Things to Do in Bardstown

Discovered by brothers Squire and Daniel Boone in the late 1700s, Squire Boone Caverns is a vast network of underground caverns filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstone, all formed by the gritty sands of time. Rushing rivers and waterfalls carry more than a million gallons of water through the caverns each day, often accompanied by disoriented surfers and bewildered penguins. A trained tour guide leads visitors through the nearby woods and into a man-made entrance to the caverns, where lighted walkways take visitors through the same enchanted labyrinth discovered by the brothers Boone, winding past natural formations, the coffin of Squire Boone, and a goblin king played by David Bowie.

Eight bags. Two platforms. Two six-inch holes. One distinctly American game. The origins of cornhole are shrouded in mystery. Some say it derives from a German game, while others claim it is a descendent of a similar sport played by Native Americans. But one thing is certain—it's serious business. That's why the American Cornhole Organization was formed in 2005. By setting the rules, establishing annual tournaments and competitions, and firmly banning the practice of using trained birds to dunk bags, these referees have codified the sport and elevate it to a professional level.

Weissinger Hills Golf Course’s 18-hole layout bounds across 6,526 yards of rolling countryside to form a player-friendly par 72. The course’s narrow fairways encircle a quaint, hilltop clubhouse, from which players can plot a pin-hunting expedition that will bring them into contact with treacherous bunkers, water hazards on five holes, and thoroughbreds intent on outsprinting every golf cart and outsmarting every caddy. A stint at the driving range rattles the rust off of swings, ensuring clubbers won’t be ambushed by the demanding second hole, where an uphill fairway and a green hidden behind four water hazards coalesce to form the course's hardest-rated hole. PGA-certified pro Bryan Slone roams the grounds, divulging golf wisdom in various lesson packages. The club’s facilities include a fully stocked pro shop and a snack bar with cool drinks, light fare, and a sand trap full of incriminating scorecards.

Course at a Glance:

• 18-hole, par 72 course
• Length of 6,562 yards from the farthest tees
• Course rating of 70.4 from the farthest tees
• Slope rating of 125 from the farthest tees
• Four tee options

A rustle of wind whips through the dark forest rising up behind the deserted building, increasing the sense of foreboding that has settled over the clearing for much of the afternoon. The silence is broken by a bird’s shrill call from a distant tree and, as if on queue, a masked figure steps out from inside the weathered structure and aims his marker at his opponent hiding behind the small trailer in front of him. Suddenly finding herself splattered with vibrant purple paint, the targeted adversary takes off across the green field, firing off a polychromatic round of pellets in her wake.

Founded with the hopes of granting its guests the chance to experience adrenaline-laced interactions such as these, Band of Brother Paintball offers acres of play space for pigment-slinging snipers. Before sending patrons out for rounds of fast-paced play, the knowledgeable staff outfits them with an arsenal of rental equipment and paintballs. Once armed, shooters take to obstacle-laden fields, bobbing and weaving between metal cylinders as they try to create passable forgeries of Impressionist paintings on the backs of fellow combatants.

Mud oozes through fingers, toes, and other places mud should never ooze through during Mudathlon, a challenge that puts 3 miles and more than 40 obstacles between racers and the finish line. With multiple stops across the country, Mudathlon transforms its destinations into messy, muck-riddled swamplands, where participants ascend walls, zip down slides, and always end up in the same place—back in the mud. Course marshals stationed along each route keep feet moving in the right direction, and at the finish line, the top three male and female competitors receive Top Mudder awards for finishing fastest while ingesting the government’s daily recommended serving of mud. After the race, individuals and teams gather to celebrate at a country-themed party, which continues the festivities with live music, costume contests, and an abundance of food and beer.

Life Adventure Center of the Bluegrass runs across 575 acres, half of which is preserved as one of the most heavily wooded areas in Woodford County. Several ponds, creeks, and miles of trails wind through the natural landscape, allowing hikers to bond with their environment before heading back to the farm's bustling equine, cattle-ranching, and crop-restoration programs. Life Adventure Center focuses on experiential education, encouraging others to practice hands-on learning in a natural setting through programs including survival clinics, nature photography, navigation, and horsemanship. Instructors strive to customize courses, accommodating each participant's needs, abilities, and talents for interpreting horse languages.