Big Bone Lick

Check out these excellent close-up photos of bison at Big Bone Lick State Park.  Some include a bison calf!

View the Bison Photos

After enjoying a Mother’s Day buffet with Mom, how about working off those calories with a short hike? 

Join local botanist Matt Maley and the park naturalists on a short walk in Big Bone Lick State Park to see and learn about the many beautiful spring wildflowers that bloom in the park.  The Wildflower Walk will take place on Sunday, May 9 from 11:00 AM to about 1 PM.

For more information, call 859-384-3522 or email park naturalist Todd Young at todd.young@ky.gov.

Catfish Country is hosting a fishing tournament at Big Bone Lick State Park on Saturday, May 1 from 4 PM to 10 PM.  There will be another tournament at Big Bone on August 21.

About Catfish Country:  “In the early 1990s, a group of fisherman with a passion for the sport of catfishing decided to start holding regular fishing tournaments amongst friends.  Over the years the friendship circle grew, and as a result, our tournaments continued to grow as we met more catfish enthusiasts.  In 2003 we adopted the name Catfish Country as a club name.  It is amazing how much this sport has grown, and we have met not only great fisherman, but great individuals as well.  We look forward to a great year of fishing and friendship.”  (source)

The date and time may vary depending on weather.  In the event of inclement weather, check with Scott Wilson (859-321-6020) for cancellation.

Rod Burkert and his two sons, Ty and Buster, hiked “every inch” of the trails in Big Bone Lick State Park.  “One of the trails led us to a meadow of grazing American buffalo…  The buffalo is a curious animal, and our presence brought them closer and closer and closer…  A calf came over and licked my hand.”

Rod continued:  “We stayed at the campground in the state park – two duclaws up! The place was perched on a hill, giving panoramic views of the countryside.  For kids, there is a swimming pool and playground; showers, restrooms, and laundry facilities are also on site.”

Those of us who live near Big Bone Lick can surely appreciate what Rod has to say about the nightlife:  “The most memorable moment was being outside late at night, far removed from city lights, and gazing at the twinkling stars.  THIS is what traveling with our pets is all about!”

Read the article at GoPetFriendlyBlog.com

Reed Construction has posted an overview of a $2,173,280 (est.) construction project at Big Bone Lick State Park:

• Demolish existing Nature Center (2400 sq. ft.) and construct a new center (2000 sq. ft.)
• Install new fire protection line through park
• Convert campground pool to spray ground
• Repair root cellar in campground
• Improve golf course
• General upgrade to all playgrounds
• New playground at picnic area below restroom building along road
• New small shelter at former tent area near restroom building
• Replace columns of shelter near church
• Extend permanent power to areas for Salt Festival
• Loop area near shelter below church
• Repair swinging bridge
• Develop permanent archaeology dig site
• Install skate board ramps at one end of existing game courts
• Demolition of old small recreation storage building near tennis courts
• Improve walkways around tennis courts to game courts
• Expand parking near present picnic areas
• Improve and pave road to area below dam

Project Lead

Kentucky Pondhoppers Bass Club is holding a fishing tournament from March 27 through August 28.  Fish with partner or alone.  Boats must be 14 feet or shorter, and motors must be 15 hp or lower.  There is a $50 fee per boat membership to the Bass Club, and $30 fee per boat per tournament. 

Division III will be held on Guist Creek, Bullock Pen, Elmer Davis, Boltz, and Big Bone Lick Creek.

Contact Paul Hanley at 502-845-5391 for more information.

Source

Sierra Club Northern Kentucky (NKY) is meeting on Saturday, May 8, 2010 to perform trail service at Big Bone Lick State Park on five miles of mostly wooded hilly trails, including two blazed by the NKY group.  This is one of several service outings scheduled throughout the year.

This outing will include routine trail repairs and upkeep, especially weed-whipping and bush and branch trimming.  The work crew will depart from the meeting location 15-20 minutes after the scheduled start.  So don’t come late unless you know where they will be working.

Be sure to wear weather-appropriate work clothing, shoes with good treads, and work gloves.  Bring your own liquids and trail snacks, as desired.  Minors must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

Rating: easy to moderate, suitable for beginners, sometimes including labor in cool, damp, hot or humid conditions.

For more information, contact John F. Robbins by email or phone at 859-363-0376.

JOIN THE SIERRA CLUB

Carol Slater is an Indiana working mother of two girls.  She has written an article about Big Bone Lick State Park for Associated Content:

“A visit to Big Bone Lick State Park in Union, Kentucky is a great place to spend the day for any family.  The kids and adults will enjoy this park as it is a park filled with ancient history, a herd of buffalo, and plenty of activities for all family members.”

She goes on to talk about the museum, nature center, picnic facilities, campground and 7.5 acre lake for fishing.  She closes her article by saying:

“Plan your trip to this park today and you won’t regret it.  It is a fun day and a fun place to spend the day with the kids.  Take a walk to the buffalo herd and enjoy the day.  Remind yourself of what it would be like that if they still roamed free today in this area.”

Read the article

Stacey Moore posted photos on Flickr from her recent trip to Big Bone Lick State Park in Boone County, Kentucky: