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
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.
