Welcome to Bourbon County
Bourbon County is nestled in the heart of Kentucky's famous Bluegrass region. Its very name evokes visions of Thoroughbred horses grazing in lush green pastures bordered by age-old stone fences; lovely historic homes and buildings, and beautiful rolling countryside. The area also offers an unusual group of sites and attractions for visitors to enjoy.
Long known for agricultural products and livestock grown and raised on the county's 292 square miles, Bourbon County is one of the leading producers of Thoroughbred horses in the world. More than 50 horse farms are located in the county, including the world-famous Claiborne Farm, where Secretariat stood at stud for many years.
Although disputed by a few, Bourbon Countians feel confident that bourbon whiskey was first distilled in their county by one of several early settlers, most likely Jacob Spears. Bourbon County continued to be home to many distilleries right up to Prohibition in 1919. It is a smooth reddish whiskey aged in charred oak barrels, a product of the bountiful corn crops, which ensured worldwide recognition for the county's name.
Enjoy a driving tour of the county that will take you past historic homes and farms and through a variety of scenic views to two structures that link Bourbon County to the past. This includes a drive through the Colville Covered Bridge, the last remaining reminder of the many covered bridges that once spanned the creeks and streams in Bourbon County. It is one of only 13 covered bridges left in the state and has recently been renovated and re-opened to traffic.
Also, don't miss the Cane Ridge Meeting House, a log structure built in 1791 now enclosed in a stone superstructure. The building is said to be the largest one-room log structure still in existence in the country and was the site of the establishment of the Christian Church, which, in turn, gave birth to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the Non-Instrumental Christian Church and the Church of Christ.
In addition, many visitors enjoy a round of golf at Houston Oaks Golf Course; taking a walk on the paved track at the Bourbon County Park, which also has a playground area for children; and take in a movie at the drive-in during the summer (Bourbon County has one of the few drive-ins left in the state).

Judge Executive
Michael R. Williams

Picture of the Month
Have an image of Bourbon County you would like to share?
Have you personally taken a photo of the Bourbon County landscape and would like to share it? If so, please submit your images via email to k.stone@bourbonky.com and it could end up on the gallery wall. Please note that the images must be owned by the person submitting and they are shared willingly without compensation and solely for the purpose of sharing our wonderful landscape. We reserve the right to not post images that can not be verified or that does not meet the aesthetic. If your image is shared your name will be posted to the image to share your talent!
Have an image of Bourbon County you would like to share?
Have you personally taken a photo of the Bourbon County landscape and would like to share it? If so, please submit your images via email to info@bourbonky.com and it could end up on the gallery wall. Please note that the images must be owned by the person submitting and they are shared willingly without compensation and solely for the purpose of sharing our wonderful landscape. We reserve the right not to post images that can not be verified or that do not meet the aesthetic. If your image is shared your name will be posted to the image to share your talent!