Reviews of Farmington Historic Plantation. (Museum) in Louisville (Kentucky).

Farmington Historic Plantation

192 Reviews

128 Comments

Museum

History museum

3033 Bardstown Rd, Louisville, KY 40205, United States

Description

Information of Farmington Historic Plantation, Museum in Louisville (Kentucky)

Discover the opening times, the location, contact, popular times, photos and real reviews by internet users.

This place has a very good rate, they treat their customers well and you’ll feel welcome, super recommended

Map

Open hours of Farmington Historic Plantation

Popular times

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Reviews of Farmington Historic Plantation

Beth Rekoske

This is a gem in the heart of the city. Lots of history here. The home is well cared for with time period furniture and a very knowledgeable guide. Abraham Lincoln spent time here and was a close friend of the family. The tour was the entire main floor and then the lower level also! It was approximately a 2 hour tour. So much information.

Kristie Hall

This was such a great field trip! We learned so much valuable history and saw the beautiful house that has been very well maintained. The grounds are gorgeous too. I highly recommend visiting!

Jennifer Schied

John was a great wealth of knowledge. We enjoyed our tour and getting to know more about Lincoln and the Speed family. FYI pictures inside the house are not allowed.

Mary Sithu

A hidden treasure in the middle of the city. Incredible historical location - a must see! Very well kept grounds, lot of history, loved the short 15 min audio-visual presentation of the sounds and connection between Abraham Lincoln and this historic site. Speed our tour guide is very knowledgeable and thorough! My student was excited to be there. The two hour tour is worth every minute you spend there!

Bryan Miller

Great experience and a great tour guide. I would recommend paying for the tour and getting an education of the Plantation like no other.

Dauphine of France Couture Chandra Peyton

I’m really drawn to this historical place. I bring my family and my friends bring their families as well. We are always treating excellent. I’m hoping more people will come to do the tour. The grounds are well kept always, and they even give a free tour on Juneteenth. Every time I come to visit which is quite often I learn more about our enslaved ancestors. On our most recent visit our tour guide was an actual Speed descendant. He was very knowledgeable and very kind in his tone while informing us of the day to day events that occurred on this plantation.

N L Bickett

The Farmington Plantation Tour I received on 9/10/2022 exceeded all expectations. My guide carefully walked me through all aspects of the history about Farmington. I have lived in Louisville a good part of my life and regret that this was my first official tour of this beautiful and significant part of Kentucky history. When I walked into the room where President Lincoln sat and discussed matters with Mr. Speed centuries ago, it brought home to me in a personal way the importance of Kentucky's role in history, specifically the Civil War. I saw where the enslaved worked and quietly dreamed as they were held captive by a sociopolitical system that thwarted their true potential. I saw the beautiful architecture of the building which was at one time "in the country." I was able to imagine and feel the presence of those who occupied the house and walked the grounds because of the magnificent restoration that has been completed over the years. This is a must see, whether you are Kentuckians or, someone who respects that knowing our past defines our future. Take a look. You won't regret it.

Henrik Eriksen

A very nice place with only us to have a guided tour. Tons of history with 80% focus on Lincoln relation to the place. The team in the visitor center went out of their way to help and make sure we got a good tour.

Tami Kelley

This was a great tour. Very interesting history and the house/grounds are so beautifully kept. It is so close to the originality of it which makes you take a step back in time. I highly recommend doing this tour if in the Louisville area.

Tom Riggins

Our family loves to visit historical homes and places. This was a great experience. The ties to Abraham Lincoln alone make it special, but the amount of time you’re allowed in the house and the access to your docent is better than most homes with the same type of tour. You will not be disappointed if you take the time to visit.

Jennifer Angelo

The tour was great. Jim, our guide was very knowledgeable with lots of stories about the house and the family. A lot of fun.

Lucy Moore

Excellent tour of a plantation; a lot of history on early 1800s Louisville. Abraham Lincoln stayed here- you can walk where he did. Beautiful structure built to a Thomas Jefferson design. Good amount of information about plantation life, including what life was like for slaves who lived there. Should be at top of list of things to do in Louisville.

Roderic Peyton

I had a wonderful time on tour at the Farmington Plantation with my family. Yes the reality is harsh,but I found it very necessary my young teenage sons learn the history of the ones that came before them. The tour guide took his time to explain everything and answer every question. We were fortunate to speak with a member of the Speed family, but also a lady that was married to a direct decendant of a slave that lived on the Plantation. It was a great education that you will not get in the classroom of any Kentucky school. If you looking for an authentic look I to Kentucky's slave history, I suggest a tour of the Farmington Plantation.

