Explore the woodlands where the renowned naturalist John James Audubon studied various bird species from 1810 to 1819. The museum showcases Audubon’s life through his artwork and personal memorabilia, while the nature center features a wildlife observatory that leads to peaceful boardwalks and scenic trails.
Please note: Pets are not allowed on the hiking trails at John James Audubon State Park, with the exception of the Eagle Glen Pet Trail and the Audubon Wetlands Trail. Most trails are located within a designated Kentucky State Nature Preserve, and pet access is restricted in accordance with management guidelines.
Things to do
Top Five Things to Do at John James Audubon State Park
- Spend the night in a charming park cottage.
- Visit the world-class Audubon Museum.
- Explore the Nature Center.
- Walk the Audubon Wetlands boardwalk.
- Hike over 6 miles of scenic trails.
Audubon Wetlands
Acquired in 2011 by the Friends of Audubon, the 649-acre Audubon Wetlands features a rare ecosystem that includes a Bald Cypress slough, shrub wetlands, and floodplain forest, all in one area. Located off Wolf Hills Road, just north of the state park entrance, the wetlands offer easy access via a gravel parking area. ADA-accessible pathways lead to a 750-foot boardwalk, where visitors can observe beavers, otters, warblers, waterfowl, turtles, frogs, fish, and a variety of other creatures. The wetlands are also home to unique water-tolerant plants and trees. Leashed pets and bicycles are welcome, and visitors should consider using mosquito repellent. The wetlands are open from dawn to dusk, but may be closed temporarily due to floodwaters.
Birding
Audubon State Park is a prime location for birdwatching year-round. In winter, you’ll find woodpeckers, waterfowl, sparrows, and mixed flocks, with occasional sightings of hawks and owls. Spring, summer, and fall bring migratory birds like warblers. The park also co-hosts the Ohio Valley Birding Festival, making it a great spot for birders of all skill levels. Don’t miss the Bald Eagles and Great Blue Herons raising their young north of the park on Wolf Hills Road. The Wilderness Lake Trail is a top spot for woodpeckers, warblers, and waterfowl, while the Recreation Lake shoreline offers excellent birding for species like the Great Blue Heron, Green Heron, and Belted Kingfisher. Throughout the park, bluebird nest boxes provide fantastic opportunities to observe Eastern Bluebirds, Carolina Wrens, and other species during courtship and nesting seasons.
Fishing
Enjoy a relaxing day fishing at Audubon! The 28-acre lake is home to largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish, providing plenty of opportunities for anglers. A Kentucky Fishing License is required. You can purchase a license online through the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources website.
Golf
For golf enthusiasts, Audubon State Park features a scenic nine-hole golf course. The course is surrounded by tree-lined fairways and offers a full-service pro shop, as well as golf carts and clubs for rent.
Hiking
With over 6 miles of trails, Audubon State Park offers something for every hiker, from easy strolls to more challenging backcountry routes. Trails wind through the park’s nature preserve, and the Eagle Glen Pet Trail allows leashed dogs. The Audubon Wetlands area features a boardwalk that provides a peaceful hike with views of the cypress slough.
Audubon Museum
The Audubon Museum tells the story of John James Audubon’s life and work through three galleries that chronicle the family’s time in Henderson, Kentucky, from 1810-1819. Over 200 exhibits are on display, including artifacts from Audubon’s Kentucky years, a complete set of his masterwork, The Birds of America, and many original pieces of artwork. Admission fees apply, and special group tours can be arranged by calling (270) 826-2247.
Museum Gift Shop
Shop for unique, nature-inspired gifts at the Audubon Museum Gift Shop, where you’ll find handcrafted items from Kentucky artisans, perfect for any nature lover.
Nature Center
The Nature Center, housed in the same building as the museum, offers a wildlife observation room, an Audubon Theater, and a Discovery & Learning Center. Environmental and art education programs are held here, and several hiking trails start and end at the Nature Center, providing easy access to the park’s natural beauty. For more information about programs, call (502) 782-9727.
Museum, Gift Shop & Nature Center Hours
The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on some holidays. From January through mid-March, the facility is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays for winter hours. It’s always a good idea to call ahead during holiday seasons to confirm hours. The museum and nature center offer high-speed wireless internet for visitors.
Picnicking
The park has four picnic shelters, one of which includes restrooms, along with tables, grills, and a playground, making it a perfect spot for family outings. Shelters can be reserved up to one year in advance by calling (270) 826-2247.
Playgrounds
The park has four playgrounds, located at the Sycamore, Lakeview, Cardinal, and Campground shelters. The playground at the campground shelter is closed during the off-season.
Pickleball
There are four pickleball courts located near the picnic shelter, open year-round for play.
Admission Rates
- Families (2 adults, 2 children): $20.00
- Adults (18+): $8.00
- Seniors (60+): $6.00
- Military Rate: $6.00
- Children/Students (6-17 & with college ID): $5.00
- Children (5 and under): Free
- Friends of Audubon Members: Free
Lodging & Camping
The park offers five 1-bedroom cottages and one ADA-accessible 2-bedroom cottage. Each 1-bedroom cottage is equipped with a king-sized bed, a pull-out sofa, a fireplace, a living room, a full kitchen, and a bathroom. Fireplaces are available from October 1st to April 15th. The 2-bedroom cottage features four queen-sized beds, two bathrooms, a living room, and a full kitchen. Tableware, cooking utensils, and linens are provided. Cottages are available for check-in by late afternoon, and check-out is at 10 a.m. Central Time. Cottage prices range from $129 to $279 per night, depending on the season. The cottages are open year-round. For reservations, contact the park directly.
The park also offers a 69-site campground with a central service building that includes showers and restrooms. The camping area provides picnic tables, grills, and a playground. Pets are allowed in the campground if they are restrained. Click here for more information on campground rules and regulations.
Meetings/Groups
The conference room at John James Audubon State Park offers a unique setting that combines stunning outdoor views with an interior museum, art gallery, and nature center. The 1,556-square-foot space can accommodate up to 200 guests in a lecture-style arrangement without tables, or 80-110 people in a classroom-style setup with tables. This versatile room also functions as an art gallery, often featuring the work of local artists.
Additionally, the state-of-the-art Audubon Theater is equipped with high-speed internet, webcast capabilities, desktop workstations on the theater seats, and a full sound system. The theater can seat up to 46 people.