Big Bone Lick State Historic Site

Category: State park

Address: 3380 Beaver Rd, Union, KY 41091, USA

Phone: +18593843522

Reviews

LeeAnn Hull

Jul 31, 2022

A great place for visitors of all ages! The museum is small but very informative. The loop trail to the salt spring is paved and easy accessible even for strollers or wheelchairs, mostly shaded too. Be warned, the salt spring itself smells like sulphur but that is normal. The trail to the bison (about 10 of them) is gravel and one way in and back out (uphill on your way back out). There is not much shade on this trail but you work your way around the encloser so you can get a great view of the bison wherever they are. They were all right near the fence as you can see! There was very friendly ranger setup right near the bison that was very informative and answered any questions that anyone had.

Tilly Lo

Jul 19, 2022

Interesting park... I really enjoyed seeing the bisons and one of my dogs was fearless. The bidons seem to not care about a yappy puppy, and a few checked her out. The trail to the Bison field is gravel, and at first I didn't see any bisons. I decided to hike the trail anyway, and spotted the bisons at the far end of the trail. I am so happy that I got to see them and didn't leave disappointed. I decided to continue with the trail and loop around back to the car. I wasn't pleased to see the trail was quite narrow and was very muddy. I spotted a turtle at the beginning of the trail before it got too muddy that I turned around and back tracked on the gravel trail that I hiked to the bison field to get back to the car. When hiking the trail, definitely have bug spray on you. I felt lots of bugs, and I even sprayed myself with OFF. I did check out the small historic area in the back of the visitor center. It was interesting. If it wasn't so hot; if my dogs weren't so tired; AMF if there wasn't a chance of thunderstorm kept popping up on the Fema app, I would have hiked the 1 mile trail behind the visitor center. It started off paved, but not sure if the enter trail is paved.

Zoey Hoffman

Jun 25, 2022

CAMPING LOT: The camping spot that my family stayed in was level. However some of the spots did look uneven, so pick your spot carefully. There is no plumbing and for some odd reason a creepy shed was by the spot and I heard noises come from the shed at night. SWIMMING POOL: The pool was a bit small, but clean. It was never so crowded that I didn't want to go in. (I whent in June) BATHROOMS/SHOWERS: Showers could use some TLC. There was some mold and hair on the walls. There is a handicap assessable shower. The toilets and sinks were pretty clean though. ACTIVITIES: There are tons of trails throughout the park. The camping ground also has mini golf course and a playground. Mini golf could kill a hour of time and isn't very expensive. WILDLIFE: I saw tons deer there which was really cool. The deer never got too close as well. That was not the case with the raccoons. My campsite was visited by a raccoon every night that wouldn't be scared away if my dog barked at it or banging pots and pans at it. There were also about 6 raccoons in the dumpsters at night.

Fiona Vaughan

Sep 1, 2021

So interesting. Great artillery demonstration with people in character. Lots of artifacts and picture boards explaining the history. Easy walk. Mostly outdoors. We had a great day for it. History buffs need to visit. Small museum with more …

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Questions & Answers

Can I bring my dog with me to the park?

Kelly Jones | Feb 28, 2020
Kartia's Olinger | Feb 29, 2020

Yes on leash

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Is there a place to stay over night?

LINDA W | Feb 28, 2020
James Edgar Porter | Feb 29, 2020

Camping only

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Is there a playground?

Rodger Mckale | Feb 28, 2019
Jodi Stewartfamily | Mar 1, 2019

Yes there are two. One by the visitor center/museum and one at the campground.

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When is salt lick

Dorothia Becker | Feb 28, 2018
Nathan Brown | Mar 1, 2018

Step back in time as Big Bone Lick State Historic Site returns to days long past during the 35th annual Salt Festival the weekend of Oct. 13-15 2017. How can you call yourselves local guides? I've been going to this festival for nie on 39 years! Loads of fun for adults and kiddos. Soda from the tap, demonstrations and trader tents galore.

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Does it cost anything to look around and do trails?

Kristy Scott | Feb 28, 2020
Anna Cahill | Feb 29, 2020

It does not cost to do the trails. There us a charge for camping and minigolf.

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Do you allow dogs on the trails?

