BLUE LICKS BATTLEFIELD STATE RESORT PARK

Walk the steps of Daniel Boone and examine Native American artifacts

a guide for $20 per person. For more information, call 859-289-5507 or email matthew.dollar@ky.gov.

The lodge offers 32 rooms, including two suites, one of which can be used as a hospitality center for meetings and events. Inside the lodge, Hidden Waters Restaurant offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner Wednesdays through Saturdays and breakfast and lunch on Sundays.

The park has two cottages on the Licking River that are pet-friendly. The campground contains 51 sites and is open from mid-March through midNovember. Each site has standard electric and water hookups for tent or RV campers, and there is a central service building with showers and restrooms.

Did you know that the last battle of the Revolutionary War occurred in Kentucky? The Battle of Blue Licks took place along the Licking River, with the British attacking a Kentucky militia group led by Daniel Boone. While the battle was not victorious for the Kentuckians, the war officially ended 11 months later with the Treaty of Paris.

Walk in the footsteps of Daniel Boone by visiting the battle monument and other attractions at Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. The Pioneer Museum sits on the site of the battlefield and tells the story of frontier life with artifacts from pioneers and Native Americans.

Additionally, you can examine the bones of mastodons, who were drawn to the area due to the salt content of nearby springs. Buffalo also roamed the vicinity, as evidenced by the Buffalo Trace trail, which contains the trampled remains of an ancient path created by the animals. While on the trail, look for Short’s Goldenrod, a federally endangered plant.

The plant is protected in the 15-acre nature preserve at Blue Licks.

Hike the 1-mile Licking River Trail for a loop that ventures near the site where Daniel Boone and others were captured by Shawnee tribesmen on a salt-making expedition. For a shorter hike, check out the half-mile Savannah Loop. To stretch your legs a bit longer, take the 2 1/2-mile Heritage Trail, where you may glimpse red-headed woodpeckers.

While you’re hiking, be on the lookout for several species of hawks such as sharp-shinned, broad-winged, red-tailed, and the American Kestrel. Along the Licking River, watch for wood ducks, Cerulean Warblers, and wood thrushes. There is also free boat access to the river.

If you don’t have your own canoe, look into one of the Licking River Paddling Trips available through the park. With spots available on September 2, 16, and other dates, the paddling trip offers canoes, paddles, life vests, and

In addition to the other attractions, Blue Licks plays host to an 18-hole miniature golf course and children’s playgrounds. There are also two picnic shelters available for rental. The lodge gift shop sells a selection of locally handcrafted products, such as baskets, pottery, soaps, jams, and more.

If you are looking for a place to host a conference, family reunion, wedding or other event, Blue Licks holds ample space with picturesque views. The park can accommodate groups of up to 250 and offers full-service catering and bar options. Located in northeastern Kentucky, the park is less than an hour’s drive from Lexington.

Make plans to create memories at the historic Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park by reserving your stay at Parks.ky.gov. While you’re there, check out Kentucky’s other 44 state parks, including 17 resort parks with restaurants, 30 campgrounds, and 13 golf courses.