Perryville KentuckyATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Perryville, Kentucky.
1. Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC LANDMARK
Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site offers visitors a glimpse into Civil War history through well-curated artifacts, interpretive trails, and serene rolling hills. The site features 19 miles of walking trails where history enthusiasts can explore the grounds where the significant Battle of Perryville took place on October 8, 1862. Visitors can enhance their experience with guided tours provided by roving interpretive guides for $10.00 for adults and $5.00 for children.
2. Merchants Row
HISTORIC DOWNTOWN DISTRICT
Merchants Row represents the historic downtown district of Perryville with preserved 19th-century architecture. Visitors can stroll through this charming area to get a sense of how the town looked during the Civil War era, with many buildings dating back to that period. The area provides a picturesque backdrop for history lovers and photographers seeking to capture authentic Kentucky heritage.
3. Old Union Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Old Union Cemetery serves as the final resting place for many soldiers who fought in the Battle of Perryville and other historical figures from the area. The cemetery provides a solemn space for reflection on the human cost of the Civil War and the history of the region. Visitors can walk among the historic gravestones and monuments while learning about the individuals who shaped Perryville's past.
4. Chaplin River Antiques
VINTAGE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Chaplin River Antiques offers treasure hunters a delightful selection of vintage items, collectibles, and historical artifacts in Perryville. The store is housed in a historic building that adds to the charm of the shopping experience, connecting visitors to the town's rich past. Browsing through the eclectic collection provides insights into local history and culture while offering unique souvenirs to take home.
5. Karrick Parks House
HISTORIC RESIDENTIAL BUILDING
The Karrick Parks House stands as a well-preserved example of historic residential architecture in downtown Perryville. This structure offers visitors a glimpse into the lifestyle of prominent residents during the Civil War era, with architectural details that highlight 19th-century craftsmanship. The house represents one of several historic buildings that surrounded the battlefield in 1862, providing context for understanding Perryville's development.
6. Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
PRESERVED RELIGIOUS COMMUNITY
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is America's largest restored Shaker community, featuring 3,000 acres of discovery with 34 original 19th-century buildings. Visitors can explore the preserved architecture, learn about the unique religious group through interactive exhibits, and experience the simplicity and innovation of Shaker life. The village offers immersive experiences including tours, craft demonstrations, and farm activities that bring history to life just a short drive from Perryville.
7. Maker's Mark Distillery
ICONIC BOURBON EXPERIENCE
Maker's Mark Distillery welcomes bourbon enthusiasts to its picturesque grounds where they can witness the creation of this iconic Kentucky spirit. The tour features the complete whiskey-making process from grain to bottle, including the famous hand-dipped red wax seal that makes each bottle distinctive. Visitors can enjoy tastings of various Maker's Mark expressions while learning about the brand's history and the bourbon-making traditions that have been maintained since 1953.
8. Abraham Lincoln Museum
PRESIDENTIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Abraham Lincoln Museum commemorates the life and legacy of America's 16th president who was born near Hodgenville, Kentucky. The museum houses a comprehensive collection of Lincoln memorabilia, historical documents, and artifacts that trace his journey from humble beginnings to the presidency. Interactive exhibits and informative displays provide visitors with insights into Lincoln's formative years in Kentucky and his enduring impact on American history.
9. Wilderness Trail Distillery
CRAFT BOURBON PRODUCTION
Wilderness Trail Distillery showcases small-batch bourbon production using locally grown grains and scientific precision in the heart of Kentucky's bourbon country. Visitors can tour the facility to learn about the distillery's unique sweet mash process and see every step of whiskey-making from fermentation to aging. The experience culminates with a tasting of their award-winning bourbons and ryes, allowing guests to appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into each bottle.
10. Fort Harrod State Park
PIONEER SETTLEMENT RECREATION
Fort Harrod State Park features a full-scale replica of the first permanent European settlement west of the Allegheny Mountains, established in 1774. Costumed interpreters demonstrate pioneer life skills such as weaving, blacksmithing, and cooking, bringing early Kentucky frontier history to life. The park also includes the Lincoln Marriage Temple, which houses the cabin where Abraham Lincoln's parents were married, connecting visitors to multiple layers of Kentucky's rich historical tapestry.
11. Lincoln Homestead State Park
PRESIDENTIAL FAMILY HERITAGE
Lincoln Homestead State Park preserves several original and replica structures associated with Abraham Lincoln's ancestors who settled in Kentucky. Visitors can explore the cabin belonging to Lincoln's grandmother, the blacksmith shop operated by his father, and other period buildings that provide context for understanding the future president's family roots. The park also features a golf course, picnic areas, and hiking trails, making it both a historical destination and recreational venue not far from Perryville.
12. Norton Center for the Arts
CULTURAL PERFORMANCE VENUE
The Norton Center for the Arts serves as a premier cultural hub on the campus of Centre College, hosting world-class performances in music, theater, and dance. The facility features multiple performance spaces, including the 1,470-seat Newlin Hall, which has welcomed renowned artists and companies from around the globe. Visitors can enjoy a diverse schedule of events throughout the year, experiencing high-caliber entertainment in an intimate setting just a short drive from Perryville.
13. Ephraim McDowell House
MEDICAL HISTORY LANDMARK
The Ephraim McDowell House preserves the home and office of the pioneering surgeon who performed the world's first successful abdominal surgery in 1809. Visitors can tour the restored Federal-style brick house to see period furnishings, medical instruments, and exhibits detailing McDowell's groundbreaking operation on Jane Todd Crawford. The site stands as a testament to medical innovation and courage, offering insights into early 19th-century medical practices and frontier life.
14. Constitution Square State Park
KENTUCKY'S POLITICAL BIRTHPLACE
Constitution Square State Park commemorates the site where Kentucky's first constitution was drafted and the state's journey to becoming the 15th member of the Union began. The park features reconstructed and restored buildings including the first post office west of the Alleghenies, the courthouse, and the jail, all arranged around a central green space. Visitors can walk through these historic structures while learning about the political development of Kentucky and the democratic processes that shaped the Commonwealth.
15. Great American Dollhouse Museum
MINIATURE ART SHOWCASE
The Great American Dollhouse Museum displays over 200 dollhouses, room boxes, and miniature buildings arranged in elaborate scenes depicting American social history from Native American settlements to the present day. Visitors are captivated by the intricate details of the miniature worlds, which include a timeline of American history, a Kentucky town from the early 20th century, and a fantasy forest filled with whimsical creatures. The museum offers a unique cultural experience that appeals to art enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and storytelling through miniatures.