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.
Location: 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.
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.
The park is located 22 miles southwest of Covington on KY 338, off US 42 - 127 and I-71/ I-75.
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.
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.
Non-Peak Primitive Site $10.00 Non-Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00 Non-Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00 Non-Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00 Peak Primitive Site $10-$12 Peak Standard Full Hookup $22.00-$24.00 Peak Standard with Electric Hookup $19.00-$21.00 Peak Standard with Water and Electric Hookups $21.00-$23.00
Phone: 859-384-3522
Address: 3380 Beaver Road, Union, KY 41091
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