Originally established in 1775 by Daniel Boone and Richard Henderson, Fort Boonesborough was the first of only several log huts in a sycamore hollow that led to the Kentucky River. After being moved to a better location, Fort Boonesborough withstood a nine-day attack by both Native Americans and Frenchmen, which became known as the “Great Siege” of 1778. Today, it has been reconstructed as a working fort complete with blockhouses, cabins and period furnishings. The Kentucky River Museum is a newer addition, and encompasses several buildings including two restored lock houses that contain stories of the Kentucky River. Recreational amenities found within the park include: camping (with over 167 sites that house electricity and water hookups), fishing (with an abundance of bluegill, bass and catfish), boat launches, miniature golf, swimming, picnicking, and hiking.

The Armin D. Hummel Planetarium was opened on November 16, 1988 and contains a Spitz Space Voyager projection system, which lies under a 20.6-meter dome that has a tilt of 27 degrees. It is, at present time, one of the largest and most sophisticated planetariums in the United States. Located on the campus of Eastern Kentucky University, the Hummel Planetarium holds 164 people. The night sky is projected with a “starball” which is capable of projecting over 10,000 stars. Other equipment includes five planet projectors, a sun projector and two image projectors that are used to project the moon or other objects. A visit to the Hummel Planetarium is a trip through the universe for all.