6 Reasons to Explore My Old Kentucky Home This Spring
Whether you're planning an extended vacation or just a day trip, there is no shortage of sights to see in Kentucky bourbon country. If you find yourself in the Bardstown area, you owe it to yourself to visit My Old Kentucky Home. The mansion is located in My Old Kentucky Home State Park, and is the centerpiece of this beautiful park. It's an intact representation of a Federal Style Home, and absolutely worth the visit. Once you've gained a little perspective on this beautiful piece of Kentucky's history, and learned all about the famous song sung at the annual Kentucky Derby, you'll be free to spend the rest of your time enjoying the beautiful town of Bardstown and Kentucky's delicious Bourbon Trail. And, of course, make your trip truly complete by staying at one of our local Bed and Breakfasts! See all your options, and book your stay today.
What is My Old Kentucky Home?
My Old Kentucky Home is a historic state park featuring Federal Hill, a 200-year-old mansion formerly belonging to John Rowan, a state senator who served Kentucky in the late 1700s. The mansion, which serves as the park's centerpiece and the main attraction, is set on a sprawling 235-acre plantation complete with beautifully manicured grounds.
During Senator Rowan's time, the mansion was used as a meeting place for state politicians and other people of importance, but its greatest historical significance is the role that it played as inspiration for Stephen Foster's anti-slavery ballad of the same name. Stephen Foster, who was a preeminent early American songwriter, was also Senator Rowan's cousin. The famous song, named after the Rowan family mansion, is one of America's Best known folk songs.
Attractions at My Old Kentucky Home
My Old Kentucky Home state park's main feature is the mansion itself. The house is one of America's most historically complete and intact plantation houses filled with authentic antiques and fine art owned by the Rowan family. You can enjoy guided tours through the mansion and accompanying estate grounds by guides in authentic period dress.
In addition to the Rowan family home, My Old Kentucky Home offers other, numerous attractions including:
A 39 site campground open in the spring and summer months
An amphitheater featuring The Stephen Foster Story, and other quality shows by local acts
An 18 hole public golf course
Various historical demonstrations including southern-style biscuit making
Access to Kentucky Bourbon Country
My Old Kentucky Home is situated in the middle of Kentucky bourbon country. The town and countryside surrounding the park offer visitors an area rich in both history and culture. Whether you want to venture out to the Old Bardstown Civil War Museum, or you want to visit one of the numerous distilleries in the surrounding area, there is something for everyone. Book a stay at a beautiful bed and breakfast with the Kentucky Bed and Breakfast Association and take your time exploring My Kentucky Home and the surrounding attractions at your own leisure.
