Fossils offer a tangible way to explore natural history at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site: the visitor information center displays fossils from many prehistoric animals that lived in this area. If you’re interested in these traces of the past, you can combine them with other discoveries—such as trails through an arboretum, a historic estate or views of forests and wetlands. The themes range from natural history and outdoor activities to regional cultural heritage; choose what interests you most.

Trails and Landscapes

Big Bone Lick State Historic Site has 4.5 miles of hiking trails across five trails. Difficulty levels range from easy to moderate. Boone County Arboretum offers a different focus: it covers 121 acres and features a winding multipurpose trail of more than two miles. It was also the first arboretum in the United States located within an actively used recreational park. For a comparison of trail lengths, consider the 1.6-mile nature trail at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park.

The landscapes also offer different highlights. Boone County Cliffs State Nature Preserve is known for its diverse flora and fauna and distinctive geological features; wildflowers, ferns and shrubs grow there. Boone Cliffs and Dinsmore Woods State Nature Preserves protect a relatively undisturbed maple-oak-ash forest. At England-Idlewild Park, fishing ponds and natural wetlands are part of the scenery. So when comparing natural areas, you’ll find forests, geological features and wetlands side by side—without this implying a shared trail or a specific route.

During its “Hike the Trails” events in the spring, summer and fall seasons, Boone County Environmental and Nature Center offers the public guided explorations across three trail systems. The seasonal schedule is one factor to consider when planning. Trail length is another: the multipurpose trail at the arboretum is longer than the nature trail at Gunpowder Creek Nature Park, while the five trails at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site are also described as ranging from easy to moderate. You can weigh these options against one another by distance, character and event availability.

Discover History

At Dinsmore Homestead, the original outbuildings, with their 19th-century farm tools and cooking utensils, tell the story of everyday life in that era. Guided tours take place on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, on the hour from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.; the last tour starts at 4:00 p.m. Check the times before your visit. The ruins of the historic Crisler-Gulley Mill, built in 1817, are also among the historic traces associated with the Earl and Hazel Jones Center for Conservation.

Most of the historic buildings in Rabbit Hash are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built around 1831, the Rabbit Hash General Store is considered the best-known and best-preserved country store in Kentucky. Rabbit Hash Old Timers Day is also an annual cultural heritage event in Boone County. Event details may change, so check the dates before planning your visit around the event. The combination of buildings, the store and the event offers several ways to explore the area’s cultural heritage, without requiring you to seek the same kind of historical experience.

Practical Information

For a different kind of visit, consider the Nature Park Event Center at Florence Nature Park: the public can rent it for parties or special occasions. Rental arrangements may change; check the current terms if you’d like to use this option. Stringtown Park is in the eastern part of Florence on Kentucky Route 18 (Burlington Pike), between Kathryn and Wallace Avenues. It covers 8 acres and is open from morning until evening. Park hours may change, so check them before your visit.

Boone County Distilling Co. also offers a useful point of reference for planning: it is about one mile from Interstate I-75. This approximate distance is a distance measurement, not a statement about driving time. Whether you focus on nature trails, cultural heritage or a seasonal event depends on your interests and which dates fit your trip.

Discover more destinations: Walton, Florence, Petersburg, Hebron, Verona, Campbell, Pike County, Allen County.

For the main travel overview: Kentucky.