About
Well-maintained park featuring a museum with mastodon fossils and bison trails.
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site does not feature recreational swimming pools, and therefore, information regarding pool temperatures is not available. The 'licks' refer to natural saline springs, not swimming facilities.
What are people saying (AI review summary)? text: "People say this state park offers hiking trails, a campground, and opportunities to see bison. They highlight the family-friendly atmosphere, the educational experience, and the chance to connect with nature. They also like the friendly and helpful staff." language_code: "en-US"
Location
Gallery
Amenities
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Good for Children
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Accepts Credit Cards
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Accessible Entrance
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Accessible Restroom
Reviews
Listing Reviews
September 14th, 2025Jason & Kristin VanDePitte
It’s a short easy trail walk to see the bison. It’s better to go early morning before it gets hot. They are large and prefer cooler weather. We have been in several different months and have seen them many times. They come in to eat and are usually in the front pasture, they have been in the middle pasture which is walkable, around the fenced in area to the left side. Handicapped accessible pathway in back of gift shoppe shows mammoths and giant sloths.
August 4th, 2025Hannah Adkins
Went on a good day, nice walking trail. Cute gift shop/museum. Seeing the bison so up close was awesome! They were really close to fence. Gotta love the hills and the woods. Also a site for camping, and a couple playgrounds for the kiddos.
August 26th, 2025Teresa Gilin Meller
We really enjoyed our stay at the campground! It is a beautiful location with great activities. We really enjoyed making hiking sticks, learning about the Atlatl, vising the museum/site, and hiking the trails. A huge thank you to the staff for putting on great events! The campground has access to trails, mini golf, and clean bathrooms. The sites were paved (but not very level) and roomy.
June 19th, 2025Laura Collins
It is a great area. The museum is nice and bathrooms were clean. The bison trail and trail next to the museum were nice. We also did the other trails and wish they would have been a little better marked. We had a really nice time though!
July 20th, 2025Chris Whitlock
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Union, Kentucky, is a truly unique destination that blends natural beauty, fascinating history, and family-friendly activities into one enriching experience. We recently visited with our child and spent a few nights camping in the on-site campground, which made the experience even more enjoyable and immersive. The campground was quiet, clean, and well laid out, with spacious sites that offered plenty of shade and privacy. The bathhouses were modern and well-maintained, with hot showers and good water pressure. It was a perfect home base for exploring everything the park has to offer. Waking up to the sounds of nature and enjoying coffee outside while surrounded by woods was a peaceful way to start each day. As you explore the park, the interpretive center is a must-visit. It offers a detailed look at the area's prehistoric past, where massive Ice Age animals like mammoths once roamed and left their bones behind in the mineral-rich salt licks. The exhibits are interactive and kid-friendly, making it easy to keep little ones interested while learning something new. One of the most delightful surprises was the live bison herd. Seeing these majestic creatures up close in a natural setting was breathtaking. The walking trails are perfect for a casual hike, and there's even a paved trail that’s stroller- and wheelchair-friendly. We also appreciated the shaded picnic areas and the accessibility of the campground to all park features. Big Bone Lick State Park is a hidden gem that blends science, history, and nature in a way that few places can. Camping there made our trip even more memorable. Whether you’re a family with young kids, a nature enthusiast, or a history buff, this park has something for everyone. We can’t wait to go back!
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Opening Hours
| Sunday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
|---|---|
| Monday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Thursday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM |
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