Logan Between Nature and History

Logan showcases natural and cultural history at a variety of sites. In Russellville, you’ll find the Logan County Glade State Nature Preserve and the Saddle Factory; the SEEK Museum explores history at its locations in the Bibb House and The Bottom. Other sites focus on the Red River Meeting House in Logan County and Lake Malone. You can plan your visit around the landscape, history, or a particular way of exploring.

Nature and Landscape

The Logan County Glade State Nature Preserve protects 42 acres of limestone grassland with glade habitats in Russellville. The Baker Natural Area preserves a remnant of a grassland and glade ecosystem within an oak-hickory forest complex. It has a public walking trail, a small pond, a weather station, and a bird-watching platform. The trail and platform offer different ways to experience nature: walking and the opportunity to watch birds; the pond and forest complex add to the picture of this ecosystem.

Lake Malone is part of Lake Malone State Park and covers 788 acres. The stated areas are therefore markedly different: the preserve covers 42 acres, while the lake covers 788 acres. The sites also have different focal points: the natural areas center on grassland, glades, and forest, while Lake Malone centers on the lake and its place within the state park.

History at Multiple Sites

At the Bibb House, the SEEK Museum covers the history of enslavement and emancipation at this site through 1865. In the neighborhood of The Bottom, the focus is on the resilience of the people who developed the neighborhood after the Civil War and their fight for civil rights under legal racial segregation, racist violence, and intimidation. The two locations therefore represent different historical themes.

The Red River Meeting House in Logan County was the site of a religious revival movement that began in June 1800 and became known as the Second Great Awakening. Russellville’s Saddle Factory dates to 1817 and is considered probably Kentucky’s oldest industrial building. The O’Bannon House is associated with Lieutenant Presley N. O’Bannon, USMC, who is considered the first American to raise the U.S. flag on foreign soil in 1805. The house was built in 1812 by Lieutenant Presley N. O’Bannon, USMC.

Tours and Visit Planning

Historic Russellville, Inc. offers guided walking tours led by costumed interpreters portraying historical figures. A self-guided walking tour is also available in Russellville at other times. The Logan County Tobacco & Heritage Festival includes historic walking tours. Tours at the SEEK Museum, at one or both locations, are available by appointment Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Arrange your visit in advance.

At the Logan County Archives, one person or a couple per month can receive a free, one-hour review of archival records with assistance from the archivist. B.H. James Distillers offers distillery tours in Adairville by prior arrangement. The visit options are therefore distinct: guided and self-guided walking tours, scheduled museum and distillery visits, and an archive review with a monthly limit.

Discover more destinations: Lewisburg, Simpson County, Garrard County, McCracken County, Morgan County, Lawrence County, Calloway County, Grant County.

For the main travel overview: Kentucky.