Description

The scientific community recognizes the site of Big Bone Lick State Park as the "Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology." The fossilized remains of giant mastodons, wooly mammoths, and ground sloths were discovered here in 1739 and displayed at museums throughout the world. Notable Americans such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin personally examined the fossils, many of which are on display today at Big Bone Lick Museum. According to paleontologists, during the Pleistocene Epoch, when ice covered much of North America, prehistoric animals were attracted to the warm salt springs that still bubble from the earth at Big Bone Lick State Park. They became trapped in the salty marsh and perished, leaving skeletons and clues about life in prehistoric Kentucky. Come visit the museum and the Discovery Trail to learn this history for yourself, and appreciate the present by enjoying the park's many outdoor activities.

Geography:

Big Bone Lick State Park is located in Boone County. It was designated as an official Lewis and Clark Heritage Trail Site by the National Park Service in 2002.

Recreation:

Learn the history of Big Bone Lick in the museum, with displays of fossilized bones and artifacts from the last 18,000 years. The disabled-accessible Discovery Trail, part of the Outdoor Museum, gives visitors a glimpse of the drama that unfolded at the springs in pre-history. The paved Big Bone Creek Trail wanders through the original swampland, now growing wild with brush and flowers, and the last remaining salt-sulphur spring. The Bison Trace brings a live buffalo herd, the park's effort to reestablish the American bison, into view. For anglers, the 7.5-acre lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish for bank fishing. Other popular activities include picnicking, swimming, hiking, tennis, volleyball, basketball, softball, and horseshoes. A recreation staff conducts activities Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the annual Salt Festival is one of the most popular events in the area.

Facilities:

A gift shop adjoins the museum area and features Kentucky handcrafts and souvenirs of all types. The spacious campground features 62 campsites with utility hookups, grills, and a playground. Showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities are available at a central service building. There is also a campground grocery store on-site. Nearly 40 acres of picnic grounds with tables, grills, and a playground are ideal for family outings. The two picnic shelters have tables, grills, water, and electricity and may be reserved for rental.

Nearby Attractions:

There are many attractions within a half hour of Big Bone: The Cincinnati Museum Center, the Cincinnati Art Museum, Newport Aquarium, Devou Park, Boone County Arboretum, Paul Brown Stadium, the All American Ballpark, Florence Speedway, Kentucky Speedway, Florence Mall, and the Florence Freedom Ballpark.