Big Bone Lick State Park has been named by the U.S. Secretary of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark, one of only 582 in the nation.
The park, which joins an elite group of geological sites around the country, is significant for its combination of salt springs and late Pleistocene bone beds. Ancient creatures like the mammoth, mastodon, ground sloth and bison once roamed through mineral springs and swamps, now grassy plains covered with trees and shrubs.
The site is recognized as the birthplace of American vertebrate paleontology for its significant role in the development of scientific thought regarding extinction and the relationship of geology and paleontology the world over.
The National Park Service program, which began in 1962, recognizes significant natural history sites and helps support their conservation. Big Bone Lick is already on the National Register of Historic Places. It is the only site in Northern Kentucky to achieve natural landmark status.
Visit us to learn more about this unique history, as well the opportunity for an up-close look at our American Buffalo herd.
Outdoor Museum - Discovery Trail
Buffalo Herd
The American buffalo, or bison, is the largest of all North American land mammals. Great buffalo herds once roamed this area and provided food, clothing and shelter for the Indians and pioneers. Hunted to near extinction, the last wild buffalo was seen in Kentucky around 1800. The park's herd is an effort to reestablish these animals at Big Bone Lick.
Camping
Spacious campground features 62 campsites with utility hookups, grills, a swimming pool and playground. Showers, rest rooms, and laundry facilities are available at a central service building and are open year-round. There is a grocery on-site for your convenience, which is open April 1-October 31. The campground is open year-round but no water at sites from November 1 to March 31. However, spicket is available to fill up holding tank. Check-in time begins 2pm and check-out time is 1pm.
Hours of Operation
- Grounds: Open year round from daylight until dark.
- Museum/Giftshop: January to March - Thursday to Sunday from 8am to 4:30pm. April to December - Monday to Thursday from 8am to 4:30pm and Friday to Sunday from 9am to 5pm.
- Campground: Open year round.
- Campground Grocery: Open April 1 - October 31. Hours are variable. For hours of operation contact grocery at 859-384-3495 or business office at 859-384-3522
- Nature Center: Call 859-384-3522 for hours of operation.
Things To Do
Naturalist/Recreation Programs
View calendar of recreation and naturalist programs, and other happenings at the park. This calendar will help you plan your trip based around your favorite park activities!
Please be sure to check out the Special Events section of the web site for annual park events.
A 7.5-acre lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish for bank fishing. A Kentucky fishing license is required. Year-round.
A swimming pool is available at the campground for campground guests only.
An 18-hole miniature golf course, with a commanding view of the surrounding countryside, is near the entrance to the campground. Open to all visitors.
Seasonal, April 1st to Oct. 31st.
RATES:
- $3.50 13-older
- $2.50 Children 4-12
- Children 3 & under free
There are 3.5 miles of hiking trails around the lake and Outdoor Museum area. Year-round.
Tennis, volleyball and basketball courts, softball fields, and horseshoe pits are available for the enjoyment of park visitors. Year-round.
Planned Recreation
A recreation staff conducts activities daily.
Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Picnicking & Playground
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 electric, and may be reserved for rental up to one year in advance. Year-round.
Gift Shop
The gift shop at Big Bone Lick is just as unique as our park. After visiting the museum with all the fossils, walking the trails, and checking out the Bison herd with their new babies, guests can not wait to purchase a souvenir of their experience. We offer caps, t-shirts, fossils, books, and more. You will find several unique items to take home.
Make A Reservation
Gift Card
Shelter Rental
The two picnic shelters have tables, grills, water and electric, and may be reserved for rental up to one year in advance. Year-round
Naturalist News
Through the dedicated work of our state park naturalists, Kentucky State Parks protect and preserve the natural beauty of Kentucky. Check out our Naturalist & Recreation News for more information.
Featured Event
Halloween Spook-fest
10/28/2009 - 11/01/2009
Help us scare away the evil spirits here at Big Bone Lick by bringing all your little ghouls, ghosts, witches and skeletons to the park for our annual Halloween Scare-fest! Campers will be treated to Halloween games, crafts and special events. Bring the scariest decorations you can find for the campsite decoration contest where you can win fabulous prizes. Don't forget those pumpkins so you can enter our traditional, no pattern, pumpkin carving contest. Special note: be adivsed that the scare-fest has a traditional scary setting and theme, parental discretion is advised. Only open to visitors camping in the campground.
Contact: bigbonelick@ky.gov.
More Information
Contact Information
Big Bone Lick State Park
3380 Beaver Road
Union, KY 41091-9627
Telephone: 859-384-3522
Park Manager: Bertie Lucas