Educational Activities at Wilderness Road State Park
The park offers seasonal programs, workshops, environmental education programs, living history, special events and Karlan Mansion rentals. View the "Calendar Of Events" in the "About This Park" section for more information.
Karlan Mansion
Karlan Mansion is unfurnished but available for rent for special events. It is situated on the park property and was built in 1878 by Robert McPherson Ely. The Ely family had been in Lee county since around the time that Daniel Boone cut the Wilderness Road. Many of the house's building materials such as the brick were acquired locally (the bricks were made from the land), but marble imported from Italy was used in the fireplace. Robert McPherson did not live there long with his wife and three daughters. They stayed in Missouri while the house was being built and were visiting family when Robert went for a swim in the creek nearby, fell ill from Typhoid fever, and died in 1880 at the age of 24. The wife and daughters continued to live in the house after his death and the house and nearby area came to be known as Elydale.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Call Park (276) 445-3065
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:36° 37.8183 -83° 31.4783
Martin's Station
The park is home to a replica of Martins Station, a frontier outpost that played an important role in the region. This highly authentic replica was built by about 100 volunteers using traditional tools and methods, using oxen to haul local timber to the site for construction. The fort is built of poplar, an abundant hardwood that is easy to work with. Visitors to the fort will see historic interpreters who play the role of 18th century farmers and settlers. One can see them perform a variety of tasks while teaching about frontier life.
- Season/Hours: All Year/Wed - Sun 10 A.M. - 5 P.M.
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:36° 37.9900 -83° 31.6950
Visitor Center
The parks visitor center teaches visitors about the settlement of Virginias frontier and the thousands of people who passed through the area on the way to Kentucky. People can also learn about the constant danger of Indian raids from the Shawnee and Cherokee tribes as well as this areas role in the Revolutionary War. The visitor center features a large theater that shows an 18 minute film that tells more about life on the frontier. The visitor center also has a gift shop that sells souvenirs. These include many replicas of 18th century tools, weapons, and household items in addition to books about the history of the region.
- Season/Hours: All Year/ Monday - Sunday : 10:00am to 4:30pm
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:36° 37.8349 -83° 31.5750
Other Activities At Wilderness Road State Park:
Biking, Camping, Gifts and Shopping, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Picnicking, Gifts and Shopping, Hiking, Horseback Riding and Picnicking
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