My Old Kentucky Home State Park
🏆 Kentucky’s Most Iconic Mansion — Federal Hill plantation, Stephen Foster musical heritage, bourbon country, golf, camping, and outdoor theater in the heart of Bardstown
In Bardstown, Kentucky — consistently ranked among the most charming small towns in America — a stately Federal-style mansion sits atop a gentle hill surrounded by manicured gardens and rolling bluegrass. This is Federal Hill, the plantation home that inspired one of the most beloved songs in American music: “My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!” by Stephen Collins Foster. The song became Kentucky’s official state anthem, and the home became the centerpiece of My Old Kentucky Home State Park — a place where American musical heritage, antebellum architecture, bourbon country culture, and outdoor recreation converge.
The park stretches across 290 acres of Nelson County’s gently rolling terrain, offering guided mansion tours, a championship golf course, an outdoor amphitheater hosting the beloved musical “The Stephen Foster Story”, camping beneath the oaks, and a front-row seat to Kentucky’s bourbon trail culture. Bardstown is the Bourbon Capital of the World, and the park provides an ideal base for exploring the legendary distilleries that surround it.
Table of Contents
Federal Hill Mansion
Federal Hill is a Georgian/Federal-style mansion built around 1795–1818 by Judge John Rowan, a prominent Kentucky politician and U.S. Senator. The home features thirteen rooms furnished with period antiques, a grand central hallway, and architectural details characteristic of plantation homes of the early republic.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 🏛️ Built | c. 1795–1818 |
| 👤 Builder | Judge John Rowan |
| 🎵 Connection | Stephen Foster visited in 1852; inspired “My Old Kentucky Home” |
| 📋 Tours | Guided tours daily (approximately 45 minutes) |
| 💰 Tour Fee | $12/adult, $7/child (6–12), free under 6 |
| 🏛️ Designation | National Historic Landmark |
Stephen Foster & The Song
Stephen Collins Foster (1826–1864) was America’s first major professional songwriter, known as the “father of American music.” During an 1852 visit to Federal Hill — the home of his cousins, the Rowans — Foster was reportedly inspired to compose “My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!”, a song that became one of the most widely known melodies in American culture.
The song was adopted as Kentucky’s official state song and is famously sung by 150,000+ spectators before every Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The melody’s combination of nostalgia, beauty, and longing captured something essential about the American experience of home and memory.
The Stephen Foster Story
🎭 The Stephen Foster Story — America’s Oldest Outdoor Musical
• What: Outdoor theatrical production dramatizing Stephen Foster’s life and music
• Where: J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre in the park
• When: Summer season (June–August), typically Thursday–Sunday evenings
• Duration: Approximately 2 hours
• Features: Live music, period costumes, professional cast, under the stars
• Tickets: $15–$25 (check current season pricing)
• Legacy: Running since 1959 — one of the longest-running outdoor musicals in America
Golf Course
The park features My Old Kentucky Home Golf Club, an 18-hole championship course winding through the rolling hills and mature trees of the park. The course is well-maintained, affordable compared to private courses, and offers a beautiful setting with views of the mansion and surrounding bluegrass countryside. Green fees are moderate, and tee times can be booked through the pro shop.
Camping
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Sites | 39 sites with water and electric hookups |
| 🔌 Hookups | Water and 30-amp electric |
| 🚻 Restrooms | Modern restroom with showers |
| 💰 Rates | $28–$35/night |
| 📋 Reservations | Available through KY State Parks reservation system |
| 📅 Season | April through October |
Bourbon Trail Connection
Bardstown is the Bourbon Capital of the World, and My Old Kentucky Home State Park sits at the geographic heart of Kentucky’s bourbon country. Within a short drive, you can visit some of the most famous distilleries on earth.
