Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest

Clermont, Kentucky, United States

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The Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest in Clermont, Kentucky, covers over 16,000 acres and is the largest privately owned natural forest in the state, established in 1929 by Isaac W. Bernheim to connect people with nature.

The site includes a 600-acre arboretum featuring more than 1,900 labeled species and cultivars of trees, shrubs, and plants such as hollies, maples, crab apples, and oaks, arranged in formal and naturalistic gardens. Visitors can explore over 40 miles of hiking trails, lakes, a canopy tree walk, sensory gardens, and outdoor art installations including large sculptures made from recycled wood.

The visitor center, opened in 2005, is an eco-friendly building with LEED Platinum certification, incorporating sustainable design like green roofs and pollutant-absorbing landscaping. The forest serves as a living laboratory for conservation and ecological research, providing educational programs to promote environmental stewardship. Its combination of natural beauty, art, science, and sustainable practices make it a unique destination for both recreation and education.