List of National Natural Landmarks in Kentucky facts for kids

Did you know that Kentucky is home to some truly special natural places? These spots are so unique and important that they've been named National Natural Landmarks. Think of them as nature's treasures, protected so everyone can enjoy their beauty and learn from them. There are 7 of these amazing landmarks in Kentucky, and one of them is even shared with the state of Indiana!

Amazing Natural Landmarks in Kentucky

Kentucky's National Natural Landmarks show off the state's incredible natural history, from ancient forests to giant fossil beds. Each one tells a story about how our planet was formed and how life has changed over millions of years.

Creelsboro Natural Bridge

Creelsboro Natural Bridge, a stunning example of nature's carving power.

• Date Designated: 1987
• Location: Russell County
• Owned By: Private owners
• What makes it special: This incredible natural bridge shows how water flowing underground can carve out huge rock formations over a very long time. It's like nature's own sculpture!

Henderson Sloughs

• Date Designated: 1974
• Location: Henderson and Union Counties
• Owned By: State of Kentucky (Department of Fish & Wildlife)
• What makes it special: This is one of the largest wetlands left in Kentucky. Wetlands are special areas where water covers the land, providing a home for many different plants and animals, especially birds and fish.

Lilley Cornett Woods

• Date Designated: 1971
• Location: Letcher County
• Owned By: State of Kentucky (Eastern Kentucky University)
• What makes it special: This forest is a rare "virgin" forest, meaning it has never been cut down by people. It's a mix of different tree types that grow in Kentucky's special climate, showing us what forests looked like hundreds of years ago.

Red River Gorge

The stunning cliffs and forests of Red River Gorge.

• Date Designated: 1975
• Location: Menifee, Powell, and Wolfe Counties
• Owned By: Federal government (Daniel Boone National Forest)
• What makes it special: The Red River Gorge is famous for its incredible rock formations, including 41 natural bridges carved by nature! It's a super popular spot for hiking, climbing, and exploring amazing geology.

Rock Creek Research Natural Area

• Date Designated: 1975
• Location: Laurel County
• Owned By: Federal government (Daniel Boone National Forest)
• What makes it special: This area protects one of the last remaining forests in Kentucky that has never been logged. It's full of old hemlock and hardwood trees, giving scientists a chance to study a truly untouched ecosystem.

Big Bone Lick

A mastodon skeleton at Big Bone Lick State Park, showing ancient life.

• Date Designated: 2009
• Location: Boone County
• Owned By: State of Kentucky (Big Bone Lick State Park)
• What makes it special: Imagine a place where giant ancient animals like mammoths and mastodons once roamed! Big Bone Lick has special salt springs that attracted these huge creatures, and their bones were preserved here. It's like a natural history museum right in the ground! It's also located right by the mighty Ohio River.

Ohio Coral Reef

Fossil beds on the Ohio River, part of the ancient coral reef.

• Date Designated: 1966
• Location: Jefferson County
• Owned By: Federal government (Falls of the Ohio National Wildlife Conservation Area)
• What makes it special: This landmark is a super old coral reef, but it's not underwater anymore! It's a classic example of a coral community from the Silurian and Devonian periods, which were millions of years ago. You can see ancient fossils of corals and other sea creatures. This amazing reef even extends into Indiana!