Antebellum estate offering guided tours of a Greek Revival mansion, historic outbuildings, and gardens that reflect 19th-century plantation life.
General Information
Tours (April–October): Wednesday to Saturday, 10am–5pm; Sunday, 1pm–5pm
Tours (November–March): By appointment only
Seniors (62+), AAA, Military: $12
Children (6–12): $6
School Groups (10+): $4 (prearranged)
Adult Groups (10+): $12
How to Get There
From Nicholasville Road, turn onto Waveland Museum Lane and follow signs to the visitor parking area near the mansion.
Overview
The Waveland State Historic Site offers a vivid glimpse into Kentucky’s antebellum past through its beautifully preserved 1848 Greek Revival mansion and original outbuildings. Once home to the Bryan family, descendants of Daniel Boone, the estate includes a smokehouse, icehouse, and slave quarters that provide context to the lives of both the family and the enslaved individuals who lived and worked there. Guided tours bring history to life with period furnishings, costumed interpreters, and stories that explore plantation life in the 19th century.
Beyond the mansion, Waveland’s grounds feature tranquil gardens, a learning garden, and a short nature trail with historic structures and interpretive signage. Seasonal events like Tuesday Teas, vintage baseball games, and educational programs make the site a dynamic destination for families and history enthusiasts. Operated by Kentucky State Parks, Waveland is a place of reflection, education, and cultural preservation nestled in the heart of Lexington’s rolling countryside.
This article uses material from the Wikipedia articles and official tourism pages for the Waveland State Historic Site, which are released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.