Charles Young Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Charles Young Park is located in the state of Kentucky and is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.


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Summary

There are many reasons to visit the park, including its beautiful scenery, historical landmarks, and recreational opportunities.

One of the main attractions of Charles Young Park is the historic home of Charles Young, the first African-American to achieve the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army. The home has been restored and is open to the public for tours, providing an opportunity to learn about the life and achievements of this trailblazing figure.

Another point of interest in the park is the Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, which tells the story of the African-American soldiers who served in the U.S. Army during the late 1800s and early 1900s. The museum includes exhibits on the history of the Buffalo Soldiers and their contributions to American history.

Visitors to Charles Young Park can also enjoy a range of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and camping. The park is situated on the edge of the Daniel Boone National Forest, providing access to miles of trails and scenic vistas.

Interesting facts about the area include that the park is named after Charles Young, who was born in the nearby town of Mays Lick and went on to serve in the Spanish-American War and World War I. Additionally, the park is home to the largest tree in Kentucky, a towering tulip poplar that stands over 150 feet tall.

The best time of year to visit Charles Young Park is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is mild and the foliage is lush. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities for visitors in all seasons.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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