Harrodsburg Travel Guide

Discover the best of Harrodsburg with our comprehensive travel guide. From historic sites to natural attractions, we've got you covered.


Introduction to Harrodsburg

Harrodsburg, located in the heart of the Bluegrass Region in Kentucky, is a charming small town that attracts visitors with its rich history, natural beauty, and vibrant cultural scene. As the oldest permanent English settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains, Harrodsburg is home to numerous museums and historical landmarks that tell the story of its fascinating past. But the town is not only about the past – it also offers visitors plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures, from hiking and biking to horseback riding and birdwatching. With its friendly atmosphere, enchanting scenery, and delicious local cuisine, Harrodsburg is a destination that should not be missed.

List of Places to Visit in Harrodsburg

  • Fort Harrod State Park: This park is home to a replica of the fort that was built by James Harrod in 1774, as well as a museum that showcases the history of the area.
  • Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill: This living history museum offers a glimpse into the lives of the Shakers, a religious group that lived in the area in the 19th century.
  • The Old Fort Harrod State Park: This park features a reconstructed fort that was originally built in 1774 and offers a variety of educational and recreational activities.
  • Harrodsburg Historical Society: This society operates a museum that focuses on the history of Harrodsburg and its residents.
  • Devil’s Marina and Resort: This is a perfect place for boating enthusiasts and offers a variety of water sports on 125-acre Herrington Lake.
  • Bean Dinner Festival: This festival is held every September and celebrates the traditional bean soup that is a staple of Harrodsburg’s cuisine.
  • Baldwin Farms: A perfect family spot with corn maze, pumpkin patch, tractor rides and more.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Fort Harrod State Park

This park is one of Harrodsburg’s top attractions, and for good reason. Visitors can explore its many exhibits, tours, and special events, and there’s even an outdoor theater that hosts live performances during the summer months. One of the most popular exhibits is the replica of the fort built by James Harrod in 1774, which features a variety of historical artifacts and interactive exhibits.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

This living history museum offers a fascinating look into the lives of the Shakers, a religious group that lived in the area in the 19th century. Visitors can explore the many restored buildings on the property and learn about the Shaker’s unique way of life.

Harrodsburg Historical Society

The Harrodsburg Historical Society operates a museum that houses an extensive collection of historical artifacts and memorabilia related to the town’s rich history. Visitors can learn about the town’s founders, notable residents, and historic events through a variety of interactive exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Harrodsburg: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Herrington Lake

This 33-mile long lake offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming, as well as beautiful views of the surrounding hills and forests.

Bourbon Trails

Harrodsburg is located at the heart of Kentucky’s Bourbon Trail, which is a scenic drive that takes visitors through some of the state’s most picturesque landscapes. Visitors can stop at a variety of distilleries along the way and learn about the history and process of bourbon-making.

Shaker Village Farm

The Shaker Village Farm is a working farm that offers visitors the chance to see a variety of farm animals up close. The farm also has a variety of trails for hiking and exploring, as well as workshops and educational classes.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Harrodsburg

Fort Harrod State Park Trails

The Fort Harrod State Park has a variety of trails that wind through the park’s wooded areas and offer stunning views of the fort and the surrounding landscape.

Shaker Village Trail System

The Shaker Village has over 30 miles of trails that offer visitors the chance to explore the property’s natural beauty and learn about the area’s history.

Best Things to Do in Harrodsburg: Activities and Tours

The Whiskey Experience

This tour takes visitors to some of the top distilleries in the area and gives them an up-close look at the bourbon-making process.

Shaker Village Tour

This tour takes visitors through the many restored buildings on the Shaker Village property and offers a fascinating look into the lives of this religious group.

Horseback Riding

Visitors can explore Harrodsburg’s natural beauty on horseback with a variety of guided tours and trail rides that are available in the area.

