Population (2025 estimate)145,316 (2025 estimate)
River Roads Meet Big Dreams and Ancient Giants
Boone County, KentuckyBoone County pairs northern Kentucky convenience with places that reward a slower look. Florence supplies shopping, ballpark evenings, and everyday services; Burlington anchors county government and historic streets. Along the Ohio River, Rabbit Hash preserves a very different pace. Big Bone Lick introduces the remarkable prehistoric animals that once gathered around local mineral springs, and the county arboretum adds another outdoor stop. With Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport in Hebron, the county connects river country traditions to a busy regional economy.
Boone County at a Glance
Population (2025 estimate)145,316 (2025 estimate)
County SeatBurlington
Largest MunicipalityFlorence
Established / Organized1798; organized 1799
ZIP Code Areas (2020 Census)9 overlapping ZIP areas
Total Area, Including Water256.5 square miles, including water
Major RoutesI-71 I-75 and I-275; US 25 US 42 and US 127
Telephone Area Codes859
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Discover Boone County
Boone County
Mineral springs, river travel, and agricultural land helped shape the county long before its modern airport and interstate corridors. Big Bone Lick is especially important for its fossil history and the study of Ice Age mammals. Burlington’s historic center and the Dinsmore Homestead tell later stories of settlement and daily life. Rabbit Hash keeps a river community’s commercial gathering place visible. These landmarks make Boone County more than a suburb: they connect today’s fast growing communities to a much older landscape.
Start a family day with trails and the bison herd at Big Bone Lick, then visit the Boone County Arboretum or England Idlewild Park. Florence Y’alls games offer a seasonal evening outing, while the river roads lead toward Rabbit Hash and its general store. Residents have a choice of growing neighborhoods, rural settings, library branches, and regional job centers. A car is useful for combining these places, because the river communities and major shopping areas are spread across the county.
What Shapes Us
Ancient Landscapes
Big Bone Lick’s prehistoric story and Dinsmore Homestead’s preserved setting give visitors two distinct windows into the landscapes and communities that preceded today’s suburbs.
Regional Connections
Florence’s retail corridors, airport connections around Hebron, interstate routes, and river roads place growing neighborhoods beside farms, natural preserves, and older town centers.
Room to Gather
An arboretum walk, library visit, Florence Y’alls game, or stop in Rabbit Hash offers a different shared experience, with both energetic outings and quieter choices.
Ancient landscapes and river towns looking toward tomorrow
My Local Guide
Boone County — Our County, Our Stories
Ohio River communities fossil heritage and northern Kentucky connections
Around Boone County
Boone County Wire
Local Stories and Community UpdatesPicture Attribution & Terms DemoNKyTribune
NewsMakers ’26: Perseverance, courage mark Kevin Murphy’s life in law, community, and his own experiences
(Editor’s note: This is the fifth of six stories honoring the NKyTribune’s ’26 NewsMakers of the year.) By…
Read the Story Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Boone County
Stories from every corner of Boone County.
NewsMakers ’26: Perseverance, courage mark Kevin Murphy’s life in law, community, and his own experiences
(Editor’s note: This is the fifth of six stories honoring the NKyTribune’s ’26 NewsMakers of the year.) By…
Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
The BLINK experience — murals in real time in Tobacco Alley; take a look at the process
During BLINK 2026, the creative process becomes part of the experience. On Saturday, October 10, from 9 a.m.-4…
Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
Point/Arc’s 19th residential home honors Stephen Richard Gerding; houses six residents
By Andy Furman NKyTribune staff writer It was No. 19. And this one was a major surprise. The…
Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
2026 Kentucky State Fair marks highest attendance in two decades with more the $642,000 visitors
Staff report The 122nd Kentucky State Fair drew 642,240 attendees, marking the fair’s highest overall attendance in more…
Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
CVG Airport to present its second CVG Campus Career Fair October 7 at Turfway Racing & Gaming
The Cincinnati Northern Kentucky international Airport will present its second CVG Campus Career Fair of the year on…
Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
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County Resources
Useful Connections for Life in Boone County
Start with local providers, then explore regional services and Kentucky or national programs. Find government contacts, education, health care, outdoor planning, utilities, libraries, transportation, and practical support in one place.
Government
Boone County government
Official local or regional administration contact information, public notices, and community services.
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City of Florence
Official local or regional administration contact information, public notices, and community services.
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Northern Kentucky Area Development District
Official local or regional administration contact information, public notices, and community services.
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Boone County Cooperative Extension
Official local or regional administration contact information, public notices, and community services.
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Kentucky Department for Local Government
Local government programs and county administration information.
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Kentucky Secretary of State
Business registrations and statewide election information.
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Kentucky Open Records
Instructions for requesting records held by the Secretary of State.
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Kentucky State Board of Elections
Voter registration guidance election schedules and official election results.
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Kentucky Department of Revenue
State taxes taxpayer assistance and payment information.
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Kentucky Property Valuation Administrators
Locate the county property valuation office for assessments and property tax questions.
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Kentucky Cooperative Extension
Find county offices offering agriculture family consumer science and youth programs.
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Schools
Boone County public school district
Enrollment, school calendars, district contacts, and student programs.
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Gateway Community and Technical College — northern Kentucky
Admissions, academic programs, training, and campus information.
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Kentucky Department of Education
Public school standards family guidance and statewide education services.
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Kentucky School Report Card
Compare district and school performance using official public education data.
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Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority
Student aid college preparation and scholarship information.
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Kentucky Community and Technical College System
Public two year colleges technical credentials adult education and transfer pathways.
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Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education
Public college information transfer policy and postsecondary planning.
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Kentucky Adult Education
Find GED preparation adult literacy and workforce learning services.
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Hospitals
St Elizabeth Healthcare
Provider locations, appointments, and health services. Confirm the facility location and service eligibility before arranging care.
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St Elizabeth Physicians
Provider locations, appointments, and health services. Confirm the facility location and service eligibility before arranging care.
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UC Health — nearby Cincinnati
Provider locations, appointments, and health services. Confirm the facility location and service eligibility before arranging care.
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Cincinnati Children’s — nearby Cincinnati
Provider locations, appointments, and health services. Confirm the facility location and service eligibility before arranging care.
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Northern Kentucky Health Department
Provider locations, appointments, and health services. Confirm the facility location and service eligibility before arranging care.
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Cincinnati VA Medical Center — regional veterans care
Provider locations, appointments, and health services. Confirm the facility location and service eligibility before arranging care.
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Public Safety
Boone County public safety contacts
County government directory for local sheriff and public safety office contacts.
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Kentucky State Police
State police posts public safety announcements and reporting information.
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Kentucky Center for School Safety
School safety training reporting guidance and family resources.
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Kentucky Department of Corrections
Correctional facilities probation parole and offender information.
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Kentucky Office of Highway Safety
Road safety programs seat belt information and impaired driving prevention.
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Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Law Enforcement
Conservation officers and reporting wildlife boating or hunting violations.
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Kentucky 811
Request utility markings before digging and learn safe excavation practices.
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Emergency Services
Boone County emergency coordination contacts
County government directory for emergency management and local response contacts. Call 911 for an emergency.
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National Weather Service Kentucky Alerts
Official weather watches warnings and advisories for trip and household planning.
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FEMA Ready
Household emergency plans disaster kits and hazard preparation.
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Disaster Assistance
Federal disaster assistance applications and recovery program information.
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Kentucky Emergency Management
State emergency coordination preparedness and disaster recovery information.
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American Red Cross Kentucky Region
Disaster relief shelter information blood donation and emergency training.
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Poison Control
Poison exposure information and the national Poison Help service at 1 800 222 1222.
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988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for confidential crisis support.
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State Parks
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site — Boone County
Visitor information and access planning. This location’s county or regional status is identified in its name.
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Kentucky Horse Park — regional Fayette County trip
Visitor information and access planning. This location’s county or regional status is identified in its name.
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Kentucky Fish and Wildlife recreation rules
Fishing, boating, and wildlife recreation rules that apply to a planned park visit.
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Kentucky State Parks Park Finder
Identify state parks historic sites and resort parks with current visitor information.
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Kentucky State Park Reservations
Campsite and lodging availability for participating Kentucky state parks.
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Trails
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site
Trails museum displays and a living bison herd. Check the operator’s designated walking routes and current access conditions.
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Boone County Arboretum
Tree collections, walking paths, and open park space at Central Park. Check the operator’s designated walking routes and current access conditions.
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England Idlewild Park
County park with trails and recreational facilities. Check the operator’s designated walking routes and current access conditions.
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Kincaid Lake State Park — nearby Pendleton County walking and access planning
Check designated routes, trail maps, seasonal access, and terrain before choosing a walk.
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Kentucky Fish and Wildlife Wildlife Management Areas
Official public land boundaries access rules and recreation opportunities.
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Kentucky State Nature Preserves
Protected natural areas hiking access and ecological information.
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Kentucky Blue Water Trails
River access points paddling routes and stream specific safety information.
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Utilities
Boone County Water District
Provider service-area checks, customer accounts, and outage or system notices. Confirm availability for the exact address.
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Owen Electric Cooperative
Provider service-area checks, customer accounts, and outage or system notices. Confirm availability for the exact address.
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Kentucky Public Service Commission
Regulated utility information customer assistance and rate case records.
