Bernheim is the Official Arboretum of Kentucky and one of the largest protected natural areas in the state. The Arboretum contains a diverse collection of woody plants displayed in a landscape setting on some 250 acres. Some of the more horticulturally prominent genera growing at Bernheim include: Ilex, Cornus, Viburnum, Acer, Quercus, Magnolia and Malus. Collections include the native habitat display areas (prairie, glade, savanna, and cypress-tupelo swamp). The 14,000-acre natural area is Kentucky’s largest privately-owned land managed for the preservation of native species, natural communities, and ecosystems. Due to the relatively undisturbed nature of much of the forest, these natural areas are some of the largest and highest quality examples remaining in Kentucky. White oak/chestnut oak and beech/sugar maple forests predominate.
Key facilities at Bernheim include a research center that includes two state-of-the-art greenhouses, a new visitor center that is one of the "greenest" buildings in the country, an education center, a silos stage, garden pavilion meeting room, woodland pavilion and sunset amphitheater, several new and innovative outdoor exhibits, mobile learning labs, and an expanded trail system.
Bernheim gates are open daily, except December 25 and January 1, from 7 a.m. until sunset. The Visitor Center, Education Center, and Gift Shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Isaac’s Café is open daily 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed on Friday. Bernheim is closed on Christmas day and New Years day. Admission to Bernheim is free Monday through Friday. Saturday, Sunday and holiday fees are: $5 passenger car, mini van, or motorcycle; $10 passenger van, RV's; $20 buses.
