Big Bone Lick State Historic Site in Boone County invites visitors to take a glimpse into the past during the 42nd annual Salt Festival, Oct. 16-18.
The three-day event includes demonstrations of early settler and Indigenous life, salt making, archery, spear and tomahawk throwing, storytelling, live music, a petting zoo, crafts, food and more. Guests can also experience the park museum, active salt springs and the bison herd, the park’s living link to Kentucky’s early history.
The Salt Festival is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $10 for ages 13 and older, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and younger. Tickets are available for purchase online. Additionally, School Day is returning to this year’s event. Preregistered schools receive a discounted admission rate for Friday, Oct. 16. Schools must preregister by Oct. 2.
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is recognized as the birthplace of American vertebrate paleontology for its significant role in developing scientific thought on extinction and the relationship between geology and paleontology.
In 2009, the U.S. Department of the Interior selected Big Bone Lick State Historic Site as one of 606 National Natural Landmarks in the country. In 2024, the U.S. Department of the Interior selected Big Bone Lick State Historic Site as one of 2,600 National Historic Landmarks in the country. The site is now one of only 16 sites to hold both designations.
The 512-acre park features a bison herd, campground, museum and gift shop. The park is 22 miles southwest of Covington on Kentucky Highway 338, off U.S. Highway 42-127 and Interstate Highway 71/75.
For additional information on the Salt Festival, visit parks.ky.gov.
Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet