Hopefully, by now you know how fantastic our state park system is here in Kentucky. We are lucky enough to have one of the best collection of state parks in the country and they each offer different opportunities for adventure and experiencing natural beauty.

We’ve spoken highly of many of the parks, such as the underrated Grayson Lake State Park and Kentucky’s first state park, Pine Mountain State Resort Park, but there’s one often overlooked park that is filled with unique features. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Union is worthy of a visit and is filled with prehistoric surprises.

Big Bone Lick State Park is located in Union, Kentucky and has 813 acres of beautiful land to explore.

Flickr/Albedo20

Unlike some of Kentucky’s incredible state parks, Big Bone Lick has a fascinating history.

Google/Kristopher Whitker It’s actually home to remains that date back to the Ice Age and the park takes advantage of this unique past. While you’ll find typical park attractions like a campsite and hiking trails, there are also numerous unexpected surprises.

The park was recently able to completely renovate and update their museum and visitors center.

Facebook/Big Bone Lick State Historic Site You’ll now find exhibits and displays that include Ordovician fossils, Ice Age mammal bones, Native American artifacts, items from the salt making era, and ongoing current research.

Just outside of the visitor’s center is the Discovery Trail.

Flickr/albedo20 This trail begins right behind the center with the Megafauna diorama (shown above).

This trail is actually a combination of all of the park’s trails and gives you an impressive look at the land and its history.

Kentucky State Parks Website As you first walk past this ice age-era display, you’ll imagine what life was once like for these animals so long ago. This 4.5-mile trail then continues through the park and passes through grasslands, woodlands, a woody savanna, the salt-sulfur springs, and the popular bison viewing area.

The herd of bison that call Big Bone Lick home is one of the most unique features you’ll find in any of Kentucky’s state parks.

Facebook/Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

The short 0.5-mile trail to get to the field is an easy walk through the woods.

Google/Heather Szalai It then opens up to a large, fenced pasture where these amazing animals graze. Though they are out in the field all year long, they are not always close to the fence; however, you may be lucky and get an up-close look at the largest of all North American land mammals and our only living mammalian link to the Ice Age.

Since it is a Kentucky State Park, as well as a historic site, you can expect to find all of the other wonderful park amenities.

Facebook/Big Bone Lick State Historic Site The campground features 62 sites, as well as a seasonal pool and mini-golf course.

The park also has a small lake, perfect for fishing and relaxing. It’s a somewhat tough walk up a hill to reach this hidden lake, but it’s worth the extra effort.

Google/Jonathan Morrison As you sit on one of the benches that surround the lake, you can imagine what this land was like in prehistoric times. Animals flocked here for the salty water and rocks, and we now visit to learn all about it and experience this fascinating part of Kentucky’s history.

If you’re looking for a unique park that offers typical features like camping, but also a one-of-a-kind bison herd and museums, then check out Big Bone Lick State Historic Site. Have you visited this underrated destination in Kentucky? Share your experiences with us in the comments!

Flickr/Albedo20

Google/Kristopher Whitker

It’s actually home to remains that date back to the Ice Age and the park takes advantage of this unique past. While you’ll find typical park attractions like a campsite and hiking trails, there are also numerous unexpected surprises.

Facebook/Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

You’ll now find exhibits and displays that include Ordovician fossils, Ice Age mammal bones, Native American artifacts, items from the salt making era, and ongoing current research.

Flickr/albedo20

This trail begins right behind the center with the Megafauna diorama (shown above).

Kentucky State Parks Website

As you first walk past this ice age-era display, you’ll imagine what life was once like for these animals so long ago. This 4.5-mile trail then continues through the park and passes through grasslands, woodlands, a woody savanna, the salt-sulfur springs, and the popular bison viewing area.

Google/Heather Szalai

It then opens up to a large, fenced pasture where these amazing animals graze. Though they are out in the field all year long, they are not always close to the fence; however, you may be lucky and get an up-close look at the largest of all North American land mammals and our only living mammalian link to the Ice Age.

The campground features 62 sites, as well as a seasonal pool and mini-golf course.

Google/Jonathan Morrison

As you sit on one of the benches that surround the lake, you can imagine what this land was like in prehistoric times. Animals flocked here for the salty water and rocks, and we now visit to learn all about it and experience this fascinating part of Kentucky’s history.

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is located at 3380 Beaver Rd., Union, KY 41091. For more information, visit its website here.

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