Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Activity Overview

The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a National Historic Landmark and tourist attraction in Pleasant Hill, Kentucky, which is just 25 miles from Lexington. Between 1805 and 1910, this fascinating historic site was the home of a Shaker religious community. It features 34 original Shaker buildings that can be explored to learn about life in the community through tours and hands-on activities. Visitors can explore exhibits, go for hay rides or horse-drawn wagon rides, learn about traditional crafts like woodworking and weaving, go shopping, take a ride on a riverboat, go horseback riding, and much more.

Things to Do

• Learn all about the Shakers by viewing the exhibits in The Historic Centre and taking part in hands-on activities.
• Go for an hour-long cruise on the Dixie Belle Riverboat and enjoy the beautiful sights provided by the Kentucky River.
• Visit The Farm to meet the farm animals, learn how to grow your own food in the vegetable garden, and help round up the chickens!
• Enjoy the fresh air and the beauty of the Kentucky countryside as you explore The Preserve, which contains trails through prairies, woodlands, and fields that you can hike, bike, and run on.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Insider Tips

• Don't miss the wagon rides and hay rides! Horse-drawn wagon rides through The Historic Centre are offered between April and October, while evening hayrides take place on weekends between July and October.
• Pick up a Shaker souvenir such as one of their signature oval boxes, a broom, or a toy from one of the three shops.
• Grab a bite to eat from The Trustees' Table, which provides dishes that feature seasonal ingredients from Shaker Village's garden and local farmers.