Paved Trail Through Bison Pastures Makes Nature More Accessible At Big Bone Lick

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Jun 14, 2024By Samantha Harrison


Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts can rejoice as Big Bone Lick State Historic Site unveils a newly paved walking trail through its bison pastures, making the natural beauty of the park more accessible to all.

Known as the Bison Trace Trail, this development represents a significant step toward inclusivity, providing a smoother, more navigable path for visitors of all abilities.

About Big Bone Lick State Park

Big Bone Lick, often referred to as the birthplace of American vertebrate paleontology, holds a treasure trove of natural and historical wonders.

The park's rich history dates back to prehistoric times, where the mineral springs and salt licks attracted a diverse array of ancient wildlife, including mammoths and mastodons. Today, the park is home to a herd of bison, providing a living connection to the area's past.

accessible trail


Bison Trail Details

The Bison Trace Trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the park’s scenic beauty and historical significance.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: 0.5 miles
Route Type: Linear
Parking: Park in museum parking lot.

This 0.5-mile paved path meanders through the heart of the bison pastures, offering close-up views of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

The trail is designed to be wheelchair and stroller-friendly, ensuring that individuals with mobility challenges can comfortably explore the park.

The trail is paved asphalt for the first .2 miles. The portion of the trail bordering the bison pastures is gravel and mostly flat along the bison pastures.

It's important to note that while the trail is smooth, there are some points of incline that do not meet ADA standards.

Benches are available throughout the trail for rest. 

Overall, the trail is easy to navigate with a power wheelchair. Manual wheelchairs and other mobility device users can navigate the trail too, however, some areas require effort from the user or others to navigate inclines. 

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Accessibility and Inclusivity


The introduction of the paved trail underscores Big Bone Lick’s commitment to accessibility.

By providing a smooth, stable surface, the park has made it easier for visitors using wheelchairs, strollers, or those with limited mobility to enjoy the scenic vistas and wildlife encounters.

This enhancement aligns with broader efforts to make public spaces welcoming and accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability.

Visitor Experience 


Walking the Bison Trace Trail is a serene and educational experience. Interpretive signs along the path offer insights into the history and ecology of the area, enriching the visitor experience with fascinating facts about the bison and other wildlife.

The trail’s gentle terrain and clear signage make it suitable for visitors of all ages, ensuring a safe and enjoyable outing for families.

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Plan Your Visit 

Plan your visit today and enjoy all that this wonderful park has to offer. Big Bone Lick State Historic Site is open year-round, offering a variety of seasonal activities and events. The park closes at dark. Trails close at dusk. 

For more information about the Bison Trace Trail and other attractions at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, visit the official park website.

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