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Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

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Shaker Village no longer operates a riverboat. For questions, please contact us at [email protected] or 859.734.5411.

THE RIVER

Discover the Panoramic Kentucky River Palisades

Explore the unique Kentucky River Palisades by riverboat, kayak or foot. Shaker Landing provides one of the few public access points to the sweeping Kentucky River Palisades, with steep, scenic gorges and limestone outcroppings that stretch for miles.

The Kentucky River was a source of livelihood for the Pleasant Hill Shakers and regular trading expeditions ventured as far as New Orleans. The same landing used by the Shakers is now the launching point for private river adventures. Hike a Shaker roadbed built in 1826 or drive the scenic road to Shaker Landing. The 400-foot descent will take you through rock formations between 400 and 500 million years old. Along the river’s edge, find river bottom hardwoods, spring waterfalls and the sheer vertical cliffs of the Palisades.

Paddle by Canoe or Kayak

Bring your canoe or kayak and launch into pool 7 on the Kentucky River from Shaker Landing. Venture upriver on the Kentucky, or take a detour onto the Dix, a stocked trophy trout stream.

Shaker Village Launch Fee

  • $5 per vessel. Non-motorized vessels only.
  • Fee must be paid and waiver signed in advance at the Welcome Center.
  • To inquire about hosting your paddling event at Shaker Landing, please call 859.734.5411.

Paddler Safety: For the safety of our guests, paddling from Shaker Landing is only permitted when pool 7 of the Kentucky River is at 12 feet or lower.

You can check the river level here, or by calling 859.734.5411.

Must-See Adventures

highbridge

Take in the View

From Shaker Landing, you can see High Bridge, the site of the first cantilever bridge in North America, towering above the river to the east. Hike the Palisades Trail and view a waterfall that cascades down 50 feet of geological history. Visit the 1866 Timber Frame Stable that the Shakers used to provide a change of horses for stage coaches.

hit-the-trails-dog

Hit the Trails

Our 36-mile multi-use trail system allows hikers of all ages and skill levels to roam at their own pace—whether you’re a walker, hiker, runner, bicyclist or horseback rider. Hike the 1.5-mile River Road Trail down to Shaker Landing, or drive down and hike the 1-mile Palisades Trail through the Kentucky River floodplain. The trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset. Visit the Welcome Center to pick up keys which need to be checked out to drive down to the Landing. Learn more.

heron

Conservation at Work

Shaker Village has restored more than 1,000 acres of native prairie to re-establish one of the rarest ecosystems in North America. Recognized as a national model for large-scale habitat management, The Preserve has become a learning laboratory for many local, state and federal conservation partners.

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Recent Tweets

Grab your favorite gal pals & escape to the Village, June 23-25. You & your crew will enjoy goat yoga (yes, with real goats), a photography workshop, a sip & paint class & nature journaling hike. Meals & memories are included!⁠ ⁠l8r.it/BoQk #ShakerVillageKY pic.twitter.com/Vrm6HudowB

About 2 days ago

Looking for weekend plans? We've got you covered all summer long! Join us for Music on the Lawn & a seed-to-table meal at The Trustees' Table. Check out our segment on @BestOTBluegrass with @JenNimePalumbo l8r.it/DEEz #ShakerVillageKY #lex18 #TrusteesTable #livemusic pic.twitter.com/5m3g5QTUS3

About 3 days ago

Today, we're excited to give you a deeper look into our Children's Playscape launching in 2024 (if all goes according to plan)! Read our latest blogpost which details the need for this project, & how it will engage our youngest visitors: l8r.it/R03s #ShakerVillageKY pic.twitter.com/C1YnDxBDHA

About 3 days ago

Work to rebuild the 1835 Carriage House has begun! You may remember that the historic structure sustained severe damage during a storm. Thanks to your donations we've been able to begin the rebuild. Donate Here: l8r.it/ingw #ShakerVillageKY #NationalPreservationMonth pic.twitter.com/XO7ucx0Vjo

About 4 days ago

Know Before You Go: A construction project along U.S. 68 in Jessamine County is currently underway. Part of this project will require U.S. 68 to be closed for approximately 36 days. Click here for alternate routes & additional information: l8r.it/Qrf4 #ShakerVillageKy pic.twitter.com/kHlSCk1sLd

About 4 days ago

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