A Bardstown one day itinerary can focus on three central stops: downtown, the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral and the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. The downtown’s nearly 200 historic buildings, the Basilica’s long history and the museum’s whiskey collection give you a town-focused day without needing to add distant attractions.
- Downtown Bardstown: nearly 200 historic buildings, with the visitor center at Court Square.
- From Americas Inn near Bardstown city center: about 3 minutes by car to the center.
- The Basilica is at 310 West Stephen Foster Avenue.
- The Oscar Getz Museum is at 114 North Fifth Street; its weekday hours vary by season.
Before setting out
Check the Oscar Getz Museum’s seasonal hours before arranging your day around a visit. The Bardstown tourism-directory listing gives different weekday schedules for May–October and November–April, while Saturday and Sunday hours are the same year-round; check the official site before you go.
For a straightforward sequence, begin in downtown Bardstown, then visit the Basilica and the museum. The visitor center sits in the courthouse at the center of Court Square, a useful first stop if you want to orient yourself in the historic core. The city tourism site describes downtown as walkable and says it contains nearly 200 historic buildings.
For a closer look at what to plan around the historic core, read where to walk in Bardstown city center.
Start with Bardstown city center
Bardstown city center is a natural first stop for a day built around the town’s historic streets and central landmarks. Begin at Court Square, where the visitor center is located in the courthouse, then spend time among downtown’s historic buildings before continuing to the Basilica and museum.
Downtown contains nearly 200 historic buildings, according to the city tourism site. That gives you a reason to leave room in your schedule for a walk through the central area rather than treating it only as a passage between indoor attractions.
The visitor center’s location at Court Square also gives you a clear starting point for this town-centered itinerary. For more detail on the central area, including what to plan for a walk, see how to plan a walk through Bardstown city center.
Visit the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral
The Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral is a historic stop on a central Bardstown itinerary, at 310 West Stephen Foster Avenue. Construction of the first cathedral west of the Alleghenies began on July 16, 1816, under Bishop Benedict Joseph Flaget.
If you plan to attend a service, Mass is held Monday–Friday at 8:45 a.m., Wednesday at 6 p.m., Saturday at 4 p.m., and Sunday at 7 a.m., 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Eucharistic adoration takes place Monday–Thursday from noon to 4 p.m., and Saturday reconciliation is from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Check the Basilica’s official site before you go for current service and parish information.
Keep the visit considerate of worship and parish activity, particularly if your timing overlaps with a service. For the landmark’s visitor details and background, read how to visit the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral.
Add the Oscar Getz Museum
The Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History adds a museum stop focused on whiskey memorabilia and history. It is at 114 North Fifth Street, Bardstown, Kentucky 40004.
The collection spans whiskey memorabilia from the 1700s to today. Named items include George Washington’s mill stone, prohibition prescriptions, a replica of Lincoln’s Tavern in Illinois and Carrie Nation’s hatchet. General self-guided admission is reported as free, with donations welcome.
Weekday hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m. from May through October and 10 a.m.–4 p.m. from November through April. Saturday hours are 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and Sunday hours are noon–4 p.m. For more about what to expect at this stop, read how to plan a visit to the Oscar Getz Museum.
Allow time for travel and breaks
Leave room between stops for moving around downtown and taking a break, rather than setting a tight sequence around the museum’s closing time. The Basilica and the Getz Museum are described as being within several blocks of other downtown sights, though a specific walking route between them is not given.
Free parking is available in the lots behind Spalding Hall; motorcoaches park on Fifth Street. With the city center, Basilica and museum as the day’s main stops, you can keep the plan focused on Bardstown’s historic core and adjust the order to fit the museum’s hours.
FAQs
What are the main stops for a one-day visit to Bardstown?
A focused day can include downtown, the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral and the Oscar Getz Museum of Whiskey History. Court Square is home to the visitor center.
What can you see at the Oscar Getz Museum?
The museum’s collection includes whiskey memorabilia from the 1700s to today, including a mill stone associated with George Washington, prohibition prescriptions, a replica of Lincoln’s Tavern in Illinois and Carrie Nation’s hatchet.
Is admission to the Oscar Getz Museum free?
General self-guided admission is reported as free, and donations are welcome. Confirm current details before your visit.
Where is the Basilica of Saint Joseph Proto-Cathedral?
The Basilica is at 310 West Stephen Foster Avenue in Bardstown, Kentucky.