Jamie Pike

I attended a yoga festival here, so I can't speak for the tours or museum part of it. But the grounds were very beautiful and well kept.

Mar concessions Smokehousengrill

Just took the tour. Do yourself a favor and come here! Awesome tour guide, awesome house! Amazing history! It's a must!

Wayne R

Wonderful tour of history! The docent was so informative, giving us a great tour. Call for scheduled tour times to see the inside of the house.

Jill K Bailey Gladson

Lovely area. We had an amazing time during our visit. The short presentation before the tour was very educational. The tour itself was not quite as informative as what I remembered from prior visits but that is probably a fluke.

Seeking Hearts Ministries

Highly recommend touring this historic home. It is definitely worth the tour!

Allee Woodwell

We had a fantastic “Coffee with Lincoln” experience (found on AirBnB) today. It was an intimate tour of the grounds, house, and exhibit. Less than 10 minutes into our conversation with “Lincoln”, you forgot that he was in character. It was fully immersive and educational not only for my school aged kids, but also younger ones and adults alike! I highly recommend checking out this special one-of-a-kind tour. It will not soon be forgotten.

Diane Rantz

Very interesting and informative tour of this historical place. I'm so glad it's being preserved! Our tour guide was the best a definite must see well worth the money!

Dallas Shearer

Excellent place to visit! Very informational and a lot to be learned. The hosts were very knowledgeable on the history of it and did very well explaining what went on. I'm thankful they keep up on the research to maintain accuracy with the history. It seemed as if they keep finding new information and are still continuously trying to find more to incorporate within the tour. Very beautiful place and awesome history experience. Excellent family trip!

Benjamin Judah

Beautiful historic site. The area has agricultural farming including hemp

Jon Parker

Very proud to have a place to truly show the history of hemp in Kentucky.

Stephanie S

Great experience. A definite must see. Learned so much about Abe Lincoln and the Speed family.

Bethany Berry

Really cool place. We did our research before coming and wanted to do the tour according to their website. However when we got there the visitors center was closed. I called the number and she said the the hours were for the self-guided tour of the grounds and that there were no pay-for tours. There's some confusion there. Besides that this is a great, isolated, and quiet place to learn slave history from. Not very many tourists at all. Kind of hard to find; tucked behind a residential driveway/alleyway. Wished we could have gone in. Just wished they didn't allow weddings at such at reverent place built by slaves.

Stanley Lawson

Wonderful glimpse into our history. The grounds the building the staff help you feel like you're going back to the 1850s. One of the most beautiful historic sites in Kentucky if not in the Eastern United States.

Elizabeth Gilbert

We didn't go while they were open but just re grounds filled up our morning! Beautiful! Very historically accurate. Fun place to bring the family for a day. I bet it's even better when you can go inside! Small parking lot. Hidden time warp in a beautiful Louisville neighborhood!

Danielle Perez

I never took a tour, but we did have our wedding here in October and it was beautiful! The courtyard is a beautiful backdrop for the ceremony and the pavilion is such a lovely reception area. I really wanted an outdoor wedding where the ceremony and reception could be in the same place and Farmington was perfect for that! I only wished we could have stayed later and kept celebrating!

Tyler Wilson

Absolutely beautiful venue. I got married here in 2015 and couldn't ask for a more perfect day and location. The garden was in full bloom and the weather was a perfect spring day. They did show a guest around while my wife and her party we're getting ready, which wasn't cool, but otherwise everything was great.

J Hart

Loved the history. Grateful for knowledgeable tour guide.

Linda Roe

I stopped by Farmington this week and just walked around the grounds. The museum was closed but I got to enjoy a self guided tour around the grounds. It brought back very fond memories of volunteering in the garden over thirty-five years ago. I had such a good time working in the gardens. I will have to make their plant sale this spring and definitely come back to see the lovely gardens in the spring.

Jonathan Brown

Beautiful grounds and facilities. The size of the grounds are very surprising. NOt really big enough for a lot of hiking but if you want to get out and explore some beautiful grounds this is a great spot. It is used extensively by many photographers and for personal use I do not believe you have to pay but if you are a professional you have to pay to use the grounds.

Jonathan Cole

The website shows they have tours at 1 and 3 pm. We got there at 2:45 and they stated they didn't want to do any tours. We walked the property ourselves, but most of the buildings are gone and the property is not kept up the best.

