Big Bone Lick State Historic Site – Kentucky’s Living Ice Age Museum
Location
3380 Beaver Road, Union, KY 41091
Top Five Things to Do
- Visit the bison herd.
- Tour the museum and the diorama pit.
- Explore salt springs along the Big Bone Creek trail.
- Camp overnight in the spacious grounds.
- Grab a souvenir t‑shirt.
New Exhibits
The Visitor Center now features fresh displays on paleontology, Ordovician geology, Ice Age mammals, Native American history, the chronology of science at Big Bone, and ongoing research. These were created in partnership with the Friends of Big Bone and the Cincinnati Museum Center.
Park Grounds
Open year‑round, the grounds close at dark daily. Admission to the park, museum, and Visitor Center is free to all visitors. The campground was closed Nov. 14, 2021 and reopened Mar. 11, 2022. Gift shop and museum winter hours: Thu–Sun, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Field Trips & Outreach
Big Bone Lick offers hands‑on lessons in history, science, and environmental education. Field trips for schools, youth groups, homeschoolers, and scout troops are available; programs can also be brought to classrooms. A small fee may apply. Contact the park at (859) 384‑3522 for details.
Highlights
- Bison: The herd is viewable year‑round and represents the park’s Ice‑Age heritage.
- Discovery Trail: A half‑mile paved trail from the diorama pit, open daily from dawn to dusk, with interpretive panels about the prehistoric salt/sulfur springs.
- Orienteering: Two permanent woodland courses (2.7 km and 4.5 km) with 10 checkpoints each, used for national championships.
- Birding: Over 50 species visit year‑round; prime spots on the Big Bone Creek Trail.
- Camping: 62 sites with hookups, grills, a pool, playground, showers, and laundry. Check‑in 2 p.m.; check‑out 1 p.m.
- Gift Shop: T‑shirts, sweatshirts, caps, books, fossils, minerals, toys, and more.
- Hiking: 4.5 miles of trails ranging from easy to moderate, including the 0.9‑mile Big Bone Creek Trail and the 2‑mile Coralberry Trail.
- Miniature Golf: 18‑hole course with scenic views, open Mar. 15–Nov. 15.
- Picnicking: Nearly 40 acres with tables, grills, and playgrounds; two shelters available for reservation.
- Playgrounds: Two family‑friendly play areas.
- Swimming: Seasonal pool for campground guests.
- Tennis: Seasonal courts for visitors.
