boone's lick state historic site

Just because a state historic site (SHS) is small, doesn't discount its importance. Boone's Lick SHS is a very primitive site, when compared to sites with museums, exhibits, etc. The reason why this site is important in history, is due to the importance of salt for early American settlers, and the fact that it was primarily started by Daniel Boone's two sons. At the site is a restroom facility, picnic area and a covered circle structure with signboards and posted information. There is a trail that goes down over the hillside toward the Salt Creek and where the salt works were set up. At the bottom of the hill (the trail is fairly steep, but very short) are multiple posted signs with information about how the operation worked and educated guesses as to where certain parts were located and how it all went together, as well as a cast iron kettle and some remains of 'boxes' used in the salt works. For lovers of history, this stop is a low-time commitment and interesting little stop if you are near Boonville, MO (Boone's Lick is approximately 10-15 miles away from Boonville.

The Boone family has always intrigued me. Have traveled to see many historical sites associated with them. Drove two hours to see this in March and the gate was locked because there was snow on the ground and the park road was not plowed. Very disappointing.

This site has an information kiosk, a picnic area, and some restrooms. The hike down to the area of the actual "lick" offers a few signs, but you mostly have to use your imagination to see what went on there. The museum at Arrow Rock Historic Site has some decent exhibits regarding this area, but there is little on the spot. A few boards remain from the saltworks, and they will soon be rotted away from the look of them. You certainly can smell the sulfurous odor from the water seeping up from the ground, though.