Plan your field trip
Discover a Learning Laboratory for Classes of All Ages
Shaker Village offers a variety of engaging programs for K-12 students. Explore the Kentucky Shakers’ history and way of life in the Historic Centre, discover crops on The Farm and wildlife in The Preserve, and participate in interactive sessions to build an exciting educational experience for your students. Each interdisciplinary program utilizes Shaker Village’s unique setting to support Kentucky Academic Standards.
Choose Your Adventure
Diverse Settings Enhance Your Experience
Grades K-5
Shaker Village is the perfect destination for young learners just discovering Kentucky history. Programs designed for elementary school-aged students focus on hands-on, participatory learning. Exploring music and dance, making a broom, and learning how the Shakers created their community all ensure that our youngest guests have a fulfilling and age-appropriate experience.
Grades 6-8
Shaker Village’s educational programs for middle schoolers challenge them to explore new topics and connect their classroom studies to the wider world. Whether hiking through The Preserve or investigating the architectural features of a historic building, students will discover new information through self-directed learning and exploration.
Grades 9-12
As high school students delve into subjects from Kentucky history to environmental science, Shaker Village offers in-depth supplementary programs on unique topics. From reading primary sources to analyzing the archaeological landscape, Shaker Village provides a learning laboratory for students to develop and hone their skills.
other ways to discover
Shaker Inspired crafts
Explore the Kentucky Shakers’ legacy through traditional craft. These workshops blend Shaker history with contemporary practice, encouraging students to learn new skills through making and experimentation. From dipping candles over an open fire to shaping a broom, these programs are a memorable addition to a visit to Shaker Village.
homeschool days
The first Wednesday of each month, Shaker Village offers home educators and their families reduced $8 admission. Explore 3,000 acres of discovery throughout The Historic Centre, The Farm and The Preserve! And, be sure to visit our new educational exhibits to uncover what life was like in this communal society.
outreach programs
Let Shaker Village come to you, bringing lessons in Shaker history, industry, and music right into your classroom. Consider booking an outreach program at your school as part of your pre-visit preparation for a Shaker Village field trip, or as a stand-alone experience.
Program fees begin at $150 for the 1st program/hour and $100 for each additional program/hour, plus mileage.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I bring my students to Shaker Village?
Field trips are available January-March (Wednesday-Sunday) and April-December (Tuesday-Sunday) between 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Other accommodations can be made outside of this timeframe by contacting our team. Please note some specific programs are weather dependent and/or seasonal by nature.
How much does it cost to bring students to Shaker Village?
K-12 educational programs at Shaker Village cost $8 per student for the first program and $5 per student for each additional program. School employees receive complimentary admission; all other chaperones are $8 per person for the first program and $5/person for each additional program. There is a fifteen-person minimum to qualify for Shaker Village’s group rate.
What if my student group includes children ages 5 and under?
Admission rates for student and youth groups apply to all children ages 3 and up. For preschools and other groups with very young children, program fees may apply, depending on your program selection. Please discuss your options with our Event Sales Team upon booking your visit.
How many teachers and chaperones should accompany our field trip?
Shaker Village encourages attendance on field trips from parent chaperones and additional school faculty and staff. The minimum adult to student ratio is 2:25, with at least one of those two being a school staff member. Due to some constraints during indoor experiences, the maximum adult to student ratio is 5:25.
Are the costs for a homeschool co-op, 4-H club or scout troop the same as other student groups?
Pricing is the same for all student groups, regardless of affiliation or organization. For homeschool groups, parent teachers are offered free admission up to a 1:10 parent to student ratio, with all adults beyond that ratio charged at the typical parent/chaperone rates. There is a fifteen-person minimum to qualify for Shaker Village’s group rate.
Can our group explore Shaker Village independently?
Yes. While most groups choose to book a private, guided experience, Shaker Village’s youth rates apply to general admission. Many groups also choose to build “free time” into their schedule so that students and chaperones can independently explore Shaker Village after their guided program. As Shaker Village is a historic site and museum, and other guests will likely be onsite during your visit, we ask that groups be respectful and observe appropriate museum etiquette. Please plan to divide your students into small groups of 6-10 students, each supervised by an adult, if you plan to spend time self-guiding throughout buildings and exhibit spaces.
When do I need to book my field trip and how do I pay?
Shaker Village requires booking (with confirmed participant numbers) at least two weeks in advance of your trip. A small deposit is typically charged to hold your reservation. Schools will be invoiced for their final, actual attendance after their visit (guaranteed minimums may apply). Chaperones should make payment through your school, and Shaker Village will receive one payment after your field trip from your school. Our Event Sales Team is happy to discuss options if your school’s accounting system necessitates an alternative arrangement.
Can our group eat at Shaker Village?
Schools may bring their own lunches, order box lunches from Shaker Village or dine in the Trustees' Table restaurant. The Event Sales Team can provide menu and pricing information upon request. Student groups are welcome to picnic in designated lawn areas; however, we are unable to guarantee a sheltered location in the case of inclement weather. Please plan to have students eat on their buses in the case of inclement weather.
Can our group shop at Shaker Village?
The Shops at Shaker Village encompass three different buildings. Most groups choose to shop in the Welcome Center, which includes merchandise at a variety of price points, including pencils, magnets, books, and other Shaker Village souvenirs. To ensure the best possible experience for your group, we prefer to arrange a specific time for you to shop, dividing large groups up as needed. Please let our Event Sales Team know when booking and they will incorporate time into your schedule.
What should our group wear to Shaker Village?
Students and adults should anticipate lots of walking during their field trips. All participants should wear close-toed shoes and clothing appropriate for the anticipated weather on the day of their field trip. All programs include outdoor components, so it is important that students wear suitably warm clothing/jackets. While some adjustments may be made because of inclement weather, most programs proceed rain or shine.
Is Shaker Village accessible to students in wheelchairs or with limited mobility?
Accessibility for students with limited mobility can be challenging due to the historic and natural features of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill. Most spaces have 2-6 steps leading into the buildings. Pathways throughout The Historic Centre and The Farm are primarily gravel. Specific programs can be adjusted to accommodate students with limited mobility, but only with advance notice. Please discuss your options with our Event Sales Team when booking your visit.
What emergency services does Shaker Village provide?
Shaker Village has an emergency action plan that outlines our scope of care, required staff trainings, and responses to specific situations. AEDs are located at four centralized locations throughout the site. Shaker Village does not have an emergency response team and cannot provide emergency transportation. The Shakertown Fire Department is located adjacent to Shaker Village (less than 0.5 miles away) and can provide emergency services. In case of emergency, school staff and chaperones would serve as the primary caregivers, with additional support provided by Shaker Village staff.
What will a field trip at Shaker Village look like?
Our Event Sales Team will work with your group to customize an experience that best fits your timing and needs. Typical school field trips often follow a similar schedule:
9:30am-9:45am: arrival, introductions, & restroom break
10:00am-11:00am: Shaker Life
11:00am-12:00pm: 2nd program (options include History Detectives, Shaker Footprints or Ecosystem Hike)
12:00pm-12:15pm: group photo
12:15pm-12:45pm: picnic lunch
12:45pm-1:30pm: free time (self-guided exploration in small, chaperoned groups)
1:30pm: departure
