Oldham County Tourism unveils Kentucky Garden Trail, a botanical adventure of 12 spots around state


If you are looking for an in-state fall road trip, Oldham County Tourism is introducing the Kentucky Garden Trail, a botanical adventure featuring 12 gardens and arboreta across nine counties across the state.

From plant collections to historic sites and monuments, the Kentucky Garden Trail’s passport program allows visitors to document each landscape on the trail and receive rewards along the way. For more information, visit KentuckyGardenTrail.com.

“The trail is an exciting collaboration of nine tourism offices across the state who came together to showcase the fantastic gardens throughout the Bluegrass, including those recognized as some of the best in country,” said Kim Hydes, executive director of Oldham County Tourism and project lead for the trail. “A very special thank you to Hatfield Media for helping to bring our huge vision for this project to life.”  
 
Created to knit together a journey of gardens, forests, and horticultural experiences throughout the state, the Kentucky Garden Trail consists of 12 gardens and arboreta in nine communities, including Yew Dell Botanical Gardens & Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve in Oldham County, Doran Arboretum at Murray State, Mahr Park Arboretum in Madisonville, Western Kentucky Botanical Garden in Owensboro, Baker Arboretum in Bowling Green, Bernheim Forest & Arboretum in Bullitt County, University of Louisville Arboretum, Waterfront Botanical Gardens, and Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Liberty Hall Historic Site in Frankfort, and The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky in Lexington.

The Western Kentucky Botanical Garden in Owensboro (Photo provided)

“The Kentucky Garden Trail will serve as a tremendous resource for visitors to the Bluegrass State as well as those who call Kentucky home,” said Paul Cappiello, executive director of Yew Dell Botanical Gardens. “It provides expertly curated access to a tremendous diversity of plants, garden styles, educational opportunities, and experiences that help to make Kentucky a great place to live and visit.  
 
From casual walkers to green-thumbed enthusiasts, the Kentucky Garden Trail’s collectible passport journal allows visitors to document new discoveries. Available at any of the 12 participating gardens or their local tourism offices, guests can collect stamps, receive rewards along the way, and keep track of all the landscapes, flowers, plant species, events, workshops and experiences throughout the Trail.   

The Kentucky Garden Trail is more than just a garden tour — it’s a botanical exploration of Kentucky’s rich cultural and natural tapestry. Led by Oldham County Tourism in collaboration with nine tourism offices, the Kentucky Garden Trail is made possible by funds received through ARPA.

It consists of 12 gardens and arboreta throughout the Bluegrass, including Yew Dell Botanical Gardens & Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve in Oldham County, Doran Arboretum at Murray State, Mahr Park Arboretum in Madisonville, Western Kentucky Botanical Garden in Owensboro, Baker Arboretum in Bowling Green, Bernheim Forest & Arboretum in Bullitt County, University of Louisville Arboretum, Waterfront Botanical Gardens, and Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Liberty Hall Historic Site in Frankfort, and The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky in Lexington.

From plant collections to historic sites and monuments, each garden offers its own distinct experience, representing the state’s promise to preserve natural sites and green spaces.

Plenty to see around the state. (Photos provided)

Featured photo: Yew Dell Botanical Gardens in Oldham County (Photo provided)


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *