Mercer County: History, Nature and Special Excursions

Mercer County combines American settlement history with landscapes, water activities and a variety of excursions. Those planning a trip with children can combine historic sites, nature trails, theater and seasonal activities here. When choosing a vacation rental or vacation home, the main consideration is therefore which experiences should be the focus of the stay.

Following the Footsteps of Early History

An important starting point is Old Fort Harrod State Park. The park grounds are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. The park includes a life-size replica of a fort commemorating the first permanent settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains. The Mansion Museum, an original building from 1813, is also located there. The Lincoln Marriage Temple is a stop on Kentucky's Lincoln Heritage Trail.

History can also be explored in various ways around Harrodsburg. The Harrodsburg Historical Society offers themed virtual exhibitions on the history of Harrodsburg and Mercer County. The James Harrod Trust organizes four different walking tours in and around downtown as well as a driving tour to historic sites and architectural structures in the outlying parts of Mercer County. Morgan Row was built between 1807 and 1830 and now houses the museum and library of the Harrodsburg Historical Society. The unique row house consists of four residential units. The Zuern Toy Tractor Collection is also on display for visitors at the Mercer County Museum.

At the center of Harrodsburg is a historic district listed in the National Register of Historic Places. There are opportunities for dining, shopping and browsing there. Big Springs Park & Trail marks the site where James Harrod and nearly 40 men founded Kentucky's first permanent settlement on June 16, 1774. Big Springs was restored as a park and trail in 2017.

Nature, Trails and Water Activities

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill offers a different way to experience the region's history and landscape. Admission includes self-guided and staff-led tours, special demonstrations and hands-on activities in the Historic Centre, on the farm and in the Preserve. The Preserve at Shaker Village protects 3,000 acres of native prairies, forests, watersheds, fields and stands of reeds or cane. More than 500 plant species grow there; in addition, 150 species of native and migratory birds have been documented.

For active days, the Trails at Shaker Village are available. The trail system includes twelve multi-use trails totaling 30.5 miles for hikers, horseback riders and carriage drivers; cyclists are also welcome. The Preserve has 29 miles of riding trails, of which more than 22 miles are also available for horse-drawn carriages. Big Red Stables offers trail rides on gentle, gaited Tennessee Walking Horses. The Eagle's Nest Equestrian Trails in Harrodsburg complement the options with a 30-mile riding trail network.

Water also plays a role: The 3,600-acre Herrington Lake is suitable for numerous outdoor and recreational sports. The Dixie Belle offers excursions to the geologically ancient Kentucky River Palisades, while Good Time Paddling offers canoeing and kayaking on the Chaplin River. A wine tasting at LoCo Wines at Logan Vineyards can provide a more relaxed activity.

Excursions for Different Travel Seasons

Mercer County also offers seasonal and cultural events. Devine's Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch combines a corn maze with a pumpkin farm and offers snow tubing in winter. The Ragged Edge Community Theatre presents new plays every season as well as productions for children. The Mercer County Fair and Horse Show is described as the longest-running fair and horse show in the United States and takes place during the last full week of July.

The Right Accommodation for Your Plans

A vacation rental in Mercer County suits travelers who want to combine historic sightseeing, nature experiences and excursions flexibly. If history is the main focus, you can plan visits to Old Fort Harrod State Park, Morgan Row, Big Springs and the attractions around Harrodsburg. For active days, the trails at Shaker Village, horseback riding options, paddling excursions or Herrington Lake are ideal. Seasonal interests such as snow tubing or the last full week of July for the fair and horse show can also determine the travel period. This makes it possible to align the search for accommodation with the desired activities and your own pace of travel.

Discover More Regional Destinations

For further comparisons within the regional selection, you can also find Mccracken County, Boyd County, Garrard County, Jefferson, Barren County, Taylor County and Calloway County.

For the main travel overview: Kentucky.