Search the Site


Socialize

  • Bookmark and Share

See

 

HISTORICAL SITES, MUSEUMS & TOURS

Schmidt’s Museum of Coca Cola Memorabilia
The Museum is now closed. All items from the collection were  sold at  public auctions. 

Swope’s Cars of Yesteryear Museum
http://www.swopemuseum.com/
Explore how transportation was transformed from horseless carriages to sporty automobiles. 270-763-6175.

The Brown Pusey House
Brown-Pusey House (196kb PDF)
The Brown Pusey House Page
This gorgeous 1825 Georgian mansion is home to a genealogical library and Sally Cunningham Pusey’s garden. 270-765-2515.

Hardin County History Museum
http://www.hardinkyhistory.org/
This museum is a part of the official Lincoln Trail through Kentucky. View the Lincoln room and learn about Hardin County’s history beginning with Native Americans. 270-763-8339.

Self-Guided Historic Downtown Walking Tour 
Historic Downtown Walking Tour (1.04MB PDF)
See Elizabethtown's most historic downtown sites. Download a map or stop by the ETCB to pick up a copy. 270-982-2209.

The Charles W. Logsdon Historic Costumed Downtown Walking Tour
Costumed Walking Tour (1.9MB PDF)
Hear recollections and witness reenactments from Elizabethtown’s most notorious characters. Thursday evenings at 7 pm on the square, June – September. 270-982-2209.

Self-Guided Historic Driving Tour of Elizabethtown
Driving Tour (1535kb PDF)
Download a mapped guide or pick one up at the tourism office to learn about interesting histories and architectural styles of old downtown buildings and homes.

Summit One-Room Schoolhouse
Summit One-Room Schoolhouse Page
Once described as the “finest school in the county”, this 1892 one-room school was later used to store hay. Recently restored by the local Retired Teachers Association. 270-765-2175.

 

Coming Soon…….

The Kentucky High School Basketball Hall of Fame

For more information on this exciting new attraction coming to Elizabethtown visit

www.khsbhf.com More information will be available soon!

 

> Back to the top

CIVIL WAR & MILITARY ATTRACTIONS

The Cannonball
The Cannonball Page
Fired by General John Hunt Morgan’s forces during the 1862 Christmas Raid, this Civil War artifact is still embedded in the wall of the Depp building. Pick up the “Civil War in Elizabethtown” brochure from the tourism office. 270-765-2175.

Confederate Soldiers Buried on Cemetery Hill
Confederate Soldiers (720kb PDF)
Locate soldiers’ graves with the new kiosk available at the cemetery entrance or pick up a mapped guide at the tourism office.

Fort Duffield
Civil War Fort Duffield (43kb PDF)
http://www.radclifftourism.org/fortduffield.shtml
Built in 1861 to protect a Union supply route, this site is the largest and best-preserved Kentucky earthen fortress. The fort also served a General Sherman’s headquarters. Linger for a panoramic scene of West Point, the Ohio River and surrounding area. West Point 270-922-4574.

General George Patton
General George Patton Museum of Leadership I The Patton Museum Volunteers
The museum recently completed a major building renovation, and the staff is creating interim interior exhibits to give visitors a taste of what is to come. The musuem will always emphasize Patton's leadership. The Musuem is currently undergoing several renovations and a grand reopening is scheduled for June 14, 2013, the U.S. Army's 238th birthday. The General Patton Gallery will be closed until June of 2013. Call or visit the website for museum hours. Fort Knox 502-624-3812. 

> Back to the top

ARTS & CULTURE

Historic State Theater
http://historicstatetheater.org/
The State Theater is still a movie house and theater, but is also now a beautiful 3,400 sq. ft. rental facility for weddings receptions, business meetings, and organizational events. For more information, call 270-234-8258.

“The PAC” Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center
http://www.thepac.net/
Be entertained with plays, concerts or musicals at a state-of-the-art facility. For a schedule and ticket information call 270-769-8837.

Hardin County Playhouse
http://www.hardincountyplayhouse.com
The stage is set for comedy, tragedy, and drama . . . there’s something for everyone in each season. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, Sunday matinees. Call for their current season lineup at 270-351-0577.

Emma Reno Connor Black History Gallery
Black History Gallery (831kb PDF)
Black History Gallery Page
Emma was tirelessly dedicated to preserving the history of Black Americans. The gallery is a testament to her perseverance and hard work. 270-268-9534.

Clothesline of Quilts                                                                                         Clothesline Of Quilts
Bright, colorful and decorative quilt blocks can be seen all over this area. Quilt Trail brochures are available at the Extension Office and Visitor Center. 270-765-4121.

> Back to the top

ABRAHAM LINCOLN CONNECTION

The Lincoln Connection Page                                                                                                                                            
Lincoln Heritage House                                                                                                                                                         Lincoln Heritage House Page
Although this beloved historic double cabin was gutted by fire early in 2009, the community rebuilt the house using historic building materials including salvaged timbers in 2011.

Sarah Bush Johnston Lincoln Memorial Cabin
Sarah Bush Johnston (720kb PDF)
Sarah Bush Johnston Lincoln Memorial Page
Lincoln’s stepmother’s early 1800’s cabin, recreated down to the brightly colored flowers and nearby butterfly garden. Period items are similar to those used during this era. 270-765-2175.

Lincoln Museum in Hodgenville
http://www.lincolnmuseum-ky.org/
Trace the life of Abraham Lincoln with exhibits and wax figures. In addition, there is an art collection and film. Hodgenville 270-358-3163.

Abraham Lincoln’s Birthplace
Abraham Lincoln's Birthplace( 65kb PDF)
Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historical Park
Climb the 56 steps (one for each year of Lincoln’s life) leading to the Memorial Building which houses the symbolic cabin. See Lincoln family exhibits. Hodgenville 270-358-3137.

