Bullitt County: Bourbon, History and Nature

Bullitt County combines a distinctive hilly landscape with bourbon experiences and an engaging regional history. The county covers approximately 300 square miles and lies in the Knobs Region, on the edge of Kentucky’s outer Bluegrass Region. The Knobs are characterized by isolated, steep-sided, often cone-shaped hills made of shale, limestone, and sandstone. The Salt River crosses Bullitt County from east to west, dividing the county. Nature, historic sites, and tastings offer different focuses for your trip.

Landscape and Trails

Daytime hiking and wildlife watching are permitted in the Knobs State Forest and Wildlife Management Area. Use is generally limited to daytime, unless hunting regulations allow for longer hours. The area was originally a tree farm and was designated Kentucky’s first Forestry Legacy project. Ninety-six percent of the area is forested; the remaining land is seeded with native warm-season grasses. This mix of forest and grassland shapes the character of the protected area, while daytime use is important to keep in mind when planning your visit.

History in Specific Places

The Old Stone Jail was built in 1891 by the McDonald Brothers of Louisville. It remains in its original form and at its original location, right next to the Bullitt County Courthouse. Visitors can enter the jail when the courthouse is open; an automatic audio system shares some of the jail’s stories. Access therefore depends on the courthouse’s opening hours. Check the current access requirements before your visit.

The Bullitt County History Museum collects, presents, and interprets the history of the county and its people. Two exhibit rooms explore the area’s heritage, and there is also a free research room with local historical and genealogical resources. The Salt River Furnace tells another part of the region’s history: built of stone in 1832, the 33-foot-tall blast furnace produced 700 to 800 tons of iron and castings annually until operations ceased in 1853. Bullitt’s Lick was discovered by Captain Thomas Bullitt in 1773 and was an early site of commercial salt production in Kentucky.

The Lloyd House is a late-Victorian Italianate-style home, restored in 1880. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993. It portrays life in Mount Washington in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The Lloyd House is a drive-by museum; reservations are required to tour the interior.

Bourbon and Regional Tastings

Bullitt County’s Wine, Whiskey and Ale Trail includes nine visitor 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 trail’s nine stops are located in Bullitt County within a 10-mile area. The trail offers guided or self-guided tours and tastings that you can enjoy at your own pace. Since participating businesses may change, it’s a good idea to check the latest tour information before making plans.

At James B. Beam, Beam Made Bourbon is a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour with a tasting that concludes at the American Outpost with a guided tasting. James B. Beam strongly recommends booking distillery tours online in advance to secure your preferred time and spot; check the current booking information. Four Roses offers bourbon tastings and visits with insights into bottling and aging. Four Roses distillery, warehouse, and bottling experiences are available year-round.

Recreation and Activities

Kart Kountry offers a range of activities for recreation and exercise. Thunder Road is a 1.5-mile go-kart track. There are also two 18-hole miniature golf courses with plenty of twists and turns. An accessible miniature golf course is available upon request. The bumper boats have water cannons; two-seat boats are intended for one adult and one small child. Drivers must be at least 18 years old, and passengers must be at least 40 inches tall.

Shepherdsville City Park covers 114 acres and offers a peaceful setting for relaxation. Shepherdsville City Skate Park is open from sunrise to sunset. In Lebanon Junction, the Splash Park is open seasonally, from the last day of school through Labor Day, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Another reason to visit is Lebanon Junction’s annual Main Street Festival, featuring bounce houses, vendor booths, food, and live music. Check the festival dates for the year of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Shepherdsville, Mercer County, Muhlenberg, Pulaski, Bourbon County, Allen County, Hopkins County, Nelson.

For the broader travel overview: Kentucky.