Seth Winter | Feb 28, 2019
Jonteau Caldwell | Mar 1, 2019

Yes and scoop that 💩 lol

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How much is a tent campsite Per night

Amanda Clingerman | Aug 31, 2021
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site (Owner) | Sep 1, 2021

Su-Th are $30/night and F-Sa are $35/night.

Are there entrance fees to the park and the activities

Rhonda Hathaway | Aug 1, 2021
Karen King | Aug 2, 2021

No

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Is there grills at the shelters?

Te Beau | Jun 2, 2021
Sherry Harrison-Beach | Jun 3, 2021

Yes there are grills at the shelters.

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Are u allowed to do fireworks?

Kendall ross | Feb 27, 2021
Miguel Torres | Feb 28, 2021

Naw man. No state park of any sort allows that. Nor does any natl forest or any area of the such.

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Is the pool open yet

Frederick Rohrer | Feb 27, 2021
Catherine Corelli | Feb 28, 2021

I've been there last Wednesday, June 24th, it was closed still. Hoping they'll reopen soon.

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Is there tent camping and what is the cost for 2 nights Camping

Garry Sammons | Feb 27, 2021
Brian Lagory | Feb 28, 2021

No tent camping, four miles away they do

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How close is this to Noahs ark

Carolyn Williams | Feb 28, 2020
Mark Van Netten | Feb 29, 2020

Probably about 30 minute drive. We stayed at the park and went to the ark no problem.

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Does anyone know of a catfishing guide on the river near big bone?

Wally Doerner | Feb 28, 2020
Wally Doerner | Feb 29, 2020

Sorry looking for one on the river near there

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What is this

Austin Rath | Feb 28, 2020
Robbie | Feb 29, 2020

It is a State park, with bision viewing, easy hiking trails, camping and a museum.

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is the Bison viewing handicap accessible?

Douglas Beard | Feb 28, 2020
Lily Lawson | Feb 29, 2020

No it's not. I tried to use my Rolator to get there but it was too far

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Are there any grocery stores need the camp ground

Elizabeth Stork | Feb 28, 2020
Kartia's Olinger | Feb 29, 2020

Kroger is 15 minutes away

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Is there mini golf, swimming, or boat rentals for visitors who do not camp?

Carl & Luella Haisch | Feb 28, 2019
Marti W | Mar 1, 2019

I believe the mini golf and pool are for campers only. But I believe anyone can use the boat launch.

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What time close on Saturdays and Sundays?

Luis Sanchez | Feb 28, 2019
Terri Beardsley | Mar 1, 2019

Dark except camp ground

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Can u swim there?

Kaylee Buchanan | Feb 28, 2019
Deanna Prieto | Mar 1, 2019

There is a swimming pool inside the campground that campers can swim in, other than that no.

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Is there fishing?

Brian Ormes | Feb 28, 2019
james tolson | Mar 1, 2019

Yes there is fishing .bring nightcrawlers for the kids and I have had good luck bass fishing with black rubber lizard. They say there is big catfish but i have lived by the park my whole life and never seen one caught..also in the creek when you enter the park is really good trout fishing is fun for kids and adults.

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Do the RV sites have water hookups and sewer

Bertie Mungle | Feb 13, 2022
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site (Owner) | Feb 14, 2022

All sites have water and 30 amp electric service. We have a dump station for sewage.

As a camper, how much is mini golf

Chasity Hornsby | Aug 31, 2021
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site (Owner) | Sep 1, 2021

Mini golf is $2.50 for children up to 18 and $3.50 for adults. Children 5 or under are free.

Do you have to camp to stargaze

holly howard | Aug 31, 2021
April Jones | Sep 1, 2021

Yes. Park closes at dusk

Does this park have a dog friendly beach that I can take kids and dog swimming?

A B | Jul 2, 2021
Patrick Conners | Jul 3, 2021

No

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Can you use a metal detector there for fun and hobby

James Rust | Jul 2, 2021
Terri Ringo | Jul 3, 2021

Nope

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Where's a good place to spend the night? We aren't campers.

Mary Bailor | Jul 2, 2021
Shelley M Miller | Jul 3, 2021

Kincaid lake

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Has the campground pool opened for the season yet?