Week-Long Itinerary for Harrodsburg

Day Activity
1 Visit Fort Harrod State Park, take a tour of the fort
2 Explore Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
3 Hike on the trails at Fort Harrod State Park
4 Take a distillery tour along the Bourbon Trail
5 Take a horseback riding tour through the countryside
6 Visit the Harrodsburg Historical Society museum
7 Relax on the shores of Herrington Lake

Food and Drink Scene of Harrodsburg

Must-Try Dishes

  • Bourbon-marinated steak: A classic Kentucky dish, the steak is marinated in bourbon and grilled to perfection.
  • Bourbon Balls: Traditional candy made from a mix of bourbon, butter and sugar.
  • Burgoo: A hearty stew with a mix of meat including but not limited to chicken, beef, etc and vegetables.
  • Hot Brown: This dish is a must try featuring turkey on texas toast topped with bacon and cheese sauce.
  • BBQ: pork ribs, chicken, beef brisket and delicious BBQ sauces are a must try in Harrodsburg.

Local Beverages

  • Bourbon: Bourbon is the most famous local drink and the town is famous for producing some of the finest bourbon in the world.
  • Ale-8-One: Another trademark of the region, it’s a sweet, but tart delicious carbonated drink.

Where to Stay in Harrodsburg: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Beaumont Inn

This charming inn offers comfortable rooms, a delicious restaurant, and beautiful grounds complete with an outdoor swimming pool.

The Farmhouse Inn

This cozy bed and breakfast offers beautifully decorated rooms and a delicious, homemade breakfast every morning.

What to Buy in Harrodsburg: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Bourbon: It’s an obvious choice, but it’s also a must-buy if you enjoy whiskey.
  • Bourbon Balls: Sweet treats containing bourbon hat are a local favorite.
  • Shaker-inspired Crafts: Wide range of crafts that are perfect for gifts or keepsakes.
  • Horse-related merchandise: The town is famous for their farms and horse-related activities, so anything horse-related would be a great buy.

Local Culture and Customs of Harrodsburg

Harrodsburg is a friendly town with a rich history and a strong sense of community. Visitors should expect to experience a warm welcome from the locals and should be prepared to take part in the town’s many festivals and events.

Best Time to Visit Harrodsburg

The best time to visit Harrodsburg is in the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its peak. Summer can be busy with tourists and temperatures can be very hot. Winter may not be the best time as the town slows down a bit due to snow and cold weather.

Do’s and Don’ts of Harrodsburg

Do:

  • Do take the time to explore the town’s many historical sites and museums.
  • Do take a drive on the Bourbon Trail.
  • Do try the local cuisine and drinks.
  • Do experience the natural beauty of the area.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to be respectful of the town’s many historic sites and landmarks.
  • Don’t forget to try the local souvenirs and products.
  • Don’t forget to take the time to appreciate the beauty of the area.

Safety and Health

Safety in Harrodsburg

Harrodsburg is a relatively safe town, but visitors should still take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Health in Harrodsburg

Visitors should bring any necessary medication with them as there are only a limited number of pharmacies in town.

Getting to Harrodsburg: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Harrodsburg

The closest airports to Harrodsburg are the Blue Grass Airport in Lexington, which is about 40 miles away.

Bus Stations Near Harrodsburg

Greyhound connects major cities to Lexington.

Other Options

Rental cars are available at the airports and hotels.

How to Get Around in Harrodsburg

We recommend renting a car to get around Harrodsburg and the surrounding area, though biking can also be done in town.

Where to Go Next from Harrodsburg: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Lexington: Just 30 miles away, it offers a variety of shopping, dining, and cultural opportunities.
  • Danville: A neighboring town offering mesmerizing scenic beauty, wildlife refuge and a various outdoor activities.
  • Cincinnati: A major midwest city that is a three-hour drive away and offers a variety of attractions, including the Cincinnati Zoo and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a history buff or nature lover, Harrodsburg offers something for everyone. With its charming small town atmosphere, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural beauty, this is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors from near and far. So plan your trip to Harrodsburg today and get ready to experience all that this enchanting town has to offer!

Downtown Harrodsburg, KY Downtown Harrodsburg, KY Fort Harrod, reconstruction of first permanent settlement in Kentucky. Fort Harrod, reconstruction of first permanent settlement in Kentucky. Herrington Lake Herrington Lake