Discover Marion County: Bourbon, History, and Nature

Discover Marion County through three very different aspects: bourbon craftsmanship, deep-rooted local history, and outdoor activities. In Loretto, Maker’s Mark offers insight into the brand’s history and bourbon making; Lebanon takes a different approach with its historic commercial district. Museums, performing arts, and opportunities for outdoor activities round out these highlights.

Bourbon Craftsmanship and Barrel Making

Maker’s Mark’s Star Hill Farm campus in Loretto offers a bookable tour about the brand’s history and bourbon making. Check booking availability before making firm plans, as it may change. The distillery also offers tastings.

The Life of a Barrel Tour takes visitors through production at Kentucky Cooperage and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel South: the process runs from individual oak staves to new, charred barrels and used, ready-to-fill barrels. The guided Kentucky Cooperage Tour offers another perspective, with a behind-the-scenes look at barrel making. This lets you choose between different focuses, from brand history to the specific steps involved in barrel production.

Historic Sites in Lebanon

The Lebanon Historic Commercial District encompasses Lebanon’s historic commercial and administrative center. Its commercial buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries include examples of the Italianate, Classical Revival, and Art Deco styles. The district also includes Court Square, an important, rarely preserved square dating from the mid-19th century. The Historic Homes & Landmarks Tour in Lebanon is self-guided.

Holy Cross also has a special place in history: it was the first Catholic church west of the Allegheny Mountains. It was founded in 1785 by Catholic families from Maryland. These dates provide a clear historical context for a visit without requiring a long itinerary of individual stops.

History, Art, and Music in Loretto

The Loretto Heritage Center documents the more than 200-year history of the Sisters of Loretto and the more than 50-year history of the Loretto Community. Its museum tells Loretto’s story through maps, an audiovisual theater, and photographs.

Kentucky Classic Arts at Centre Square presents touring productions and local talent across a variety of genres. The organization also offers classes and holiday camps, including group theater classes and private guitar lessons. The Loretto Motherhouse Community regularly hosts free concerts featuring professional musicians from the region.

The Marion County Historical Society shares local history through changing exhibitions, educational programs, and community events. These are complemented by traveling exhibitions from the Kentucky Historical Society and speakers through Kentucky Humanities. Visitors interested in different forms of local culture can explore exhibitions, performing arts programs, classes, and talks.

Nature and Getting Around

The Marion County Wildlife Management Area and State Forest covers 1,293 acres east of Lebanon. The area is open for regulated public hunting, hiking, and wildlife viewing. An information kiosk with maps is located at the parking area. As public-use rules may change, check the current regulations before your visit.

The Cecil L. Gorley Nature Trail at Fagan Branch Reservoir is 3.1 miles long and includes 40 wooden footbridges. You can fish for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, catfish, and crappie at Sportsman’s Lake. For getting around by road, the Marion County Trail is a useful reference: it is an 11-mile section of KY 49 connecting Loretto and Lebanon, and forms the intersection of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour.

The Marion County Quilt Trail takes visitors to the communities of Gravel Switch, Bradfordsville, Raywick, and Loretto, as well as other locations. It adds another reason to include different communities across the county in your travel plans, alongside the specific nature and cultural attractions.

A Seasonal Event

Marion County Country Ham Days is celebrated on the last full weekend in September. The program includes a Country Ham Breakfast, which serves more than 4,000 pounds of country ham; food offerings may vary from year to year. If the event is a deciding factor in your travel plans, check the specific dates and program for that year.

Discover more destinations: Lebanon, Clark County, Morgan County, Breckinridge, Warren, Kenton, Muhlenberg, Logan

For the broader travel overview: Kentucky.