Megan Cummins | Jun 2, 2021
Ironic Logic | Jun 3, 2021

Opens Memorial Day weekend

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What time are they feeding the bison Wednesday

Jack Halenkamp | May 3, 2021
Stan Dobson | May 4, 2021

CALL

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Are all of the RV sites really 30amp like Reserve America shows? Or are they updated to 50amp service?

Mary Vincent | May 3, 2021
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site (Owner) | May 4, 2021

30amp electric only.

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Can you enter the park for the day just to swim?

Linda Simmons | May 3, 2021
Amanda Craft | May 4, 2021

The lake is closed due to the dam being fixed

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Is there a laundry facility for campers? If so, is it quarters only, is there a change machine, can credit/debit cards be used? Thanks

Sooner Rosario | Feb 27, 2021
Aaron Haumesser | Feb 28, 2021

$1.50 to wash and $1 to dry and you can get change at the store

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Any Pokemon stops?

iamwhoiam420 | Feb 27, 2021
anthony “Sonny” mosley | Feb 28, 2021

Maybe

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What are the museum hours? Is it open on Sundays?

L Kalmar | Feb 27, 2021
anthony “Sonny” mosley | Feb 28, 2021

I think so. Go to website

Is a “permit” needed to camp here like National Parks.

Eddie648 | Feb 27, 2021
Jim | Feb 28, 2021

No special permit required. Instead you go to www.reservesmerica.com and find the park and book a stay and pay online. It’s that simple.

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Are you able to fish

Sherry Baker | Feb 27, 2021
Candice Lafollette | Feb 28, 2021

The lake is still closed off,im not sure when they wi reopen

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Is the pool at the campground open?

Amanda S | Feb 27, 2021
Racheal | Feb 28, 2021

Not as of yet.

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Is there a place to swim at big bone lick???

Miguel Torres | Feb 27, 2021
Stevie L. | Feb 28, 2021

They have a lake but it is closed. There is no place to go swimming.

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Is the lake open for fishing?

Bob Feledy | Feb 27, 2021
jerry davis | Feb 28, 2021

Lake is closed

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So i see 6 months ago it was still closed. How much longer will the damn take to fix

Ryan Longano | Feb 28, 2020
Doug Crabtree | Feb 29, 2020

Ryan Longano Are you referring to the Lake???... If so they hopefully expect to have it open back up this year.. They had found a Leak in the Dam that Holds back 9 Acres of Lake .. so hopefully This Summer they Plan on it being Reopened.. I hope this has helped Have a Good One

Will the campground open in March or April?

Claire Kolkmeyer | Feb 28, 2020
Daniel Mitchell | Feb 29, 2020

I believe so, if unsure call and ask.

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Is site 15 very level

Jerry Lucas | Feb 28, 2020
Lisa Romine | Feb 29, 2020

Site 15, if it's the one next to playground, is decent. A slight slope, but not too bad

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Can I bring my camper

Theresa Steffen | Feb 28, 2020
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site (Owner) | Feb 29, 2020

Hi Thersa! You may bring a camper. Here is a link to our website with more information. To make a reservation, just select the 'orange' Reserve A Campground button at the top of the page. https://parks.ky.gov/parks/historicsites/big-bone-lick/

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Is the pool still open??

Frederick Rohrer | Feb 28, 2020
Frederick Rohrer | Feb 29, 2020

Thank you everyone

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Is the lake still closed?

Julie McFarland | Feb 28, 2020
Bill Gavin | Feb 29, 2020

Yes, it is. :(

Can I hunt squirrel and turkey in Big Bone Lick SHS?

Dieter H. | Feb 28, 2020
Gary Means | Feb 29, 2020

Don't think so, but you can in Curtis Gates Lloyd wildlife refuge in Grant county. It has public hunting, gun ranges, bow range.

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Can i fish there now

Anthony Blaine | Feb 28, 2020
david freudiger | Feb 29, 2020

Lake is closed so I don't think so. Call them.

Is the lake open for fishing or is it still closed for fishing?

Bob Feledy | Feb 28, 2020
david freudiger | Feb 29, 2020

Still closed

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Is there any restaurant in big bone?

