Discover the Wonders of Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Explore Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, a unique blend of history and nature with hiking, fishing, and a fascinating museum showcasing prehistoric treasures.
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is a fascinating blend of natural beauty and rich history, perfect for tourists seeking adventure and knowledge. With hiking trails, a museum, and a campground, it offers diverse activities for all ages. Visitors can explore the unique salt springs and learn about the prehistoric creatures that once roamed the area. Enjoy fishing, picnicking, or simply soaking in the serene landscape, making it an ideal spot for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
A brief summary to Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
- 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, Kentucky, 41091, US
- +1859-384-3522
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit the museum first for a comprehensive overview of the site’s history and exhibits.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy in the scenic picnic areas throughout the park.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching; the park is home to various bird species.
- Check the park's website for seasonal events and educational programs.
- Consider visiting during weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.
Getting There
-
Car
If you are traveling by car, start by navigating to the nearest major highway in the Bluegrass Region, such as I-75 or I-64. From I-75, take exit 181 for KY-18 towards Florence/Union. Continue on KY-18 for approximately 7 miles until you reach the intersection with Beaver Road. Turn right onto Beaver Road, and after about 1 mile, you will see the entrance to Big Bone Lick State Historic Site on your left at 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091. There is no entrance fee, but parking may have a small fee.
-
Public Transportation
For those using public transportation, take a Greyhound or Megabus to Florence, KY. From the Florence Bus Station, you will need to catch a local taxi or rideshare service (like Uber or Lyft) to get to Big Bone Lick State Historic Site. The distance from the bus station to the park is about 10 miles, so a taxi may cost between $20 to $30 depending on the time of day and traffic conditions.
-
Bicycle
If you're feeling adventurous and wish to bicycle to Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, you can start from the center of Florence. Take KY-18 heading west and then turn onto Beaver Road. The ride is approximately 10 miles and will take about an hour depending on your speed. Make sure to wear a helmet and follow all traffic rules. It is recommended to check the weather and plan your ride accordingly.
Discover more about Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Erlanger Historical Society
18.6 km
Explore the rich cultural heritage of Erlanger at the Historical Society, where history comes alive through engaging exhibits and community events.
Triple Whipple Bridge
19.3 km
Experience the historic allure of the Triple Whipple Bridge, a stunning architectural marvel nestled in the heart of Indiana, perfect for history lovers and sightseers alike.
Veraestau Historic Site
21.3 km
Discover the rich history and stunning architecture of Veraestau Historic Site, a captivating destination in Aurora, Indiana, perfect for history enthusiasts.
Glennville, KY
21.5 km
Experience the rich history and serene landscapes of Glennville, KY, a captivating landmark that embodies the charm of Kentucky's heritage.
Fort Finney & North Point Historical Markers
26.0 km
Discover the historical significance of Fort Finney & North Point Historical Markers in North Bend, Ohio, where history and nature come together.
James A. Ramage Civil War Museum
26.6 km
Discover the rich history of the Civil War at the James A. Ramage Civil War Museum in Fort Wright, Kentucky, where artifacts and stories come to life.
Covington's Favorite Tree
28.0 km
Explore Covington's Favorite Tree, a historical landmark that symbolizes the city's rich culture and natural beauty, perfect for photography and local gatherings.
Garden of Hope
28.1 km
Explore the serene Garden of Hope in Covington, Kentucky—a perfect blend of natural beauty and spiritual reflection.
Elmwood Hall
28.6 km
Explore the historic elegance of Elmwood Hall in Ludlow, Kentucky—a charming landmark showcasing architectural beauty and rich heritage.
GAR Monument in Covington
28.8 km
Discover the GAR Monument in Covington, a captivating tribute to Union soldiers and a serene spot for reflection amidst lush greenery.
St. Lawrence Square
28.9 km
Explore St. Lawrence Square in Cincinnati, a serene park offering lush landscapes, walking paths, and a perfect escape for nature lovers and families alike.
Wunderbar!
29.0 km
Experience authentic German cuisine and a lively bar atmosphere at Wunderbar! in Covington, KY, where every bite tells a story.
Conveyor Belt Books
29.1 km
Discover the charm of Conveyor Belt Books, a used book store in Covington, KY, where literary treasures await every book lover.
Earth To Kentucky
29.1 km
Explore the enchanting world of Earth To Kentucky, a unique toy store and art gallery in Covington, offering a delightful experience for all ages.
Leapin Lizard Gallery
29.3 km
Discover the vibrant art scene at Leapin Lizard Gallery, a unique space in Covington, Kentucky, showcasing local artists and hosting creative events.
Unmissable attractions to see
Ohio County Historical Society
11.4 km
Discover the treasures of Ohio County's past at the Ohio County Historical Society in Rising Sun, Indiana, where history comes alive.
