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 of Shaker Village’s 115-passenger paddle wheeler. 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.
Riverboat Cruises
Enjoy a relaxing ride aboard Shaker Village’s 115-passenger riverboat, through high limestone cliffs and awe-inspiring natural beauty. One-hour narrated cruises describe the historical importance of the river to the Shakers and pass under High Bridge, an engineering marvel built in 1877.
Admission: $10 (13+), $5 (6-12), Free (5 and under)
Cruise Dates: May – October, everyday
Cruise Times: 2 PM and 4 PM
Reservations can be made by calling 859.734.5411. Tickets must be purchased at the Welcome Center. Riverboat rides depart on time from nearby Shaker Landing. Please arrive at Shaker Landing 15 minutes prior to departure. Rides are subject to weather and river conditions and will only run if the temperature is above 50 degrees.
Group and charter rates are available! Please call 859.734.5411 in advance for special pricing.
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
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
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.
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.