Frederick Rohrer | Feb 28, 2020
Amanda S | Feb 29, 2020

There is icecream!

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Is there a fossils dig area for visitors.

Jackye Marksbury | Feb 28, 2020
Gary Means | Feb 29, 2020

Yes, they schedule digs, check at the visitor center for details.

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Why is the lake closed

Mike Singh | Feb 28, 2020
Gary Means | Feb 29, 2020

The dam side developed a leak, so they relocated the fish and under way repairing it I believe.

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Is there dinosaur bones?

Yo mama so fat She needed cheat codes for Wii fit | Feb 28, 2020
Pranay BHARDWAJ | Feb 29, 2020

No dinosaurs, but lots of mastodons, sloths and native american artifacts.

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There was a plaque about there being a sulphur springs that people in the late 1800's would visit. Is that still available to see?

Richard Golden | Feb 28, 2020
Suzanne Bowling | Feb 29, 2020

Yes it definitely is..

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Can you swim here

James Coffey | Feb 28, 2020
Elizabeth Hull | Feb 29, 2020

Yes. There is a pool

How much is it for camping?

Nightmare Before Christmas Fan | Feb 28, 2020
Kyle Johnson | Feb 29, 2020

Depends on when you're interested in visiting. The camper cost is effective for a quick stay around $40 a night. This is not a wilderness camping national park so campsite only. This link is from the KY.gov site. https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/big-bone-lick-state-historic-site/KY/91803/overview

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Are there bison calves at big bonelick now?

Jean Huneck | Feb 28, 2020
Jeremy Turner | Feb 29, 2020

Yes I was there a month ago and was 3 or 4.. Take binoculars because they hang out it the shade under the dress hard to find

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Is there a map on line of the trails ..lakes and so on

David Kee | Feb 28, 2020
Vince Nienaber | Feb 29, 2020

There is a map in the parking lot

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Is the lake at Big Bone open for fishing now?

Ollie Helton | Feb 28, 2020
Kartia's Olinger | Feb 29, 2020

It it was closed off as of wednesday last week due to unstability caused by all of the rain

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Is the water up and the leak in the dam fixed?

Diana Sams | Feb 28, 2020
Mark Alcorn Jr | Feb 29, 2020

They still had the road to lake closed few weeks ago when I was there.

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How much is it do get a spot in how long can you stay

Michelle Barnett | Feb 28, 2020
laura worthington | Feb 29, 2020

Call the office

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Can you fish their

Keira Abrams | Feb 28, 2020
Brian McMenemy | Feb 29, 2020

Yes you can fish but I believe the lake is closed for repairs when I was there last week

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Is fishing lake still closed

Jason Finan | Feb 28, 2020
Clinton Roushf%f | Feb 29, 2020

The lake will be closed until the problem of the dam leaking is resolved. Work day at Big Bone Saturday. Hope we get good weather

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Are you open year around

Kirk Diehl | Feb 28, 2019
Josh Cooper | Mar 1, 2019

Yes but campground is closed during the winter.

How much is it a night to camp out there

Brandon Clem | Feb 28, 2019
Elke B | Mar 1, 2019

Around $30

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Are there still closures on the hiking trails and parking areas to the trailheads?

RepsychoedArtist | Feb 28, 2019
David Moore | Mar 1, 2019

Yes that there are mainly around the the lake it is under "maintenance" according to the signage yesterday

Are there any tent sites available?

Kimberly Winchester | Feb 28, 2019
S Jordan | Mar 1, 2019

They do. My son and I camped there a few weeks ago in a tent. We really enjoyed it!

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Which streams run through the park?

A Google User | Feb 28, 2019
Brandie Benton | Mar 1, 2019

Gum Branch and Big Bone Creek

Hi, I would like to if you rent out campers, or cabins?

Carmen Bottini | Feb 28, 2019
Frank Bex | Mar 1, 2019

No cabins and you have to bring your camper or tent

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Do any of your camp sited have sewer hook up?

larry stolz | Feb 28, 2019
S Jordan | Mar 1, 2019

I believe there is just one common place to dump sewer.

