Many Reasons to Visit Shaker Village
When you visit Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, plan to stay a few days. Located 25-miles southwest of Lexington, Kentucky, this remarkable retreat will give you many reasons to linger longer and no doubt leave a lasting impression.
Our visit happened as we crisscrossed the southeast. That particular day, we started out later than usual causing us to not reach our night’s planned destination.
I found the Shaker Village Inn on the map, looked it up, and like what I found. Deciding to stay the night there was the best last-minute choice ever!
Signs on the property give clear direction as you enter the gate.
Location:
3501 Lexington Road
Harrodsburg, KY 40330
Contact:
(859) 5734-5411
Hours:
Exhibits / Tours
10 AM - 5 PM, Mon-Sun
Hiking / Walking
6 AM - 8:30 PM, Mon-Sun
Exhibits / Tours Fees:
$14 Age 13-61
$10 Age 61+
$7 Age 6-12
Free 5 & under
Website:
ShakerVillageKY.org
Click to download site map
The Centre Family Dwelling once housed up to 100 and included kitchens, dining area, cellar food storage, meeting room and infirmary. Open for tours, it now houses many Shaker period artifacts.
Late Arrival, Early Surprise
Since we arrived late, it was too dark to see the property ‘til the next morning. Once we started exploring, our idea to leave early completely changed.
I walked out of the West Family Dwelling, where we stayed the night, and stood mesmerized a few moments by the scenery. Surrounded by historic buildings and tree lined paths was a peaceful, relaxing, and outright alluring sight.
What You'll Find at Shaker Village
What will you find at Shaker Village? A comfortable place to stay, delicious food for dining, and more than enough activities to fill your day—all in one place. Here’s a breakdown of the property offerings.
The Historic Centre
View of The Water House from a top floor window of the Centre Family Dwelling.
The Historic Centre is a collection of 34 surviving buildings. Explore at your own pace or take a staff-guided tour—or both.
During your visit you will see iconic architecture, hand-crafted Shaker furniture, and period artifacts.
Be sure to check the Village’s calendar for behind-the-scenes events.
The Farm
Watch the chickens, goats, and other barnyard animals while visiting The Farm.
Get a first-hand look at The Farm where organic food is grown, much of which is served at the Trustees’ Table.
Innovative farming was at the heart of the original Shaker community. Tradition continues as staff practices planting methods that enrich the soil.
Checkout the farm animals too. More about our barnyard visit coming.
The Preserve
Display in the Welcome Center tells about The Preserve.
The Preserve is a family-friendly place to roam on your own or guided tour during a hosted event.
If you love nature hikes through woodlands and watershed, prairies and fields, this is the place to go.
Enjoy the 36-mile trail system that takes you throughout the 3,000-acre property.
The River and the Stable
The Kentucky River once connected the Shakers to trading posts. Today, you can launch your kayak or canoe from Shaker Landing, one of the few public access points on the river. Pay your $5 per vessel fee and sign the waiver at the Welcome Center.
Looking for a place to ride your horse? Shaker Village has 29-miles of horseback trails for you to discover. Pay the daily fee at the front entrance and head to the Stable. Trailer parking is available there as well as equestrian staff to assist in finding the best trails.
Front of the Welcome Center decorated for fall.
Start Your Visit at the Welcome Center
Your discovery of all Shaker Village offers begins at the Welcome Center. Here you get a site map, sign up for tours and activities, and gather information.
From the parking lot, a paved sidewalk on one side and gravel path, bordered by stacked-stone fences, on the other side lead to the Welcome Center. You can enter on either side of the building.
Inside you’ll find friendly staff at the reservation counter to help plan your visit. Admission fee gives you access to tours, demonstrations, and activities on site.
Displays in the Welcome Center briefly tell visitor's what the historic site offers.
See a Brief Overview of Shaker Village
Also, in the Welcome Center are exhibits giving a brief overview of the property. They are interesting for adults and easy-to-read for kids.
There are a few historic artifacts on display as well as books for sale about Shaker Village and nature you will see during your visit. Be sure to check out the displays.
The gift shop in the Shaker Village Welcome Center.
Gift Shop Sells Items Made at Shaker Village
Shaker Village has four gift shops, each carrying a large variety of items, many made on site. This includes the distinctive Shaker oval boxes and handmade brooms.
You can find gifts and souvenirs for all ages such as books, toys, packaged foods, and home décor plus seasonal items.
Gift shops in the Trustees’ Office and Post Office have set hours of operation. However, the Welcome Center gift shop and one in the Carpenter’s Shop are always open.
We picked up some strawberry preserves to take home—and it was delicious!
The 1809 Farm Deacon’s Shop was the first permanent building at Pleasant Hill.
Three Reasons Why You Should Go
Stay in one of 13 restored
buildings that includes guest rooms, suites and private cottages.
Enjoy farm-to-table fresh food in seasonal Kentucky dishes and traditional favorites.
Learn while you explore and discover a village at work with tours, exhibits, and special events.
Museum display in the Centre Family Dwelling shows the simplicity of Shaker life along with masterfully crafted furniture.
Discover one of Kentucky's Hidden Gems
There’s more to Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill than preserving the past. It’s a tranquil place and a welcoming respite from an ever-busy world. We heard another visitor comment a stay at Shaker Village is like summer camp for adults. We totally agree.
Make a trip through the rolling hills to a quiet little place the Shakers once called home and discover one of Kentucky’s hidden gems. You’ll thank me for it.
The original gravel turnpike runs through the Historic Centre.
Photograph of former Shaker Village residents gives a glimpse into history.
About Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
- 1774 – The United Society of Believers immigrated to America to avoid religious persecution. Commonly known as the Shakers.
- 1805 – Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill established and flourished for many years. Communal lifestyle and hard work produced high-quality livestock, crops, and hand-crafted items.
- 1850’s – One of the largest Shaker communities in the United States with more than 600 members and 260 buildings.
- 1870’s – Decline began after the Civil War as the Shakers did not join the Industrial Revolution. The manufacturing shift from handmade items to large-scale production causing loss of income.
- 1910 – The community dissolved and the property was sold under agreement that the 10 members could remain the rest of their lives.
- 1923 – Last member died and property fell into disrepair.
- 1961 – Local citizens group incorporated to begin restoration of the remaining buildings.
- 2021 – Celebrated their 40-year anniversary as a restored indoor and outdoor living history museum of Shaker lifestyle. The property is a National Historic Landmark District.
Wanting more ideas on relaxing, playing or learning?
Check out our "Things to Do" page for other Worthy Detour stops.
