Today, this Georgian-style mansion is as endearing to visitors as it was in 1852, the year Foster wrote what has become the official state song while visiting his cousins, the Rowan family. Step into the days of the antebellum South as costumed guides escort you through the stately mansion and formal gardens.
Camping & RV
Admire the beautiful grounds of My Old Kentucky Home in the 39-site campground. Convenience is guaranteed with utility hookups, a central service building housing showers and rest rooms, and a dump station. A grocery store and a laundry are nearby across the street from the park. Pets are allowed if restrained. Closed for season from November 18th to March 16th.
Tours
The Visitors Center serves as the main entry point to the popular tourism attraction, Federal Hill Mansion, "My Old Kentucky Home" of Stephen Foster's ballad. Don't miss your opportunity to tour Federal Hill, where the antebellum South comes to life in fascinating detail.
Tours are given from 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, Eastern Time, June through August; and 9:00 AM - 4:45 PM March to May and September to November. Open on Wednesday to Sunday during winter period of December 1 to March 1 and daily from March 2 to November 30.
Closed Thanksgiving Day, the week of Christmas, & New Year’s Eve and Day, $.
Kentucky State Parks Golf Trail
Enjoy a day on Kentucky’s rolling bluegrass as you test your golfing skills on the Kenny Rapier Golf Course 18-hole, regulation golf course. A fully equipped pro shop caters to the golfer’s every need with rental clubs, pull carts, and riding carts. The complete redesign and reconstruction of the front nine holes, plus extensive irrigation and turf improvements on the back nine holes are finished and 18 holes are open for play. Project consultant was Fred Rux of Mobile, Ala. and Contractor was Golf Development Construction Inc. of Louisville. The course is named for Bardstown native and former Commissioner of Parks Kenny Rapier.
Course open year-round, weather permitting.
Things To Do
Our handcraft items, made by our Kentucky crafters, include pottery, quilts, hand painted gourds, chairs and benches. Our outstanding book selections include cookbooks, historic and civil war books, Kentucky authors such as Jesse Stuart and Bryon Crawford and more. A large selection of equine and Derby items can be found. The food specialty items will satisfy every appetite, fruitcake, cheeses, fudge, jams, jellies and bourbon candies from our local distilleries.
Weddings, meetings and special events of any kind are at "home" at this facility. The staff of My Old Kentucky Home has become wedding experts. Meetings are amazed with the atmosphere created when meeting at this very special place in Bardstown. The Great Hall with 2,200 square feet easily seats 150 people in a classroom seating. The Rotunda with 4,000 square feet is perfect for a reception of up to 350 people.
An expansive lobby filled with natural light is the prelude to the Great Hall. This spacious room provides an airy and comfortable atmosphere. Outside the Great Hall is the open-air Event Plaza, enclosed in a white-pillared colonnade that radiates toward Federal Hill. Consider the Rotunda, the second open-air pavilion. Please review the Meeting Space Matrix on the Meetings & Event Page for exact capacities, dimensions and square footage of the meeting rooms. With a professional staff and warm facilities – book your next meeting at My Old Kentucky Home. Stately elegance and gracious ambiance says it all.
View more information about meeting facilities
The picnic area is equipped with grills, a playground, and rest rooms. A picnic shelter is available for rental up to one year in advance.
Make A Reservation
Gift Card
Group Meeting Facilities
My Old Kentucky Home offers a variety of meeting facilities suitable for any size group. Click to view Meeting Facilities page .
"Stephen Foster - The Musical"
Experience the tradition of Kentucky's longest-running outdoor drama. This celebrated musical features colorful period costumes, lively choreography, and more than 50 Foster songs, including his most famous ballad, "My Old Kentucky Home."
For more information and reservations call 1-800-626-1563 or visit The Stephen Foster Drama Association's website, $.
More Information
Contact Information
My Old Kentucky Home
501 East Stephen Foster Avenue
Bardstown, KY 40004-0323
502-348-3502
Park Manager: Alice Heaton
Winter Hours of Operation
- Grounds: House/Visitor Center open December 1 to March 1 on Wednesday to Sunday 9:00 am - 4:45 pm.
- Museum/Giftshop: Open December 1 to March 1 on Wednesday to Sunday 9:00 am - 4:45 pm.
- Meeting Facility: Open year round.