Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is known as the Birthplace of American Vertebrate Paleontology because it was the first site in North America to have an organized excavation, conducted by William Clark in 1807. The fossilized remains of American Mastodon, Columbian Mammoth, and Giant Ground Sloths were discovered at the site in 1739 and are now displayed at museums throughout the world. Notable Americans such as Thomas Jefferson and Benjamin Franklin personally examined the fossils, many of which are displayed at Big Bone Lick, Monticello, and the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia. According to paleontologists during the Pleistocene Epoch, when ice covered much of North America, prehistoric animals were attracted to the plentiful salt springs that still bubble from the ground at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site. These animals were hunted and processed by Paleoindians who left the large bones behind that were later preserved by flood sediments. Come visit the museum and the Discovery Trail to learn about the history for yourself and stop by the live bison herd to take a glimpse into the past.

Learn the history of Big Bone Lick in the museum, with displays of fossilized bones and artifacts from the last 18,000 years. The disabled-accessible Discovery Trail, part of the Outdoor Museum, gives visitors a glimpse of the drama that unfolded at the springs in pre-history. The paved Big Bone Creek Trail wanders through the original swampland, now growing wild with brush and flowers, and the last remaining salt-sulphur spring. The Bison Trace brings a live buffalo herd, the park's effort to reestablish the American bison, into view. For anglers, the 7.5-acre lake contains largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish for bank fishing. Other popular activities include picnicking, hiking, tennis, volleyball, basketball, softball, and horseshoes. A recreation staff conducts activities Memorial Day through Labor Day, and the annual Salt Festival is one of the most popular events in the area.

A gift shop adjoins the museum area and features Kentucky handcrafts and souvenirs of all types. The spacious campground features 62 campsites with utility hookups, grills, and a playground. Showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities are available at a central service building. There is also a basic camp supply store on-site. Nearly 40 acres of picnic grounds with tables, grills, and a playground are ideal for family outings. The two picnic shelters have tables, grills, water, and electricity and may be reserved for rental.