Waveland State Historic Site — Attraction in Lexington

I came from Arizona to see Waveland because it was built by my family, but when I got to the gates, the park was closed for a private event. The event turned out to be a wedding, which I thought was a little tacky on multiple fronts, especially considering it was a slave holders home with slave quarters still on the property. The event was not posted on the website, and I don't follow the Facebook page, so I was unaware of the closure. Due to limited time and other obligations, I will not be able to tour the property. Had I known, I would have changed things around yesterday, but again, it wasn't on the website.

When we arrived and tried to speak to the park staff to see if I could at least get information about the family and take a few photos, Lauren stopped us before I could ask any questions. She was rude and told me I could come back tomorrow. I explained that we couldn't since we have other obligations tomorrow and will be leaving Lexington this afternoon. The other woman with Lauren was lovely and actually wanted to know more about how I was related to the family. My husband, who has been a museum director in the past and currently runs historic trail associations, said he would not have stood for a staff member being so blatantly rude.

Ultimately, I may or may not get the opportunity to come back to tour my family's property and to stand where my ancestors stood. To say I'm exceedingly disappointed is an understatement. Do better Kentucky...

My family and I celebrated my niece's 40th birthday with a weekend visit to Waveland. We love historic house museums, and Waveland was a wonderful choice. Our tour through the mansion was very satisfying, with an engaging, informative docent dressed in period clothing to show us around the house and another great guide to take us through the out buildings. Every bit as impressive as the lovely home was the beautiful property surrounding Waveland. Prior to our visit, we contacted the director about setting up a pop up picnic on the grounds. She was a gem to work with, so accommodating and excited for our plans. She assisted us by offering several choices of gorgeous, out-of-the way spots that allowed us to find the perfect location for our special day. Waveland boasts two manicured gardens, a shady lawn, a walking trail through a wooded area, mown fields, a playground, and picnic tables. While we were there, we noticed families taking pictures, children playing on the playground equipment, and a group preparing for an after-hours performance on the lawn. It seems like a fantastic place for families to learn about the fascinating history of the people who lived and worked at Waveland while also enjoying all the outdoor space...

On a nice summer evening about 5pm I went to Waveland to check out the gardens and take pictures of the flowers. A high school girls soccer team was practicing on a field next to the parking lot. Plenty of parking.

Walked around the parklike grounds and discovered a short, manageable walking trail that led me past an old foundation, a small pond, an old cemetery, over a couple little pedestrian bridges and eventually across the lawn to the flower garden maintained by a gardening group. I was too late for most of the blooms and the garden appeared to be at the end of its season.

The log cabin was beautiful in the late day sun, and many blooms still lingered it the space fronting the building. Although I didn't bring a picnic that night, I have in the past. There are clean tables near the edge of the parking lot, in the shade and it's a delightfully convenient location to have a picnic. I'll be back for...