Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

What Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill does

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit historic destination operating across 3,000 acres in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, and serving more than 100,000 guests annually. The organization preserves and interprets 34 original 19th-century Shaker structures — the country's largest private collection of such buildings and the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky — across three primary experience zones: The Historic Centre (museum exhibitions and self-guided tours), The Farm (organic gardens and livestock supplying on-site dining), and The Preserve (2,000-3,000 acres of restored native prairie with 30.5 miles of multi-use trails).

Revenue is generated through seven streams: daily admission ($3-$20 tiered), overnight accommodations (72 rooms across 13 restored buildings), The Trustees' Table restaurant, three onsite retail shops plus e-commerce, event venue rental (weddings, corporate, social), an annual-pass membership program, and donations/grants. More than 40% of daily operating expenses are funded by charitable donations, supplemented by endowment income and public-source grants. Customer segments include individual/family visitors, adult motor-coach tour groups, K-12 and homeschool student groups, wedding parties, corporate retreat clients, equestrians, and donor/member households. Distribution relies on direct onsite sales, a dedicated Event Sales Team for groups of 15+, phone and website reservations, and earned-media channels (LEX18, WKYT, BBC News, TripAdvisor).

The organization runs an active product and partnership pipeline, including a free mobile app with location-triggered interpretive content, Fresh Food Adventures premium dining events ($99-$109+/person), a Stay & Ride equestrian package ($219-$259/night), annual signature events (Craft Fair, Music on the Lawn), and grant-funded exhibitions. It is governed by a board of trustees and currently led by President and CEO Billy Rankin (appointed February 2025). The Preserve and trail system are presently closed due to storm damage, representing an active operational constraint.

Name

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Legal name

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Website

https://shakervillageky.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1961

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating a 3,000-acre historic destination in Harrodsburg, Kentucky, preserving 34 original 19th-century Shaker structures and serving 100,000+ annual visitors through admission, lodging, dining, retail, events, and educational programs.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Heritage Tourism and Historic Site Hospitality

NAICS

Historical Sites (712120), Museums, Historical Sites, and Similar Institutions (712), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (71219)

SIC

Hotels, Rooming Houses, Camps & Other Lodging Places (7000)

akta.pro primary industry

Country Inns & Rural B&Bs (THAGAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Farmstay Rooms (Working Farms/Ranches) (THAMABAG), Rural/Farmstay-Style Hostels (THAGAGAK)

Keywords

• Heritage tourism
• Historic site preservation
• Museum education programs
• Overnight accommodations
• Special event venues

Headquarters

HQ city

Harrodsburg

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Admission/Tickets: Daily admission fees granting access to self-guided and staff-led tours, demonstrations, hands-on activities throughout The Historic Centre, The Farm, and The Preserve. Special event pricing for Craft Fair and other signature events.
2. Overnight Accommodations: 72 guest rooms, suites, and private cottages spread throughout 13 historic Shaker buildings. Revenue from hotel stays with various room types and packages including Stay & Ride equestrian packages.
3. Dining (The Trustees' Table): Seed-to-table dining experience featuring seasonal Kentucky dishes prepared with straight-from-the-garden ingredients. Multiple meal services including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and special events like Music on the Lawn and Fresh Food Adventures.
4. Retail/Shopping: Three onsite shops offering signature Shaker oval boxes, logo merchandise, seasonal gifts, children's gifts, books, soaps, lotions, jams, jellies, Shaker reproductions and more. Also available online through shop.shakervillageky.org.
5. Venue Rental/Events: Rental of historic venues for weddings, receptions, corporate meetings, retreats, social affairs, and other gatherings. Includes catering services through The Trustees' Table culinary team.
6. Membership Program: Annual pass membership offering complimentary admission to signature events, discounted overnight stays, and other member benefits.
7. Donations and Grants: Nonprofit organization relying on revenue from visiting guests and funding from public sources, private donations and endowment income. More than 40% of daily operations funded by charitable donations.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a nonprofit historic destination that sells daily admission to 34 original Shaker structures and 3,000 acres of preserved land, overnight lodging in 72 guest rooms across 13 restored buildings, seed-to-table dining at The Trustees' Table, retail merchandise, educational programs for K-12 groups, equestrian experiences, and event venue rentals for weddings, corporate retreats, and social gatherings. More than 40% of daily operations are funded by charitable donations and grants.

