Attractions  /  Calendar of Events  / Points of Interest
 

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is the largest restored Shaker community in America. With 3000 acres of bluegrass farmland and 34 restored buildings, this National Historic Landmark is the only living history site where all services are provided in original buildings. A nonprofit corporation operates the village with all revenue devoted to its preservation and interpretation.  The village experience features a self-guided tour of 14 restored buildings, where costumed interpreters discuss the Shakers and give information on the graceful architecture and extensive museum collection. The SHAKER LIFE EXHIBIT features changing exhibits, a video presentation and discovery room. Spring through fall, Shaker music performances, historic farming and special craft demonstrations are scheduled each day. The Trustees’ Office Dining Room serves delicious country-style food and distinctive hotel accommodations are offered in original restored buildings. Two craft stores offer a variety of handmade crafts and Shaker reproductions.

HOURS: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., April 1 through October 31; November 1 through March 31, some exhibition buildings are closed & tour hours and ticket prices are reduced.   ADMISSION.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Shaker Village operates the 115-passenger riverboat Dixie Belle. The authentic sternwheeler leaves nearby Shaker Landing; the site where Shakers loaded flatboats with goods headed for Southern markets. Narrated excursions are offered through one of the Kentucky River’s most breathtaking sections. The river cuts through 400 million year-old rocks to form the massive Palisades. Along the excursion route, these cliffs tower hundreds of feet above the river, creating a majestic limestone canyon, complete with sparkling waterfalls and a close-up of the river flora and fauna.  

HOURS: May through October, departure times vary.  Private charters available. ADMISSION.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A full-scale replica of the fort, built by James Harrod in 1775, is the centerpiece of this park. The cabins and blockhouses are furnished with handmade utensils, furniture, crude tools and agricultural implements used by the pioneers.  Costumed interpreters demonstrate pioneer crafts, and a live animal corral adds to the “living history” experience. (Living history craftspeople demonstrate mid-April through October.) The park complex also features the Mansion Museum, a Greek Revival home built in 1830. The museum houses an outstanding collection of Civil War history, Native American artifacts, gun collection and more. Other highlights within the park are a pioneer cemetery, the Lincoln Marriage Temple housing the cabin where Abraham Lincoln’s parents were married and a George Rogers Clark Federal Monument.  

HOURS: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. March 16 through October 31; 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., November 1 through March 15. (Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas week , January and February.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Experience a unique encounter with a variety of exotic animals from around the world in a safe and natural environment.  Interact with the animals during feeding while riding Sam’s Ark. 

HOURS:  Open daily at 10 AM – 5 PM, May – October.  ADMISSION.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Drive in and park in front of the big screen, at one of the state’s remaining drive-in theatres, to enjoy movies “under the stars.”  After a visit to the concession stand, tune in your radio to 106.1 FM for movie sound and sit back to relive a bit of yesteryear.

HOURS: 7:00 p.m., Friday – Sunday, (Spring through Fall). ADMISSION.