Just Around the Bend: Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park

By Mary Casey-Sturk

Very near Maysville, Kentucky and tucked into the lovely rolling hills that were once wild America you will find Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park. The Licking River runs through the park and the area is steeped in history with both the river and springs having attracted animals and humans since the Prehistoric Period.

Connections to Daniel Boone

Daniel Boone is noted to have been here on two separate occasions. The first was one of the final battles of the Revolutionary War in what is now Kentucky. Nearly a year after the surrender at Yorktown, a battle was held on this site on August 19, 1782. Members of the Kentucky Militia, some 182 strong, gathered near Lexington and headed this way. Unfortunately, they were ambushed, and dozens died. Among the dead was Israel Boone (son of Daniel), who, gravely wounded, was carried to a cave by his father and died. Today, you can walk among the hilly battlefield and visit the striking memorial and graves.

Prior to this battle, Boone was on a salt-making expedition in 1778 and his party ran low on food. While hunting in the area, they were captured by a band of Shawnee Indians and forced back to Blue Licks. Their chief knew and liked Boone and adopted him giving him the name “Sheltowee” or big turtle. The Sheltowee Trace is a hiking trail that runs through Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest.

Exploring the Park

The Lodge is a popular place to stay. Rooms overlook the Licking River (as viewed through the woods) and are recently updated and have balconies or patios. Elsewhere in the park, there are two rental cottages that flank the hillside about the river. Camping, swimming, canoeing, miniature golf, hiking, nature center, gift shop and more activities await. Serving Kentucky Proud foods, their Hidden Waters Restaurant is known for its buffet.

The Pioneer Museum shares the area’s history, from artifacts such as mastodon bones and tools used by local Native Americans, to uniforms from the era of the battle to instruments used in daily pioneer life, it’s an interesting stop. Nearby, Tanner Station is a reproduction of a small trade station known to have been at the spring in 1784 and fun to explore for all ages.

Short’s Goldenrod was the first plant in Kentucky to be listed as an endangered species. This lovely plant can only be found within a two-mile radius of the park, along the ancient paths followed by bison. Today, it is protected within a 15-acre nature preserve within the park.

This is a thoughtful place to visit, but it’s also enjoyable, friendly, and relaxing. Activities vary by season, but even in cold weather months, it’s worth a visit and you might even spy a Bald Eagle while walking the grounds. Nature and history welcome you to come and stay a while.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park

10299 Maysville Rd.

Carlisle, KY 40311