’s place in American cultural history. The mansion and surrounding grounds were purchased by the Commonwealth of Kentucky in 1923 to ensure their preservation.
Historic Tours
Guided tours of the mansion are available daily, typically running on the hour from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM with the last tour departing at 4:00 PM. Costumed guides lead visitors through the mansion’s rooms while narrating the history of the Rowan family and Stephen Foster’s connection to the property.
For groups of 10 or more, the park offers specialty experience tours—including culinary biscuit tours, mint julep tours, cider and cookie tours, and 1792 guided bourbon tastings that highlight Bardstown’s distilling heritage. These curated experiences should be booked at least two weeks in advance by calling (502) 348-3502.
The Stephen Foster Story
During summer months, the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre on the park grounds hosts The Stephen Foster Story—one of the longest-running outdoor musicals in the United States. The production brings Foster’s music to life through period costumes, choreography, and a rotating repertoire of his most famous compositions.
Camping and Recreation
The park campground offers 39 wooded sites with a mixture of full hookups and water/electric-only connections. Each site includes a picnic table and fire ring, and the campground area provides restrooms with hot showers and a dump station. Grocery and laundry facilities are accessible nearby in Bardstown.
The My Old Kentucky Home Golf Course is a well-maintained 18-hole public course that winds through the rolling park landscape. The course features a pro shop and equipment rentals, and is open year-round, weather permitting. Additional park activities include picnicking with grills and playground facilities, tennis courts, and scenic walking through the manicured grounds.
Essential Visitor Information
My Old Kentucky Home State Park is located at 501 East Stephen Foster Avenue, Bardstown, KY 40004. The park is open year-round. Contact the park at (502) 348-3502 for tour times, camping reservations, and event information. The park pairs naturally with Bardstown’s famous Bourbon Trail distillery tours.
FAQ
Guided tours of Federal Hill typically last 30–45 minutes and run on the hour from 9 AM to 5 PM daily, with the last tour departing at 4 PM.
The outdoor musical performs during summer months at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre. Check the park website or call (502) 348-3502 for the current season schedule.
Absolutely. Bardstown is the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, with multiple distilleries offering tours within minutes of the park. The park itself offers 1792 guided bourbon tastings for groups of 10 or more.
