The museum houses the largest collection of Audubon artifacts and artwork in the world

Birding aficionado and naturalist John James Audubon arrived on the banks of the Ohio River in western Kentucky 200 years ago to study birds and create art. Today visitors to John James Audubon State Park can enjoy Audubon’s work and be inspired by the natural world where he once walked. The park has 5 1/2 miles of meandering trails through the preserve.

Audubon’s artwork, as well as some of his and his family’s belongings, are on exhibit in the park’s museum.  The collection includes the largest number of Audubon artifacts in the world. Audubon’s paints and painting tools are part of the bounty.

At the park’s nature center visitors can enjoy the nature observation room and hands-on exhibits.

Hooded warbler

Adults will like: the interpretive programs by the park naturalist. The talks cover topics ranging from art history to native plants. Learning about Audubon, the man who showed others the importance and beauty of birds, is a major bonus. Up the pleasure by attending an artist retreat. You really don’t have to be much of an artist to spend a day creating art. The once a month retreats held on Fridays are for the beginner to the novice.

Kids will like: Riding the pedal boats on the park’s lake. I’ve never met a kid who didn’t like a pedal boat, have you? There are also art activities for the pint-sized crowd depending upon when you go.

The whole family will like: Birdwatching. For starters, there are 80 species of warblers in the park. Spring is their season making this a perfect time to visit. What better place to go birding than where the master birder roamed? Bring a sketch book and some colored pencils to capture the birds in their glory.

One of the park's cabins

Lodging:  There are  five one-bedroom cottages and one two-bedroom cottage in the park. Here’s a chance to find the Audubon in you by slumbering for a few days surrounded by his inspiration.

Camping: The state park also has a campground with 69 campsites for those who want to be closer to nature than four solid walls allows.

A bronze sculpture of one of Audubon's bird paintings

About Henderson: Henderson is one of those lovely Ohio river towns of brick Victorian buildings. This one  has embraced its Audubon connections. As you stroll through downtown, keep an eye out for the bronze cast sculptures of the birds Audubon painted in his collection Birds of America. The self-guided Audubon Sculpture Walking Tour can help you find them.

Accomodations: There are several chain hotel lodging options in Henderson, but for a stay that captures the towns ambiance, consider one of the two bed and breakfasts: L&N Bed and Breakfast and Victorian Quarters

Park Contact: 3100 US Highway 41 North, Henderson, KY. Phone: 270-826-2247

The Kentucky State Parks website has additional information.

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