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Kentucky 811
Arrange underground utility location before excavation.
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Kentucky LIHEAP
Locate community action agencies that administer household energy assistance.
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FCC National Broadband Map
Check internet providers and advertised availability for a specific address.
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Lifeline Support
Eligibility and enrollment information for discounted phone or internet service.
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Kentucky Division of Water
Drinking water programs water quality and public water system information.
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Libraries
Boone County Public Library
Local branches, borrowing, digital access, reading collections, and public programs.
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Kentucky Virtual Library
Research databases and learning resources available through participating institutions.
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Kentucky Department for Libraries and Archives
Library development state archives public records and statewide reading services.
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Kentucky Digital Library
Digitized Kentucky photographs newspapers manuscripts and historical collections.
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Library of Congress
Free digital collections research guides and reference materials.
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National Library Service
Accessible reading materials and talking book eligibility information.
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National Archives
Federal historical records genealogy guides and digitized archival collections.
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Courts
Boone County court information
County court contacts, circuit court, and district court information from the Kentucky Court of Justice.
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Kentucky Court of Justice
Court structure public services and official court information.
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Kentucky Court Forms
Official court forms and filing related instructions.
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Kentucky Court Case Search
Official CourtNet case search registration and access requirements may apply.
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Kentucky Department of Public Advocacy
Public defense representation and eligibility information.
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Kentucky Legal Aid Provider Finder
Identify civil legal aid providers and practical Kentucky legal information.
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Kentucky Bar Association Lawyer Referral
Attorney information and public resources for choosing legal assistance.
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DMV
Boone County clerk and vehicle services
Use the county government directory to locate the clerk for vehicle titles, registration, and local office information. Driver licensing is handled separately.
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Kentucky Driver Licensing
Driver licensing regional offices renewals and document requirements.
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Kentucky REAL ID
REAL ID documents eligibility and travel identification requirements.
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Kentucky Vehicle Registration
Titles registration plates and vehicle ownership services handled through county clerks.
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Kentucky Driver Testing
Driver testing information and appointment guidance.
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Kentucky Licensing Office Appointments
Regional licensing office appointments and location information.
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Kentucky Online Registration Renewal
Eligibility and payment service for qualifying vehicle registration renewals.
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Transportation
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet
State roads construction programs permits and transportation services.
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GoKY Traffic and Road Conditions
Live roadway incidents work zones and travel condition information.
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Kentucky Public Transportation
State transit programs and links to regional public transportation providers.
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Kentucky Aviation
Public airport information and state aviation resources.
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Kentucky Road Maps
Official state highway maps for trip planning.
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Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky
Routes, reservations, trip eligibility, and regional transportation contacts. Service boundaries vary by program. Regional service.
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Postal Services
USPS Location Finder
Locate post offices collection boxes hours and available postal services.
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USPS ZIP Code Lookup
Confirm the postal ZIP Code for an exact street address.
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USPS Informed Delivery
Preview eligible incoming mail and manage package deliveries.
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USPS Hold Mail
Arrange temporary mail holding during eligible travel periods.
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USPS Change of Address
Submit an official change of address for a move.
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USPS Package Tracking
Track a shipment using its postal tracking number.
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USPS Service Alerts
Postal facility disruptions weather related changes and service notices.
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Veterans
Kentucky Department of Veterans Affairs
State benefits assistance veteran services and field representative information.
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VA Health Care
Eligibility enrollment and federal veteran health care services.
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VA Benefits
Disability compensation eligibility claims and appeal information.
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VA Facility Locator
Find health care benefits and cemetery locations by address.
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Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988 then press 1 for confidential crisis support.
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GI Bill Education Benefits
Veteran education benefits applications and school approval information.
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Kentucky Veterans Cemeteries
State veteran cemetery locations eligibility and burial planning.
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Regional VA health care system
Health care locations, enrollment, and veteran service contacts. Use the facility locator for the nearest clinic. Regional service.
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Employment
Gateway Community and Technical College — northern Kentucky training pathways
Education and training options for career changes, technical skills, and further study.
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Kentucky Career Center
Career assistance job search services and workforce program information.
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Kentucky Education and Labor Cabinet
Workforce development labor programs and employment services.
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Kentucky State Government Careers
State job listings application information and public service careers.
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Kentucky Registered Apprenticeship
Workforce training and employer apprenticeship resources.
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Kentucky Vocational Rehabilitation
Employment support for eligible people with disabilities.
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CareerOneStop
Federal career exploration training searches and resume tools.
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Kentucky Adult Education
GED literacy and adult learning programs supporting employment goals.
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USAJOBS
Federal employment opportunities with location and eligibility filters.
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Northern Kentucky Area Development District workforce connections
Regional workforce development contacts and referrals to career services. Regional service.
