Not far from downtown Harrodsburg in central Kentucky is Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. This 3,000-acre historical site with take you back to a simpler time. There is plenty to do, see, and learn at Shaker Village, so consider spending a whole day, or even multiple days, exploring what it has to offer.

Welcome to Shaker Village at Pleasant Hill.
Flickr/Sarah Altendorf
Pleasant Hill was established in 1805, and was the third largest Shaker community in America. There were 491 members living on 4,500 acres at Pleasant Hill in 1823. Kentucky Shakers no longer exist, but during the 105 years that they flourished at Pleasant Hill, they built more than 260 structures. They also had a municipal water system, which was one of the earliest in Kentucky. The last Kentucky Shaker died in 1923, and the land and structures were sold. For a few decades after that, Pleasant Hill was known as a small town called Shakertown.
In 1961, a private nonprofit made arrangements to restore Pleasant Hill, and that effort began in 1966. That was the beginning of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill becoming what it is today.
Flickr/Timothy Brown
Flickr/@andrewghayes
Out of the 260 structures that once stood at Pleasant Hill, only 34 remain. They have been restored and give you a glimpse into what life what like for the Shakers in the 19th-century.
You can wander along the Historic Centre at Pleasant Hill to get a deeper understanding of the Shakers' way of life.
Flickr/@andrewghayes
Flickr/Outlier Babe
They even have special demonstrations and lessons to show you specifically how Shakers made a living.
Flickr/Carl Wycoff
Go out and explore 3,000 acres of farm land and forests.
Flickr/Timothy Brown
You'll see a lot of farm animals at Pleasant Hill.
Flickr/Sarah Altendorf
Farming was a huge part of Shaker lives. They had a deep relationship with the land, and embraced the idea of sustainability.
Facebook/Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

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Flickr/keithreed01
Be on the lookout for animals of all types while you're exploring the expansive property. You might just make a few friends!
Flickr/keithreed01
Take a hay ride or get pulled in a horse-drawn carriage on weekends during April through October.
Flickr/keithreed01
Explore "The Preserve," which is acres upon acres of open fields, forests, and prairies.
Flickr/hieronymouspidgeon
The Shakers deeply appreciated fertile land with natural resources. The area around Pleasant Hill has fertile soil, plenty of water sources, and limestone, making for an ideal place to settle. Luckily, the area is still natural, so go out and appreciate the serenity.
Ride down the Kentucky River by boat or kayak.
Facebook/Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
The Kentucky River was very significant to the Shakers. Sometimes they would even take trading expeditions down the Kentucky River, the Ohio River, and the Mississippi River to as far away as New Orleans.
You can ride on the Dixie Belle, which seats 115 people.
Facebook/Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Or bring your own kayak or canoe and leisurely paddle down the river.
Facebook/Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
One of the points of interest along the river is High Bridge, which is the first cantilever bridge in North America.
Stay the night in their welcoming bed and breakfast.
Facebook/Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
The Inn at Shaker Village is a unique and cozy place to stay the night. Sleep in a restored Shaker room and enjoy the peace and quiet of the countryside. The Inn has been named a top hidden travel destination by BBC News.
Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at The Trustees' Table.
TripAdvisor/C S
TripAdvisor/nomoroy
The restaurant at Shaker Village has traditional Kentucky favorites and fresh seasonal dishes. Many of the ingredients came from the farm at Shaker Village or other local farmers.

For more things to do and see around the Shaker Village area, check out our article on the oldest town in Kentucky, Harrodsburg. Shaker Village is located at 3501 Lexington Road, Harrodsburg, KY 40330. For more information, visit their website.

Has anyone been to Shaker Village before? What did you think?

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