Recreation and Tourism Because Harrodsburg is the oldest town in Kentucky, you can have your own “living history” experience in a variety of places. One such place is the Old Fort Harrod State Park, where a full-scale replica of the original Fort Harrod stands. Visitors can take a stroll through authentic cabins while watching craftspeople in period costume re-enact scenes typical of the early settlement. You may stumble across a basket weaver, a doll maker, a blacksmith or any number of other characters doing their daily chores. Children will enjoy seeing the live cattle, sheep and turkeys housed in the center of the fort. The 32-acre park contains more than just the fort, however. You can also experience the Lincoln Marriage Temple, where Abraham Lincoln’s parents were married; the George Rogers Clark Memorial, where George Rogers Clark planned his great northwest campaign to open the West; as well as many other pioneer homes. Within the walls of the Greek Revival home, built in the 1830s, is the Mansion Museum. Here you will find an impressive collection of Civil War relics, Native American artifacts, paintings, a one-of-a-kind McIntosh Gun collection and Lincoln memorabilia. The oldest cemetery west of the Allegheny Mountains is also on the grounds of Old Fort Harrod. Here you can walk through the graves of more than 500 pioneers. There are also picnic/playground areas, a shelter house and a gift shop with Kentucky handcrafts. The Fort hosts many special events throughout the year, including the Heritage Festival in June and the Holiday Gala in November. Don’t miss these exciting annual events! There is even more history to be found in Mercer County. Don’t miss the magnificent downtown section of Harrodsburg. The beautiful Victorian buildings here survived many fires during the 19th century, and the lovely, traditional architecture has become a treasured trademark of the area. A self-guided walking and driving tour of the area can also be taken. Visitors can witness a history that spans over 200 years. The tour highlights 52 of the historic buildings found in Harrodsburg. Most of the buildings on the tour are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, including Morgan Row, the oldest intact group of row houses in Kentucky. Kentucky boasts a variety of architectural designs, and Harrodsburg has something for everyone’s taste, with everything from pre–Civil War homes to modern architecture. One of the most recent additions is a fountain in Olde Towne Park. The cascading water is reminiscent of the scenic palisades found on the eastern border of the county. Seven miles east of Harrodsburg awaits Shaker Village. Founded in 1805, it is listed on the National Historic Landmark register. This unique attraction is the only one of its kind to house all visitor services in original buildings. The menu includes touring, dining, shopping, lodging and riverboating. Costumed interpreters at the village perform daily tasks as they were done more than 100 years ago. Self-guided walking tours can be taken year-round, giving visitors the feeling that they have stepped back into the past. You can stroll through 34 restored buildings or walk around 2,800 acres of preserved farmland. The Dixie Belle Riverboat departs from Shaker Landing from spring through fall. While at Shaker Village, don’t miss the opportunity to climb aboard this 150-passenger paddlewheel riverboat and tour the Kentucky River. Experience the breathtaking palisades. Prepare to be awed as you view the high limestone cliffs and untouched natural beauty on your cruise. The trip will also take you under High Bridge, built in 1807 and an engineering wonder for its time. For those in the mood to boat, swim or fish, Herrington Lake is the perfect destination. The 32-mile-long lake was formed in the 1920s by Kentucky Utilities when they built a dam on the river. Known as one of the best fishing spots in Kentucky, the lake is full of smallmouth and largemouth bass, catfish, perch, rockfish, and bluegill. The 3,600-acre lake is also an excellent place for boating and swimming. The water fun doesn’t end with Herrington Lake. The Kentucky River is a great place to fish, canoe and camp. It is accessible to the public and is the home to stunning palisades. Golfing enthusiasts will love coming to Mercer County. They can enjoy Bright Leaf Golf Course, a unique resort with both a 27-hole championship course and a lighted, par-3, executive 9-hole course. The course also has a 65-unit motel and 40-unit Villa building, in case one day of golf just isn’t enough. Bright Leaf is a fifth-generation family-run course. The friendly atmosphere and pristine greens make it a wonderful place to bring the family for an afternoon of fun. Chimney Rock RV Park in Burgin enjoys a beautiful location right on the water’s edge of Herrington Lake. Established in 1953, Chimney Rock’s RV sites feature city water, 20/30-amp electric connections, picnic tables and fire pits, and lake views. Tent camping sites are also available, including a primitive area. There’s lots of things for you and your family to enjoy at Chimney Rock: miniature golf, a swimming pool, a bath house, horse shoes and basketball. Laundry facilities and a convenience store are available for your needs. Chimney Rock is open from April through October. Harrodsburg has several festivals and activities throughout the year that foster community pride and brotherhood. The Fort Harrod Festival runs the first weekend in June at the Old Fort Harrod State Park. Late July and early August bring the Mercer County Fair and Horse Show as well as the Shaker Village Pleasant Hill Craft Fair. Held in August, the Pioneer Days Festival features music, arts and crafts, a carnival, and a car show, among other events. December brings the spirit of the season with the Historic Holiday Homes Tour the first Saturday and the Come Home to Christmas Celebration over the first weekend. There are plenty of things to do and see throughout the year in Mercer County! Residents of the county enjoy participating in many sporting events. Through the YMCA, kids remain active in basketball, cheerleading, swimming and soccer. There is an after-school childcare program during the school year and summer day-camp for 5-to 12-year-olds. Toddlers and preschoolers aren’t left out either. The YMCA has a special program called the Preschool Sports Club. Three- and 4-year-olds can attend the club one night a week for one hour. Here they learn social interaction by learning to play basketball, floor hockey, T-ball and many other sports. A one-month rotation in events helps keep the little ones interested. Families and groups can also rent the gymnasium for special parties and activities. Another place to burn off some calories is the Anderson Dean Community Park. The 213-acre facility has beautiful baseball and softball complexes, soccer fields, outdoor volleyball and basketball courts, and four children’s play areas. Both little league baseball and little league soccer hold all their games at the park. A 2-mile walking/jogging trail is a nice place to enjoy the gorgeous Kentucky weather. For parties, the park has one outdoor and one indoor shelter for rent. In May 2003, the Anderson Dean Community Park opened a new aquatics center. The state-of-the-art center boasts a six-lane junior Olympic pool where the swim team practices. There is also a large water slide to keep the children entertained. For the smaller children, a zero-depth play area is available in the center. For more information, please contact the Harrodsburg/Mercer County Tourist Commission located at 124A South Main Street, Harrodsburg, or call 1-800-355-9192.