By Dillan Combs
Published 2:55 pm Monday, June 28, 2021
Between Covid, the ice storm and flooding, the last year-and-a-half has been unfortunate for For Boonesborough. The park’s campground isn’t slated to reopen until August of this year; meanwhile the pool is closed for the rest of 2021 and the picnic area is closed until further notice. However, the titular Fort Boonesborough itself remains open for its tours and special events.
“When people see ‘park is closed,’ they think that means the whole park, but that’s not the case,” said Jack Winburn, Fort Boonesborough State Park manager.
It was in February that an ice storm caused severe damage to the park’s trees, which crews were tasked with cleaning up. In March, the Kentucky River overflowed, causing damage to the campground, electrical outlets, and restrooms. Additionally, the lower portion of the Kentucky River remains inaccessible.
“We’re currently working on concrete plans to fix the electrical system,” Winburn said. “So, getting workings and finding the equipment necessary for the repairs has been a challenge.”
While it’s true much of the park is still closed, the community remains welcome to the various events and activities within the fort.
Such programs include Cool History on Hot Day, the park’s annual summer series where every Saturday at 10 a.m., a guest speaker plays a historical figure and presents a history lesson. The first of this series for 2021 is scheduled for July 10, with Emily Burns playing Betty Harper.
In addition, the Kentucky River Museum is open for free touring on Saturdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Meanwhile, July 3, will see a militia muster at 10 a.m., a reading of the Declaration of Independence at 1 p.m., and Revolutionary War recreational battles throughout the day.
Fort Boonesborough is open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 4 p.m. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children (ages 6-12) and free for children 5 and under.
For more information, visit the Fort Boonesborough website at fortboonesboroughlivinghistory.org, or its Facebook page at facebook.com/FortBoonesboroughStatePark