My Old Kentucky Home State Park
🎵 The Song That Became a State — Historic Federal Hill mansion, costumed mansion tours, Kentucky’s longest-running outdoor drama, championship golf, and bourbon country camping
In the summer of 1852, Stephen Foster visited his cousins at Federal Hill plantation in Bardstown, Kentucky. The rolling bluegrass hills, the columned mansion, the warm summer evenings — something about the place moved him deeply enough to write “My Old Kentucky Home, Good-Night!” The song became one of the most recognized melodies in American history, eventually adopted as the official state song of Kentucky and sung before every Kentucky Derby by 150,000 people at Churchill Downs. The mansion that inspired it all still stands, and today it anchors a state park where you can tour the same rooms Foster walked, camp beneath the same Kentucky sky, play 18 holes of golf overlooking the same hills, and watch his music performed under the stars in the nation’s longest-running outdoor musical drama.
My Old Kentucky Home State Park covers 290 acres in the heart of Bardstown — named “The Most Beautiful Small Town in America” by media outlets for its bourbon distilleries, historic architecture, and Southern hospitality. The park is a unique blend of living history, outdoor recreation, and cultural performance, all anchored by a mansion whose story intertwines with the complex, often painful history of antebellum Kentucky.
Things to Do at My Old Kentucky Home
1. Tour the Federal Hill Mansion
Costumed interpreters lead tours of the ca. 1795 Federal Hill mansion, walking visitors through the parlors, bedrooms, dining room, and gardens where the Rowan family lived and where Stephen Foster found his inspiration. Tours run daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, limited to 25 people on a first-come, first-served basis. Each tour concludes with a performance of “My Old Kentucky Home” — a surprisingly emotional moment, hearing the song in the place that inspired it. The interpretation addresses both the grandeur of the plantation and its history of enslaved labor, providing important historical context.
2. Watch “The Stephen Foster Story”
Kentucky’s longest-running outdoor musical drama has been performed at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre since 1959. The production features more than 50 Stephen Foster songs woven into a narrative about the composer’s life, with period costumes, choreography, and a full live score. Performances run on summer evenings (June–August, typically Thursday–Saturday). Bring a jacket for evening performances — even Kentucky summers cool off after sunset. Tickets can be purchased through stephenfoster.com or by calling (502) 348-5971.
3. Play the Championship Golf Course
The park’s 18-hole golf course winds through the rolling hills of central Kentucky, with views of the historic mansion and the surrounding bourbon country landscape. The course is well-maintained and reasonably priced compared to private resort courses — a genuine value for the quality of the layout. A pro shop and practice facilities are available. The course entrance is at 668 Loretto Rd, separate from the mansion entrance.
4. Camp in the Bluegrass
The 39-site campground accommodates both RVs (with electric, water, and sewer hookups) and primitive tent camping. A central bathhouse provides showers and restrooms, and a camp store serves basic supplies. The campground sits in a wooded area separate from the mansion grounds, providing a quiet, shaded environment. Maximum 8 people per site. The campground is typically open mid-March through mid-November.
5. Explore the Bourbon Trail
Bardstown is the “Bourbon Capital of the World,” and the park sits at the geographic center of Kentucky’s bourbon country. Within 30 minutes of the park: Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, Heaven Hill, Lux Row, and Bardstown Bourbon Company. Most distilleries offer tours and tastings. Designate a driver or use a tour service — bourbon heritage is best enjoyed responsibly.
6. Book a Specialty Experience
The park offers uniquely Kentucky group experiences beyond standard mansion tours: mint julep classes, Southern biscuit-making workshops, and seasonal tea or cider tours. These specialty programs require advance booking and minimum group sizes — contact the park office or check visitmyoldkyhome.com for availability. They add a hands-on cultural dimension that standard tours don’t provide.
