Wildly Serious

16,000+ Acres and a Million Things to Do

Featured Event

Holiday Open House

-

Join us for a festive day of shopping in the heart of the forest! Browse a curated selection of handcrafted items from local Kentucky artisans, including jewelry, soaps, apparel for all ages, handmade hiking sticks, leather journals, pottery, nature guides, children’s storybooks, Kentucky Proud foods, and thoughtful gifts for your…

View Event

2025 Artist in Residence Program

Call for Artists

We are accepting applications for the 2025 residency program, with a deadline of December 2. Visual artists of all mediums and diverse perspectives are encouraged to apply.

Each year, up to four artists are selected. One residency is reserved for a Kentucky or Southern Indiana artist, and another for work addressing environmental issues or the climate crisis.

In 2025, we celebrate 45 years of this program, which enhances Bernheim’s mission of connecting people to nature through art.

Find yourself in the forest

Become one with nature in our Edible Garden.
Ignite your child’s imagination at our 17-acre natural playground or loop through our 40 miles of trails.
Worked up an appetite? Stop by Isaac’s Cafe and grab a bite.

Upcoming Events

Adventure Awaits!

Bernheim Forest and Arboretum was founded in 1929 by Isaac W. Bernheim, with the mission of connecting people with nature. In the nearly 100 years since, we’ve not strayed from this mission.

By remaining committed to protecting the critical wildness of our forest while offering the public deeply engaging outdoor experiences, we will propel his vision into the next 100 years.

At 95 years old, our forest looks better than ever and our hearts remain young and vibrant. Come take an outside chance on the millions of things to do at Bernheim!

Bernheim is open daily from 7 a.m. to sunset. 

Plan Your Visit!

Find your way

More than just a forest

Climate Crisis Action Plan

Working to achieve net zero carbon emissions by our centennial in 2029.

See Our Plan

A Present To Us All

Purchased and protected since 1929, a welcoming place for renewal and connection to nature!

Isaac’s Story

Annual Impact Report

Privately-held, 100% donor supported, and deeply rooted in our mission.

See Our Impact

Stay Curious

Research At Bernheim

Bernheim has a tradition of research dating back to our origin. Bernheim attracts researchers from all over who study native species, natural ecosystems, and long-term ecological change. 

Immerse & Explore

Art Thrives in Nature

Isaac W. Bernheim’s vision for the land he acquired to protect included the combination of an arboretum and natural forested areas infused with the arts to create a unique site to experience nature. We’re proud of our over 40-year history of intersecting art with science – come see for yourself!

Engage with Living History

The Arboretum

Bernheim’s horticulture legacy thrives in over 600 acres of Arboretum collections and landscapes. Our prestigious Arboretum houses unique, rare, and endangered species from our region and around the world, including Quercus georgiana (Georgia oak), Betula uber (roundleaf birch), and Magnolia obovata (Japanese bigleaf magnolia).

Dig In Plant Database

Our Friends & Sponsors

Our Newsletter

Sign up for the Bernheim Buzz

Get the "buzz" of Bernheim activity weekly in your inbox by signing up below.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.