Our story
About the Ranch
A family-owned Kentucky destination where heritage, outdoor adventure, and family values meet along the scenic banks of the Kentucky River.
Welcome to Anglin Brothers Ranch
Owned and operated by brothers Nelson Anglin and Houston Anglin, along with their families, the ranch was built from a shared love of the land and a desire to create a place where others can experience the beauty of rural Kentucky.
Whether guests come for horseback riding, camping, special events, live music, hunting experiences, or simply to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, our goal is to provide authentic Kentucky hospitality and create memories that last a lifetime.
A Working Kentucky Farm
Anglin Brothers Ranch is first and foremost a working Kentucky farm. The ranch actively produces hay and is home to cattle and horses that are cared for year-round. Agriculture remains at the heart of what we do, and we are proud to continue the farming traditions that have shaped this land for generations.
Guests have the opportunity to experience authentic farm life while enjoying the natural beauty and recreational opportunities the ranch has to offer.
More Than a Business
For our families, the ranch is more than a business—it is a way of life. We have spent countless hours working the land, caring for livestock, and enjoying time together outdoors.
We believe places like this are meant to be shared, and we are proud to welcome visitors to experience a piece of Kentucky’s rich agricultural and cultural heritage.
Service to Country
Both Nelson Anglin and Houston Anglin proudly served in the United States military. The values of service, hard work, integrity, and dedication learned during their time in uniform continue to guide their families and the operation of Anglin Brothers Ranch today.
Kentucky River heritage
A Rich Kentucky River History
The history of this property stretches back more than two centuries and is closely tied to one of the oldest transportation corridors in Central Kentucky.
Paint Lick Ferry
Located near the mouth of Paint Lick Creek on the Kentucky River, the area was home to the historic Sanders Ferry, later known as Paint Lick Ferry. Historical records place the ferry in operation as early as 1789, serving as a vital crossing for settlers, traders, livestock drovers, and travelers moving between what are now Madison, Garrard, and Jessamine Counties.
Throughout the late 1700s and 1800s, the ferry became an important link connecting communities on both sides of the Kentucky River. Long before bridges crossed the river, the ferry provided one of the few reliable ways for people, livestock, wagons, and goods to travel through the region.
Showboats & the Teater Family
The crossing was originally known as Sanders Ferry, named for an early owner or operator, before becoming more widely known as Paint Lick Ferry because of its location at the mouth of Paint Lick Creek. During the height of river travel, showboats traveling the Kentucky River reportedly stopped at the ferry landing prior to World War I, bringing entertainment, commerce, and visitors to the community.
The property and surrounding land were later owned by members of the Teater family, whose roots run deep in Madison County history. In its final years, the ferry was operated by Harman Teater, who is remembered as the last ferryman to guide travelers across the Kentucky River at this historic crossing.
End of an Era, Beginning of Ours
After more than 160 years of service, Paint Lick Ferry ceased operation around 1950, marking the end of an era in Kentucky River transportation. Although the ferry no longer runs, traces of its history remain. The old ferry landings can still be found near the end of KY-39 where the roadway reaches the Kentucky River, serving as a reminder of the countless travelers who once crossed these waters.
Today, Anglin Brothers Ranch proudly preserves and celebrates this remarkable heritage. The same river that once carried pioneers, merchants, farmers, ferry passengers, and showboats continues to flow beside the property, connecting us to generations of Kentuckians who helped shape the history of this region.
As stewards of this historic land, we are honored to continue its story and share it with our guests, our community, and future generations. Every trail, every gathering, and every sunset over the Kentucky River becomes part of a story that began more than two centuries ago and continues today at Anglin Brothers Ranch.
We invite you to come experience the beauty, history, agriculture, and hospitality that make Anglin Brothers Ranch a truly special place on the Kentucky River.
Come see it for yourself
Book a stay, a trail ride, or a day on the water—and experience the ranch firsthand.