Group Visits

Groups are welcome for meetings, programs, school outings, guided tours, weddings and other special events. Groups are required to register and may be charged a fee. Arrangements must be made in advance by calling the Bernheim office at (502) 955-8512.

Activities for the Whole Family

Programs and Events
Bernheim places strong emphasis on education. Visitor programs and special events will regularly enhance your visit to Bernheim, especially during the summer and on weekends. You will also find a variety of classes that will make learning fun for children, families, adults, schools and other groups.

Picnicking
Picnicking is allowed in select areas of Bernheim. Grills, picnic tables and restroom facilities can accommodate groups of up to 20 people. Because of the danger of forest fire, use of portable grills is limited to the Pines Picnic Area. In other picnic areas please use only the grills provided.

Hiking
Bernheim has 35 miles of scenic trails and fire roads available for hiking all year. Looping through the knobs and valleys, along ridges and hollows, Bernheim's trails offer a diversity of hiking opportunities for the casual as well as the more serious hiker.

Biking
All Bernheim roads are open to biking except the hill up to Paul's Point.  The 3.2 mile Hike/Bike Pike winds along Long Lick Creek and has gently sloping hills and flat areas.  Ten Tom's Loop is a shorter bike trail. 

Refreshments
While spending the day hiking and enjoying Bernheim, you may need some refreshments. You’ll find water, sodas, sandwiches, chips and other snacks available for purchase through our Gift Shop at the Visitor Center.

Geocaching and Letterboxing
Geocaching, Earthcaching and Letterboxing are adventure activities that are gaining in popularity world-wide. They involve finding hidden caches either by using a GPS unit or by following map directions. Bernheim has numerous cache challenges. For more information on these activities go to geocaching.com and search on ZIP code 40110. For more information on letterboxing go to www.atlasquest.com and search for Bardstown, Ky. Anyone wishing to create a cache opportunity at Bernheim must apply for permission in advance of placing the cache. All caches must be placed where they will not cause damage to plants, natural communities, or other features of Bernheim or cause searchers to become lost.
Bernheim Cache Policy

Fishing
The scenic Lake Nevin is available for fishing from designated sections of the bank (all state rules apply). Other Bernheim lakes are not open to fishing.

Dogs
Dogs are welcome at Bernheim provided they are kept on a leash at all times.  As a courtesy to others, we ask that you clean up any waste in the landscaped arboretum areas.

Shop
What better place to find the book you need to identify that special butterfly or snake than at Bernheim?  We have a nice selection of books related to natural history and horticulture as well as animal puppets, walking sticks, parent guides for nature games and activities, science/nature kits, paintable wildflower shirts, field guides, hand made herb soaps, art and writing by regional artists, seeds, cards, and a wide variety of things related to the natural world. All proceeds support Bernheim and its mission of connecting people with nature.  So come, check us out for yourself or to find that special gift for someone who loves the out of doors.