Blue Heron Interpretive Center
Facility · Kentucky ·
Managed by the National Park Service
Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area (National River) · Open Access
- 774 ft
- Elevation
Exhibits
The Blue Heron Mining Community can be visited at any time to view historic structures and listen to audio programs.
Facilities & Activities
Ask a ranger what to do in the park; free public WiFi, bookstore, park permits, restrooms, and a concession stand.
Railroad Ride
The Big South Fork Scenic Railway travels from the Stearns Depot to the Blue Heron Mining Community in a 45-minute trip. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit https://bsfsry.com/
Getting there
Location: Located via Highways 1651 and 742.
36.67079, -84.54765 · 36°40'14.9"N 84°32'51.5"W
Typical weather
Typically 85°F in Jul, down to 45°F in Jan.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 45 | 49 | 59 | 69 | 77 | 82 | 85 | 85 | 80 | 69 | 58 | 48 |
| Low °F | 24 | 26 | 33 | 41 | 51 | 59 | 63 | 62 | 54 | 42 | 32 | 27 |
| Precip in | 4.8 | 4.5 | 5.2 | 4.7 | 5.5 | 5.3 | 6.1 | 3.7 | 3.6 | 3.3 | 3.8 | 5.8 |
1991–2020 averages from the nearest NOAA station, 3.8 mi away — not measured at the facility itself, and elevation can make a real difference over that distance.
Map
More photos
Member photos
Common questions about Blue Heron Interpretive Center
- Can you reserve a site at Blue Heron Interpretive Center?
- No. Blue Heron Interpretive Center is not reservable through Recreation.gov, so sites are first-come, first-served or booked elsewhere.
Camping near Blue Heron Interpretive Center
- Blue Heron Campground 1.7 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Bear Creek Campground - KY 2.4 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Alum Ford Campground 6.5 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Station Camp Campground 9.9 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Bandy Creek 15.1 mi · Campground · we watch it
- Bell Farm Horse Camp 6.6 mi · Facility
- Great Meadows Campground 10.3 mi · Campground
- Natural Arch Scenic Area 11.9 mi · Activity pass
- Bandy Creek Visitor Center 15.1 mi · Facility
- Keno Shooting Range 15.6 mi · Facility
- Beaver Creek Wilderness 17 mi · Facility
- Lake Cumberland - Stearns 19.4 mi · Facility
Contact
- Phone (606) 376-3787
- Email biso_information@nps.gov
- Info Recreation.gov
Recreation.gov last updated this record on 2026-02-25.
Facility information and photographs from Recreation.gov (RIDB). SpotOpened is not affiliated with Recreation.gov or any federal agency.
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