Looking to explore one of the most historic sites in America? Blue Licks Battlefield State Park combines the rich history of the American Revolutionary War with the comforts of a resort. Located near Mount Olivet, Kentucky, the park encompasses 148 acres and is known for the monument commemorating the August 19, 1782 Battle of Blue Licks that happened in the area. This battle is regarded as the final battle of the American Revolutionary War so the historical significance is tremendous.
The earliest writings of the area in and around the modern day park describe it as a place where animals gathered together to lick salt deposits that were flowing from saltwater springs. The famous battle occurred in 1782 in which reinforcements under the Rebels led by George Rogers Clark drove William Caldwell's forces from Kentucky for good. After the battle the area became a health resort until the saltwater springs eventually ran out in the late 1800s.
The Battle of Blue Licks celebration is the largest event held at the park. Held annually in mid-August, the main highlight is a re-enactment of the Battle of Blue Licks. The Pioneer Museum is also a major attraction. It houses a variety of interesting artifacts, including a mastodon tooth found during an excavation of the site to some relics from the Civil War. Canoeing, fishing and hiking are also popular recreational activities.
A pet-friendly campground provides RV travelers with some great facilities, including 51 sites with utility hookups, a dump station and a central service building that contain showers and rest rooms. The campground closes each year during the off peak season that runs from November 1st to March 31st.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park is located in Robertson and Nicholas counties around 48 miles northeast of Lexington. The park is in a very accessible location as it is right off the US-68. There are no immediate towns located very close to the park but Mt Olivet is around 10 miles away, Elizaville is 11 miles away and Flemingsburg is around 16 miles away. If you need to get supplies we recommend stopping in either Elizaville or Flemingsburg if you are traveling from the east. Besides Lexington, Cincinnati is the next closest major city at around 77 miles away.
Since US-68 is the only road that you can use to enter the park you will have no problems with accessing it. There will be no obstacles or other issues that will cause you trouble such as overhanging trees or winding roads. The campground has a small loop but the road is large enough for you to navigate it with no problems.
If you are coming from the north, take KY-165 until it reaches US-68. Head south on US-68 until you reach the park. If you are coming from the east you can also take KY-165 until it reaches US-68. Head south on US-68 until you reach the park.
There is plenty of parking available at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Park has a very nice campground that features favourable reviews by RV campers. There is a single loop that has 51 RV friendly sites that all include electrical hookups and some also have water hookups. There are water collection points located throughout the campground, along with a dump station and a central service building that contain showers and rest rooms. The sites are level and also come with a picnic table and fire rings, which is a great inclusion. We recommend site 36 if you want a very shady site.
Note that you should come with extension cords if you want to use the electrical hookup as they are located a little off the site pads. You should be able to get cell phone reception on all networks and all sites are pet friendly. Reservations are available until the campground closes each year during the off peak season that runs from November 1 to March 31.
Exploring the Pioneer Museum is a great way to learn more about the history of the park. The museum houses a variety of artifacts and the exhibits focus on the area's natural and cultural history. Some of these include prehistoric animals and fossils, area Native Americans and 18th century pioneers, along with a diorama of the battle. The museum was first opened in 1931 and had renovations completed in 2007. Hours of the museum are 9AM to 5PM from Memorial Day to August 4th and is open seasonally outside of these dates.
Every year people gather at the park to relive history at the Battle of Blue Licks Reenactment weekend. Held during August over two days re-enactors and visitors alike enjoy battle reenactments, special programs, activities, and demonstrations throughout the entire weekend. During the weekend of the reenactment the park will be really busy, so make sure you have your camping reservation made in advance of your arrival. The event is family friendly and is held free of charge.
Want to cool off during the hot Kentucky summer? There is a a junior-Olympic size community pool available for visitors to use throughout the summertime. The pool is open 10AM to 6PM from Memorial Day until August 4th. After August 4th the pool is open on the weekend only until August 20th when it closes for the year. If you want to have a celebration the pool is available for pool party rentals. Enquire at the park office if you are interested in hosting a pool party.
Unfortunately there are no public transport options that will take you to Blue Licks Battlefield State Park.
Want to do some hiking during your stay at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park? There are six different trails that are available for you to explore that range in length from around 270 yards to two and a half miles. If you are looking to do a hike that has historical meaning check out the River Trail. This one mile loop trail takes you down to the Licking River to near where Daniel Boone and his men were captured by Shawnee Indians on a salt-making expedition.
The bird watching at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park will offer you some great experiences no matter what time of year you visit. During the Spring it will be a good time for viewing snipe, solitary sandpipers, and killdeer. Both Spring and Fall are the perfect times to see migrating warblers. Down by the Licking River you can find ravines that are excellent for watching wood ducks and both wood thrushes Acadian and flycatchers. Red-headed woodpeckers are also frequently seen across on the Heritage Trail.
Picnicking is always a good time to be had and the facilities at Blue Licks Battlefield State Park will provide you with all the equipment you need. Tables, grills, and playgrounds are located within the park for you to enjoy throughout the year. There are also two picnic shelters (one that has rest rooms) that are available for rental up to two years in advance. These shelters are great for larger events such as family reunions or work parties.