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Why is the grass so grown up? You can't see the kids play ground without walking into the tall grass and it's a mess!!! I couldn't believe how nasty the place look. I went to the park ranger place and it's all grown up and couldn't find out anything

Steve Arns | Feb 28, 2019
Sarah McManaway | Mar 1, 2019

We were there this morning. This is false information. It was well maintained and kids were playing, people were camping, even the sheriff with horses were there and taking them on the trails.

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is the buffalo there

Jeff Freyler | Feb 28, 2019
ADG Productions | Mar 1, 2019

They have Bison. Quite a few males and females with calves. I counted 4 babies last time we were there.. 2 weeks ago.

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Is the fishing area closed with the park at 5

Aaron Mcday | Feb 28, 2019
Terri Beardsley | Mar 1, 2019

I think so, never had any luck

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How much to camping pop

Cindi Adams | Feb 28, 2019
Marti W | Mar 1, 2019

$28 a night is what we paid last week for a 21-foot travel trailer.

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Are there public restrooms open all week?

Cynthia Malone | Feb 28, 2019
Sandra Millward | Mar 1, 2019

When we went no restrooms were available at the Museum but there were some at the picnic shelters.

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Does the campground allow camp fires and do we bring our own wood or buy wood at the campground?

Lawrence D Downs | Feb 28, 2019
R U | Mar 1, 2019

It allows fires but the transportation of firewood can be limited based on where you originally got it. You can buy it at the campground or from many individuals in KY on your way there.

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Are the campsites level (electric hookups)?

Tara Vice | Feb 28, 2019
Greg Arnold | Mar 1, 2019

Depends on the site. Oirs waa completely level, but our friends' was so bad front to back that his stabilizers took his wheels off the ground. Bring a 30/20 adapter. 30 amp power went out in all sites one night, and we connected to the 20 to keep battery charged. One other thing you didn't ask - bring lots of water hoses. Depending on the site, you may need up to 100' to connect.

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Can you keep the fish you catch

mike grizzell | Feb 28, 2019
Billy Robbins | Mar 1, 2019

Trout fishing

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do you have a camp brochure?

Jesse Rodriguez | Feb 28, 2019
Kyle Leach | Mar 1, 2019

When I went was to have a look around and never picked one up. Its a great place to go and cant wait to go back. I saw the camp ground and pool just never really went all the way in.

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is there water &electric

Ron Weisenstine | Feb 28, 2018
Tom Bryan | Mar 1, 2018

Yes. Dump stations out front by the store.

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Why is it named this? It's hilarious!

Justyn Whitney | Feb 28, 2018
Tom Bryan | Mar 1, 2018

The name of the park comes from the Pleistocene megafauna fossils found there. Mammothsare believed to have been drawn to this location by a salt lick deposited around sulphur springs. Other animals including forms of bison, caribou, deer, elk, horse, mastodon, moose, musk ox, peccary, sloth, and possibly tapir also grazed the vegetation and salty earth around the springs that the animals relied on for their diet. The area near the springs was very soft and marshy causing many animals to become stuck with no way to escape.

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How much does it cost?

Tony Bunker | Feb 28, 2018
Artemis Olympius | Mar 1, 2018

No admission cost.

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what is the rates? per night? is there weekend rates or weekly rates?

Kelley Bird | Feb 28, 2018
S RC | Mar 1, 2018

The last time i went camping it was $38 per night. However it can go up, so you should call them to make a reservation, as it is a very, very busy campground.

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Is museum open today?

Joseph Dehner | Feb 28, 2018
Shawnda Shouse | Mar 1, 2018

I dont think so. U can call and see

Does weather effect when the bison will be out? Would love to take the kids soon!

Carolyn Moore | Feb 28, 2018
Jeff Hope | Mar 1, 2018

They have a routine, sort of, they can be hard to find sometimes. I would call the gift shop, they are really nice and can help predict where to find them.

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Do you have the facilities to host an outdoor wedding and reception for up to 400 people is so what is your rate

Joyce Catalano | Feb 28, 2018
Jonathan Morrison | Mar 1, 2018

There are small shelters and larger open areas, nothing I am aware of to accommodate a party that large.

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Distance to arc encounter

Gregory Lee | Feb 28, 2018
Paul Weber (Whap) | Mar 1, 2018

About 26 miles, 30 minutes

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