Department of Parks
Kentucky State Parks Announce Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

UNION, Ky. – The Kentucky Department of Parks announced today a new name for Big Bone Lick State Park. The new name will be Big Bone Lick State Historic Site.

Parks Commissioner Elaine Walker said the name change came about to recognize the historical importance of the park in Boone County.

“Big Bone Lick is known as the birthplace of American vertebrate paleontology and scientists regularly visit here and make use of the historic items found here,” Walker said. “Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and Thomas Jefferson had roles in the history of this area and items from this site have been studied and distributed around the world.”

Walker made the announcement today during an event with the Friends of Big Bone to unveil new interpretive signs along the Big Bone Creek Trail at the park.

Big Bone Lick has its origins steeped in prehistoric events. 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 remains of those animals have been the subject of numerous studies, books and research projects.

The park was also designated by the Department of the Interior as a National Natural Landmark in 2009. The park was also designated by the Department of the Interior as a National Register Archaeological District. 

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site’s indoor-outdoor museum has collections of bones from ancient creatures once attracted to the mineral springs of the area. On the grounds are life-size replicas of mastodons and bison, and a live bison herd.

The park also has picnic areas, sports fields and a 62-site campground with electricity, grills, water, restrooms, showers, a pool and small grocery. For more information about Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, call 859-384-3522 or visit www.parks.ky.gov

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The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 49 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges -- more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our website at http://www.parks.ky.gov