Robertson County may be Kentucky’s smallest county (both by size and population), but that’s no reason to overlook it entirely. Here you’ll find several historic attractions, a state park and annual activities and festivals worth making a trip.

Blue Licks Battlefield State Park

Easily the most popular things to do in Robertson County, Blue Licks Battlefield State Park offers a range of ways to enjoy the beautiful outdoors including hiking, camping, boating, mini golf and more. There’s free boat races to the Licking River with guided canoeing trips available seasonally.

For those who want to spend some time hiking in Robertson County, there are several trails ranging from the short and easy Buffalo Trace trail which follows the path of an ancient buffalo trail, up to the Heritage Trail that is 2.5 miles. Several of the trails have historical significance such as the River Trail which passes near a site where the Shawnee Indians captured Daniel Boone and his men.
For those who are more interested in history, a small museum known as the Pioneer Museum is available where you can learn about the history of Blue Licks and view various artifacts including mastodon bones.

The campground has 51 sites with utilities as well as a shower and rest room building and a dump station. The campground is closed from November 1 to March 31.

The park’s Hidden Water’s Restaurant is well known for its excellent southern cuisine. Among our favorite items on the menu are the southern-fried catfish and the country ham which is cured and produced locally by a Kentucky Proud producer. They are open for breakfast, lunch and dinner year round and have a kids menu. On the first Friday of each month they offer a Seafood Buffet from 4-9pm which is great.

There’s a seasonal community swimming pool that is available for rental in the summer. The pool is open from Memorial Day to August 20th (only weekends in August) and from 10am – 6pm daily.

Each year on the 3rd weekend of August the park hosts a reenactment of the last battle of the Revolutionary War that took place in Kentucky. There is a historical encampment, and a reenactment of the battle as well as food vendors, demonstrations and other exhibitors.

If you aren’t looking to camp, the park also has a resort lodge with 32 clean, nice rooms. Check out booking.com to book a room. This is an affiliate link and KY Spotlight will receive a small commission if you choose to book through this link. Thank you for your support!

10288 Maysville Road, Carlisle, KY 40311, 859-289-5507

Johnson Creek Covered Bridge

Just four miles north of the Blue Licks Battlefield State Park in Robertson County along KY state road 1029, you’ll find the Johnson Creek Covered Bridge. The bridge is an important historic artifact because it represents the only remaining example of Robert Smith’s famous truss system in the state and is also the only remaining covered bridget o have been built by Jacob N. Bower. It is one of thirteen remaining covered bridges that are left in Kentucky from what is estimated to be around 400 original bridges.

Kentucky State Road 1029 – Pinned on Google Maps

Thomas Metcalfe House

Another interesting historical site in Robertson County is the Thomas Metcalfe House. The house was the first home of Thomas Metcalfe who was the 10th governor of Kentucky. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the site includes the main house building and several outbuildings.

Robertson County Courthouse

While visiting Robertson County, make sure to drive by the county courthouse in Mount Olivet. The 1870 building is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places and was both designed and built by a local man – G.M. Williams.

Historic School Houses

There are also three historic school houses in Robertson County Kentucky. The Piqua and Ogden Ridge Schoolhouses have both been restored and the Mount Olivet City School is currently being restored. While you are visiting Robertson County, you can find these at the following addresses:

Piqua School, 503 Piqua Lane, Piqua, Kentucky 41064
M. Olivet City School, KY SR 165, Mt. Olivet, KY 41064
Ogden Ridge Schoolhouse, KY SR 616, Robertson County, KY 41064

** Featured image credit: w.marsh on Flickr.com