Visiting Locust Grove: Fun for the Whole Family Near Pewee Valley, KY

Nothing beats a day trip to Locust Grove near Pewee Valley, KY! Our family had a blast visiting this Colonial Revival House Museum and enjoying its beautiful gardens – and we especially loved the period reenactments and demonstrations in the kitchen and garden! Locust Grove often called the Historic Locust Grove State Historic Site, is essential to Kentucky’s history. Formerly owned by General George Rogers Clark, the most famous American frontiersman of the nineteenth century, Locust Grove was constructed in 1806–1810 during Clark’s stewardship. His estate mainly comprised his plantation home, outbuildings, and livestock. The estate changed hands frequently in the early 1900s due to the industrial revolution, and it is now a museum with several of its original structures. Learn more here.

History of Locust Grove

General George Rogers Clark founded Locust Grove in 1806; a Revolutionary War veteran and one of the most influential explorers to ever explore and settle the western part of the United States. When he purchased the plot of land, he set up a very efficient and well-planned agricultural operation. Cattle were kept on the property, cotton and hemp were grown, and lumber was cut and processed in a mill. The estate’s reputation as a well-functioning agricultural center enabled Clark to become an influential business figure. In 1880, upon his death, his brother William inherited the estate and ran it until the 1940s. Learn more about The Timeless Appeal of the Heigold House Facade Naer Pewee Valley, KY.

Features: Visitors to Locust Grove can authentically experience colonial life on the site’s property. Many of the original structures remain, including the original farmhouse, which remains well preserved. The Rose Garden was planted in 1950 and is still a blooming tribute to the former estate. The Post Office was the neighborhood's central trading hub in the past, where people would meet up and stock up on necessities. It has been returned to its original 19th-century facade and is open for tours. Other attractions on the site include an apple orchard, numerous cabins and outbuildings, and two log cabins that date back to the local Revolutionary War era.

Activities at Locust Grove

Tours: The Historic Locust Grove State Historic Site offers walking and horseback tours, allowing visitors to explore the home and grounds as they would have been in the 1800s. Guided tours offer additional information on the site’s history and provide a unique estate view. Horseback tours are also available, allowing visitors to explore the grounds on horseback and the countryside.

Special Events: Locust Grove hosts a wide range of events every month of the year. These events include harvest days, civil war reenactments, living history theater performances, and interactive workshops. Many of these events revolve around the estate’s past and help to educate visitors on its history.

Nearby Attractions

Pewee Valley Site: Many historic sites celebrate the area’s 19th-century history—the Victorian houses and local businesses surrounding the historic railroad terminal date back to its construction. The town also boasts two pioneer cemeteries and the Caldwell Biological Preserve.

Louisville, KY Indoor/Outdoor Activities

People can cruise down the Ohio River or look around downtown Louisville. The city has golf c, parks, and art and history museums. Nearby Louisville also has many attractions, including the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory and the Louisville Zoo.

Final Thoughts

Locust Grove is a living history museum with a rich and fascinating history. Visitors want to explore the estate’s structures or learn more about its history. There are plenty of nearby attractions in Pewee Valley and Louisville. All in all, a visit to Locust Grove will be memorable!