Explore

A College campus like no other

Explore like you were Daniel Boone

College Square sits on the edge of the Daniel Boone Trace.  This Trace has historical significance as being the first road into Kentucky and a bridge to the West.  Daniel Boone was seen as bit radical for his time.  In 1855, Berea College was also seen as radical as being the first institution in the South to offer an education to all people, regardless of skin color or gender.  Daniel Boone confronted the wilderness while Berea College confronted the prejudices of the time.   We invite you to “Trace” the history of our College through a student-led tour then make your way through all the points of interest.
We hope you enjoy the adventure.
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Student Led Tours

Immerse Yourself In Berea College's Vibrant History

With a rich and culturally diverse history, renowned reputation in the craft industry, and commitment to sustainability, Berea College’s four student-led tours will guide you from our founding in 1855 to the present day.

Our tours are free and offered daily, based on our students’ class schedules.

Click the button below or call to check availability or schedule a tour.

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Loyal Jones Appalachian Center

Experience Appalachia's Rich Culture

Experience Appalachia's Rich Culture
The Loyal Jones Appalachian Center is a great place to start your exploration into Appalachia. Learn where Appalachia is, how the locals say Apple-atcha, and celebrate the cultural diversity of the region. We have permanent exhibits as well as temporary exhibits. So, there’s always something new to see and learn.

205 N Main St, Berea, KY 40403
-The Loyal Jones Appalachian Center is temporarily closed to the public-

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Berea College Forestry Outreach Center

Discover Berea College's Natural Beauty

The Forestry Outreach Center is the welcome center for our 9000-acre forest. Here, learn about the history of the Berea College forest, attend a Documentary Dialogue, go on a guided hike or maybe a bird walk. There is always something to do at the forest.

To learn more, click below to visit the Forestry Outreach website.

2047 Big Hill Rd, Berea, KY 40403

Monday-Sunday 10AM–4PM

Due to Covid-19 the Forestry Center is temporarily closed.

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Get Outside KY

Immerse Yourself in Nature

Love the water? Be sure to make time on your next visit to paddle our beautiful 150 acre Owsley Fork Lake, nestled in the beautiful hills of Kentucky (a quick 5 mile drive from the Boone Tavern Hotel). Get Outside Kentucky is an official partner of the Berea College Trace and offers affordable kayak rentals by the hour and can deliver the kayaks to the lake for you! They have everything you need for a relaxing or invigorating day on the water.

2428 Big Hill Rd, Berea, KY 40403

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Learn

Gain First-Hand Experience

Come Learn With Us

While in some ways creating art is an individual pursuit, there are common traits that connect across makers: a desire to expand our skills, furnish our homes, surround ourselves with the handmade, and join a community of dedicated craftspeople. We believe that craft can both preserve traditions and beauty – and that craft can act as a counterbalance to a disposable and consumer-reliant world. Making is essential to us. We are excited to share a place where anyone can grow in their skills and fulfill their creative pursuits.

The Woodworking School at Pine Croft

Keeping Traditions Alive

Berea College has re-opened the former Kelly Mehler School of Woodworking under the leadership of Berea College Head of Woodcraft Andy Glenn as The Woodworking School at Pine Croft. Both Andy and Berea College are dedicated to preserving the fundamental character the school has been known for as we move the school into its next phase. The Woodworking School at Pine Croft further supports Berea College’s 120-year commitment to the preservation and promotion of craft.

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The Berea College Planetarium and Digital Theater

Exploring the Universe

The Berea College Planetarium provides a high quality educational and entertainment experience that inspires curiosity and wonder about the natural world. With the completion of the Margarett A. Cargill Natural Sciences and Health Building in August 2018, Berea College has a new planetarium with a digital projection dome. The new digital system is capable of projecting stars, planets, exoplanets and nebulae. Come explore the universe with us!

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Culture

Discover multiple facets of art and culture

Berea College Library
Saint John's Bible

The Saint John’s Bible is a work of art and a work of theology. A team of artists coordinated by Donald Jackson in Wales and a team of scholars in Central Minnesota have brought together the ancient techniques of calligraphy and illumination with an ecumenical Christian approach to the Bible rooted in Benedictine spirituality. The result is a living document and a monumental achievement

Berea College is privileged to be the permanent home to one of the 299 Heritage Editions of the St. John’s Bible. One volume of the Bible is on display in the lobby of the Hutchins library each day. The public is invited to come by and enjoy the words and the beauty of this incredible Bible. The entire Bible (7 volumes) will be housed in Hutchins Library in Special Collections and may be viewed by scheduling an appointment (schedule on the Explore page). We look forward to this treasure being used and enjoyed by professors, staff, students, and the wider community.

The Hutchins Library is temporarily closed to the public due to Covid-19.

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