Product overview

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit historic destination offering a diverse portfolio of hospitality and educational experiences across 3,000 acres. The core offerings include The Historic Centre (34 original Shaker structures with museum exhibitions), The Farm (educational agricultural center with organic gardens and livestock), and The Preserve (nature preserve with 30.5 miles of trails). Supporting hospitality services encompass The Inn (72 rooms in 13 historic buildings), The Trustees' Table (seed-to-table restaurant), The Shops (three retail locations), The Stable (equestrian facilities), and The River (Kentucky River access). The organization operates multiple signature events including an annual Craft Fair, Music on the Lawn, and Fresh Food Adventures dining experiences. Additionally, they offer event venue rentals for weddings and corporate gatherings, K-12 educational programs aligned with Kentucky Academic Standards, and a free mobile app for interactive self-guided tours.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Daily Admission to The Historic Centre, The Farm, and The Preserve Daily admission tickets granting visitors full access to self-guided and staff-led tours, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and more than 30,000 sq. ft. of indoor museum exhibitions across The Historic Centre, The Farm, and The Preserve on 3,000 acres. Pricing: Adults 13-61 $20, Children 6-12 $10, Seniors 62+/military $15. Includes Museums for All ($3 with EBT) and Blue Star Museum (free for active duty military) access programs.
• The Inn at Shaker Village (Overnight Accommodations) Overnight lodging offering 72 guest rooms, suites, and private cottages spread across 13 restored Shaker buildings. Rooms feature Shaker reproduction furniture, original hardwood floors, and countryside views. Rates vary by season; pet fee $50/night. Inn Membership holders receive 30% discount on stays and complimentary admission to Signature Events.
• The Trustees' Table (Restaurant and Catering) Seed-to-table restaurant serving traditional favorites and seasonal Kentucky dishes prepared with ingredients from the on-site garden and local farmers. Offers breakfast ($9-$12), lunch ($14-$23), dinner ($20-$50), Sunday brunch buffet ($24.95 adult / $12.95 kid), and full catering services for weddings, corporate events, and signature dining experiences.
• The Shops at Shaker Village (Retail and Online Store) Three onsite retail shops (Welcome Center, Post Office, Trustees' Office) and an online e-commerce store selling signature Shaker oval boxes, logo merchandise, seasonal gifts, children's gifts, books, soaps, lotions, jams, jellies, and Shaker reproductions.
• Wedding and Event Venue Rentals Rental of historic venues including the 1820 Meeting House (capacity 125), West Lot Dwelling, Meadow View Barn, and 3,000 acres of outdoor spaces for wedding ceremonies, receptions, rehearsal dinners, corporate meetings, board retreats, and social affairs. Includes on-site catering and multi-day lodging for guests.
• K-12 Student Group Educational Programs Curriculum-aligned field trips for K-12 schools, homeschool groups, and youth organizations. Programs include hands-on workshops, historic tours, farm experiences, and outreach programs. Pricing: $8/student for first program, $5/student for each additional program; chaperones $8/$5; school employees free. Youth Outreach Programs: $150/hour first program, $100/hour each additional, plus mileage. Need-based scholarships available. Minimum 15 persons for group rate.
• The Stable (Equestrian Facilities and Trail Rides) Equestrian facility with 29 miles of horse-accessible trails (22+ miles also for horse-drawn carriages), 20-stall overnight boarding, equine obstacle course, and guided trail rides in partnership with Big Red Stables. Trail riding $15 per person; $10 per vessel for Kentucky River access at Shaker Landing.
• The River (Kentucky River Access) Kentucky River access point providing canoe and kayak launch facilities at Shaker Landing, with panoramic views of the Kentucky River Palisades and hiking trails connecting to High Bridge. $10 per vessel access fee.
• Craft Fair (Annual Signature Event) Annual craft fair featuring more than 100 regional artisans offering pottery, jewelry, glassware, woven rugs, needlecraft, basketry, leather goods, floral design, candle dipping, food trucks, and live music. Early bird: $12 ages 13-61, $5 ages 6-12, free under 5, $10 seniors 62+. Day-of: $15 ages 13-61, $8 ages 6-12, $12 seniors/military.
• Music on the Lawn (Weekly Signature Event) Weekly Friday and Saturday evening outdoor dining experience from May through October featuring live music, cocktails, and fire pit seating. No admission required.
• Fresh Food Adventures (Communal Dining Events) Communal dining experiences including Farm Feast ($99/person), Sunset Supper at Shaker Landing ($109/person), Bluegrass in the Barn, and Quail Dinner. Features guest chefs, local musicians, and seasonal menus with all-inclusive fixed dinner and spirits. Ages 21+ only.
• Stay & Ride Equestrian Package Equestrian vacation package including overnight stay, breakfast for two, overnight stalls for up to two horses, and trail riding fees on 30 miles of equestrian trails. Rates $219-$259 per night for two people depending on season.
• Annual Membership Program Annual pass membership providing complimentary admission to Signature Events, 30% discount on overnight stays at The Inn, and other member benefits. Includes Equestrian Membership tier at $175 (individual) or $275 (dual).
• Shaker Village Mobile App Free mobile application available on Apple App Store and Google Play featuring hundreds of historic images, location-triggered content that unlocks interpretive videos and photos at specific sites, stories of individual Shakers, and information about 34 historic structures.

