2025 night hikes
Seven Night Hikes in 2025
spring equinox hike
Friday, March 21 | 8:00-9:30 p.m.
Spring has officially arrived! On March 20th, the vernal equinox – when the earth’s axis is aligned with the sun and day and night are approximately the same length – marked the beginning of spring. Join us to celebrate the changing of the seasons with this relaxing twilight hike through the Preserve. We’ll be on the lookout for crepuscular creatures (those most active in twilight) and some of the first signs of spring.
Annual Passholder: $15
General Admission: $25
Additional tickets may be purchased from the Welcome Center before the
start of the program. Limited Availability.
The Spring Equinox is intended for ages 12+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets required for guests aged 5+.
going batty!
Saturday, May 3 | 8:30-10:00 p.m.
Bats are fascinating creatures and an essential part of our ecosystem, and yet they remain one of our most misunderstood mammals. Join us for a nighttime stroll through the fields and forests of Pleasant Hill as we dispel myths and learn about their habitat and food needs. We'll even have special acoustic "bat boxes" to listen in on the local bat population as they use ultrasonic squeaks to navigate their environment.
Annual Passholder: $15
General Admission: $25
Going Batty! is intended for ages 8+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets required for guests aged 5+.
firefly hike
Saturday, July 5 | 8:30-10:00 p.m.
Fireflies are an iconic part of warm summer nights at Shaker Village. Join us for a twilight hike through some of the less-traveled portions of Pleasant Hill's Preserve as we enjoy a spectacular show from nature's fireworks. We'll also discuss some common "lightning bug" misconceptions and separate fact from fiction.
Annual Passholder: $15
General Admission: $25
The Firefly Hike is intended for ages 12+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets required for guests aged 5+.
Going Batty!
Saturday, August 30 | 8:00-9:30 p.m.
Bats are fascinating creatures and an essential part of our ecosystem, and yet they remain one of our most misunderstood mammals. Join us for a nighttime stroll through the fields and forests of Pleasant Hill as we dispel myths and learn about their habitat and food needs. We'll even have special acoustic "bat boxes" to listen in on the local bat population as they use ultrasonic squeaks to navigate their environment.
Annual Passholder: $15
General Admission: $25
Going Batty! is intended for ages 8+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets required for guests aged 5+.
harvest moon hike
Monday, October 6 | 7:30-9:00 p.m.
What better time to enjoy a nighttime hike than in the light of the full moon? Traditionally, the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox has always been known as the "Harvest Moon" - a time for farmers to finish gathering their summer crops and begin preparing for winter. Rising just after sunset, and appearing particularly large and bright, this year's Harvest Moon, which is also a "supermoon," will be the perfect illumination for an evening stroll on the Preserve. Along the way, we'll share some harvest folklore and discuss the science behind supermoons.
Annual Passholder: $15
General Admission: $25
The Harvest Moon Hike is intended for ages 5+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets required for guests aged 5+.
Going Batty!
Friday, October 31 | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Bats are fascinating creatures and an essential part of our ecosystem, and yet they remain one of our most misunderstood mammals. Join us for a nighttime stroll through the fields and forests of Pleasant Hill as we dispel myths and learn about their habitat and food needs. We'll even have special acoustic "bat boxes" to listen in on the local bat population as they use ultrasonic squeaks to navigate their environment.
Annual Passholder: $15
General Admission: $25
Going Batty! is intended for ages 8+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets required for guests aged 5+.
owl prowl
Saturday, November 22 | 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Whoo's out on the Preserve tonight? Multiple different species of owls call Kentucky home, and Shaker Village's mixed woodland and prairie ecology is perfect habitat for these winged predators. We'll be using our senses as we search for these elusive creatures on this evening hike, listening closely to see if any owls are vocalizing nearby.
Annual Passholder: $15
General Admission: $25
Owl Prowl is intended for ages 12+. All minors must be accompanied by a ticketed adult. Tickets required for guests aged 5+.
Additional Information:
All night hikes will take place outdoors, rain or shine. Participants will traverse gravel, grass, and dirt pathways on a 1.5-3.0 mile loop along Shaker Village's trails. Participants should be comfortable walking in low light/semi-dark conditions.
All tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Questions? Call 859.734.5411 or email [email protected] for more information. Shaker Village is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
