Steeped in history, Harrodsburg is a delightful destination for families and for anyone who is interested in exploring pioneer history in Kentucky. The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a living museum of Shaker history, where you can admire original Shaker buildings and learn all about the life of the early pioneer settlers. To delve back to even earlier times you can take a tour of the Old Fort Harrod State Park which contains a replica of the original 1774 wooden fort and other dwellings. Children will enjoy both of these attractions but the cherry on the top would be a day at the (seasonal) Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch. After a busy day of exploring you can slake your thirst at the Lemon’s Mill Brewery.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a destination attraction where you can learn all about Kentucky’s pioneer Shaker community. The village contains the largest private collection of Shaker memorabilia and is home to a priceless collection of 34 original Shaker buildings set in a 3,000 acre site which encompasses farmlands, prairies and wetlands.
All the historic structures you will see have been built using materials which were found onsite, including limestone blocks, old growth timbers and kiln-fired bricks. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, hikes, activities, rides and much more. The best way to experience the village is to check into one of the guestrooms to immerse yourself in the Shaker lifestyle for a few days.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, Phone: 859-734-5411
Old Fort Harrod State Park
Offering a glimpse of life in a pioneer fort, Old Fort Harrod State Park is home to a collection of log structures which have been built to represent the original Fort Harrod, which was established in 1774. When you visit the park you can take a step back in time to explore the daily lives of the men, women and children who lived in the fort back in the early pioneer days, when Fort Harrodsburg became the first permanent settlement in Kentucky. Visitors are invited to tour the full-scale replica fort, the Lincoln Marriage Temple, cabins and blockhouses filled with original furnishings and the Mansion Museum.
Old Fort Harrod State Park, 100 South College St, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, Phone: 859-734-3314
Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch
Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is a must-visit Harrodsburg attraction for families each autumn. The maze is located on the historic James McAfee Farm, which is a 100-acre working farm, home to one of the stone-built oldest homes in the state. For 6 short weeks from early September to the end of October each year the farm hosts its annual Winter Funfest when the whole family can enjoy all-day outdoor fun activities. Just a few of the entertaining activities on offer include hay rides, zip-lining, human hamster wheels, a hay maze for the little kiddies and, of course, pick-your-own pumpkins. You can grab a snack at the Corn Café and stock up on fresh produce at the Farm Market.
Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, 623 Talmage-Mayo Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, Phone: 859-613-5066
Lemon’s Mill Brewery
Experimenting with a secret hoard of Prohibition-era beer recipes, the owners of Lemon’s Mill Brewery honor the memory of their ancestors who boldly took the decision to brew their favorite beer back in the dark days of the Prohibition. The result of their experimentations has produced a range of delicious brews which combine traditional brewing methods with modern and innovative flavor infusions to bring all the pleasures of artisan brewing to Harrodsburg. The brewery offers 15 of their own brews on tap as well as a rotating selection of guest taps and canned beers. You are welcome to try a flight of four to find your particular favorites.
Lemon’s Mill Brewery, 166 Marimon Avenue, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, Phone: 859-325-6960
Highway Route 68
It would be a great shame to visit the Harrodsburg area without taking at least one scenic drive along U.S. Highway Route 68. Route 68 runs all the way from western Kentucky to northwest Ohio, but it is the very scenic Kentucky section of the route that you should explore while in Harrodsburg. The Kentucky section of the route passes through several Civil War Battle sites as you wind your way through Kentucky’s famous Bluegrass Region. The route follows what was originally a buffalo trace which later became a Shaker road in the 1800’s. Along the way you can admire rolling hills, scenic pastures, enormous mansion-like horse barns and mile upon mile of white planked fences.
Highway Route 68, Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Old Owl Tavern
Say hello to one of Kentucky’s most prized bourbon collections at the Old Owl Tavern. Named after the famous Kentucky Owl Bourbon Whiskey that gained fame before the age of Prohibition, the Old Owl Tavern offers a fantastic casual vibe and experience from within a cozy bricked tavern or out on their ceiling-fan-cooled porch. Tuck into mouthwatering casual fare and pair it with your choice of beverage whether it be a delightful glass of wine or bourbon. Alternatively, guests can take a seat at the 23-foot mahogany bar to enjoy a tasting flight of the state’s most impressive bourbon collection from one of the nation’s best bourbon bars.
638 Beaumont Inn Drive, Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330, Phone: 859-734-0559
