The Old Stone Jail still stands in its original location and original form, right beside the Bullitt County Courthouse. The McDonald Brothers of Louisville built the jail in 1891. When the courthouse is open, visitors can enter the jail; an automated audio system tells some of its stories. Check access arrangements before your visit.
The landscape also gives the county its distinctive character: Bullitt County covers approximately 300 square miles and lies in the Knobs region, on the edge of the outer Bluegrass region. Its landscape is characterized by isolated, steep-sided, often cone-shaped hills of shale, limestone and sandstone. The Salt River crosses the county from east to west, dividing it—a striking landmark in the landscape.
Salt, Iron and Local History
The area’s history can be discovered in a variety of places. Discovered by Captain Thomas Bullitt in 1773, Bullitt’s Lick was one of Kentucky’s early commercial salt production sites. The Salt River Furnace tells a later chapter: built in 1832, the stone blast furnace stood 33 feet tall. Until operations ceased in 1853, it produced 700 to 800 tons of iron and castings annually.
The Bullitt County History Museum focuses on the county and its people. The museum collects, presents and interprets their history. Two galleries explore the county’s heritage; there is also a free research room with local historical and genealogical resources. For a look at a single community, the Lloyd House offers a different perspective: the restored late-Victorian Italianate-style house was built in 1880, has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1993, and portrays life in Mount Washington in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is a drive-by museum; reservations are required for an interior tour.
Bourbon, Tastings and Nine Stops
The Wine, Whiskey and Ale Trail connects nine visitor destinations in Bullitt County: 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 stops are within 10 miles of one another. Enjoy guided or self-guided tours and tastings at your own pace. Since participating businesses can change, it’s worth checking the current selection.
At James B. Beam, Beam Made Bourbon is a 90-minute behind-the-scenes tour with a tasting; it ends 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 place. Four Roses offers bourbon tastings as well as insights into bottling and aging. Distillery, warehouse and bottling experiences are available year-round; check current dates in advance.
Forest Trails and Outdoor Experiences
At Knobs State Forest and Wildlife Management Area, you can hike and watch wildlife during the day. Use is generally limited to daytime hours unless hunting regulations allow longer hours. Originally a tree farm, the area became Kentucky’s first Forestry Legacy project. Ninety-six percent of the area is forested; the rest has been seeded with native warm-season grasses. This mix of forest and open spaces offers a different impression from the steep-sided hills that give the region its name.
Shepherdsville City Park covers 114 acres and offers a peaceful setting for recreation. For a different kind of activity, Kart Kountry features Thunder Road, a 1.5-mile go-kart track, as well as two 18-hole miniature golf courses with plenty of twists and turns. One miniature golf course is wheelchair accessible on request. The two-seat bumper boats are designed for one adult and one small child: the driver must be at least 18 years old, and the passenger at least 40 inches tall. Water cannons are also part of the bumper boat experience.
Seasonal Events and Visitor Information
Lebanon Junction hosts an annual Main Street Festival with inflatables, vendor booths, food and live music. Check current listings for specific festival dates. The city’s Splash Park is open from the last day of school through Labor Day, from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. In Shepherdsville, the Bullitt County Welcome Center is south of town on southbound I-65. Pick up maps and brochures for the state and region; travel counselors can answer questions and offer travel suggestions.
Discover more destinations: Shepherdsville, Madison County, Jefferson, Calloway County, Meade County, Whitley County, Allen County, Mercer County.
For the main travel overview: Kentucky.
