Maker's Mark Distillery
Loretto, KY
A bourbon distillery in a small village, with red-shuttered buildings and a creek-side setting. Tours show the mash, barrel rooms and the hand-dipped wax seal; reserve in advance and bring a designated driver.
The distillery in Loretto traces back to T. William "Bill" Samuels Sr.'s purchase of Burks' Distillery in 1953. On December 16, 1980, it was designated a National Historic Landmark, the first and so far only distillery in the United States to receive that status while still in operation. The brand's trademark, the red wax seal on the bottles, goes back to Marjorie "Margie" Samuels, who also designed the label. The first bottles reached the market in 1958.
Maker's Mark is part of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and the American Whiskey Trail. Visitors can join tours of the grounds. Allow about two hours and check tour availability in advance, as places may be limited. The town lies away from the major interstates in rural central Kentucky, so factor the drive on country roads into your day. If you taste whiskey, bring a designated driver.
- Nearest town
- Loretto, KY
- Category
- Food & drink
- GPS
- 37.6478, -85.3489
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. Cold, short days in January. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Nearby
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Campsites nearby
- White Acres CampgroundCampsite14 mi from Maker's Mark Distillery
- Lil patch of Heaven CampgroundCampsite15 mi from Maker's Mark Distillery
- Site 12Campsite23 mi from Maker's Mark Distillery
- Site 11Campsite23 mi from Maker's Mark Distillery
- Site 9Campsite23 mi from Maker's Mark Distillery
- Site 10Campsite23 mi from Maker's Mark Distillery
All campsites in Kentucky · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Maker's Mark Distillery?
Maker's Mark Distillery is in Loretto, KY, at GPS 37.6478, -85.3489. It is about 13 mi from Bardstown.
Can you camp near Maker's Mark Distillery?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is White Acres Campground, about 14 mi away; within 25 mi there are 25 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Maker's Mark Distillery?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bardstown Historic Downtown (13 mi), Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest (25 mi), Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (35 mi) and Kentucky Derby Museum (45 mi).
When is the best time to visit Maker's Mark Distillery?
The most pleasant months are usually May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in April and June. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)