Blackacre State Nature Preserve & Historic Homestead

Blacacre is a State Nature Preserve & Historic Homestead. We offer educational programs, hiking trials, farm animals, historic tours, a community garden and rental venues.

Blackacre, Kentucky's first State Nature Preserve, was established in 1979 and has influenced hundreds of thousands of school students, teachers and volunteers with environmental education programs and school systems. The 170-acre farm and homestead, donated by Judge Macauley L. Smith and his wife Emilie Strong Smith, was their home for 32 years. The Smiths created Blackacre Conservancy to maintain the historic home, farm buildings, and lands. Today, we have expanded to nearly 300 acres which includes Jefferson County’s largest and diversely rich community garden. Gardeners come from diverse backgrounds that include 14 different countries, mom’s groups, special needs, the elderly, a brain-trauma therapy group, and those finding themselves in challenging financial situations. Located only 25 minutes from downtown Louisville, Blackacre is a haven and a resource for its community. Visitors to Blackacre can explore the grounds and trails, watch and feed the horses, cows, and goats in their open pastures, tour its historic homestead, and participate in many of the educational and recreational programs and events Blackacre has to offer. Blackacre is an approved educational field trip choice for Jefferson County Public School system, hosting outdoor education programs and field trips during the school year to both JCPS and other local private schools.

Blackacre's unique setting offers the community both a nearly 300- acre nature preserve and an historic homestead. The nature preserve can be enjoyed by hiking our many miles of trails through restored Kentucky forest and native wildflower and prairie fields, past waterfalls and stone fences. History buffs will enjoy our 1844 farmhouse, late 1700's stone cottage, and 1795 double crib Appalachian barn, among other historic structures. In homage to the farming heritage of the homestead, animals have returned to Blackacre - cows, horses and goats (and soon-to-be, chickens), all of which are available to the public for petting. Our educational and entertainment activities focus on farming and farm animals, vegetable and herb gardening, landscaping and horticulture, eighteenth and nineteenth century history, and Kentucky culture. At Blackacre Conservancy, we believe hands-on outdoor education fosters personal growth, understanding and respect for our natural and cultural heritage. Blackacre's historic homestead and nature preserve provides unparalled opportunities for the community to come together, share experiences and rebuild their relationship with Kentucky's natural environment and historic legacy. The Blackacre Conservancy is dedicated to preserving Blackacre's natural and historic features, and to sharing this special place with our community.