This state park is a reconstruction. It's important you know that. But it's a fine reconstruction and will demonstrate to the kiddies what it took to be a pioneer in the original West. Pay a visit to the cemetery. The Indians weren't always friendly, especially when they teamed up with the British.
We really enjoyed our time here! The reenactors were very informative and gregarious! So much history to take in and assimilate. We really enjoyed our time here and would definitely recommend to history buffs. Don't miss the Lincoln marriage temple or the "Taylor Mansion".
We went to Harrod State Park on a whim, and was very glad we did. It was the 4th of July and we arrived at the state park just as a Blue Grass Band started to play. There was a picnic for the town. It was nice. We listened to the band, then started our tour of the fort. The fort is a reconstruction, but we only paid $5 and start our tour. We read the brochure at each log cabin, which explained the inhabitants and what they did, and how they contributed to the frontier way of life. I was disappointed with the Native American area, but we continued on. We met some of the speakers in original clothing and was treated to great information. After leaving the fort, we explored the cemetery. I was extremely disappointed with the condition of this burial site. Since it was the 4th of July, I would have thought the grass would have been cut, but no. I understand that most markers would be unreadable, but the ones you could read were hard to get to because of the grass. Next on to the chapel and museum which was very interesting and included in the price. Overall a great history lesson regarding early frontier life in Kentucky.
Really good place to step back in history and see how it used to be. I have always enjoyed spending time in the replica of the old fort. It helps to bring history alive.
Their grounds were very child inappropriate. I understand that the people that speak and give you a tour has to dress like people did back in that time, but really these people are wearing cloths that go down to their knees and has a split going all the way up their side, where you could see there upper thighs and if the wind blew then you would see more than what you wanted to see. I took a bearcare group up there to check it out, the oldest one in the group was 11. I am 13 and I am saying that this is very inappropriate to kids. Plus, it was so boring, most kids wouldn't understand what the people were talking or explaining to them. Like I said this was very inappropriate to kids even teenagers. I would rather go to a place that is like this but is child appropriate and it is called Shaker village, even though it is boring it is much better then Old Fort Harrodsburg.
There were vendors set up and plenty of food stands. Enjoyed walking through the street looking at the old and new cars attending the car show. Volunteers were on site to give you a history lesson.
This is a MUST see if your are into the early history of the expansion of our country. True to scale, and faithful to the layout of the Fort that was placed prior to the revolution. A little off the path...although in it's time it was on the major buffalo and Indian trail, I highly recommend this place. Peaceful, safe and historically interesting, with live demonstrations of the ways and means that pioneers lived and survived. I will add that the State of Kentucky needs to add a little funding into the budget to bring it up a bit. Lots of interesting artifacts... the museum next door was closed (due to budget) and that was a let down. Great place and great reenactment folks !
Went on a rainy day and it was deserted. Son got to help the blacksmith shape a nail into a decorative hanger - his favorite thing! Got to see them making dolls and soap. Broommaker not there but everything is still out to view. Indian guy was intense and scared the kids a little. Museum was worth a few minutes look, some neat Lincoln memorabilia. Neat house even if you don't like the museum. We were afraid this would be a 10 minute stop that we hated, but we all thoroughly enjoyed it.
I had a free afternoon in Harrodsburg and found a very interesting way to spend my time. There is plenty to see and do at the fort.
My mother and I visited this park on a sunny Saturday afternoon. We were able to roam the grave markers of the original settlers of Kentucky prior to entering the park. Admission to the Fort is $5. This fee also includes access to the museum. The fort is a replica of the original Fort Harrod, which stood on a nearby hill. Although not exact, the fort provides a realistic look at how life was arranged within the fort. You can tour the fort at your own pace and are provided with written information regarding each structure. Typically, staff would be available at each facility to demonstrate how life would have been in each section of the fort. We believe that we visited during a lunch break, as we found most of the areas vacant.Near the front gate is a cabin that is enclosed in a church-like brick structure. This is said to be the cabin that Abraham Lincoln's parents, Thomas and Nancy, were married in. A great deal of detailed information is available. On the opposite corner stands a museum. Tons of things are available on display. Many great artifacts of the revolution and civil war. We spent nearly one hour at the fort and one hour at the museum. An additional 20 minutes was spent in the graveyard, the monument and the cabin.