Local Faves: Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

We’re lucky here in the Louisville area to be a short drive to fantastic outdoor recreation opportunities. Hoosier National Forest has several districts within an hour or so drive, there’s Mammoth Cave to the south, and closer to home we have serious hiking at the Knobstone Trail, O’Bannon Woods, and Jefferson Memorial Forest.

But for sheer beauty and a curated conservation experience, Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest can’t be beat.

A hike among giants is good for the soul

Bernheim is 16,000+ acres straddling Bullitt and Nelson Counties about an hour south of the city on I-65 just off of exit 112. Isaac Bernheim purchased and endowed the land in 1929, with a vision of combining the natural beauty of the landscape with a research abroretum and the arts to create a space for renewal.

Today, the park sees 500,000 visitors per year, and one visit is all it takes to see why!

For hiking enthusiasts, there are over 40 miles of trails to explore. From <.25 mile interpretive trails to the 13+ mile Millennium Trail, there really is a hike for every interest and ability. A favorite attraction is the trail linking the "Forest Giants,” three sculptures by Danish artist, Thomas Dambo. The giants were created from recycled wood and are part of a series of sculptures Mr. Dambo has created across 5 continents!

Little sister giant playing with “blocks”

Bernheim is also a living laboratory. In addition to the arboretum, there are weekly educational programs, art exhibits, and night sky explorations. Special events include dinners where participants visit the edible garden for ingredients, and musical performances at SONICBernheim events.

Even the frogs are giant at Bernheim!

The folks at Bernheim have also created an incredible 10 acre natural play space, the Playcosystem. They even participate in the 1000 Hours Outside Challenge, which is absolutely something we can get behind!

Yes, yes it does

Perhaps the best part of this jewel, though, is how welcoming they are of volunteers. There is always work to be done at a park of this size, and it takes an army of volunteers to keep things running. Please consider joining in the effort- volunteering provides a sense of pride that only thoughtful stewardship can provide.