Kentucky River Museum

The Kentucky River Museum occupies a restored lock operator's residence at Lock 10 in Fort Boonesborough State Park. Inside, visitors find artifacts and documents that tell the story of how the river shaped transportation and commerce in the region.

Between 1836 and 1917, engineers built fourteen locks and dams on this river, representing one of the largest infrastructure projects of its era in America. The system connected distant communities and enabled goods to travel hundreds of miles by water.

The museum displays artifacts, photographs, and documents that demonstrate the Kentucky River's influence on regional transportation and commerce development.

Visit during the warmer months when both the museum and surrounding park are open to the public. Plan to spend several hours to see the exhibits and explore the wider park area comfortably.

The museum preserves original logbooks where lock operators recorded daily details about weather, boat traffic, and travelers' names. These personal records offer a window into everyday life from nearly two centuries ago.

Location: Kentucky

Inception: 2002

Website: http://fortboonesboroughlivinghistory.org/html/river_museum.html

GPS coordinates: 37.89506,-84.26488

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:26