Kentucky Department of Parks

Old Fort Harrod State Park In 1774, James Harrod established the first permanent settlement west of the Alleghenies in what would become Central Kentucky.

kids with crafterPreserving Kentucky's pioneer history, the fort has been reconstructed near the site of the original. Heavy timbers form stockade walls and enclose the cabins and blockhouses. Interpreters in period-correct clothing perform pioneer tasks such as woodworking, weaving, broommaking, and blacksmithing and tend the farm animals and gardens.

Marriage templeThe Lincoln Marriage Temple shelters the original log cabin where Abraham Lincoln's parents were married in 1806, and the Mansion Museum houses Civil War artifacts, a gun display, Native American artifacts and a collection of Lincoln memorabilia.



Group Meeting Facilities

Old Fort Harrod’s James Harrod Conference Center is the perfect location for your meeting.  Click to view Meeting Facilities page .


Things To Do

A picnic shelter with a beautiful view is available for rental from March 16 through October 31. The shelter contains restrooms. One end of the shelter has a beautiful rock fireplace. Tables and outdoor grills are available. The playground is located near the picnic shelter and contains many items of playground equipment.

Our gift shop is a hidden jewel in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. We are located just inside the Fort and are here to serve you. We offer a variety of Kentucky Proud products, Kentucky handcrafts, books, music, gift items, jewelry, pottery, souvenirs, children’s items, and many more unique items. Open 9:00 to 5:00 daily.

Gift Card

Featured Event

The Journey to Kentucky Play
9/15/2008 to 10/24/2008

You and your students will love this interactive play about the first step towards western expansion. Audiences will go back in time and meet a fictional family who is taking the brave journey to Kentucky. Your students will be led on the ultimate adventure through the Cumberland Gap. Audiences wil even get a glimpse into what everyday life was like in the late 1700's. The kids will have a blast while getting involved in the account of the capture of the Boone and Calloway girls. Filtered throughout this 40 minute production will be song and dance from the early days on the frontier. After the production, the students will get a chance to ask the actors questions.

More Information

Contact Information

Old Fort Harrod State Park
100 South College Street
Harrodsburg, KY 40330-0156
859-734-3314
Park Manager: Joan Huffman