The Inn at Shaker Village: Tranquil Stays in Historic Kentucky

Grace Armstrong

By Grace Armstrong | July 23, 2025

Set in the rolling countryside of Harrodsburg, Kentucky, The Inn at Shaker Village offers an experience rooted in simplicity, heritage, and quiet comfort. With more than 200 years of continuous hospitality, it remains a rare destination where modern travelers can slow their pace without sacrificing warmth or thoughtful service.

This historic inn is part of Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, a 3,000-acre expanse of restored buildings, working farms, preserved natural areas, and cultural attractions. From thoughtfully furnished guest rooms to seasonal menus at The Trustees’ Table, every corner of the Village reflects the Shaker ideals of craftsmanship, purpose, and community.

Stay in Restored Shaker History

Rather than towering glass hotels or minimalist modern suites, The Inn invites guests to sleep within the walls of authentic 19th-century Shaker buildings. Its 72 guest rooms, suites, and private cottages are spread across 13 unique structures. Each space carries distinct character while offering modern comforts.

Original hardwood floors creak gently underfoot. Handcrafted Shaker reproduction furniture lines the rooms. Windows open to serene countryside scenes, and the design remains true to the community’s founding values of order, clarity, and peace.

You might stay in the Trustees’ Office at the heart of the Village, or tuck into the secluded Tanyard Cottage for a more private retreat. Some rooms overlook the East Family Farm, while others are part of the family suite-friendly West Family Dwelling.

Each guest enjoys access to reading libraries, game rooms, and quiet paths to wander. There are no televisions to distract, just an invitation to rest, reflect, and reconnect.

Amenities That Enhance Simplicity

The Inn blends history with thoughtful convenience. Every guest room includes:

  • Shaker-style furnishings
  • Single-cup coffee brewing systems
  • Heating and air conditioning
  • Private baths
  • Original architectural details

Stays also include complimentary admission to The Historic Centre, The Farm, and The Preserve for the full length of your visit. Whether your days are filled with walking trails, heritage tours, or workshops, the experience starts the moment you arrive.

Savor Seasonal Seed-to-Table Dining

The Trustees’ Table serves as the Village’s culinary centerpiece. Seasonal menus celebrate ingredients harvested from The Farm and surrounding Kentucky producers. Meals are hearty, rooted in tradition, and plated with elegant restraint.

Breakfasts offer scratch-made biscuits, locally sourced eggs, and fresh preserves. Lunch might include skillet-fried chicken with braised greens. For dinner, slow-cooked pot roast, cornbread, and sorghum-glazed carrots arrive with a balance of rustic comfort and refined execution.

The dining room’s warm lighting and antique surroundings create an atmosphere where every meal feels like a homecoming.

Explore 3,000 Acres of Living History

Beyond the inn’s doorsteps, Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill offers guests the chance to explore preserved farmland, nature trails, educational exhibits, and craft demonstrations. The property encompasses:

  • The Historic Centre: Interpreted Shaker buildings with exhibits and guided tours
  • The Farm: A working landscape featuring heirloom gardens, livestock, and orchard groves
  • The Preserve: More than 1,000 acres of managed prairie and forest with 37 miles of hiking trails
  • The River: Canoeing and educational programs along the Kentucky River Palisades

Workshops in blacksmithing, weaving, and sustainable farming allow guests to engage hands-on with the legacy of Shaker life. Special events throughout the year offer live music, nature walks, lectures, and family programs.

Easy Access to Bourbon and Bluegrass

The Inn’s location places guests in close reach of Kentucky’s most iconic attractions. Legendary bourbon distilleries such as Woodford Reserve and Four Roses are just a short drive away. Nearby horse farms offer tours and experiences for equestrian enthusiasts. Historic towns like Harrodsburg and Danville provide charming detours for antique shopping, art galleries, and small-town festivals.

Guests often use The Inn as a base to explore Kentucky’s cultural and culinary roots, returning each evening to unwind in quiet comfort.

Packages and Premier Experiences

For guests seeking a deeper dive into Kentucky traditions, Shaker Village offers curated packages that combine overnight stays with dining experiences, bourbon trail adventures, and seasonal workshops. Whether you’re visiting with friends, planning a romantic weekend, or organizing a family trip, the team can help craft an itinerary that matches your pace and passions.

Practical Information

  • Check-in: 3:00 PM
  • Check-out: 11:00 AM
  • Children: Under 17 stay free with an adult (room only)
  • Pets: Allowed in select rooms for $25 per pet, per night
  • Accessibility: Some limitations due to historic structures
  • Front Desk Location: Welcome Center (Carpenters’ Shop)

Note: There are no elevators in any overnight building, so guests with mobility concerns should inquire about ground-level accommodations when booking.

A Peaceful Pause in Kentucky

Staying at The Inn at Shaker Village is not simply about booking a room. It is a return to a slower rhythm and a chance to experience hospitality shaped by tradition. Whether you’re sitting by a fire, walking through a wildflower meadow, or sharing a farm-to-table meal with family, the Village welcomes you to rest and rediscover something essential.

For those who crave meaningful connection with place and history, there is comfort in every detail here. The Inn at Shaker Village offers a kind of travel experience that lingers long after departure.