Big Bone Lick

In 1963, the US Geological Survey and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln published a report titled, “Paleontologic Investigations at Big Bone Lick State Park, Kentucky: A Preliminary Report.” 

The Big Bone Lick area in Kentucky is the first widely-known collecting locality for vertebrate fossils in North America.  The study investigated Big Bone Lick for further faunal and geologic evidence.  Mammal bones, ranging in age from Wisconsin to Recent, were recovered in 1962 from four different faunal zones in two terrace fills.  In addition, 15 test holes were drilled with a power auger furnished by the Commonwealth of
Kentucky, and samples were taken for analysis and examination for microfauna and microflora.  Wood was collected for carbon-14 analysis.

The study indicates that are three terrace levels at Big Bone Lick above the present floodplain of the creek, the highest being of Tazewell age, and the two lower terraces of post-Tazewell age.  Distinct bone-bearing alluvial deposits appear to be related to the terrace sequence.  The sequence of terraces appears to be similar to that of the adjacent Ohio Valley, indicating that the history of the site is a part of the regional sequence of events.

Here is a diagrammatic cross-section showing the main bone-bearing zones of Big Bone Lick:

See the entire report (PDF)

KYPetalPusher, aka L.K. Niceley from Union, Kentucky, documented her hike with friends on a sunny winter day at Big Bone Lick State Park:

“We started at the museum/gift shop, took Gobblers Trace up to the campground, then took the Coralberry trail around the lake.  Finally, we dropped down to see the herd of buffalo at the park.”

Check out her trail and photos:

Map your trip with EveryTrail

Kentucky’s winter catch-and-release trout season is now open on 13 streams throughout the state.  It’s officially called the “Delayed Harvest Program” because you cannot keep any trout caught in the designated streams from October 1 through March 31.

One of the 13 designated streams is the 2.1-mile-long Big Bone Creek inside Big Bone Lick State Park in Boone County.

Winter is not the best time to catch a lot of fish, but since fewer people fish in winter, the competition is less, which means the fishing action is often quite good.

Story at Courier-Journal

The park recreation staff is teaming up with Tristate Shadowchasers to take you on a live Ghost Hunt at Big Bone Lick State Park.  During the Ghost Hunt, you will learn about and use the various instruments employed during paranormal investigations.  Authentic equipment will be on hand for anyone to use.

We will explore several areas of the park during our investigation, including the recently renovated 1888 Big Bone Methodist church, Nature Center, Visitor’s Center, the old office building, and several outdoor locations.

The investigation will start Saturday evening March 20th at 8:00pm.  Everyone will meet at the Nature Center.  To get to the Nature Center, take the second right after entering the park.  The Nature and History Museum is the building right after the Visitor’s Center.

The investigation will last until 3:00 am.  You are able to leave at any time and do not have to stay until the end.  After the Ghost Hunt, Tristate Shadowchasers will review the evidence collected during the hunt.  If any paranormal evidence was captured, a time will be set up for every one to come view the evidence.

Some helpful items to bring to the Ghost Hunt:

• Warm clothing
• Snack, food, and drink
• Digital camera
• Small flashlight
• Any equipment that you have and want to use