7. Walk the Gardens and Grounds
The mansion grounds include formal gardens, walking paths through mature trees, and interpretive markers that explain the estate’s history. The grounds are accessible without a mansion tour ticket and provide a peaceful setting for a morning walk or afternoon shade. Spring (April-May) brings spectacular blooming azaleas and dogwoods throughout the property.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Mansion Tours | Daily, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (first-come, first-served; max 25) |
| Tour Cost | Adults ~$14; Seniors ~$13; Children 6–12 ~$8; Under 6 Free |
| Outdoor Drama | June–August, select evenings at J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre |
| Golf | 18-hole championship course, open seasonally |
| Campground | 39 sites, hookups available, mid-March to mid-November |
| Address (Mansion) | 501 E. Stephen Foster Ave, Bardstown, KY 40004 |
| Address (Campground) | 668 Loretto Rd, Bardstown, KY 40004 |
| Phone | (502) 348-3502 |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Apr–May) | 55–75°F | Moderate | Gardens in bloom, comfortable tours, bourbon trail |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 75–90°F | High | Outdoor drama performances, full operations, camping |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | 55–75°F | Moderate | Bourbon Heritage Month, foliage, cooler golf |
| Winter (Nov–Mar) | 30–50°F | Low | Mansion tours (holiday decor), quiet grounds |
Summer is peak season — the outdoor drama runs June through August, the campground is fully operational, and the golf course is at its lushest. Fall adds bourbon festival season and fall foliage across the Kentucky hills. The mansion is open year-round (with reduced winter hours), and a December visit with holiday decorations has its own charm. The campground closes November through mid-March.
💰 Trip Cost Estimator
| Expense | Day Trip | Weekend (2 Nights) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mansion Tour (Adult) | $14 | $14 | First-come, first-served |
| Stephen Foster Drama | $20–30 | $20–30 | Summer only; book via stephenfoster.com |
| Golf (18 holes) | $25–40 | $25–40 | Seasonal rates; cart rental extra |
| Camping | — | $40–60 | Hookup sites; primitive lower |
| Bourbon Distillery Tour | $15–25 | $15–25 | Per distillery; most include tasting |
| Food/Dining | $15–30 | $60–120 | Bardstown has excellent local restaurants |
| Gas (from Louisville) | $15 | $15 | ~40 miles each way |
| Total (Day Trip) | $70–135 | — | Mansion + lunch + 1 distillery |
| Total (Weekend Camping) | — | $200–380 | Full experience for 2 adults |
Nearby Attractions
Bardstown’s bourbon distillery district is the primary companion attraction — Maker’s Mark (25 min), Jim Beam (15 min), Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center (5 min), and Bardstown Bourbon Company (10 min) all offer tours and tastings. Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest (20 min north) provides 16,000 acres of hiking, nature education, and the famous Forest Giants sculptures. Downtown Bardstown features the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History, antique shops, and a walkable main street with Southern restaurants. Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park is about 30 minutes south — combining it with My Old Kentucky Home creates a powerful Kentucky history day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for the mansion tour?
No advance reservation is needed for individuals or groups under 15 — tours are first-come, first-served, limited to 25 people. Arrive early during summer and holiday periods to ensure a spot. Groups of 15 or more should book in advance by calling (502) 348-3502.
What is “The Stephen Foster Story”?
It is an outdoor musical drama performed at the J. Dan Talbott Amphitheatre in the park. Running since 1959, it is Kentucky’s longest-running outdoor drama, featuring 50+ Stephen Foster songs in a narrative about the composer’s life. Performances are summer evenings, June through August.
Is camping available year-round?
No — the campground operates from approximately mid-March through mid-November. It offers 39 sites with hookups, a bathhouse, and a camp store. Winter visitors should seek lodging in Bardstown or at nearby accommodations.
Can I walk the grounds without taking a mansion tour?
Yes — the park grounds, gardens, and walking paths are accessible without purchasing a tour ticket. The grounds are free to walk during park hours and offer a pleasant experience especially during spring blooms.
How does the park address the history of slavery?
Modern interpretive tours at Federal Hill address the history of enslaved labor on the plantation. The interpretation provides historical context about the enslaved people who lived and worked at Federal Hill, acknowledging the full complexity of the estate’s history alongside its cultural and musical legacy.
Is this park close to bourbon distilleries?
Yes — Bardstown is the self-proclaimed “Bourbon Capital of the World.” Multiple distilleries are within 30 minutes, including Maker’s Mark, Jim Beam, and Heaven Hill. The park makes an excellent base for a bourbon trail trip combined with cultural history.
🎵 Ready to Visit My Old Kentucky Home?
Walk through the mansion that inspired America’s most famous state song. Watch the story performed under the stars. Play golf through bourbon country. Camp in the bluegrass. All just 40 miles from Louisville.
Frequently 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.
