Visit Burlington Boone Kentucky and the surrounding area to see the top sights. Discover the beautiful city of Burlington in Kentucky! Experience the Big Bone Lick State Park and its prehistoric bone finds. Eat traditional soul food in the "Burger Boy" or in the "The Eagle's Nest". Don't forget to visit the local trading centers!
Honestly, if you think that Kentucky is only horses and bourbon, then you haven't experienced Burlington yet. The city was founded in 1816, shortly after the War of 1812, and has since taken more detours than a lost tourist in the Bluegrass. Originally a small trading post on the Ohio River, thanks to the railroad that stopped here in 1851, it grew into a rather cozy town. I often sit in the cafe on Main Street and imagine how the first settlers with their carts beat the still muddy paths – a picture that is only found today in dusty history books.
When you arrive here, do not take any stress with the car – most visitors come across the I‐71, which leads practically through the heart of Burlington Township. A short detour from the highway takes you to the city centre where you can feel the real life: a little noise, a little smile, and the distinctive aroma of freshly brewed coffee that penetrates from every door. And yes, I don’t quite understand the hype about the typical “Burlington Sights”, but the small family-run antique business next to the town hall is a real treasure you shouldn’t miss.
A walk along the Ohio River Trail lets you enjoy nature without having to sneak into a crowded nature reserve. The paths are well maintained and you can see the Cincinnati skyline in the background – a little urban flair that is rare here. And if you have the need to recharge a little culture, take a look at the old town hall, which still beats the heart of the municipality, while the city is slowly but surely modernized.
I have to admit right at the beginning that what most travel guides offer as “Must Lake” in Burlington, Kentucky is a bit overrated for me – the old Boone County Courthouse. Yes, the massive brick building from 1905 with its almost aristocratic dome is a real eye-catcher, and I understand the hype around the imposing façade when I myself stood there and heard the echo of my own voice, which bounced between the pillars. Parking is usually easy, except on Saturday night, there will be a real problem because then all the county staff and a few curious tourists are looking for a parking space at the same time.
A short walk down the main road leads you to Burlington Historic District, a patch carpet of Victorian houses that have more stories to tell than some bloggers. I met an old man there who told me that his great-grandfather built the first house that is still inhabited today – and that, although the roof has been re-covered several times since 1892. The street is lined with small boutiques selling handmade soaps, and a café that claims to serve the best “Bourbon-Latte” wide and wide. I tried the latte, and honestly, he was okay, but the conversation with the barista about the local history was the real highlight.
If you're looking for a place where you can raise your feet and watch the real life of the city, the Burlington City Park is just the right thing. The little lake there is not just a natural wonder, but it reflects the sun so beautiful that I almost forgot that I was here because of the picnic area. I ate a sandwich there that I bought in a store on Main Street, and while I was stealing, an older couple came by with a folding bike and waved to me – a short moment that showed me that life is flowing leisurely.
Another of my favorite places is the Burlington Farmers Market, which takes place every Saturday from May to October. There are not only fresh vegetables, but also handmade ceramics and occasionally a local musician playing blues on an old guitar. I once bought a pumpkin that was so big that I hardly got it through the door of my car – a real proof that people here not only place value on quality, but also on a little show. And yes, this is one of the few places where I had to hear the word “Burlington Sights” in a conversation, because a tourist asked me if it was an official term.
For the bookworms among you there is the Boone County Public Library – Burlington Branch. The building is not particularly spectacular, but the selection of local history books is impressive. I found an old photo album there showing pictures of Burlington from the 1920s and had to laugh because the fashion was almost identical to that of 2020 – only the hats were bigger. The staff is friendly, and the Wi-Fi even works if you want to get over the old wooden shelf.
There is also a bit of culture at the Burlington Community Center, which offers events almost daily – from yoga classes to local art exhibitions. I was once with an “Open-Mic Night” where a teenager introduced a poem about the disappearance of chickens from the local farm. It wasn't exactly Shakespeare, but the passion was real, and the audience was stealing because it was just nice to listen to someone who had something to say.
Last but not least, the Boone County Fairgrounds, which attracts the largest crowd every year in August. I tried a giant wheel there for the first time, which had more momentum than I had expected – that was a short adrenalinkick, followed by a bag of caramel popcorn, which I almost completely did, because I was too busy admiring the lights of the fair. The fairgrounds are not what one would call “historical monument”, but they show that Burlington is not only a quiet town, but also a place where you can celebrate when the season allows.
So, next time you think about whether to make a detour to Burlington, remember: there's more than just what's in the guides. And while I sit here and write about my experiences, I wonder if I come back sometime – probably if I find a good Bourbon store next time.
The first place I have to put to each newman's heart is that Boone County Arboretum – a little green that you wouldn’t be confused with an urban park right away. I once made a picnic there, while an older gentleman swung loudly in the background over the “good old time” of the 80s; that was almost a local soundtrack. Parking is almost always a Klacks, as long as you don't come on Saturday night, then the field is stuffed with caravans and you have to go on a few blocks.
A few miles further, beyond the road, lies Big Bone Lick State ParkThe only fossil field east of the Mississippi. I don't quite understand the hype about prehistoric bones, but the feeling of stumbling over a prehistoric mammoth has something almost childish-magic. The hiking trail to the Fossil hill is well marked, and the visitor center has a few models that you do not find in any museum. I experienced my first real “dinosaur carving hunt” there – a bit childish, but honestly, that was a real highlight moment.
If you have enough of stones, the path continues to Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. I was there with a friend who claimed he could name every horse after his race – an attempt that quickly ended up in a loud laugh because he was lying completely next to a quarter horse. The park is huge, so plan enough time; Parking is free, but the seats fill up quickly when a show event is running. And yes, the horse perfume in the air is not overlooked – a fragrance that gives you the feeling that you are in a Western film.
A short detour to the north brings you to Raven Run Nature Sanctuary. Here there are more trees per square meter than in any urban backyard, and the paths are so well maintained that you almost feel you are caught in an Instagram filter. I once observed a squirrel that was brave enough to steal a piece of nut from my hand – a small but unforgettable moment that shows how close one comes to nature. Parking is at the edge of the entrance, a small, unpaid parking lot, which is usually free.
For those who want to sniff a bit of history, this is Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill A must. I made a tour there on a Sunday morning with a group of school children; the kids were thrilled by the handmade furniture and the strict but charming lifestyle of the shakers. The village is located just outside, but the driveway is uncomplicated, and parking is directly at the main entrance – a huge, free parking space that is rarely full, unless there is a special event.
A short trip to Lexington leads to Mary Todd Lincoln House. I was there on a rainy afternoon, and the house seemed almost like a set of films – crunchy halls, old paintings and a touch of Victorian melancholy. The guide told Anecdotes about Mary's preference for expensive substances that she secretly made while her husband was in the White House. Parking is a bit tricky because the house is located in a lively residential area; a small, paid parking behind the museum is always an option.
Last but not least, Ashland – Henry Clay Estate not missing. I have made a picnic on the vast lawns, while an older couple in the background discussed the “good old times” of politics – a bit ironic considering that Henry Clay himself was a master of political compromises. The property has a large, free parking, and visitors can explore the mansion and gardens at their own pace.
Whether you are looking for prehistoric bones, majestic horses or a touch of 19-century politics – the environment of Burlington, Boone, Kentucky has something to offer for everyone. These Burlington Attractions show that the surrounding area has more to offer than just land roads and corn fields, and they give you a good reason to start the car and experience a bit of adventure.
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