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Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

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Home » Plan Your Visit » Must-Sees

Must-Sees

You’ll never run out of things to see and do at Bernheim! Here are a few places to check out while you explore the forest.

The Sensory Garden

A place of inclusion where everyone feels accepted, supported, and connected with nature! The garden features five beds, each dedicated to one of the senses, plus a quiet space for those who need a calming environment. Garden signage includes Braille and pictograms. It is accessible and can be reached via the Education Center parking lot.

The SEnsory Garden

Forest Giants in a Giant Forest

In conjunction with our 90th anniversary, Bernheim welcomed Danish artist, Thomas Dambo, to construct three giant sculptures throughout the arboretum using recycled wood from the region. We are thrilled to welcome Mama Loumari with her children, Little Nis and Little Elina.

Forest Giants

Visitor Center

Stop in to Kentucky’s first LEED® platinum building for information to help plan your visit. Take a minute to relax, explore our gift shop, grab a bite at Isaac’s café, and learn about sustainable design.

Education Center

Learn about wildlife and nature at Bernheim’s Education Center. Stop in to view our art gallery, explore exhibits, and enjoy our Wildlife Viewing Room where you can watch birds, small mammals and bees interact with their natural environment.

Isaac’s Café

What pairs better with a hike in the woods than a delicious and fresh meal or light snack? Straight from Bernheim’s Edible Garden, Isaac’s Café features fresh salads, soups, sandwiches, children’s meals, and delicious desserts.

Eat at Issac’s »

Fire Tower

Experience Bernheim from atop our oldest structure, the historic fire tower. A volunteer naturalist will lead you 961 feet up the flights of stairs for one of the best views in the state. The incredible scenery will leave you amazed as you take in the knobby landscape that surrounds Bernheim and even catch sight of Louisville on a clear day. The fire tower is only open when our volunteer naturalists are available.

Canopy Tree Walk

Hang out in the tree-tops in our Canopy Tree Walk. This short boardwalk extends into the forest canopy, suspending visitors an astonishing 75 feet above the forest floor.

Public Art

Bernheim’s Arts in Nature programs provide a vital platform for artistic experimentation and curious exploration that becomes a part of the entire ecosystem of Bernheim. Art inspires our deep connections with nature, providing visitors with a sense of discovery. Journey through the forest and enjoy a variety of sculptures, paintings, and other works of art.

Public Art Map »

Edible Garden

Explore our one-of-a kind Edible Garden - a four-acre site just across from Bernheim’s Visitor Center that serves as a gateway to connect people with nature via the country’s most popular pastime – gardening. Learn how the garden makes the environment healthier by meeting the most rigorous green design standards in the world.

The Edible Garden »

Trails & Maps

Over 40 miles of trails with varying degrees of ease and difficulty weave their way through the forest at Bernheim, meaning no matter what level you are looking for, there’s a trail for you. Some are handicap accessible.

Explore Bernheim Trails »

Children’s Play Garden

Bring the kids to Bernheim for a day of free play at our Children’s Play Garden, a playground specifically designed to allow children to have creative control over their play environment. It includes both traditional equipment, like swings and slides, as well as nature-based play features, like rolling hills, fossil-filled rocks, and a dry creek bed. This playground inspired Bernheim to launch its Children at Play Network.

More About the Children at Play Network »

Thank you to our Corporate Partners!


Thank you to our Corporate Partners!

  • Delta Dental KY
  • GE Appliances
  • WMB
  • Brown Forman
  • Quest Outdoors
  • Luckett & Farley
  • Westrock
  • Beam Suntory
  • Patagonia

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Guerilla Hollow Road will remain closed today due to storm cleanup. Thank you for your patience.