buffalo trace distillery ghost tour

Plan Your Visit to

Buffalo trace distillery.

All tours and tastings at Buffalo Trace Distillery are always complimentary!

We are currently seeing a great demand for our experiences and with a finite number of offerings, we may not be able to host all guests interested in touring at the specific time they are looking for.

At this time, tours are booked by online reservations.  Dates are released weekly, on Wednesday’s at 10:00 a.m. Eastern via  Buffalo Trace  .  Our reservation calendar has dates released up to 8 weeks in the future and there is a running list of dates on the reservation site for upcoming release windows.  If you do not see availability for the date you wish to visit, please utilize our waitlist tool.  

If you are traveling with a large group (13 or more guests), please email us at  reservations@buffalotrace.com  for additional guidance.  Space is limited for large groups.

• The Trace Tour
• Expansion Tour
• Old Taylor Tour
• Botanical Gardens Tour
• Hard Hat Tour
• National Historic Landmark Tour
• Where To Stay

Directions and Parking

Checking in.

• Visitor Center

Where to Stay

For out-of-town guests or business associates, overnight accommodations are available at several nearby hotels.

In the capital city of Kentucky, Frankfort takes heart in hosting several hotels in addition to offering activities, events, and experiences available for all to enjoy.

Just forty-five minutes southeast of Buffalo Trace Distillery, Lexington is home to a variety of hotels and short-term rentals.

Louisville offers a vast amount of lodging, dining, and entertainment options.

DISTILLERY ADDRESS

113 Great Buffalo Trace Frankfort, KY 40601

For directions to and around the distillery,use the Google Maps link below and/or refer to the adjacent parking map.

Our Visitor Parking Lot opens at 8:00am EST (Monday-Saturday) and 10:30am EST (Sunday).

Guests should enter via our main entrance at 113 Great Buffalo Trace and follow signs to the Visitor Parking Lot.  Please do not use the Truck Entrance located at the traffic light/Fair Oaks Lane.

Parking is limited and we recommend carpooling when possible.  Guests traveling with large vehicles (charter bus, RV, truck with trailer, etc.) should email  reservations@buffalotrace.com  for special instructions.

For details on selecting a transportation service, see the link below.

Our Freehouse Welcome Center opens for check-in beginning at 9:00am EST (Monday-Saturday) and 11:00am EST (Sunday).  All guests visiting the Distillery will go through this building for ID check and wristbands before entering the Visitor Center and Retail Store.

Check In Best Practices

• Guests are encouraged to check-in 20-30 minutes before their scheduled tour.
• If your party intends to shop before your tour experience, please plan to arrive 45-60 minutes before your scheduled tour.
• All guests wanting to taste or purchase any alcoholic products must present a valid ID at check-in.
• Guests should have their reservation confirmation printed or easily accessible on their phone to show the reservations greeter for a quicker check in process. 
• In the event a group is late for their reservation, we will make an effort to connect them with their experience.   But there is a chance we will not be able to accommodate their reservation or get them booked on another experience.  

Morning Line

Due to the limited availability of our products, we do see large crowds gather each morning wanting to shop.  It is not uncommon for a large line of guests to begin forming at 8:00am EST (10:30am EST Sunday) when the parking lot opens. 

At 9:00am (11:00am Sunday), guests will be directed into the Freehouse Welcome Center for check-in on a first come, first serve basis.  Please pay careful attention to instructions from our team members as line operations may change daily based on crowd sizes and other events taking place.

Safety Guidelines

In the interest of safety, we kindly request that all guests remain in their vehicles until the parking lot opens, no guests should be walking in the parking lot before 8:00am (10:30am Sunday). 

If vehicular traffic backs up before the parking lot opens, we ask that guests keep intersections clear for delivery trucks and safety vehicles.   If traffic backs up all the way to Wilkinson Boulevard, we encourage guests to come back closer to 8:00am (10:30am Sunday). 

How do I book a Tour?

The calendar will open at 10:00am EST weekly on Wednesday’s via  our reservations webpage.   Our reservation calendar has dates released up to 8 weeks in the future and there is a running list of dates on the reservation site for upcoming release windows.  If you do not see availability for the date you wish to visit, from the calendar page, please click the Get on the Waitlist button.

Set a reminder to be on the reservation site a few minutes before10:00 am EST

What if the tours are full?

Please click the Get on the Waitlist button on our reservations webpage .  If space opens, our reservations team will contact you to fill those spots via email and/or text based on the information you entered on the waitlist.  Please only enter your information once.

Can we just do a tasting?

We do offer complimentary tasting opportunities throughout the day, if you do not have a guided tour reservation.  We do not pre-book these experiences. For more details, please check in at the welcome center upon arrival.

Can we visit the Gift Shop without a reservation?

