Looking for a historic small-town getaway in Kentucky? Head to Harrodsburg! Founded in 1774, Harrodsburg is Kentucky’s oldest permanent settlement and offers a unique mix of history, charming streets, outdoor fun, and Southern hospitality. Whether you’re touring historic sites, exploring bourbon country, or relaxing at a peaceful resort, Harrodsburg is a delightful escape.

Harrodsburg, KY Highlights:

  • Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill: Explore America's largest restored Shaker community with historic buildings, nature trails, and farm-to-table dining.
  • Old Fort Harrod State Park: Step back into pioneer days at a full-scale replica fort and historic cemetery.
  • Downtown Harrodsburg: Stroll charming streets filled with antique shops, cafés, and historic architecture.
  • Herrington Lake: Relax, boat, fish, or picnic along Kentucky’s deepest lake, just minutes from town.
  • Bright Leaf Golf Resort: Tee off at a popular local course with beautiful countryside views.

Best Time to Visit Harrodsburg, KY

The best time to visit Harrodsburg is in the spring and fall (April–June and September–October). Mild temperatures and colorful scenery make it ideal for outdoor adventures, historic tours, and seasonal festivals.

How to Get to Harrodsburg, KY

  • If you are traveling by car: Harrodsburg is easily accessible via US Route 127, about 45 minutes from Lexington and 1.5 hours from Louisville.
  • By Plane: The closest major airport is Blue Grass Airport (LEX) in Lexington, about 45 minutes away.
  • By Bus: Regional bus services connect Harrodsburg to other parts of Central Kentucky, though a car is recommended for easier exploring.

Where to Stay in Harrodsburg, KY

  • Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill – Unique overnight stays in restored Shaker buildings on a peaceful countryside property.
  • Bright Leaf Golf Resort – Hotel accommodations with an on-site golf course, pool, and restaurant.
  • Downtown Inns and B&Bs – Cozy historic bed-and-breakfast options located near downtown shops and attractions.

Best Things to Do in Harrodsburg, KY

Step Back in Time: Wander, Learn, and Stay at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Step Back in Time: Wander, Learn, and Stay at Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

© Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

The Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a destination attraction where you can learn all about Kentucky’s pioneer Shaker community. The village contains the largest private collection of Shaker memorabilia and is home to a priceless collection of 34 original Shaker buildings set in a 3,000 acre site which encompasses farmlands, prairies and wetlands.

All the historic structures you will see have been built using materials which were found onsite, including limestone blocks, old growth timbers and kiln-fired bricks. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, hikes, activities, rides and much more. The best way to experience the village is to check into one of the guestrooms to immerse yourself in the Shaker lifestyle for a few days.

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, Phone: 859-734-5411

Relive Frontier Days: If You Love Early American History, Explore Old Fort Harrod

Relive Frontier Days: If You Love Early American History, Explore Old Fort Harrod

© Old Fort Harrod State Park

Offering a glimpse of life in a pioneer fort, Old Fort Harrod State Park is home to a collection of log structures which have been built to represent the original Fort Harrod, which was established in 1774. When you visit the park you can take a step back in time to explore the daily lives of the men, women and children who lived in the fort back in the early pioneer days, when Fort Harrodsburg became the first permanent settlement in Kentucky. Visitors are invited to tour the full-scale replica fort, the Lincoln Marriage Temple, cabins and blockhouses filled with original furnishings and the Mansion Museum.

Old Fort Harrod State Park, 100 South College St, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, Phone: 859-734-3314

Activities and Attractions for Couples:

Get Lost in Fun: Celebrate Fall Adventures at Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Get Lost in Fun: Celebrate Fall Adventures at Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

© Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch

Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch is a must-visit Harrodsburg attraction for families each autumn. The maze is located on the historic James McAfee Farm, which is a 100-acre working farm, home to one of the stone-built oldest homes in the state. For 6 short weeks from early September to the end of October each year the farm hosts its annual Winter Funfest when the whole family can enjoy all-day outdoor fun activities. Just a few of the entertaining activities on offer include hay rides, zip-lining, human hamster wheels, a hay maze for the little kiddies and, of course, pick-your-own pumpkins. You can grab a snack at the Corn Café and stock up on fresh produce at the Farm Market.

Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch, 623 Talmage-Mayo Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, Phone: 859-613-5066

Sip Local Flavor: Raise a Glass to Craft Excellence at Lemon’s Mill Brewery

Sip Local Flavor: Raise a Glass to Craft Excellence at Lemon’s Mill Brewery

© Lemon’s Mill Brewery

Experimenting with a secret hoard of Prohibition-era beer recipes, the owners of Lemon’s Mill Brewery honor the memory of their ancestors who boldly took the decision to brew their favorite beer back in the dark days of the Prohibition. The result of their experimentations has produced a range of delicious brews which combine traditional brewing methods with modern and innovative flavor infusions to bring all the pleasures of artisan brewing to Harrodsburg. The brewery offers 15 of their own brews on tap as well as a rotating selection of guest taps and canned beers. You are welcome to try a flight of four to find your particular favorites.

Lemon’s Mill Brewery, 166 Marimon Avenue, Harrodsburg, KY 40330, Phone: 859-325-6960

Take the Scenic Route: Cruise Through Rolling Hills and Historic Towns on Highway 68

Take the Scenic Route: Cruise Through Rolling Hills and Historic Towns on Highway 68

© New Africa/stock.adobe.com

It would be a great shame to visit the Harrodsburg area without taking at least one scenic drive along U.S. Highway Route 68. Route 68 runs all the way from western Kentucky to northwest Ohio, but it is the very scenic Kentucky section of the route that you should explore while in Harrodsburg. The Kentucky section of the route passes through several Civil War Battle sites as you wind your way through Kentucky’s famous Bluegrass Region. The route follows what was originally a buffalo trace which later became a Shaker road in the 1800’s. Along the way you can admire rolling hills, scenic pastures, enormous mansion-like horse barns and mile upon mile of white planked fences.

Highway Route 68, Harrodsburg, KY 40330

Where to Eat in Harrodsburg, KY

Dine in Southern Style: Enjoy Comfort Classics at the Old Owl Tavern

Dine in Southern Style: Enjoy Comfort Classics at the Old Owl Tavern

© Old Owl Tavern

Say hello to one of Kentucky’s most prized bourbon collections at the Old Owl Tavern. Named after the famous Kentucky Owl Bourbon Whiskey that gained fame before the age of Prohibition, the Old Owl Tavern offers a fantastic casual vibe and experience from within a cozy bricked tavern or out on their ceiling-fan-cooled porch. Tuck into mouthwatering casual fare and pair it with your choice of beverage whether it be a delightful glass of wine or bourbon. Alternatively, guests can take a seat at the 23-foot mahogany bar to enjoy a tasting flight of the state’s most impressive bourbon collection from one of the nation’s best bourbon bars.

638 Beaumont Inn Drive, Harrodsburg, Kentucky 40330, Phone: 859-734-0559

More Places to Eat in Harrodsburg, KY

  • Beaumont Inn Dining Room – Award-winning Southern cuisine in a historic setting dating back to 1845.
  • Casa Grande Mexican Restaurant – Local favorite for delicious and casual Mexican food.

If you are interested in local events:

  • Pioneer Days Festival (August) – Family-friendly festival featuring live music, historical reenactments, food, and crafts.
  • Mercer County Fair & Horse Show (July) – One of the oldest continuous running fairs in the country with horse shows, rides, and more.
  • Holiday Festivities Downtown (December) – Holiday parades, light displays, and Christmas-themed events throughout the historic downtown area.

If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Harrodsburg, Kentucky:

  • Danville (20–25 min) – Visit Centre College, Norton Center for the Arts, and Constitution Square Historic Site.
  • Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site (25–30 min) – Explore Civil War history on preserved battlefields and hiking trails.
  • Lawrenceburg (20–25 min) – Tour Wild Turkey and Four Roses bourbon distilleries along the famous Bourbon Trail.
  • Wilmore (20–25 min) – Enjoy small-town charm and visit Asbury University’s historic campus.
  • Lexington (45 min) – Spend a day exploring horse farms, Keeneland Race Course, and the vibrant downtown arts scene.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • What is Harrodsburg, Kentucky known for?
    • Harrodsburg is steeped in history and is a great destination for families and those interested in exploring pioneer history in Kentucky.
  • What attractions can visitors explore in Harrodsburg?
    • Visitors can explore the Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a living museum of Shaker history, where original Shaker buildings can be admired. Another highlight is the Old Fort Harrod State Park, which contains a replica of the original 1774 wooden fort and other dwellings.
  • What activities are available for children in Harrodsburg?
    • Children will enjoy visiting the Shaker Village and Old Fort Harrod State Park, but the cherry on top is a visit to the (seasonal) Devine’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch.
  • Where can visitors relax after a day of exploring?
    • After a busy day of exploring, visitors can relax and enjoy a drink at Lemon’s Mill Brewery.

Plan Your Trip