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.
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.
Playcosystem
Free, wild and adventurous play in nature will ignite children’s imaginations at Bernheim's Playcosystem, a new 10-acre natural playground. Playcosystem is designed in harmony with nature to provide children with open-ended, physically challenging, and unstructured play opportunities that support healthy development.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.