Discover Kursky District: Steppe, Horse Riding and History

• The Streletskaya Steppe section of the V. V. Alyokhin Nature Reserve is located in Kursky District; the reserve extends across several districts.
• From April to August, the steppe changes color at least twelve times. There are 77 plant species per square meter.
• A 2024 report describes the TailsTime center in Shcherbetsovo, which offers horseback rides and riding lessons.
• The Kursk Arbuz watermelon farm in Shumakovo grows various varieties, including unusually colored ones; the selection and number change each year.

The name Streletskaya Steppe refers to the section of the V. V. Alyokhin Nature Reserve located in Kursky District. The reserve itself spans several districts. This distinction is useful for planning: the steppe is a specific natural highlight within a larger reserve, not the entire reserve.

From April to August, the steppe changes color at least twelve times. It is also remarkably rich in plant life: 77 plant species grow per square meter. These details give you a seasonal guide if you want to focus your trip on the landscape and its plant life. The steppe is also home to the old “Polovtsian Warrior” sculpture, a popular photo subject for excursion groups.

A 2024 report describes the TailsTime center in Shcherbetsovo, which offers horseback rides and riding lessons. The operators organized horseback excursions through a scenic forest for visitors, as well as rides through the fields. If you want to include horseback riding in your travel plans, check availability in advance.

This is a different focus from the steppe: here, the emphasis is on guided activities on horseback, while the steppe is about seasonal landscapes and plant life.

The Nelidov family estate is considered a historical and architectural monument of national significance. The Annenkov family estate, by contrast, is notable for its origins: it was built in the 18th century on the banks of the Kuritsa River and included a large woodland park alongside the manor house. The two estates therefore offer different perspectives for anyone interested in regional architecture and estate history.

The “Ratnoe puteshestvie” route offers a different way to explore history. It follows the Rat River. Its first stage leads to Besedinskoye (Ratskoye) Gorodishche, also known as “Tarelochka,” which is considered an archaeological monument of federal significance. The route also includes the “Warrior Liberator” monument, an exact copy of the sculpture in Berlin’s Treptower Park. The hike is described as taking two to three days in spring and summer. This requires different timing than a short themed visit: the route is presented as a multi-day hiking experience.

Beyond the individual district, Kursk Oblast offers other nature-related attractions. The Central Black Earth Biosphere Reserve has been part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves since 1978. The “Streltsy Steppe” and “Protected Oak Forest” ecological trails pass through the reserve; a nature museum covers the reserve’s history, climate, soils, plants and animals. The biosphere reserve can only be entered as part of a guided tour. Arrange a tour with the reserve before visiting.

In Shumakovo, the Kursk Arbuz watermelon farm grows red, yellow, white, orange and rainbow-colored watermelons, as well as other unusual varieties. The selection and number of varieties change every year. If you want to include this in your travel plans, expect the varieties available to change rather than assuming the same fixed list every year.

You can also include Ryzhkovo as a separate place to consider within Kursky District.

Discover more destinations: Dmitriyevsky District, Lgovsky District, Sovetsky District, Kursk.

When does the Streletskaya Steppe change the most?

From April to August, the steppe changes color at least twelve times. The same section is noted as having 77 plant species per square meter.

What horseback riding activities are associated with TailsTime?

A 2024 report describes horseback rides and riding lessons in Shcherbetsovo, as well as horseback excursions through a forest and rides through the fields. Check current availability before making plans.

How much time should you allow for “Ratnoe puteshestvie”?

The route is described as a two- to three-day hike in spring and summer. Its first stage leads to Besedinskoye (Ratskoye) Gorodishche.

Is a guided tour required to visit the biosphere reserve?

Yes. The biosphere reserve can only be entered as part of a guided tour. Arrange the tour with the reserve before your visit.

For the broader travel overview: Kursk Oblast.