Life in Marion County

Life is Great here in Marion County

Welcome to Marion County Living 

We look forward to welcoming guests to join us and experience all the fun and excitement here… in the Heart of Kentucky

Bradfordsville

Located along the Rolling Fork River Valley, Bradfordsville is best known for its caring residents and large knob region. Thriving since 1777, Bradfordsville is home to about 300 residents. Bradfordsville has three different churches within the community - Bradfordsville United Methodist Church that was established in 1895, Mouser Chapel, and Arbuckle Baptist Church. Bradfordsville hosts several community events- Old Mill Days, Beauty at the Valley, and Christmas of the Country.

Calvary

Calvary is known for its beautiful scenery and welcoming community. Calvary was first settled in 1778 by settlers from Virginia and Maryland. Calvary is home to the Holy Name of Mary Church that was built in 1805 and has many of the earliest settlers buried in its cemetery. The church holds the Turkey Supper which serves food to over 1,000 citizens. Calvary has an esteemed public elementary school, Calvary Elementary School, that hosts Winterfest, Back to School Bash, Chili Suppers, and musical plays. For the outdoorsman, Fagan Branch Reservoir and Sportsman’s Lake are public recreational areas that offer boating, kayaking, fishing and more. At Fagan Branch, hikers can walk the 3.1-mile Cecil L. Gorley Nature Trail that has over 40 footbridges.

Lebanon

Lebanon is notable for its safe, friendly, and compassionate community. As the county seat of Marion, Lebanon has a blend of major industry, tourist attractions, and recreation. As part of Marion County’s prospering Bourbon Tourism, Limestone Branch Distillery is a popular stop along the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Craft Tour®. Lebanon’s downtown is the site of the Marion County Historical Society, many local businesses, and community murals. Ham Days, which usually has 60,000-70,000 people in attendance, can be found annually in the downtown as well as many other community events. Lebanon has an extensive city park near Lebanon’s downtown that lies on 100 acres of land and is accompanied by the Lebanon Aquatic Center. Lebanon showcases talent at Centre Square which provides education in dance, acting, and singing.

Lebanon burst onto the economic development landscape about 30 years ago as industries and jobs multiplied, finding a new home in Lebanon, and is now a magnet for industries drawing a large portion of laborers from Marion and surrounding counties. Lebanon is still in the process of developing the Heartland Parkway which will be connecting the Bluegrass Parkway and the Cumberland Parkway. The combination of the parkways in the region has led to Lebanon becoming a crossroads for industrial activity in the clusters of automotive, value-added metals, plastics, agricultural, spirits, hardwoods, healthcare, and transportation logistics. Conveniently located near cities such as Elizabethtown, Lexington, and Louisville, Lebanon offers an escape from metropolitan bustle and noise. Lebanon has a well-developed infrastructure system making it an ideal location for businesses and industries including three water sources and two cooperative utility companies. Lebanon has a distinguished school system that benefits from having an Area Technology Center (ATC) which allows students to explore career pathways and get a head start on their future. Residents also have the option for students to enroll in St. Augustine, a private, Catholic school.

Loretto

Known for its rich history, Loretto is home to the Sisters of Loretto, an order of Catholic nuns and co-members founded in the early 1800s, and Maker's Mark Distillery, which is designated as a National Historic Landmark. Loretto has a population of about 700 residents, and the City, incorporated in 1866, was established and concentrated around an L & N Railroad depot.

The City of Loretto has made continuous improvements to its park area, where two ballfields, a basketball court, a playground area, pavilions and a walking trail can be found. The Loretto Head Start is located in the former St. Francis grade school building and a children’s Day Care is located in the old chapel. The nuns’ former convent underwent major renovations and was converted into a Senior Citizens/Community Center.
The St. Francis of Assisi Church hosts an annual community picnic in Loretto each July, which is well-attended and well-known for its fried chicken and country ham dinners, as well as its great hospitality. The church also hosts a spring community event. There is a yearly memorial fireworks show, memorial softball tournaments, as well as leagues, and the city hosts a yearly Christmas parade. Santa also makes his rounds every year on one of the City’s fire trucks. With an incredible giving spirit, community members come out in large numbers to support each other at benefit auctions held in the old St. Francis High School gymnasium.

Come discover more in Loretto!

Raywick

Known for its small-town charm and hospitable residents, Raywick has much to offer for those seeking rural living. Originally known as Sheep’s Defeat when first settled in 1778, Raywick has flourished ever since. Raywick hosts several community events that are completely paid for by the city including an Easter Egg Hunt, Movie Night, Homecoming, Party on Ice, and a Christmas event complete with a train ride, Santa, and cookies and milk. Raywick also prides itself on the beautiful city park that was completed in 1979. Raywick and the Rolling Fork River’s Horseshoe Bend can be seen for miles overlooking Scott’s Ridge, also known as The Lookout, atop one of Kentucky’s knobs. Kayakers, canoers, rafters, and boaters can take advantage of the gentle Rolling Fork River by using Raywick’s boat ramp.

Come and enjoy more about Raywick, Kentucky!