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Your Boone County Questions
Practical answers for visits and everyday life
Know Before You Go
A Closer Look at Boone County
Find practical answers about local places, seasonal experiences, access, and planning a day around the county.
Big Bone Lick State Historic Site interprets Ice Age animals and mineral springs, and visitors can see a living bison herd. The fossil displays and trails make it a learning outing as well as an outdoor stop; the animals’ position varies during the day.
Rabbit Hash is a small Ohio River community, and Rabbit Hash General Store is its historic commercial gathering place. Visit for the setting and the operating store, respect residents and private property, and do not expect a large entertainment complex.
Public park access and the visitor center at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site are normally free. Walk the designated routes toward the bison area, keep outside the enclosure, and remember that a close view of the herd is never guaranteed.
Boone County Arboretum at Central Park offers tree collections and walking paths. It suits visitors who want a less structured outdoor outing. Stay on public routes and leave time to read the labels rather than treating it as a drive-through attraction.
Dinsmore Homestead is a historic homestead museum with scheduled tours. Reserve around the actual tour calendar and ask about steps or mobility needs. It is a different experience from walking freely around a municipal park.
No. Florence Y’alls follows a baseball season, with other events scheduled separately. A ballpark outing depends on a listed game or event and its ticket rules; seeing the stadium does not mean a game is underway.
England Idlewild Park offers a substantial park setting, Boone County Arboretum provides a gentler walking visit, and Florence Y’alls adds a seasonal spectator outing. Choose the activity first so children are not promised a game or facility that is unavailable.
Cincinnati is across the Ohio River in another state. It can be a regional addition, but Boone County has its own places, including Big Bone Lick State Historic Site, Rabbit Hash General Store, and Dinsmore Homestead. Keep the cross-river excursion distinct in the itinerary.
Rabbit Hash General Store provides a small historic-store visit, while Rabbit Hash General Store, Florence Mall, Half Price Books Florence includes larger retail choices. The river community and Florence’s shopping areas are separate destinations, so allow a car journey between them.
Consider Tousey House Tavern, Bourbon House Pizza Florence, Ford’s Garage Florence. Match the restaurant to the part of the county you are exploring, because a Burlington, Florence, or Hebron meal can involve different routes and travel time.
Pair Boone County Arboretum with England Idlewild Park, or choose public trails at Big Bone Lick State Historic Site. General access differs from paid rentals, campsites, special events, and reserved facilities. Check the specific activity instead of assuming every service at a free park is free.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Make a Day of It
Local places worth a closer lookChoose a family outing, meal, shopping stop, outdoor route, or ordinary free public space. Each listing leads to the place or provider for current details.
Kids’ Fun
- Big Bone Lick State Historic SiteTrails museum displays and a living bison herd.
- Boone County ArboretumTree collections, walking paths, and open park space at Central Park.
- Florence Y’allsProfessional baseball and seasonal ballpark activities.
Restaurants
- Tousey House TavernRestaurant and local meal stop. See the operator’s menu, location, and current hours.
- Bourbon House Pizza FlorenceRestaurant and local meal stop. See the operator’s menu, location, and current hours.
- Ford’s Garage FlorenceRestaurant and local meal stop. See the operator’s menu, location, and current hours.
Shopping & Retail
- Rabbit Hash General StoreRetail browsing and shopping. Use the provider’s store information for hours and locations.
- Florence MallRetail browsing and shopping. Use the provider’s store information for hours and locations.
- Half Price Books FlorenceRetail browsing and shopping. Use the provider’s store information for hours and locations.
Clothing & Boutiques
- Torrid Florence MallApparel and accessories. Explore current collections and check the specific store or service location.
- American Eagle Florence MallApparel and accessories. Explore current collections and check the specific store or service location.
- Maurices Florence MallApparel and accessories. Explore current collections and check the specific store or service location.
Outdoor Fun
- Big Bone Lick State Historic SiteTrails museum displays and a living bison herd.
- England Idlewild ParkCounty park with trails and recreational facilities.
- Boone Cliffs Nature PreserveWooded trails with protected cliffs; use designated public access.
- Boone County ArboretumTree collections, walking paths, and open park space at Central Park.
Free Things To Do
- Boone County ArboretumTree collections, walking paths, and open park space at Central Park. Ordinary public access; purchases, rentals, reserved facilities, and special programs may cost extra.
- England Idlewild ParkCounty park with trails and recreational facilities. Ordinary public access; purchases, rentals, reserved facilities, and special programs may cost extra.
- Boone County Public LibraryCounty library branches and public programs. Ordinary public access; purchases, rentals, reserved facilities, and special programs may cost extra.
Ancient landscapes and river towns looking toward tomorrowFind Your Next Local Stop