Jason Smith (Smitty)

The home was built in 1814 by John & Lucy Speed, who were both from wealthy Virginia families. They settled the land that became Farmington, first in log cabins and then built the house that is there today with architectural designs that many agree were originally authored by Thomas Jefferson (an American Founding Father, principal architect of the Declaration of Independence from England, and 3rd President of these United States). Farmington was a fully functioning homestead with a cash crop of hemp. At its peak Farmington was surrounded by 500 acres of hemp plants (commonly used to make rope and other products). The best time to have visited would have been back in 1841 while Abraham Lincoln spent 3 weeks visiting the Speed family. At that time, young Abraham was courting Mary Todd (born Dec 13, 1818 and raised in Lexington, KY. Then moved to Springfield, IL at age 17), and he was in need of a place to recover from both exhaustion & depression. The Speed family took him in and helped the future President get back on his feet. Farmington is a great little piece of preserved history with a nice rose garden in the rear. It's a nice place to stretch the legs or walk the dog if passing by on a trip. The entrance is right off the I-264 Bardstown Rd exit (Turn North onto Bardstown Rd). The entrance is on the right side, so start looking for a Farmington sign immediately after turning onto Bardstown Rd.

Michael Lamey

This was my first time at the Farmington historical plantation house I was there for a meeting. Was quite impressed with the artwork and the building itself. If you live in Louisville or not this is definitely a must-see and something to be placed on your to-do list

Dishy Trishy

Nice park area by Sullivan university. Lovely paths for walking/jogging, great place to take your pets for a walk. Could be a good for families to learn the local history and maybe catch a picnic. It is not usually crowded, either.

SapphireWolfPup

Tour guides were really awesome and made it very interesting and fun for an 11 and 14-year-old. They were able to make history real for us.

Patricia Wright

Very interesting. The history was for Kentucky and Abraham Lincoln. The guide had a broad knowledge of the plantation and the Louisville area.

Rachael Koontz

We enjoyed visiting today using the cultural pass. They have short tours which a great for kids. We liked exploring the grounds. The staff was super friendly and great with the kids.

Shawn M.

Very historical place to visit. Nice staff, and there is a really nice garden festival around mother's day that is worth checking out. Have to absolutely get some Kentucky Blackberry Jam from the Lucky Clover Farm booth, really incredibly great food.

Jennifer McGee

Our guide was very educated and patient. He answered questions. We had a small group. The property is beautiful!

Stephanie Cohn

Farmington is a wonderful property to visit. The tour is rich in historical detail and the guides were quite knowledgeable, not just about the plantation but also about the local history throughout the time of the property.

Deena Doud

I helped cater a wedding here and it is a beautiful location. Amazing views and nice layout of land and historic buildings. I would highly recommend this as a place for events, both upscale and casual.

C Funkey

We had a lovely tour of the house . If you like history this is a great place to go.

Leah Rich

I just listened to a “trace materials” podcast discussing this historic plantation. They are doing great work educating Kentuckians and visitors of the uses of hemp, as well as its connection to slavery. I look forward to visiting.

Daniel Van Beek

Very well run place with very well informed docents and staff. Use proper terminology mostly (enslaved people vs. slaves) and do not shy away from the realities of a major Louisville family and its lineage in this very cruel and inhumane and shameful part of our history.

Rachel Baldes

Privately funded historical home and grounds. Home tour fascinating but not appropriate for young children for safety and proximity of fragile antiques. House and grounds both not well suited for wheelchairs, walkers, or strollers.

Doug Stern

Thomas Jefferson gave the design for Louisville's Farmington as a wedding present to fellow Virginian Lucy Gilmer Fry when she married John Speed in 1808. Beautifully restored, preserved and interpreted. It's easy to imagine Lincoln visiting his good friend, Joshua Fry Speed, here in the summer of 1841. A must-visit!

Carolina A. Welch

Wedding venue. Beautiful location.

Shantele Allen

Tour guide was great and very knowledgeable!

Gordon Oyer

A great place to visit and learn. Well interpreted and we'll restored.

Devin Brianne

Beautiful historic home and property off of Bardstown Road. Tours available, host to special events and weddings throughout the year. The staff works very hard to maintain this gem for people to enjoy.

Phen Pedron

Great! Had a lot of fun here. Seems like a great place for a wedding

Sandy Mcclish

Beautiful house and grounds. Excellent learning experience for the time period both good and bad.

scott kellerjsk

Very nice place ,Really good tour guide informative and helpful

Thea

Historic Gem! Big Fan of this beautiful historic home museum and community resource. The passion and dedication of the staff makes this place Great. Thank You!

Thomas Woodbury

Just reopened, great tour, excellent docent. Loved the connection to Lincoln.

Aleks Foster

Great place to go for a leisurely stroll. It's dog friendly, which is great. My pups always enjoy themselves there. The staff in the gift shop are great as well.

