VISIT
Living Archaeology Weekend is held at the Gladie Visitor Center in the beautiful Red River Gorge of Daniel Boone National Forest in eastern Kentucky. Located on the picturesque banks of Gladie Creek and Red River, and surrounded by towering rock outcrops, the Center is a fitting backdrop for Living Archaeology Weekend.
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The demonstrations are held in two locations on the rolling acreage of the Center. The native technology and lifeways demonstrations are set up along the creek floodplain, and the pioneer technology and lifeways demonstrations are located around Gladie Cabin. The cabin, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, formerly served as a hotel, a post office, and a home before being moved to the Gladie Visitor Center. Visitors are invited to tour the Gladie Cabin and the displays in the Gladie Visitor Center during LAW.
Living Archaeology Weekend will be held at Natural Bridge State Resort Park's Hoedown Island for 2024. Located along the Middle Fork of the Red River, adjacent to the Red River Gorge Geologic Area and surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest, its setting is a fitting alternate location while the Gladie Visitor Center gets some much-needed improvements.​
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Demonstrators will be scattered along both sides of our "Trace to the Past" and across the adjacent Hoedown Island. Open Fires are not allowed at the park, so cooking demonstrations will not bet at LAW this year.
While you’re at LAW, you might consider taking a walk to Kentucky’s famous Natural Bridge, ride the Sky Lift, or visit the park’s Historic Nature Center. Stay after our event on Saturday for the Park’s weekly “Natural Bridge Hoedown Dance” with line dancing, square dancing, and clogging (small admission fee).
ACCESSIBILITY
Living Archaeology Weekend demonstrations and activities are held outdoors. The venue is handicapped accessible; however, visitors in wheelchairs should be aware that the main demonstration areas are not paved and can be very sandy. These areas are usually navigable, as long as the ground is not saturated. Visitors are welcome to bring strollers.
Living Archaeology Weekend demonstrations and activities are held outdoors. The venue is handicapped accessible, with most demonstrations along a paved path. Visitors are welcome to bring strollers.
If you have more questions or concerns about venue accessibility, please contact us.
If you have more questions or concerns about venue accessibility, please contact us.
HOEDOWN ISLAND
The Gladie Visitor Center is an active hub of public education and outreach in the Red River Gorge.
On Saturday Living Archaeology Weekend visitors are welcome to tour the exhibits at the facility.
Address: 3451 Sky Bridge Road, Stanton, KY 40380
Phone*: (606) 663-8100
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*Cell phone service is spotty in the Red River Gorge and visitors may not have service in some places like Gladie.
Natural Bridge State Resort Park is located along the Middle Fork of the Red River and is surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest.
Visitors are welcome to stay after our event on Saturday for the Park's weekly "Natural Bridge Hoedown Dance."
Address: 2135 Natural Bridge Road, Slade, KY, 40376
Phone*: (606) 663-2214
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*Cell phone service is spotty in the Red River Gorge and visitors may not have service in some places.
WEATHER & SAFETY
In case of severe weather, visitors should call the Center for cancellation information. However, unless there is major flooding or lightning, the event will take place at Gladie even if it rains, as we have spaces to move most of the activities undercover.
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First aid is provided by a local ambulance service. Law enforce-ment is provided by US Forest Service law enforcement officers.
Free parking is available on-site in a paved parking lot and on a grass lawn. Portable toilets are available on-site during Living Archaeology Weekend. Bottled water is sold at the event, and the Ladies Auxiliary Post 67 in Clay City provides food options.
