The Kentucky Garden Trail
Natural beauty across the state
FOR MOST FOLKS, a passport means adventure abroad, but in the Bluegrass State, you don’t need a plane ticket to explore new—natural—worlds. All you need is a tank of gas, walking shoes and curiosity. The Kentucky Garden Trail and its corresponding passport, created by Kim Hydes, executive director of Oldham County Tourism & Conventions, invites visitors to discover some of the state’s most beautiful green spaces.
“I wanted to create a project that promoted multiple regions of Kentucky and was something new—something that could change things, like the Bourbon Trail,” Hydes says. “Then I realized something was missing. There was no statewide garden trail in Kentucky.”
At any of the 12 botanical gardens and arboreta across nine towns, visitors can pick up a soft-touch passport journal with garden information and space for notes and passport stickers.
From castle grounds to cemeteries, universities to nature preserves, the Kentucky Garden Trail is filled with surprises. Here are five destinations to get you started.
Doran Arboretum, Murray State University
The Doran Arboretum at the edge of Murray State’s campus sits on the original 44-acre Pullen Farm, donated by Stanley and Mabel Pullen. The 1935 barn still stands, offering “a tangible connection to the site’s agriculture past,” says Dava Hayden, Pullen Farm and Arboretum manager.
“Its blend of education, conservation, accessibility and quiet beauty makes the arboretum a distinctive and meaningful space for both the campus and the community,” Hayden says.
At the Doran Arboretum, visitors are encouraged to walk the 0.8 mile-long track. The Arboretum is over 13 acres and displays a collection of local and introduced plants, emphasizing native Western Kentucky trees, shrubs and flowers.
The scenic lake overview at Doran Arboretum is beautiful in the summer. With benches for relaxing, visitors are encouraged to take a minute out of their busy lives and enjoy the tranquility of nature. Photos: Doran Arboretum
Visitors wander a 1-mile trail through diverse plant collections, watch butterflies at a pond encircled with pollinator plants, explore a butterfly-themed play pocket and observe honeybees at the active apiary. Students even study plant diversity at Doran Arboretum.
“Whether someone is visiting for education, relaxation or exploration, the arboretum is designed to foster curiosity, learning and connection,” says Hayden.
Mahr Park Arboretum, Madisonville
Once the private estate of Merle and Glema Mahr, the farmland that hosts Mahr Park Arboretum was gifted to the community for future generations.
“I love the history,” says Ashton Robinson, Mahr Park Arboretum superintendent. “It used to be a farm with Black Angus cattle and the family home. It has deep roots.”
Now a Level II arboretum, the park features more than 150 tree species, a native garden, a 1-acre community garden, a 7-acre pollinator garden and restoration projects with more than 25 native plant species. Visitors can tour the Mahr Historic Home, stroll a 2.5-mile paved trail, hike wooded paths and romp with their pooch in the dog parks or rent kayaks, pedal boats and bikes. Kids love the nature play space, built entirely from natural materials and planted with 300 native species.
“The natural appearance and design is very unique,” Robinson says. “It’s very interactive, very enriching to the senses and offers a space for imaginative play. We hope it develops love for the outdoors early on.”
Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve, Goshen
Just east of Louisville is Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve—170 acres of fields, forests and streams.
“It’s natural, welcoming and slightly old-fashioned,” says Executive Director Tavia Cathcart-Brown. “Come get your green time instead of screen time. Nature is healing for everyone.”
Visitors enjoy spring flowers in bloom at Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve. With 9 miles of easy to moderate trails that meander through woodlands and open meadows, there’s a little bit of nature for everyone. Photo: Creasey Mahan Nature Preserve
Donated by Virginia Creasey Mahan and Howard Mahan, the land is a haven for wildlife like coyotes, deer, foxes, owls and countless birds. Butterflies and hummingbirds flit through 30 acres of pollinator meadows. Families enjoy the nature center, forest school and ADA-accessible Forest Friends playground with 15,000 square feet of play space, a four-season restroom and a climbable “Rockasaurus” boulder.
“When I started working here, I tried to take everything in at once,” says Miranda Legg, marketing and events coordinator. “Now I focus on the little things—flowers, insects, even a snake slipping under leaves. Life is in the details.”
Liberty Hall Historic Site Gardens, Frankfort
Along the Kentucky River in Frankfort, Liberty Hall is a peaceful step back in time. The 4.5-acre site includes a formal four-square garden and two historic homes from the John Brown family. Boxwood hedges, heirloom roses, fragrant herbs and seasonal blooms make it one of the city’s most charming green spaces.
Virginia bluebells (Mertensia virginica) are flowers that bloom at Liberty Hall Historic Site during early spring. Photo: Isabel Cochran
Liberty Hall Historic Site is part of the Kentucky Garden Trail. Located in Frankfort, the grounds of Liberty Hall Historic Site feature 4 acres of lawns and gardens combining historical and contemporary features. Photo: Willie MacLean
Snowdrops, hellebores, dogwoods, daffodils and forsythia burst into color each spring, says Isabel Cochran, garden curator.
“We want visitors to learn and develop a passion for local history and the beauty around us,” says Sam Dunn, executive director. “We hope this space helps people slow down and appreciate nature.”
The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky, Lexington
Rounding out these trail highlights is The Arboretum, State Botanical Garden of Kentucky. Home to more than 700 species of trees and woody plants, it welcomes over 250,000 visitors annually.
Its signature Walk Across Kentucky path guides visitors through the state’s seven geographic regions without leaving Lexington. Families picnic under maples, joggers share trails and the Children’s Garden buzzes year-round. Early spring brings purple, yellow and white ephemerals, but color is found in every season, says Director Scott Smith.
“Part of the joy of working here is seeing how people enjoy it,” he says. “It’s a place for memories.”