• Our Gift Shop is open daily, and no reservation is required to shop.  However, all guests should still check-in at our Freehouse Welcome Center for ID check and wristbands.
• Our state Gift Shop license allows us to sell a portion of our award-winning bourbon portfolio in the Distillery Gift Shop including Buffalo Trace, Eagle Rare, EH Taylor Jr. Small Batch, Blanton’s Single Barrel, Weller Special Reserve, and Sazerac Rye.  These products are also in short supply and as such, are not available every day in our Gift Shop just as you see with our partner retailers.
• Unfortunately, we cannot disclose future bottle deliveries. We can only tell you what is on the shelf for the current day. This information is published each morning on our  product availability page .
• Please note that although our bourbons may be available when we open,  it is not guaranteed to be in stock  when you arrive as it is made available to visitors as they arrive at the Distillery and  we are not able to pre-sell or hold these products.

How can I keep up to date with all the changes and news at Buffalo Trace Distillery?

We’d love to include you in our quarterly newsletter, Happenings at the Trace. Sign up  here .

Do I need a reservation to take a tour?

No, but registration is recommended to guarantee a spot. Our  Visit Us  page will describe the tour opportunities and allow you to reserve a spot.

Is Buffalo Trace family friendly?

The Trace Tour is open to visitors of all ages. All other tours are open to guests that are 12 years of age and older and accompanied by an adult. Guests may also utilize our playground facilities daily between 9am and 8pm.

Is the distillery ADA accessible?

The Visitor Center and Gift Shop are ADA accessible. The Trace Tour is ADA accessible.

Are there any dining options at the Distillery?

Yes, we are proud to partner with Staxx BBQ to offer our Firehouse Sandwich Stop seasonally between April and October.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at our Firehouse Sandwich Stop, located just a short walk away from the Visitor's Center at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

The Sandwich Stop opened in the summer of 2010 and is inside of the original distillery firehouse, built in the 1930's. See authentic fire coats and boots once worn by distillery workers in the 50's and 60's when the Firehouse was in full swing at the Distillery and take your picture next to the 1964 Ford fire truck! We are able to take preorders for groups of 10 to prepare box lunches. 

We are happy to partner with Staxx BBQ to operate the Firehouse Sandwich Stop!

Only outdoor seating under an awning is available at the Firehouse Sandwich Stop.

Guests are asked to park in our regular visitor parking area when visiting the Firehouse Sandwich Stop.

Hours Wed & Thu: 11am-2pm Fri & Sat: 11am-2:30pm Sun: 11am-2pm

Contact the Firehouse Sandwich Stop

(502) 783-5673 boxlunchorders@gmail.com

The George T. Stagg Gift Shop and Gallery

Plan to spend time with us in our expanded Visitor Center and Gift Shop. We have 35,000 square feet of shopping, tasting, event and gallery space to entertain and educate your group.

Don't forget your ID! It is required for tasting and purchasing of alcohol products. Use the button below to visit the Product Availability page on the day of your visit to see what we're offering that day.

Visit our online gift shop to order apparel and accessories in advance of your visit.

Book a Tour

Product Availability

Tour Details

Tour sizes are limited. Check availability of all tours by time and date. 

The Trace Tour leaves at least hourly or more frequently as needed. 

Due to limited quantities of our whiskeys, we only offer a few brands for tasting and purchasing in our Visitor Center.   Learn More

Tour & Tasting

113 Great Buffalo Trace, 

Frankfort, KY 40601

Driving Directions

Other tours you might like.

The Trace Tour

Old Taylor Tour

Botanical Gardens Tour

Taste of the Trace

Hard Hat Tour

National Historic Landmark Tour

Visit the Distillery

Complimentary Tours & Tastings No trip along the bourbon trail is complete without a visit to Buffalo Trace Distillery, the world’s bourbon destination.

The Trace Tour

An incredible introduction to the history and science of bourbon at Buffalo Trace Distillery.

Hard Hat Tour

An insider’s look into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into crafting truly great bourbon.

Old Taylor Tour

Take a walk through bourbon history alongside E.H. Taylor Jr., the man who revolutionized the industry.

Honoring Tradition

For over 200 years, Buffalo Trace Distillery has been defined by a dedication to one craft: making fine bourbon whiskey. By honoring tradition and embracing change, Buffalo Trace Distillery has earned its place of leadership among the legendary spirit makers of the world.

The Finest Bourbons

From the grounds of our Distillery to the hands of a global audience, explore our quality, award-winning bourbons.

Add Touch of Vintage Charm

Our Stagg box is a perfect decorative accent to any bar, home, or office with a touch of the 19th century’s Gilded Age of Bourbon. 

Best Gifts for the Bourbon Fan

No matter who is on your list, we've got you covered. Shop unique and exclusive merchandise that is sure to delight.

