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Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park commemorates several chapters of human and natural history.
Salt springs at Blue Licks attracted prehistoric mammoths. The springs were the center of Native American life for centuries and then later proved important to frontiersmen like Daniel Boone, who was captured here.
Blue Licks is perhaps best known as the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War in Kentucky. In 1782, Kentuckians engaged Native American and British soldiers near the Licking River. Outnumbered, Kentucky suffered great losses, and one of Boone's sons was killed.
During the 19th century, a popular health resort was built around the mineral springs.
Today, Blue Licks is a polished resort with a new lodge, dining room and conference room. Accommodations include two housekeeping cottages, 32 lodge rooms and 51 year-round campsites with utility hookups. There is a central service building with showers and rest rooms. Water hookups are available April through October only.
Blue Licks is home to the endangered Short's goldenrod. This plant is protected in the 15-acre nature preserve at Blue Licks. Nearby is the Buffalo Trace hiking trail, the trampled remains of an ancient buffalo path.
The River Trail is a one-mile loop trail leading to the Licking River, near the site where Daniel Boone and his men were captured by Shawnee.
The park includes a museum with exhibits of mastodon bones and Native American and Kentucky pioneer crafts.
Picnicking, swimming and other recreation activities are available.
The park hosts a Revolutionary War re-enactment celebration in August, a Halloween campout in October and an arts and crafts fair in June.
Outdoor Activities |
