Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park
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- Enjoy a visit to the Pioneer Museum.
- Find that special Kentucky Proud specialty item in our Gift Shop.
- Retrace the steps of Daniel Boone and the ancient buffalo on our trails.
- Visit the site of the last battle of the Revolutionary War.
- Dine in at Hidden Waters Restaurant.
Birding
Spring is a good time for viewing Snipe, Solitary Sandpipers, and Killdeer. Summer is the best time for viewing several species of hawks such as Sharp-shinned, Cooper's, Broad-winged, Red-tailed, and the American Kestrel. Both Spring and Fall are fantastic times to see migrating warblers. Along the Licking River ravines are excellent for watching wood ducks, migratory and nesting Emberizidae Parulinae such as Prothonotary and Cerulean Warblers, and both wood thrushes Acadian and flycatchers. Red-headed woodpeckers are frequently seen across HW 68 on the Heritage Trail as well as Warbling Vireos.
Boating
Free boat access to the Licking River. Guests must provide their own canoe or kayak.
Gift Shop
We are proud to offer a very unique selection of KY handcrafted products at our lodge gift shop, many of which are locally made. High-quality pottery from six unique Kentucky artisans can be found throughout the shop, along with handcrafted baskets, lavender fragrances, punched-tin prints, note cards, painted gourds, soaps, walking sticks, and a large selection of books and cookbooks by Kentucky authors. Kentucky food products include salsa, jams, mustards, hot sauces, and a wide variety of sweets.
Hiking
Please be mindful that pets are not allowed on any park trails that share land with State Nature Preserves or are in protected archaeological areas. This includes a few trails at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. These trails will be posted as such.
- Buffalo Trace (.15 mile) - is where the trampled remains are of an ancient buffalo path.
- The Licking River Trail (1 mile) - a one-mile loop trail to the Licking River, near the site where Daniel Boone and his men were
captured by Shawnee Indians on a salt-making expedition.
- Savannah Loop (0.5 mile)
- Indian Loop Trail (0.8 mile)
- The Heritage Trail (2.5 mile)
Miniature Golf
Our 18-hole miniature golf course is perfect for family entertainment. The mini-golf course is open seasonally and dependent upon weather. Equipment rental is available at the front desk of the Worthington Lodge.
Museum
Learn more about the fascinating history of Blue Licks in the Pioneer Museum. Enjoy a short video presentation and examine mastodon bones, Native American and Kentucky pioneer artifacts.
Hours:
March 16 - October 31
9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday - Saturday only.
9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Sunday only.
Closed on Monday and Tuesday.
November 1 - March 15 – Closed.
School Groups
The Battlefield offers diverse programing for both public and home school groups. These programs include tomahawk, nature hikes, crafts, museum tours, battlefield talks and canoeing. The recreation department can also work with your trip coordinator to create a more specific type of activity. Student centered groups are encouraged to call the recreation department to check on staff availability by calling (859) 289-5507, prompt #5, or by contacting the group sales office.
Picnicking
Two picnic shelters (one with restrooms) are available for rental up to two years in advance. Tables, grills, and playgrounds are located throughout the park for a great picnic outing.
Playgrounds
Children's playground located near the mini-golf course and picnic shelter.
Wildflower Viewing
Blue Licks is home to the federally-endangered Short's Goldenrod. This plant is protected in the 15-acre nature preserve at Blue Licks. Short's Goldenrod is historically linked to the Buffalo Trace hiking trail - the trampled remains of an ancient buffalo path.