Located in beautiful north central Kentucky, Shelbyville is nestled between Louisville and Frankfort. A family friendly community, Shelbyville offers something for everyone, from historic sites and farms and great downtown shopping to eclectic and regional dining. Best of all, it’s a great place to visit with the kids, whether for a few hours or a day trip. Here are some of Shelbyville’s most popular family attractions:
Gallrein Farms
In addition to their bountiful farmer’s market, Gallrein Farms has a petting zoo where you can observe and feed sheep, goats, and other farm animals. Check out their pond stocked with catfish; you can feed them over the railing of the dock too. Every spring, their greenhouses are packed with a beautiful assortment of annuals, hanging floral baskets, vegetable plants, small shrubs, and perennials.
Gallrein’s café, open July-October, offers sumptuous fare featuring home grown farm fresh ingredients. They host regular weekend themed festivals for charitable and seasonal events that boast great food, activities, and fun features for the family such as pedal cars, hayrides, a hay pyramid, and a corn maze. Located at 1029 Vigo Road, Gallrein Farms is just a short distance from the interstate and other main highways.
Mulberry Orchard
While visiting Mulberry Orchard, check out their kids’ farm themed play area that boasts fun activities for kids of all ages. Stop to see the baby goats and other animals, and take a deep breath and just enjoy their lovely, peaceful farm views. Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy with your family or group in their covered pavilion. They regularly host educational farm tours as well as fun community events. In the fall, you can enjoy hayrides, pick pumpkins, and take a stroll through their corn and soybean mazes.
Specializing in their home grown peaches and apples, Mulberry’s farm market also features a colorful assortment of local vegetables. Situated on 1330 Mulberry Pike, they are open from June through October, and they also carry local honey, beef, yummy apple cider donuts, and other farm fresh products. The Mulberry Kitchen serves up a delicious menu of hot and cold sandwiches, as well as yummy sides, desserts, and beverages the whole family will enjoy.
Clear Creek Park
Located at 717 Burks Branch Road, Clear Creek Park offers 130 acres of family fun, with a large playground, scenic paved and natural walking trails, basketball and tennis courts, and soccer and ball fields. It’s also home to the Clear Creek Golf Course and Practice Range. The Family Activity Center, located on the grounds of Clear Creek Park, features indoor and outdoor pools, a gymnasium, indoor walking track, and fitness room.
The Clear Creek Park system also includes Lake Shelby, where families can rent campsites, picnic, fish, and go boating. There are pavilions available to rent for parties and other gatherings, as well as the historic Birch House, available for meetings, reunions, bridal or baby showers, and similar events. The Park also hosts seasonal sports and youth camps, as well as other themed community gatherings.
Red Orchard Park
Red Orchard Park, situated at 704 Kentucky Street, features scenic trails throughout, where families can enjoy light hiking, jogging, horseback riding, and nature walks. With 131 acres of beautiful rolling hills and mature trees, families are welcome to gather, picnic, and enjoy outdoor recreational activities. Home to early settlers, Red Orchard Park also features a rustic barn with picnic tables and other amenities, available for rental for events throughout the warmer months.
In addition, the Bark Park at Red Orchard is specially designed for our canine friends and their owners, providing separate areas for small and large dogs. (Preregistration and proof of rabies vaccination is required.)
Whether you live nearby or a distance away, Shelbyville is a great place to enjoy quality time with family and friends.
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