John James Audubon State Park
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Find your nature at this Kentucky State Park
This park inspired what became one of the most expensive books in the world! The current value of The Birds of America is estimated at 13.5 million dollars. It was authored and illustrated by John James Audubon, a naturalist and painter, who once resided in Henderson. The book, originally published in 1827, features birds that can be found in the United States on its 435 pages.
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John James Audubon State Park is known for his work, featured in the park’s museum. Visiting is especially delightful for bird lovers. There is also a Nature Center that features a bird observation station and film. During our last visit, there was a temporary art exhibit as well.
![museum, John James Audubon State Park](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-59.jpeg)
![lake, John James Audubon State Park, largemouth bass, bluegill, catfish](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-67.jpeg)
Our family has visited the park several times through the years and have even used it as a hub for gathering up from time to time. The park offers reservable cottages, 11 hiking trails, a lake where boating and fishing can be enjoyed, a nine hole golf course and a campground as well. All trails are all a mile and a half or less in length and offer the promise of seeing many animals and insects of all kinds. Smartly situated just off the museum parking, is the Eagle Glen Pet Trail. It is just under one mile and is the only trail in the park that allows leashed pets.
![Eagle Glen Pet Trail, John James Audubon State Park](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-60.jpeg)
Audubon State Park is in Henderson, which is a lovely town right on the Ohio River. There are several city parks to visit and some delicious restaurants to try. Ellis Park, celebrating 100 years in 2022, is also just across the river and offers live racing and gaming.
![Waterfront park fountains, downtown, Henderson, Kentucky](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-57-1050x1400.jpeg)
Also, in Henderson County is the Farmer and Frenchman, which is a HIGH recommend from us. You can read more about them, their wines and food here.
![Farmer & Frenchman, winery, burrata, bread, wine](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-62.jpeg)
And, right across the Ohio River is Evansville, Indiana which has a whole other set of great possibilities for food and fun.
![Madeleine's Fusion Restaurant, reservations](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-63.jpeg)
![Madeleine's Fusion Restaurant in Evansville, Indiana offers delish dishes - with both indoor and outdoor seating.](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-65-1050x1400.jpeg)
And here’s some additional photos from inside the cottages, the park and around the area. If you’re like us the more pics the better to get a feel for a place.
![](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-66-1050x1400.jpeg)
![Inside the Nature Center at John James Audubon State Park.](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-68.jpeg)
![Eastgate Restaurant, Henderson, local favorite](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-69.jpeg)
![The bird observation area inside the Nature Center at John James Audubon State Park.](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-70.jpeg)
![The John James Audubon State Park cottages also have great outside seating.](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-71.jpeg)
![Great space for a big family meal at one of the John James Audubon State Park cottages.](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-72-1050x1400.jpeg)
![Interior of a John James Audubon State Park cottage.](https://c1k3a8.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/image-73.jpeg)
Thanks for reading – we’d love to hear from you as you travel Kentucky.