Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Big Bone Lick State Park in northern Kentucky—the “Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology”—features a living bison herd, Ice Age fossils, and a free museum. Now a National Historic Landmark (2024)!
🏛️ National Historic Landmark!
Designated December 2024—recognizing its importance as where American paleontology began!
Living Bison Herd
| Bison Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦬 Herd | Year-round viewing |
| 👁️ Best Trail | Bison Trace Trail (0.5mi) |
| 🏛️ Significance | Ice Age descendants |
Free Museum
| Museum Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 💵 Admission | FREE! |
| 🦣 Exhibits | Mammoth, mastodon, Ice Age fossils |
| 📅 Summer Hours | Daily 9am–4pm |
| ❄️ Winter Hours | Thu–Sun 10am–3pm |
Life-sized prehistoric animal replicas at the outdoor diorama pit!
Ice Age History
Salt and sulfur springs attracted mammoths, mastodons, giant ground sloths, and ancient bison—whose bones became trapped when they became mired in the bog. The “lick” refers to the salt lick animals visited.
4.5 Miles of Trails
| Trail | Details |
|---|---|
| 🦬 Bison Trace | 0.5mi, easy, bison viewing |
| 🦣 Discovery Trail | 0.5mi paved, interpretive |
| 🌲 Cedar Run | 1.0mi, moderate loop |
| 🏕️ Gobblers Trace | 0.5mi to campground |
FAQ
Wildlife & Nature
Big Bone Lick SHS — the “Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology” — where mammoth, mastodon, and giant sloth bones were first discovered in America. Thomas Jefferson sent William Clark (of Lewis and Clark) here to collect bones in 1807. The park’s salt licks, swamp, and forest support a bison herd (reintroduced) and white-tailed deer.
Nearby Attractions
Union — adjacent. Cincinnati, OH — 25 miles northeast. Boone County — surrounding (named for Daniel Boone).
Why is it called “Big Bone Lick”?
The “big bones” are Ice Age fossils from mammoths and mastodons; the “lick” refers to the salt lick that attracted these ancient animals to the mineral springs.
Is the museum free?
Yes! The Big Bone Lick Historic Site Museum is free to enter. There’s also a gift shop.
Can I camp here?
Yes! 62 campsites with utility hookups (mid-March–mid-November). Note: the swimming pool is currently closed indefinitely.
🦣 Birthplace of American Paleontology
Visit Kentucky State Parks website.
Things to Do
Kentucky “resort parks” feature Bluegrass hills and Appalachian foothills. Activities include boating and bass fishing on massive lakes, hiking forested trails, golfing championship courses, horseback riding, and exploring cave networks and Civil War sites.
Best Time to Visit
Spring and fall are ideal. Summer is hot and humid but great for lakes. Winter is quiet, with resort park lodges offering peaceful off-season getaways at discount rates.
Visitor Tips
Kentucky parks have no entrance fee. Famous for 17 “Resort Parks” with full-service lodges, restaurants, and 18-hole golf courses. Book well in advance for summer and fall weekends.
Explore More Kentucky State Parks
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is one of many outstanding state parks in Kentucky. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Kentucky guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
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