Brianza Gardens & Winery
13.0 km
Explore the stunning gardens and exquisite wines at Brianza Gardens & Winery, a perfect blend of nature and taste in Kentucky's wine country.
Middle Creek Park
13.5 km
Explore the picturesque trails, picnic spots, and natural beauty of Middle Creek Park in Burlington, Kentucky—a haven for outdoor lovers.
Sherlock's Escape Rooms
13.9 km
Experience the thrill of mystery and teamwork at Sherlock's Escape Rooms in Florence, Kentucky – an unforgettable adventure for all ages.
Doe Run Lake
20.2 km
Experience the tranquil beauty of Doe Run Lake Park in Covington, Kentucky, where nature meets recreation in a picturesque setting.
Hillforest House Museum
22.6 km
Explore the historical elegance of Hillforest House Museum, a stunning Victorian mansion showcasing the rich heritage of Aurora, Indiana.
Pioneer Park
22.6 km
Explore Pioneer Park in Covington, KY - a serene escape with lush landscapes, picnic areas, and trails, perfect for family outings and nature lovers.
USS Sachem Ruins
23.1 km
Explore the USS Sachem Ruins in Petersburg, KY - a captivating historical site steeped in maritime adventure and rich stories from the past.
Vent Haven Museum
24.9 km
Explore the unique Vent Haven Museum in Kentucky, home to the world's largest collection of ventriloquist figures and memorabilia.
Oxbow Nature Conservancy
27.2 km
Discover the tranquil beauty of Oxbow Nature Conservancy in Indiana, a perfect escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati
27.2 km
Discover the fascinating history of rail travel at the Railway Museum of Greater Cincinnati, where trains and stories come to life.
Covington Korean War Memorial
27.5 km
Explore the Covington Korean War Memorial, a serene tribute to the heroism and sacrifices of veterans, offering a reflective space for all visitors.
Devou Park
27.8 km
Discover Devou Park, an enchanting urban park in Covington, KY, with picturesque views, outdoor activities, and family-friendly spaces for relaxation.
Behringer-Crawford Museum
28.0 km
Discover Covington's rich cultural heritage at the Behringer-Crawford Museum, where history and art come alive in an engaging setting.
Second Sight Spirits
28.5 km
Discover handcrafted spirits and a blend of local culture at Second Sight Spirits, a premier distillery in Ludlow, Kentucky.
Essential places to dine
Log Cabin Inn
21.7 km
Experience rustic charm and delicious meals at Log Cabin Inn - your family-friendly destination for breakfast in Covington, Kentucky.
Green Lantern Cafe
27.5 km
Experience the cozy ambiance and delicious flavors at Green Lantern Cafe in Covington, Kentucky - a true culinary delight for every traveler.
Bard's Burgers & Chili
27.6 km
Savor mouthwatering burgers and chili at Bard's Burgers & Chili in Covington – where flavor meets friendly service.
Herb & Thelma's Tavern
28.4 km
Discover delicious burgers and cozy vibes at Herb & Thelma's Tavern in Covington, Kentucky—a true culinary gem for every traveler.
Anchor Grill
29.0 km
Experience breakfast bliss at Anchor Grill in Covington - where delicious meets affordable in a cozy diner setting.
OLLA Taqueria
29.1 km
Experience authentic Mexican flavors at OLLA Taqueria in Covington – where every dish tells a story of tradition and taste.
Incline Public House
29.2 km
Experience delectable American cuisine with stunning views at Incline Public House in Cincinnati's East Price Hill neighborhood.
Primavista
29.3 km
Experience exquisite Northern Italian cuisine at Primavista while enjoying stunning views of Cincinnati's skyline and Ohio River.
Eighteen at the Radisson
29.3 km
Indulge in prime steaks and American cuisine at Eighteen at the Radisson, Covington's top destination for fine dining.
Cedar
29.3 km
Discover Cedar in Covington - where brunch meets creativity with locally sourced ingredients and exceptional cocktails.
El Rincon mexican restaurant
29.4 km
Experience authentic Mexican cuisine at El Rincon Mexican Restaurant in Covington, KY - where every dish tells a story.
Mama’s on Main
29.4 km
Discover Mama’s on Main in Covington for an authentic Italian dining experience with delicious cuisine and a warm atmosphere.
Strasse Haus
29.4 km
Discover authentic German dining at Strasse Haus in Covington - where hearty flavors meet lively pub culture.
Zola Pub and Grill
29.4 km
Discover Zola Pub and Grill in Covington: where delicious wings meet gourmet burgers in a lively pub atmosphere.
Zazou Covington
29.4 km
Discover Zazou Covington: A vibrant restaurant & bar offering delicious cuisine and lively entertainment in the heart of Covington, KY.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Second Time Around
22.8 km
Explore Aurora's hidden gem, Second Time Around, where unique collectibles and vintage treasures await every enthusiast and casual shopper.