John Mihich

Good historic farm. Well maintained and can visit free - out side only. Inexpensive. If you are into history this is a must visit

TM

We went in Spring of 2016. What a very informative tour! Great history of Abe Lincoln's stay with the family there.

Theo Yates

Amazing place and all the staff seems to know so much history about the house, they have got a lot of local stories and history from actual families that lived there.

Carmen Scyphers

Beautiful historic home and land. The detailed tour of the house was great and my young kids enjoyed it too.

Curt Caden

There was a brochure there. Everything locked up and nothing much to see. You would think with the main house locked they would leave the window blinds open on the porch.

John Curry

Truly a part of history. I'm related to the Speeds and the Lincolns...so it means a lot to me to be able to take a step back into the past for the sake of history.

Rochelle Arnold

Enjoyed our visit alot, just wish it hadn't been so much about Lincoln.

Brittney Mauck

Very nice place for weddings, family reunions and etc. So beautiful with it being hidden behind alot of places (traffic ,stores) history in this place is very neat.

Randy Bolton

This is not only a beautiful place but it's obviously historic too. Abraham Lincoln stayed here. Go check it out!

Stephen Lohrmann

The house and grounds are beautiful. The docent was very good and patient, he answered most of my questions!

Holly

This is such a beautiful place! All of the houses are meticulously restored, and it is a great place to visit.

L N

I grew up next to Farmington and still love it's mystic from childhood. Plan on an hour or more and pay for the tour if you can.

Darnell Stradtner

We love to take out kids to things with history and this was great. A really good family outing.

William McFarland

Gorgeous venue. Went here for a wedding, everything was wonderful. Very spacious

Colin McNaughton

A historic Gem for Louisville, Kentucky. The Narrative about Lincoln at Farmington is superb.

Tracy Matshall

Through no fault of theirs tours could not happen. I'm sure that would have improved the rating.

Luke Hilgeman

Thank you for sharing this beautiful home with us!

Christine J Jones

Wonderful historic site... Great information! Amazing to learn of decorating preferences of the period.

william litsey

Great place to get married at my cousin got married here. It was beautiful place.

David Jonathan Powell

Awesome place to visit. Great historic place with a good history

Jennifer Givans

Loved walking thru history

Kyle Busby

Great time for a derby brunch

Daniel Cupkovic

Really calm and tranquil gardens on a rustic plantation off bardstown road.

Kelly Tabor

Very nice and informative. The inside of the house is beautiful.

Shulammite Vance-Hill

Wonderful here, beautiful gardens, well kept.

Beth Pritchard

This is the first plantation I've toured that actually has a memorial to the people who were enslaved here.

John Maloney

Very knowledgeable guide interesting answered any and all questions

Kevin Lemmons

Annual plant sale for the garden was nice.

Raven Dawn

Well worth it I loved it

Jack Konrat

Historic venue for festive activities such as weddings

Barbara Chumbley

Very nice and interesting. Well worth seeing.

Nathan Steinke

Beautiful place to relax and unwind.

Mark Milliner

***Lots of history here***...recommend for the family history buffs...

Sue Ann Pustay

Great experience touring the Plantation.

Kristen Stewart

Great tour and docent!

Chris Gleim

This is a great free place to go for a walk

Gerald

Nice place for a wedding

Angela Washington

Beautiful! Peaceful right in the heart of the city.

Chris S

Nice green space in the heart of Louisville.

Maurice Bassett

Awesome place to see and very knowledgeable staff

Nick P

Great place for a morning walk

Janice Bauer

Lovely place for a wedding.

Juan Martinez

Humbling experience.

Sue Hodapp

Needs dumpster near it's pavilion for events

Malinda Vogel

Is this place still open? Part of Sullivan now?

Russ Trabue

Barely really bet poorly ran needs New Management

Yanesky Holland

Beautiful place for a wedding.

Kim Hay

Great wedding venue!

Deborah LaPlace

Where Lincoln learned about slavery.

Chrissy Louden

Gorgeous and full of interesting history

Joanie Callahan

It was a great time .. amazing

Paul Ingold

What a great place to explore

Fred Dougherty

Nice place for a wedding

LittleNikolai

Great tour

Latanya Turney

Thank you for helping my mom

liz hardin

wow it is very knowledgeable

Noah Yates

Louisville Entertainment Services

yhTV

Awesome

Rhonda Miller

Okay. Nothing special

Arnela Kustric

Amazing place

Native Peace-Warrior

Amazing place

Mary Steele

Hidden jem

Sherry Agee

Fascinating history

Tricia Thompson

J

David Burkholder

Kassi Buck

Ammy Callender

Anglbabygirl123

Matt Heinzel

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