Kursky District: Steppe, Horses and Estate History

Kursky District offers various reasons to take a trip: the Streletskaya Steppe, which changes with the seasons, horse-riding options and historic estates. If you are looking for a holiday apartment, first consider whether nature, riding or culture will shape your stay. These different themes give you concrete points to consider when planning your trip.

The changing Streletskaya Steppe

The V. V. Alekhin Nature Reserve extends across several districts; the Streletskaya Steppe section lies in Kursky District. Between April and August, the steppe changes color at least twelve times. The diversity of its plants can also be expressed in concrete numbers: 77 plant species grow in one square meter. The landscape can therefore be described both in terms of its seasonal changes and its rich plant life.

In the steppe stands the old sculpture “Polovtsian Warrior,” considered a popular photo subject for excursion groups. Along with the changing colors, it is a distinctive feature for anyone interested in the landscape and its special sights.

Horse-riding options and places to visit

An offering from TailsTime in Zherebtsovo, described in 2024, includes horseback rides and riding lessons. The operators also organize horseback excursions through a scenic forest and rides into the fields. Before planning, check whether the offering is currently available. Anyone wishing to include riding in their trip can take this focus into account when choosing a holiday apartment.

The “Ratnoe puteshestvie” route offers another way to bring landscape and history together. It follows the Rat River and leads to the Besedinskoye (Ratskoye) Gorodishche, also known as “Tarelochka.” The first stage leads to this archaeological monument of federal significance. Another destination on the route is the “Warrior Liberator” monument, an exact copy of the sculpture in Berlin’s Treptow Park. The river, gorodishche and monument provide different historical points of reference for the route, without assuming a specific hiking duration.

Estates and history

The Nelidov family estate is considered a historical and architectural monument of republican significance. The Annenkov family estate lies on the bank of the Kuritsa River. Built in the 18th century, it included a large wooded park in addition to the manor house. The two estates represent different aspects of regional history: the monument status is a key feature of the Nelidov estate, while the Annenkov estate is notable for its combination of manor house, riverside setting and wooded park.

Watermelon farm and pond shore

The Kursk Arbuz watermelon farm in Shumakovo grows red, yellow, white, orange, rainbow-colored and other unusual watermelon varieties. The number and selection change every year. This means the farm’s agricultural offering varies from year to year, while the Streletskaya Steppe changes color between April and August.

A visit to the farm described in 2024 included walks in the fresh air and sunsets by the pond. Before visiting, check whether access is currently possible. The variety of watermelons and the walks described are different reasons to take an interest in the place; the information does not promise a tasting or any specific current visitor offering.

When planning your trip, you can therefore choose between different focuses: steppe landscapes, horse-riding options, historic estates or the farm and its changing selection of varieties. The time references help distinguish these attractions: the steppe changes color between April and August, while the selection and number of watermelon varieties change each year. Tailor your holiday apartment search to whichever of these themes matters most to you.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ryshkovo, Dmitriyevsky District, Sovetsky District, Kursk, Lgovsky District.

Go to the broader travel overview: Kursk Oblast.