Get Away From the Crowds at This Incredible, Little-Known State Park in Kentucky

I love learning about the history of the Bluegrass State, and I can’t think of any better way to learn about it than by experiencing it myself. At Fort Boonesborough State Park in Richmond, Kentucky, visitors can experience life in 1775, when Daniel Boone and others established the second settlement in the state: Fort Boonesborough. At this little-known state park in Kentucky, you'll have the opportunity to walk through the fort, watch resident artisans create wares like the settlers did in the 18th century, and see Fort Boonesborough reenactments. This park is a fantastic day-trip destination in Kentucky for all you history buffs out there.

Fort Boonesborough is a reconstructed fort in Kentucky, placed at its original site along the Kentucky River. It has furnished cabins and blockhouses, which are lookout posts. Upon visiting, you'll see living historians skillfully demonstrate tasks performed by 18th-century Kentucky settlers, such as making soap, pottery, and hand-dipped candles.

The Kentucky River Museum is also a part of Fort Boonesborough State Park. Here, visitors can learn about 20th-century life along the Kentucky River. At that time, many people worked on the locks and dams in the area.

Fort Boonesborough State Park offers visitors lots of ways to experience the beautiful Kentucky River. Interested visitors can access the park's boat ramps. With a boating license, you can also fish for bluegill and bass in the serene river.

The state park also has campgrounds open year-round. Campers can sleep along the banks of the serene Kentucky River for a unique, immersive nature experience. Just imagine waking up in such a lovely setting! The park's two playgrounds and miniature golf course provide additional entertainment options for visitors.

And nature lovers, rejoice! Fort Boonesborough State Park is great spot for birding, too! Depending on the season, birdwatchers can spot red-tailed hawks, hummingbirds, sandhill cranes, chimney swifts, dark-eyed juncos, and wild turkeys. Enjoying Kentucky’s bird species is one of the best ways to explore nature in the Bluegrass State.

Fort Boonesborough State Park also has several hiking trails, including the 0.9-mile-long Fort Boonesborough Campground Loop Trail, which begins at the second entrance past the main entrance. Hikers can also enjoy the Halley Home Site Trail, the 0.25-mile paved Fort Trail, and the mile-long, out-and-back Pioneer Forage Trail connecting the park's campground to the fort. You'll also be able to see remnants of the original fort along some of the trails.

This little-known state park in Kentucky is just one of the many reasons to love Richmond. Looking for even more to explore when you visit? For a bite to eat, be sure to check out Winkler’s Stockyards Restaurant. This family-owned diner in the area serves delicious comfort food. (Pro tip: don't miss out on the corn bread!)

If you’re considering a trip to Richmond and Fort Boonesborough State Park and need a place to stay, this three-bedroom Airbnb might be the perfect home base. It has a great location and plenty of room for the whole family!