Harrodsburg
Around Harrodsburg
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Countryside and towns · Kentucky · 41k people
Harrodsburg
Locals say Bluegrass · “Oldest Town in Kentucky”, “The Bluegrass”
Where Kentucky's story begins.
Kentucky BlueBluegrass GreenSaddle Brown
Welcome to the heart of the Bluegrass, where limestone fences line rolling pastures and the Kentucky River carves its way through the Palisades. Whether you're here for the history, the fishing, or just the peace and quiet, you'll find a friendly wave at the courthouse square. Pull up a chair and tell us what brings you to Mercer and Garrard counties.
Clubs for Harrodsburg
No clubs for Harrodsburg yet.
The room
One room for everyone around Harrodsburg. It never closes; when it's busy it splits into tables. Once you're in, you stay until you leave.
Ask the neighbours
AllA good plumber, the best tacos, a lost cat: nobody has asked yet. Be the first.
Coming up
No events in the next month. Events made in the room show up here.
Marketplace
Things for sale, free and wanted, and rooms for rent, from people around Harrodsburg. Sign in to sell something.
Things to do
- Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Restored Shaker community with 34 buildings on 3,000 acres, offering tours, dining, and riverboat rides.
- Old Fort Harrod State Park Reconstruction of the first permanent Kentucky settlement, with a fort, museum, and pioneer demonstrations.
- Mercer County Courthouse 1825 Greek Revival courthouse in Harrodsburg's historic square.
- Garrard County Courthouse 19th-century courthouse in Lancaster, known for its distinctive clock tower.
- Kentucky River Palisades Dramatic limestone cliffs along the Kentucky River, popular for hiking and scenic views.
- Herrington Lake Deep, clear reservoir known for fishing, boating, and lakeside cabins.
- Outdoors Hike the Palisades trails
- Outdoors Fish for bass on Herrington Lake
- With kids Visit Old Fort Harrod for pioneer history
- With kids Explore Shaker Village's farm animals and gardens
- Evenings Bluegrass jam sessions at local venues
- Evenings Live music at county fairs
- Locals love Horse farms with limestone fences
- Locals love Antique shops in courthouse squares
Through the year
- Harrodsburg Heritage Days June Celebrates town history with reenactments, crafts, and music.
- Mercer County Fair July Carnival, livestock shows, and live music.
- Garrard County Fair July Carnival, livestock shows, and local entertainment.
- Pioneer Days at Old Fort Harrod September Living history demonstrations and pioneer crafts.
- Shaker Village Harvest Festival October Fall activities, crafts, and seasonal foods.
Humid subtropical with four distinct seasons. Best time to be out is spring and fall when temperatures are mild and the bluegrass is vibrant. Best: Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) for mild temps and bluegrass blooms.
Talk like a local
- “Knobs”
- The rolling hills of the region.
- “Holler”
- A small valley or hollow.
- “Bluegrass”
- The region's name, also a type of music.
- “Burgoo”
- A thick stew, often made for gatherings.
Getaways
- Danville Historic downtown, Centre College, and the Great American Brass Band Festival.
- Lexington Horse racing at Keeneland, Kentucky Horse Park, and urban nightlife.
- Richmond Berea College crafts, Daniel Boone National Forest access, and Lake Reba.
- Frankfort State capitol, Buffalo Trace Distillery, and riverfront trails.
Local flavour
Teams
- Mercer County Titans High School
- Garrard County Golden Lions High School
- Burgin Bulldogs High School
Also rooting for Kentucky Wildcats (NCAA Division I)
Eat and drink
- Burgoo Hearty Kentucky stew, a local staple
- Beer cheese Central Kentucky dip
- Country ham and biscuits Traditional Southern breakfast
- Derby pie Chocolate and walnut pie
Where people go
- Historic courthouse squares Harrodsburg and Lancaster's town centers
- Horse farms with dry-laid limestone fences Iconic central Kentucky landscape
- Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill Historic Shaker settlement and heritage site
- Rolling bluegrass pastures and knobs Gently rolling hills and limestone springs
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Nearby
Every areaDanvilleKentuckyWhere the Bluegrass beginsLexingtonKentuckyWhere horses and bourbon set the pace of life.LebanonKentuckyRolling bluegrass hills, bourbon air, and small-town warmth.RichmondKentuckyWhere the mountains meet the bluegrassFrankfortKentuckyWhere Kentucky’s bourbon, horses, and history meet.CampbellsvilleKentuckyWhere bluegrass meets Southern hospitality.SomersetKentuckyWhere the lake meets the hillsMount SterlingKentuckyThe friendliest stop on the way to the mountains
Mercer and Garrard counties, KY. Areas from the US Census Bureau and Statistics Canada; places from GeoNames. Local flavour was written with a model and may have mistakes. Team names identify teams; no endorsement.