Buffalo Trace Director's Decanter

Great bourbon deserves great serveware. The Buffalo Trace bourbon decanter is thoughtfully designed down to every last detail. 

Book a Tour

No trip to bourbon country is complete without a visit to Buffalo Trace Distillery, the world’s bourbon destination. Each complimentary tour includes a tasting. Click below to book a tour or join the waitlist.

Retail Gift Shop

Purchasing at Buffalo Trace Distillery

See what bourbons are sold onsite and information on availability.

Stay Connected

Buffalo Trace Distillery Tour: What To Know Before You Go

By: Author Melody Pittman

Posted on May 16, 2023

Buffalo Trace Distillery – a must-visit Kentucky bourbon destination! This top-notch facility, voted “2018 Distiller of the Year”, is over 200 years old and found in Frankfort. Even if you’re not a bourbon lover, you’ll find enjoyment in your visit. The property itself covers 440 acres, and tours and tastings are free. Don’t miss out!

How to Get to the Buffalo Trace Distillery

Come visit Buffalo Trace Distillery, just 28 miles away from Lexington , Kentucky, or 55 miles from Louisville . Buffalo Trace is a National Historic Landmark that’s sure to impress.

Distillery Hours and Tour Prices

The wide variety of tours at Buffalo Trace Distillery run Monday through Friday and include a complimentary tasting. Note that reservations are required and tours are not available on Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.

Discover the rich history and delicious bourbon of Buffalo Trace with a variety of tours! The Trace Tour is the most popular option that offers a glimpse into the brand’s past and an introduction to the iconic property . Available daily, no reservations required!

Learn about our pre-prohibition distilling history on the National Historic Landmark Tour, which focuses on the architecture and Buffalo Trace property, mostly from 1933 to 1953.

Get spooked on the Ghost Tour with legendary stories of haunted areas like Stony Point Mansion and The Old Taylor House. This one is only available Thursday through Saturday evenings.

For bourbon enthusiasts, the Bourbon Barrel Tour is the perfect pick. Discover the bourbon aging process, barrels, and what happens to them when they can no longer store the beloved bourbon.

Fun Fact : Buffalo Trace is America’s oldest continually-operating distillery.

The Whiskey Making Process

Come explore the secrets of the 90-proof (45% alcohol by volume) whiskey at EH Taylor Tour and Buffalo Trace’s Hard Hat Tour! Get an exclusive look at the distilling process, from grain to bottle.

Experience the unique “Bourbon Pompeii” on the E. H. Taylor Tour and learn about the man himself, while the Hard Hat Tour takes you on a journey from the grain distillery process to bottling. The tours offer sensory delights that will make any whiskey lover swoon.

Don’t miss your chance to discover how your favorite drink is made – tours run on Saturdays too!

The Tasting and Buffalo Trace Distillery Brands

Meet Mr. Freddie Johnson – the third-generation Buffalo Trace Distillery employee, local celebrity (Neat: The Story of Bourbon), and 2018 Kentucky Bourbon Hall of Fame inductee. As a VIP Visitor Lead at the distillery, Freddie is the ultimate tasting guide, making sipping and sampling an unforgettable experience.

During my visit, Freddie showcased his expertise with a selection of premium products – Buffalo Trace Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Rare Eagle Bourbon Whiskey, Wheatley Vodka, Bourbon Cream (think a beefed-up Bailey’s Irish Cream), and Freddie’s Root Beer. He even explained how to properly sip and get your mouth warmed up for the bourbon tasting.

Trust me when I say that pairing Bourbon Cream with soda is the ultimate dessert-like experience! I couldn’t resist taking both products home to enjoy later. And, of course, we couldn’t leave without indulging in a Rebecca Ruth Bourbon Ball made with Buffalo Trace.

Thanks to Freddie’s charming personality and passion for all things bourbon, my visit to Buffalo Trace Distillery was an incredible highlight and a must-do for any spirit enthusiast.

Buffalo Trace brands include O.F.C. Vintages, Van Winkle, Bourbon Cream, Benchmark, Wheatley Vodka, Ancient Age, and many more. One of the most coveted photography spots at Buffalo Trace Distillery is inside, with the hundreds of aging barrels as the backdrop.

Masks were required during my visit, but I will cherish the photo opportunity and remember learning about an essential part of Kentucky’s history.

Bonus Features at The Trace

Don’t forget to check out the Whiskey Vault, where rare and oldest bottles are displayed. As your tour guide explains the collection’s significance, appreciate the vast history within this tiny space. Cap off your visit at the George T. Staff Gift Shop and Gallery, where you will find signature logo apparel, collector’s items, bourbons, Wheatley Vodka, and more.

If you can’t make it in person, you can do a virtual tour at buffalotracedistillery.com/virtualtour .

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