| Distillery | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Jim Beam | 15 miles | America’s best-selling bourbon, tours, tasting |
| Maker’s Mark | 20 miles | Iconic hand-dipped bottles, historic campus |
| Heaven Hill | 1 mile | Bourbon Heritage Center, Bardstown’s own |
| Lux Row Distillers | 3 miles | Ezra Brooks, Rebel Bourbon, premium craft |
| Willett Distillery | 5 miles | Small-batch bourbon, beautiful grounds |
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| 📍 Address | 501 E. Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004 |
| 📞 Phone | (502) 348-3502 |
| 🕐 Hours | Park grounds: year-round. Mansion tours: daily 9 AM–5 PM (seasonal hours apply) |
| 💰 Park Entry | Free (tours and performances extra) |
| 📡 Cell Service | Good — Bardstown area |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🌸 Spring (Apr–May) | 55–75°F | Gardens in bloom, Kentucky Derby season, bourbon trail |
| ☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) | 80–90°F | Stephen Foster Story performances, full park season |
| 🍂 Fall (Sep–Nov) | 50–70°F | Bourbon Heritage Month (Sep), fall colors, comfortable tours |
| ❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) | 30–50°F | Holiday decorations at Federal Hill, quiet tours |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tour Federal Hill mansion?
Yes — guided tours of the Federal Hill mansion are offered daily. Tours take approximately 45 minutes and cover the home’s history, architecture, and connection to Stephen Foster. Tickets are $12/adult and $7/child (6–12). Check seasonal hours before visiting.
What is The Stephen Foster Story?
It’s an outdoor musical dramatizing the life and music of Stephen Foster, performed at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre in the park. Running since 1959, it’s one of the longest-running outdoor musicals in America. Performances run Thursday–Sunday evenings during summer (June–August). Tickets range from $15–$25.
Is there camping?
Yes — the park has 39 campsites with water and 30-amp electric hookups. Rates are $28–$35/night. The season runs April through October. Reservations can be made through the Kentucky State Parks reservation system.
Is My Old Kentucky Home near Bourbon Trail distilleries?
Yes — the park is in Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World. Heaven Hill is walking distance, and Jim Beam, Maker’s Mark, Lux Row, and Willett are all within a 20-mile drive. Bardstown is the ideal base for exploring the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.
Is there a golf course?
Yes — the My Old Kentucky Home Golf Club is an 18-hole championship course within the park. It’s open to the public with moderate green fees. The course winds through rolling hills with views of the mansion and surrounding countryside.
How far is Bardstown from Louisville?
Bardstown is approximately 40 miles southeast of Louisville — about a 50-minute drive via the Bluegrass Parkway or I-65. It makes an excellent day trip from Louisville or a weekend getaway.
Why is “My Old Kentucky Home” famous?
Written by Stephen Foster after an 1852 visit to Federal Hill, “My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!” became one of the most beloved songs in American culture. It’s Kentucky’s official state song and is famously sung by 150,000+ spectators before every Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. The melody captures themes of nostalgia and home that resonated deeply with 19th-century Americans.
🎵 Visit My Old Kentucky Home State Park
Tour a National Historic Landmark mansion, watch an outdoor musical under the stars, golf through bourbon country hills, and explore the Bourbon Capital of the World — all in beautiful Bardstown, Kentucky.
🗺️ Official Park PageFrequently Asked Questions
Do Kentucky state parks charge an entrance fee?
No, Kentucky state parks do not charge a general entrance fee for day use. The parks are free to enter. Camping, lodge rooms, golf, marina use, and special activities have separate fees.
What makes Kentucky state parks unique?
Kentucky is famous for its 17 “Resort Parks” featuring full-service lodges with restaurants, 18-hole golf courses, swimming pools, and conference facilities — more resort-style amenities than most state park systems.
Can I stay at a lodge in a Kentucky state park?
Yes, Kentucky’s resort parks feature full-service lodges with hotel-style rooms, dining rooms serving traditional Kentucky cuisine, and extensive amenities. Popular lodges include Natural Bridge, Cumberland Falls, and Jenny Wiley.
What are the best state parks in Kentucky?
Top parks include Natural Bridge (sandstone arch and Red River Gorge), Cumberland Falls (the “Niagara of the South”), Carter Caves (cave tours), and Breaks Interstate Park (the “Grand Canyon of the South”).
Explore More Kentucky State Parks
My Old Kentucky Home State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Kentucky. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kentucky guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
