Once upon a time a German immigrant became so enamored with his new country that he bought a large forest and left it to the people of the state he so loved. He made sure the forest was as magical as he could make it, and eventually more than half a million people a year went to visit the incredible place the immigrant had so hoped his new countrymen would enjoy. When the man and his family died, they were one-by-one laid to rest in the incredible forest they had helped grow. The people thought of the man as they explored his enchanted forest, and all lived happily ever after.

That’s not a fairy tale, that’s the story of Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest right here in Kentucky.

That founder’s name was Isaac Wolfe Bernheim, his fortune was in bourbon, and he created Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest, complete with a foundation to plan for its stewardship now and in the future. Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest turned 90 years old in 2019, and it’s still going strong.

Bernheim is all about connecting people with nature, so they’ve got opportunities to do just that stationed throughout the property.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the elephant in the room. Or, as it were, the literal giants in the enchanted forest.

This is Little Elina.

You see, for its 90th anniversary, Bernheim Arboretum invited Thomas Dambo, a Danish artist, to build three forest giants: Mama Loumari and her children.

Mama Loumari is the largest of these incredible sculptures. She is posed relaxing against a tree.

Visitors are allowed to get up close and personal with these figures made from reclaimed local wood. You can even climb on the feet and hands of the smaller giants.

They expect the giants to be with them for three years and they were built in 2019.

Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest isn’t only a home to charming giants, it’s a sprawling 16,137 acres of forest planted with an incredible collection of plants and many other ways to connect with nature.

There’s even a canopy walk that takes you 75 feet from the forest floor.

There are also a few man made bodies of water in the forest for you to enjoy.

There is something to be said for the tranquility of a beautifully planned, meticulously planted garden . . .

. . . but honestly? Our favorite thing about Bernheim is that, in the wilder parts of that incredible place, it is easy to believe the world really is as magical as Mr. Bernheim’s vision of the future suggested.

You can learn more about Bernheim Arboretum & Research Forest by visiting their website or following them on Facebook.

Have you gone to see the forest giants of Bernheim Arboretum? Did you climb on any of them? We’d love to see pictures of your adventures in the enchanted woods! Leave us one in the comments!