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 100,000 guests welcomed annually
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles7 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Becky Reinhold (Emerging Artist Sponsor)minorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2026Emerging Artist Sponsor for the 29th Annual Craft Fair (August 1-2, 2026). Sotheby's Realty associate providing sponsorship support for regional artisan event.
• Peerhouse CPAminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 August 2026Supporting Sponsor for the 29th Annual Craft Fair (August 1-2, 2026). Regional accounting firm providing sponsorship support for signature event.
• Big Red StablescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner for guided horseback rides at Shaker Village. Contact via website or phone 502.330.8798. Provides guided equestrian experiences for visitors who do not have their own horses.
• Community Trust BankminorGTM or Marketing PartnerContributed to outdoor learning stations throughout Shaker Village, supporting environmental education along trails and pathways.
• Institute for Museum and Library ServicescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerFederal agency providing grants supporting exhibits including 'Local Economies, Global Impacts' exhibition. Supports access initiatives like Museums for All.
• Kentucky Historical SocietycoreGTM or Marketing PartnerState agency providing grants supporting exhibits including 'Pieces of Pleasant Hill' artifact collection exhibition.
• Eli Lilly Endowment, Inc.coreGTM or Marketing PartnerPrivate foundation providing grants supporting exhibits including 'The Believers' exhibition exploring Shaker theology and worship practices.
• Local, State, and Federal Conservation PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Preserve has become a learning laboratory for many local, state, and federal conservation partners. Recognized as a national model for large-scale habitat management and prairie restoration.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Hancock Shaker Village: The most directly comparable peer: another preserved Shaker community site (Pittsfield, MA) operating as a nonprofit historic destination with original 19th-century Shaker buildings, museum exhibitions, dining, and event programming. Directly competes for heritage tourism visitors in the U.S. Shaker heritage category.
• Old Sturbridge Village: A large living history museum in Massachusetts operating as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with original historic structures, immersive educational programming, dining, retail, and signature events. Closely aligned in business model combining heritage preservation with multi-revenue-stream hospitality.
• Conner Prairie: An Indiana-based living history museum operating as a nonprofit with extensive grounds, educational programs, signature events, and seasonal experiences. Comparable hybrid museum/outdoor-recreation/educational-program model serving families and school groups.
• Genesee Country Village & Museum: A New York-based living history museum operating as a nonprofit with original 19th-century buildings, craft demonstrations, seasonal events, and educational programming. Closely aligned in scale, mission, and operating model to Shaker Village.
• Historic Deerfield: A Massachusetts heritage village operating as a nonprofit with preserved historic structures, museum exhibitions, educational programming, and event hosting. Comparable in mission and operational footprint of a smaller-scale historic destination.
• Strawbery Banke Museum: A New Hampshire-based outdoor history museum operating as a nonprofit with restored historic structures, educational programming, signature events, and craft demonstrations. Comparable heritage-tourism operating model with diverse revenue streams.

Broad incumbents

• Colonial Williamsburg: The largest and most established U.S. heritage tourism destination, operating as a nonprofit with restored historic structures, lodging, dining, retail, and educational programming. Functions as the broad incumbent reference point for the heritage-destination category at a significantly larger scale.

Emerging players

• Landis Valley Museum: A Pennsylvania-based living history museum operated as a nonprofit with historic buildings, agricultural demonstrations, educational programs, and special events. Comparable in operating model and rural heritage positioning, though at a smaller scale.
• Mystic Seaport Museum: A Connecticut-based maritime heritage destination operating as a nonprofit with preserved historic buildings, lodging, educational programs, and special events. Comparable in combining a heritage site with hospitality, education, and event-driven revenue.

Regional players

• Kentucky Horse Park: A Kentucky-based destination combining equine heritage, museum exhibitions, event venues, and lodging/equestrian programming. Regionally adjacent peer operating in a similar equestrian/tourism category within Kentucky's Bluegrass region.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/shakervillageky
• Facebookfacebook.com/shakervillageky
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/shaker-village-of-pleasant-hill

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill