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ATTENTION : The pool is closed indefinitely.
Attention: Burn Bans may be in effect. Please contact the Park for details on restrictions.
Attention: Campground utilities may be further than expected so campers are encouraged to bring extensions for water hoses or electrical cords.
Attention: Due to weather, Kentucky State Parks cannot guarantee the availability of water or other resources at our campgrounds during inclement weather months when freezing temperatures are possible. Please contact the park directly for available resources if traveling during months that are conducive to freezing temperatures.
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BIG BONE LICK STATE HISTORIC SITE, KY

Average Rating: 4.4
Average Rating: 4.4
Average Rating: 4.4
Average Rating: 4.4
Average Rating: 4.4
3354 Ratings
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is known as the Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology because it was the first site in North America to have an organized excavation, conducted by William Clark in 1807. The fossilized remains of American Mastodon, Columbian Mammoth, and Giant ...
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Description
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is known as the Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology because it was the first site in North America to have an organized excavation, conducted by William Clark in 1807. The fossilized remains of American Mastodon, Columbian Mammoth, and Giant Ground Sloths were discovered at the site in 1739 and are now displayed at museums throughout the world. Notable Americans such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin personally examined the fossils, many of which are displayed at Big Bone Lick, Monticello, and the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. According to paleontologists during the Pleistocene Epoch, when ice covered much of North America, prehistoric animals were attracted to the plentiful salt springs that still bubble from the ground at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site. These animals were hunted and processed by Paleoindians who left the large bones behind that were later preserved by flood sediments. Come visit the museum and the Discovery Trail to learn about the history for yourself and stop by the live bison herd to take a glimpse into the past.
Geography:

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site 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, 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 basic camp supply 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.

Services & Amenities:

Within Park
  • 18 Hole Miniature Golf
  • Bathhouse
  • Bird Watching
  • Campground Host
  • Camping, Improved Site
  • Convenience Store
  • Dump Station camper
  • Field Sports/Activities
  • Fire Rings
  • First Aid Supplies
  • Fishing Lake
  • Grills
  • Hiking
  • Historic Sites
  • Historic Structure/Feature
  • Horseshoe Pits
  • Horseshoes
  • Information/Contact Station
  • Interpretive Center
  • Interpretive Display
  • Jogging/Running
  • Laundry
  • Museum
  • Nature Study
  • Newspapers
  • Officer/Ranger Station
  • Park Lake (Fishing Only)
  • Parking
  • Pay Telephone
  • Photography
  • Picnic Area
  • Picnic Shelter
  • Picnic Tables
  • Picnicking
  • Playground
  • Programs, Archeology
  • Programs, History
  • Programs, Instructional
  • Programs, Nature
  • Programs, Recreational
  • Recreation Programs
  • Restrooms
  • Retail, Bait & Tackle
  • Retail, Firewood
  • Retail, Ice
  • Retail, Snacks
  • Retail, Store/Gift Shop
  • Retail, Supplies
  • River/Stream
  • Seasonal Festivals
  • Shelters
  • Showers
  • Stargazing
  • Sunbathing
  • Walking
  • Water Access, Park Lane
  • Water Drinking
  • Wildflower Viewing
  • Wildlife Viewing
  • ball field
  • interpretive trail
Within 10 Miles
  • ATM / Cash Machine
  • Boat Ramp
  • Boating
  • Boating, Power
  • Botanical Garden
  • Camping, Primitive
  • Canoe Rental
  • Canoeing
  • Churches
  • Dining
  • Dock, Boat
  • Docks, Fishing/Crabbing
  • Driftwood Collecting
  • Emergency Services
  • Fishing
  • Fuel, Boats
  • Geological Formations
  • Golf
  • Golfing
  • Kayaking
  • Maintenance, Rv/Camper
  • Marina
  • Paddle Boating
  • Rentals, Boat, Jon (paddle)
  • Rentals,Boat,Canoe
  • Restaurant
  • Retail, Drinks
  • Town
  • Water Access, River/Stream
Greater Than 10 Miles
  • Airport
  • Antiquing
  • Aquarium Display
  • Arboretum
  • Art & Museum
  • Cabins
  • Car Rental
  • Catering
  • Cottages
  • Cultural Activities
  • Cultural Sites/Exhibits
  • Fuel, Vehicles
  • Gardens, Botanical Displ
  • Hospital
  • Kennel
  • Lodging goroup facilities
  • Lodging, Cabins
  • Maintenance, vehicle
  • Mall
  • Medical Clinic
  • Meeting Space
  • Motel
  • Orchard/Produce Farm
  • Propane
  • Scenic driving routes
  • Shopping
  • Sightseeing
  • Theme Park
Alerts and Important Information

The pool is closed indefinitely.

Kentucky Campground sites can be occupied by a maximum of 8 occupants.Four (4) adults and children 16 and under are included in the base rate. If more than 4 adults are going to be on the site, an additional $5.00 per night per adult will be collected upon arrival at the park. Max units per site is (2) and may include (1) camper unit + (1) tent. If no camper unit, then (2) tents is the max allowed.

Please note that the Kentucky Department of Parks permits the use of non-licensed vehicles in campgrounds, including golf carts, only by those individuals with a disability. This policy will be enforced for the safety of all guests.

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is located on KY 338 (1292 Beaver Road). It is sometimes confused with Boone's Landing, which is located on Boat Dock Road, which is not a part of the park. This park is in Eastern time zone.

Site fees may be increased during the second and third weeks of October due to special events, the occurrence of fall color, and a generally greater demand for campsites.

Please note:
  • The maximum reservation window is 12 months in advance to the date.
  • New Inventory is made available when the call center opens.
  • There is a 1 night minimum stay during the week at all parks.
  • Customers may arrive on a Friday or Saturday and stay a minimum of two nights.
  • The horse park campground cannot guarantee satellite reception at each campsite
  • Customer service is authorized to fill in any empty spaces caused by the 2-night weekend stay rule.

Please note the following:

  • Longer minimum night stays are required at most campgrounds during holiday periods.
  • Parks prohibits the importation of firewood by campers from any state outside of Kentucky. This is in an effort to help prevent the introduction of the Emerald Ash Borer into the state. Firewood is available for sale in the state park campgrounds.Click on the link for more details: https://parks.ky.gov/firewood-policy
  • Golf carts are allowed in the campground by purchasing a permit at check-in. Permits are $25 for the week or $100 for the calendar year. Annual permits can be used at all Kentucky State Park campgrounds and the Kentucky Horse Park. Disabled guests are not required to purchase a permit if they display their disability hanging tag.

Notes

Kentucky Campground sites can be occupied by a maximum of 8 occupants.Four (4) adults and children 16 and under are included in the base rate. If more than 4 adults are going to be on the site, an additional $5.00 per night per adult will be collected upon arrival at the park. Max units per site is (2) and may include (1) camper unit + (1) tent. If no camper unit, then (2) tents is the max allowed.

**Parks prohibits the importation of firewood by campers from any state outside of Kentucky. This is in effort to help prevent the introduction of the Emerald Ash Borer into the state. Firewood is available for sale in the state park campgrounds.Click on link for more details: http://parks.ky.gov/regulations/firewood.htm**

Contact Information:
Mailing Address:
BIG BONE LICK STATE HISTORIC SITE
3380 Beaver Road
Union  KY  41091
Phone Number:
Information:  (859)384-3522
Campground Information: (859)-384-3495