At Big Springs Park & Trail, a specific date marks an early chapter in Kentucky’s history: James Harrod and almost 40 men founded the state’s first permanent settlement there on June 16, 1774. Big Springs was restored as a park and trail in 2017. Mercer County’s history can be found not only in dates, but also in buildings, exhibits and trails that offer different ways to explore the past.
Historic Sites and Harrodsburg Stories
At Old Fort Harrod State Park, a full-scale replica of a fort commemorates 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, an original building dating to 1813, is also located within the park. The Lincoln Marriage Temple is a stop on Kentucky’s Lincoln Heritage Trail and adds a distinct connection to the Lincoln route to the area’s history.
In Harrodsburg, Morgan Row tells a story of architectural history in a compact space: this unique row house with four dwellings was built between 1807 and 1830. Today, it houses the museum and library of the Harrodsburg Historical Society. Visitors interested in the history of the city and county can also find themed virtual exhibits at the Historical Society. The Zuern Toy Tractor Collection, meanwhile, is on display for visitors at the Mercer County Museum.
Downtown Harrodsburg also offers several starting points for a historic exploration. Its district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and offers opportunities to eat, shop and browse. The James Harrod Trust offers four different walking tours in and around downtown. The organization also offers a driving tour of historic sites and architecture in the outer parts of Mercer County—a different perspective on the county from the trails around the center.
Shaker History, Landscapes and Trails
At Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, cultural history meets an expansive landscape. Admission 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 beds. With more than 500 plant species and 150 species of native and migratory birds, it encompasses a diverse range of habitats. The scale of the area and the variety of landscape types give nature just as much prominence here as cultural history.
There are clear descriptions of different ways to explore the grounds. The Trails at Shaker Village comprise twelve multi-use trails totaling 30.5 miles. They are designed for hikers, horseback riders and carriage drivers; cyclists are also welcome. The Preserve’s trail network also includes 29 miles for horseback riding, more than 22 miles of which are open to horse-drawn carriages as well. In Harrodsburg, Eagle’s Nest Equestrian Trails offers a 30-mile network of riding trails. These details distinguish the offerings by size and use rather than combining them into a single trail system. Big Red Stables also offers trail rides on gentle Tennessee Walking Horses bred for smooth gaits.
Water Activities and Seasonal Events
On the water, options range from a guided excursion to paddling. The Dixie Belle offers trips to the geologically ancient Kentucky River Palisades. Good Time Paddling offers canoeing and kayaking on the Chaplin River. The 3,600-acre Herrington Lake is suitable for a range of outdoor and recreational sports. Alongside historic explorations, visitors can choose from different kinds of outdoor activities without having to keep the same pace or explore in the same way.
Seasonal attractions include the corn maze and pumpkin patch at Devine’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch; snow tubing is offered there in winter. For a visit timed around a specific event, the Mercer County Fair and Horse Show is worth considering: it is described as the longest-running fair and horse show in the United States and takes place during the last full week of July. Check the specific event dates before planning. A wine tasting at LoCo Wines at Logan Vineyards adds a local culinary experience to the options, while Ragged Edge Community Theatre stages new plays and productions for children each season.
Mercer County can be explored according to your interests through architectural history, Shaker culture, trails, water activities or seasonal events. Discover more destinations: Harrodsburg, Franklin, Hart County, Hancock County, Warren, Breckinridge, Carter County, Hardin.
For the broader travel overview: Kentucky.