Saturday's
24.3 km
Explore Saturday's in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, for a luxurious selection of lingerie that combines comfort, style, and quality for every occasion.
Mom and Pops Thrift Store
24.3 km
Explore Mom and Pops Thrift Store in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, for unique vintage finds and local treasures that tell a story.
4speed on 50 Gift Shop
25.2 km
Explore the world of automotive treasures at 4speed on 50 Gift Shop in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, a must-visit for car lovers and souvenir seekers.
Sweet Marcella's
25.7 km
Discover unique gifts, antiques, and festive decorations at Sweet Marcella's in Dry Ridge, Kentucky, a must-visit shop for tourists.
Barnwood Gifts
25.8 km
Discover the charm of handmade crafts at Barnwood Gifts in Dry Ridge, Kentucky - a boutique showcasing local artistry and unique treasures.
Bluegrass Marketplace
25.8 km
Explore the unique shopping and dining experiences at Bluegrass Marketplace in Dry Ridge, Kentucky, where local charm meets vibrant culture.
Latonia Centre
26.7 km
Explore the Latonia Centre, Covington's premier shopping destination, offering diverse retail, dining, and entertainment experiences for every traveler.
Fairhaven Thrift Store
27.1 km
Explore Fairhaven Thrift Store in Latonia, KY, for unique second-hand treasures while supporting local community initiatives.
Curated Design & Decor
27.5 km
Explore Curated Design & Decor in Covington, KY for unique antiques and stylish home goods that add charm and character to your living space.
Half & Half Antique General Store. Home of Antiques, Oddities and Curiosities.
27.5 km
Explore a captivating collection of antiques, oddities, and curiosities at Half & Half Antique General Store in Latonia, Kentucky.
Coolest Gifts On Earth
28.9 km
Explore an eclectic range of unique gifts at Coolest Gifts On Earth in Cincinnati, where creativity meets community spirit.
METALLIC GIRAFFE
28.9 km
Explore the charm of Cincinnati at Metallic Giraffe, your go-to gift shop for unique treasures and local artistry.
Bean Wesdorp
29.2 km
Experience the charm of Covington at Bean Wesdorp, where local treasures and handcrafted items await every traveler.
Thrifting on Eastern
29.3 km
Explore the charm of Thrifting on Eastern in Covington, KY, where unique treasures await at budget-friendly prices!
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Boonedocks Pub and Grub
4.4 km
Experience the heart of Kentucky dining at Boonedocks Pub and Grub, where family-friendly vibes meet mouthwatering American cuisine.
The Hideout (Formerly Special K's)
11.5 km
Discover the lively nightlife at The Hideout, a premier bar and nightclub in Walton, Kentucky, perfect for a fun night out with friends.
The 859 Taproom and Grill
15.4 km
Experience the vibrant flavors of The 859 Taproom and Grill in Florence, where delicious bar fare meets an inviting atmosphere for all travelers.
Bar 32
29.2 km
Experience the vibrant atmosphere and creative cocktails at Bar 32, a must-visit bar in Covington, Kentucky, perfect for unwinding and socializing.
Rosie's Tavern
29.2 km
Discover the charm of Rosie's Tavern in Covington, a cozy bar and pub serving delightful drinks and delicious food in a friendly atmosphere.
Gypsy's Mainstrasse
29.3 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Gypsy's Mainstrasse in Covington, where eclectic drinks meet a lively atmosphere.
Upover
29.4 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Upover, Covington's favorite bar for craft cocktails and local brews in a cozy atmosphere.
Juniper’s
29.4 km
Discover the finest gin and culinary delights at Juniper's, a vibrant bar and restaurant in Covington, KY, perfect for an unforgettable dining experience.
Wiseguy Lounge - Mainstrasse
29.4 km
Discover Wiseguy Lounge in Covington: A delightful bar and pizza restaurant offering exquisite cocktails and a cozy atmosphere for all visitors.
Paddy's on Main
29.5 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at Paddy's on Main, Covington's favorite bar with craft drinks, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere.
Olde Towne Tavern
29.7 km
Discover the lively atmosphere of Olde Towne Tavern in Covington, where great drinks, karaoke, and friendly faces await you.
Second Story
29.8 km
Discover the taste of Covington at Second Story, where innovative cocktails meet a lively atmosphere and stunning skyline views.
The Hannaford at Pike & Madison
29.8 km
Experience the vibrant nightlife at The Hannaford, Covington's top bar with a cozy ambiance and impressive drink selection.
Knowledge Bar and Social Room
29.9 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere and innovative cocktails at Knowledge Bar and Social Room in Covington, Kentucky, perfect for any night out.
The Globe
30.0 km
Discover the vibrant atmosphere of The Globe, Covington's premier cocktail bar, where handcrafted drinks and good times await you.
