Bourbon, Barrels and Beyond: 10 Things to Do in Lebanon, Kentucky

The red wax is only the beginning at Maker’s Mark Distillery in nearby Loretto. Tours of Star Hill Farm dig into the brand’s history and hands-on approach to bourbon making, including its copper stills, barrel aging and the unusual practice of rotating 525-pound barrels by hand for consistency. Then comes the souvenir everyone remembers: buy an eligible bottle in the gift shop and dip it yourself in Maker’s Mark’s signature red wax. Stick around for lunch and cocktails at Star Hill Provisions, where the menu serves up juicy Wagyu burgers, a chicken pakora sandwich and plenty of bourbon-friendly bites.

Small-scale production gives Limestone Branch Distillery a more personal feel than some of Kentucky’s larger bourbon stops. Guided experiences dig into the distillery’s history, production process and lineup, including Yellowstone Bourbon, Minor Case Rye and Bowling & Burch Gin. Yellowstone dates back to 1872, while the Lebanon distillery carries on a Beam-family whiskey connection that stretches across generations. Choose a full distillery experience for a closer look at how everything is made, or opt for a guided tasting instead. Afterward, head to Minor’s Lounge for a neat pour, flight or cocktail.

Catch a show, concert or class at Kentucky Classic Arts at Centre Square, one of Lebanon’s best stops for local culture. The arts center brings community theater, touring performers, music, dance and youth programming together inside the historic former Lebanon High School building. Check the calendar before your trip and you might add an unexpected night out to the itinerary. Before the curtain goes up, grab coffee at School Grounds Coffee, where renovated classrooms now double as a cozy hangout filled with work by local artists and Marion County students.

Lebanon goes gloriously all-in on country ham every September. Marion County Country Ham Days turns the last full weekend of the month into a citywide celebration packed with the famous Country Ham Breakfast, the Pokey Pig 5K, Pigasus Parade, carnival rides, arts and crafts, live entertainment and a massive car, truck and motorcycle show. More than 40,000 people typically show up, and even the sky joins the party with a nighttime balloon glow and Sunday flyover. Come hungry, because thousands of pounds of ham are served over the weekend.

Trade Lebanon’s bourbon stops and downtown streets for a waterside trail at Fagan Branch Reservoir. Just outside town, hikers can follow the roughly three-mile Cecil L. Gorley Naturalist Trail as it loops around the 140-acre reservoir, with lake views and chances to spot wildlife, including bald eagles. Prefer to get on the water? Bring a canoe, kayak or boat with an electric motor. Anglers can also cast for bass, bluegill, catfish, redear sunfish and stocked rainbow trout.

Pack the clubs because Rosewood Golf Course is built for more than a quick round. The 18-hole, par-72 course stretches 7,266 yards from the longest tees, with a layout that works for both serious golfers and more casual players. The real bonus is being able to stay right on-site, with motel rooms and cabins plus stay-and-play golf packages that make an overnight trip easy. Add dinner at Rosewood Bar & Grill, then wake up ready for another round.

Slow things down at the Loretto Motherhouse, where the Heritage Center explores more than 200 years of Loretto history. Browse photographs, artifacts, maps and audiovisual exhibits tracing the community’s educational work across the United States and as far as China, along with its long involvement in peace and social justice causes. Then spend a little time wandering the peaceful Motherhouse grounds for a quieter, more reflective stop outside Lebanon.

Want to see Marion County from the water? Floating the Fork follows the Rolling Fork River from Calvary to Raywick, with public access points near St. Joe making it easy to plan a full-day paddle or shorter outing. Expect wooded banks, historic bridges, wildlife and long stretches of quiet countryside along the way. Bring your own kayak or canoe, and check river conditions before launching, especially in summer when parts of the lower section can get very shallow.

Need an active break between bourbon stops and sightseeing? Graham Memorial Park is Lebanon’s go-to spot for getting outside and moving. The park offers everything from baseball, softball and soccer to volleyball, disc golf and a walking track, with seasonal community events throughout the year. The Lebanon Aquatic Center adds a heated indoor pool with lap lanes for year-round swimming, making this an easy stop for families, active travelers or anyone looking to squeeze a little recreation into the day.