Kentucky Living History Farm
An Agricultural Legacy for
Tomorrow's Generation
There was a time when more Americans lived on farms than in cities. That time, of course, is long gone. And farms, especially family farms, are disappearing at an alarming rate.
But farm life still holds a strong appeal to the basic American spirit.
Farmers are the original rugged individualists. Rising before dawn. Turning the rich, dark soil. Planting in the spring with the hope of harvest in the fall. All by the grace of God, for there are no certainties.
Now, you can experience farm life on a working farm, if only for a few hours—or all day.
Kentucky Living History Farm is a real farm in the heart of the Bluegrass where guests see, hear, and touch, the things that real farmers experience every day: Tobacco, cattle, corn, soybeans, wheat, and horses.
WARNING: UNDER KENTUCKY LAW, A FARM ANIMAL ACTIVITY SPONSOR, FARM ANIMAL PROFESSIONAL, OR OTHER PERSON DOES NOT HAVE THE DUTY TO ELIMINATE ALL RISKS OF INJURY OR PARTICIPATION IN FARM ANIMAL ACTIVITIES. THERE ARE INHERENT RISKS OF INJURY THAT YOU VOLUNTARILY ACCEPT IF YOU PARTICIPATE IN FARM ANIMAL ACTIVITIES.
Events and Activities
Some of the many experiences you may expect:
- Tour Waterwild Hall, an 1830 country house that is considered the only Kentucky residence from that era to retain its original design. Featured on Home & Garden Television's Restore America, recognized by the Blue Grass Trust for Historic Preservation, and considered "a fine and unusual house" by the Lexington-Fayette County Historic Commission.
- Understand the archaeology of long-gone outbuildings. (For a detailed description of this multi-year dig that is an educational project for 4th graders
click here.)
- Meet Kentucky’s original horse breed — the Kentucky Saddler (American Saddlebred) - and the Mountain Welsh Pony, the breed King Henry VIII condemned to death!
- Hike the Goose Creek Trail to discover limstone strata and spot indigenous wildlife (be on the lookout for the blue heron, woodpeckers, gold finch, and Canada geese - even a bald eagle!).
- Pony rides may be offered for children 12 and under for a nominal fee (subject to availablity).
- Pack a picnic lunch and bring a blanket to stake out that perfect secluded spot.
- Ride on a hay wagon from barn to field — and back again.
Civil War reenactments occur periodically (check back for future events).
Reenactor unit inquiries are welcome. Here, Gracey's Battery, 3rd Kentucky, CSA, lights up the night with "grey thunder". Our last encampment was a great success, with Gracey's Battery, Waters' Battery (2nd Alabama, CSA), and the 14th Kentucky Light Artillery, USA.
Depending on the season, special agricultural events might include:
- Plowing (early Spring).
- Planting corn, soybeans, tobacco (mid-late Spring), and wheat (late Fall).
- Rolling hay (late Spring).
- Fertilizer, pesticide, and herbicide applications, as well as general pasture maintenance (periodically).
- Cutting and housing tobacco (late Summer).
- Combining soybeans and corn (mid Fall).
- Sorting and baling tobacco (late Fall).
- Fence fixin’, wood cuttin’, and cattle tendin’ (all the time!).
Seasonal activities include:
- Wildflower walks (Summer).
- Fall decorating (Fall).
- Country Christmas Celebration (Holidays).
- Cross-country skiing (Winter).
NOW OPEN
Saturdays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Sundays: 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
Weekdays: By appointment
Adults $5
Children $3 (ages 5-12, under 5 FREE)
Lexington, Kentucky
6031 Russell Cave Pike (KY-353)
8.5 scenic miles north of New Circle Road (KY-4)
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Email: INFO@KentuckyLivingHistoryFarm.com