Abraham Lincoln Boyhood Home
Abraham Lincoln's Boyhood Home at Knob Creek  

Pay a visit to the Knob Creek Place, which the famous President said was his “earliest recollection”. The boyhood cabin has recently been reconstructed. Hodgenville 270-358-3137.

> Back to the top

BOURBON TRAIL DISTILLERIES

Maker’s Mark
http://www.makersmark.com
See America’s award-winning whiskey being produced and browse the distinctive gift shop. Each lot is checked a minimum of five times while aging. Loretto 270-865-2099.

Heaven Hill Bourbon Heritage Center
http://www.heavenhill.com
Experience state-of-the-art interactive exhibits and learn to appreciate Single Barrel Bourbons inside the “Parker Beam” tasting barrel. Bardstown 502-337-1000.

Jim Beam
http://www.jimbeam.com
Learn how the barrel makers developed their craft and visit the tasting parlor in the Beam home. Don’t miss the one of a kind authentic moonshine still. Gift shop. Clermont 502-543-9877.

Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History
http://whiskeymuseum.com/
View artifacts of bourbon’s early development. A must see for all bourbon lovers. Bardstown 502-348-2999.

> Back to the top

TRAILS & RECREATION

Freeman Lake Park
Freeman Lake Park Page
Recharge your batteries in our beautiful lakeside park. Paddle boats, fishing, picnicking . . . it’s all here. Visit the Lincoln cabins and the one-room schoolhouse. 270-769-3916.

Greenbelt Parks/Trails
Greenbelt and Freeman Lake Trails Guide and Map (115kb PDF)                              
Greenbelt Parks/Trails Page
Explore the trails and small parks among the creeks and wooded areas within the town. Walking, running, bird watching and fishing are favorite activities against Nature’s backdrop. 270-765-2175.

Tioga Falls (National Recreation Trail) CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION
http://www.radclifftourism.org/tiogafalls.shtml
Meander amid a natural environment that includes fossil shells, shale, a country wagon road, stone steps, moss-covered rocks, 130-foot Tioga Falls and remnants of an old dam. Trees in the area include oak, beech, hickory and maple. Occasionally closed for military training. Be sure to call 502-624-3629 first.

Saunders Springs Nature Preserve
http://www.radclifftourism.org/saunderssprings.shtml
Located between 31W and Fort Knox, this heavily-wooded park features steep terrain, mature hardwood forest surroundings and plenty of caves and springs. Despite its rustic setting, the preserve features a handicap-accessible trail. Open dawn to dusk year-round. Radcliff 270-351-1875.

Bridges to the Past Walking Trail CLOSED DUE TO CONSTRUCTION
http://www.radclifftourism.org/bridgestothepast.shtml
Walk along the L&N Turnpike route where such notable travelers as President Andrew Jackson and Swedish singer Jenny Lind journeyed by stagecoach in the 19th century. Three stone arch bridges along the route are over 150 years old. Fort Knox/West Point 270-352-1204.

> Back to the top

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

NORTH I-65 ATTRACTIONS:

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest
http://www.bernheim.org
Drive through an area of natural splendor to see beautiful gardens and peaceful lakes. At Kentucky’s official arboretum, you can hike, bike, fish, picnic or just relax and enjoy. Clermont 502-955-8512.

Kart Kountry
http://www.gokartkountry.com
Have a blast driving on the longest go-kart track in the U.S. Miniature golf, batting cages, arcade. Seasonal. Shepherdsville 502-543-9588.

SOUTH I-65 ATTRACTIONS:

Glendale Historic District

Map of Glendale
Glendale (115kb PDF)
Glendale Shops (304kb PDF)
http://www.historicglendale.com
Glendale’s history as a railroad community is reflected in the district’s antique shops, unique collectibles and heirloom gifts in the many shops of this charming town. Visit during their Spring & Music Festival in May or during the Crossing Festival in October, held on the third Saturday of the month. Just nine miles south of Elizabethtown!

American Cave Museum & Hidden River Cave
http://www.horsecave.com
Fascinated by caves? Discover the history and science of America’s natural caverns through educational and informative exhibits. Horse Cave 270-786-1466.

Kentucky Down Under & Kentucky Caverns
http://www.kdu.com
Experience a little bit of Australia in Kentucky. Hands-on interaction and education for a fun family adventure. Horse Cave 800-762-2869.

Mammoth Cave National Park
http://www.nps.gov/maca
Explore the largest known cave in the world through various tours offered year round. 270-758-2180.

BLUEGRASS PARKWAY:

The Stephen Foster Story                                                                                                          http://www.stephenfoster.com
Professional outdoor production of Stephen Foster’s life and music located in My Old Kentucky Home State Park. Bardstown 800-626-1563.

My Old Kentucky Home
http://www.visitbardstown.com/tourism/things2do.html
Federal Hill was the inspiration for Stephen Foster’s ballad, “My Old Kentucky Home,” which honors the state song. Built in 1812, it is as endearing to visitors today as when Foster wrote the song. Bardstown 866-801-3463.

My Old Kentucky Dinner Train
http://www.kydinnertrain.com
Relax while enjoying a gourmet meal on a two-hour excursion in restored 1940’s dining cars. Available for individuals, families and tour groups. Reservations requested. Bardstown 502-348-7300.

Abbey of Gethsemani
http://www.monks.org
Watch a film depicting daily life at the Abbey in the welcome center. Browse the gift shop for items made by monks throughout the world, including those at Gethsemani. South of Bardstown 502-549-3117.

> Back to the top