Mercer County: Discover History, Nature, and Culture

Old Fort Harrod State Park combines a full-scale replica of a fort with a memorial to the first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. The park grounds are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. The Mansion Museum in the park is an original structure dating from 1813; the Lincoln Marriage Temple is a stop on Kentucky's Lincoln Heritage Trail. Here, the memory of an early settlement, a 19th-century building, and a historic trail come together.

Harrodsburg History and Culture

At the heart of Harrodsburg is a historic district listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are opportunities to dine, shop, and browse. The James Harrod Trust offers four different walking tours in and around downtown. Its driving tour invites visitors to explore historic sites and architecture in the outlying areas of Mercer County. The formats have different focuses: walking tours explore downtown and its surroundings, while the driving tour highlights sites across the county.

Morgan Row was built between 1807 and 1830. The unique four-unit row house is home to the museum and library of the Harrodsburg Historical Society. The Society’s thematic virtual exhibits cover the history of Harrodsburg and Mercer County. The Mercer County Museum also features the Zuern Toy Tractor Collection as a visitor exhibit. The Ragged Edge Community Theatre presents new plays each season, as well as productions for children.

Shaker Village: Landscape and Trails

Admission to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill includes self-guided and staff-led tours, special demonstrations, and hands-on activities in the Historic Centre, on the Farm, and in the Preserve. The Preserve protects 3,000 acres of native prairies, woodlands, watersheds, fields, and reed and cane thickets. Its diversity includes more than 500 plant species and 150 species of native and migratory birds.

The Trails at Shaker Village comprise twelve multi-use trails totaling 30.5 miles. They are intended for hikers, horseback riders, and carriage drivers; cyclists are also welcome. The trail network in the Preserve at Shaker Village includes 29 miles for horseback riding, of which more than 22 miles are also available for horse-drawn carriages. The figures refer to different things: the Trails focus on use by multiple groups, while the Preserve’s horseback riding and carriage routes are specified by mileage. Big Red Stables offers trail rides on gentle, gaited Tennessee Walking Horses.

Water, Excursions, and Seasons

The 3,600-acre Herrington Lake is suited to a wide range of outdoor and recreational activities. The Dixie Belle offers excursions to the geologically ancient Kentucky River Palisades. Good Time Paddling offers canoeing and kayaking on the Chaplin River. The offerings differ in focus: the Dixie Belle centers on excursions to the Palisades, while Good Time Paddling focuses on paddling the river.

Devine's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch offers a corn maze and a pumpkin patch as family-oriented attractions, with snow tubing added in winter. The Mercer County Fair and Horse Show is described as the longest-running fair and horse show in the United States. It takes place during the last full week of July; check the specific event dates before your trip. For theater enthusiasts, the Ragged Edge Community Theatre offers productions for children and new plays throughout each season. LoCo Wines at Logan Vineyards offers wine tasting.

Discover more destinations: Harrodsburg, Jefferson, Estill County, Rowan, Shelby County, Grant County, Pike County, Letcher.

For the main travel overview: Kentucky.