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Hummingbird Festival at Land Between the lakes Woodlands Nature Station

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Hummingbirds at the Woodlands Nature Center, Land Between the Lakes

One of my favorite places in Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes is the Woodlands Nature Station. Given the fact that I love animals, birds, butterflies, trees, and flowers to complete and utter distraction, how could it not be?! Woodlands Nature Station is a beautiful and incredibly peaceful place where you’ll lose yourself in the aforementioned lovelies.

If you’re as wild about hummingbirds as I am, the following press release from Land Between the Lakes will be of great interest.

Annual Hummingbird Festival Returns to LBL’s Woodlands Nature Station

Come out to Land Between The Lakes (LBL) National Recreation Area and witness the migration of the Ruby-throated hummingbird during the annual Hummingbird Festival Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, August 5-7, at Woodlands Nature Station (NS).

“Hummingbird migration in this area is at its peak in August,” said NS Interpreter Carrie Szwed. “A large number of hummingbirds stop here on their journey south to Mexico and Central America. During this time, up to 200 hummingbirds visit our feeders in a single day. The festival is an opportunity to be a part of this awesome event.”

The main Hummingbird Festival events take place at the NS Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission to Hummingbird Festival 2011 is $5 ages 13 and up and $3 ages 5-12. Visit with NS staff and guest exhibitors to learn more about these amazing little birds and how you can help them survive their long migration. Highlights of the weekend include hummingbird banding demonstrations, a nature photography program, a native plant sale, a honeybee observation hive, activities and games for children, and live animal programs. Take-home information will be available about gardening, bird feeding, nature-friendly cleaning products, and more. Be sure to bring your camera to capture the stars of the weekend, the Ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Brainard Palmer-Ball Jr. and Mark Monroe, local hummingbird banders, will give up close demonstrations throughout the day on the technique of bird banding. Banding is a way of identifying and tracking individual birds. If a hummingbird is recaptured at another study site along its migration route, the leg band number is recorded and added to a database. Biologists can then look at all the data collected over the years for clues about the habits of these tiny birds and how best to meet their habitat needs. Visitors can attend ongoing demonstrations and visit other information stations Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Other weekend activities include Dinner with the Hummingbirds on Friday, August 5, that requires reservations and full deposits due to limited space. For complete information or reservations, contact 270-924-2020. The following is a list of NS programs for the weekend:
Friday, August 5
6-8pm Dinner with the Hummingbirds
$20 per person (includes dinner and evening admission)
Saturday, August 6
9am-4pm Hummingbird Banding Demonstrations
10:30am Hummingbirds 101
11:30am Migration Miracles
12:30pm Hummingbirds for Kids
1:30pm Hummingbirds 101
2:30pm Nature Photography: Composition
3:30pm The Power of Pollinators
Sunday, August 7
10am-4pm Hummingbird Banding Demonstrations
11:30am Hummingbirds 101
12:30pm Hummingbird Folklore
1:30pm Nature Photography: Composition
2:30pm Hummingbirds 101
3:30pm Gardening for Hummingbirds and Butterflies

Land Between The Lakes is managed by the Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, in partnership with “Friends of LBL,” to provide public lands outdoor recreation and environmental education. We encourage visitors to review our website at www.lbl.org each season, and throughout the season, for our Calendar of Events, updates on programs and policies, safety information, maps, and temporary trail and road closures. Additional LBL and “Friends of LBL” information is also available on our website or by calling 1-800-LBL-7077 or 270-924-2000.

If you love hummingbirds, read how to attract hummingbirds to your yard!

Filed Under: Kentucky Birds, LBL, Summertime in Kentucky, The Nature Station Tagged With: , ,

Land Between the Lakes Recreation Area Events During July

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Oxen at The HomesteadOxen at The Homeplace. I love this picture! @MikeSigers  took the picture at just the right time.

I’ve said it millions of times and, no doubt, I’ll say it again twice as much: There is no place on earth quite like the Land Between the Lakes.  No two trips to Kentucky’s Land Between the Lakes are exactly the same and no one trip is less than a complete blast.  If you’ve never been, do yourself (and your family) a huge favor and plan your Land Between the Lakes vacation today. If you’ve been to Land Between the Lakes and even if (like us), you’ve been there far too many times to count – go again! As I said, no two trips are the same and you’ll inevitably see things that are different since you saw them last.

Whether it’s a week in paradise or just an overnight stay, you’ll make memories that’ll last a lifetime.  Get yourself to Land Between the Lakes and EXPLORE your options for fun!

This is one of Kentucky’s extra special regions.  The food is outstanding, the sights (and photo opportunities!) breathtaking, the fun is outrageous, and the people are the warmest, friendliest, and most colorful people you’ll ever meet.  They’re genuinely delighted to see guests and treat them like long lost family members.

Below you’ll find a list of events going on in the Land Between the Lakes region during July. As you’ll see, there’s a lot of fun and excitement waiting for you, your family, and your camera. Don’t make the fun wait any longer… if you do, it’ll find someone else!

July 1-31

  • Planetarium Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium Daytime shows: Ages 13 & up $4; Ages 5-12: $2
  • Far Out Space Places – Mon.-Fri. at 10am and Sat. & Sun. at 4pm
  • Laser- Legends of the Night Sky – Daily at 11am
  • Blown Away: The Wild World of Weather – Sat. & Sun. at 11am
  • Two Small Pieces of Glass – Daily at 3pm
  • The Skies Above – Daily at 1pm
  • Journey to the Edge of Space & Time – Daily at 2pm

Tuesday, July 5

  • 11am Bald Is Beautiful: The Bald Eagle – Nature Station
  • 2:15pm Goodies for Groundhog – Nature Station
  • 7pm Laser Ipop & 8:30pm, Laser Country Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Wednesday, July 6

  • 1pm Flower Pounding – Homeplace

Thursday, July 7

  • 2:15pm Truly Talon-ted – Nature Station

Friday, July 8

  • 7pm Laseropolis & 8:30pm, Laser U2 Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Saturday & Sunday, July 9-10

  • 10am-5pm Drag Boat Races – Pisgah Bay For more info, contact 800-732-0088 or www.kdba.net

Owl at the Nature Station, Land Between the LakesAdorable Owl at The Nature Station. The animals at the Nature Station are incredibly well-cared for and loved!  These are birds and animals with injuries that could not live on their own in the wild – they’d become prey or die of starvation.  The Nature Station allows them to live their lives as pampered pets who get attention and adoration 24/7. It’s a very, very special place that no animal lover will want to miss. It’s also a wealth of education for children… of all ages!

Saturday, July 9

  • 10am – 4pm Women’s Handwork Day – The Homeplace
  • Roaming the Nights in Shining Armor: Armadillos – Nature Station
  • 1pm, 3pm Crafty Stepping Stones – Nature Station

Cost per person is NS admission + $3 per stepping stone. Reservations are required since materials are limited. Call 270-924-2020 to reserve your space. Kids are invited to make their own stepping stones.

  • 7pm Summer Cooler Night Fright Light & 8:30pm, Summer Cooler Night Laser Holiday Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Sunday, July 10

  • 1pm Hug a White Oak – Homeplace *International Year of Forests Program*
  • 2:15pm Insect Hike – Nature Station

Tuesday, July 12

  • 11am A Real “Hoot”-enanny – Nature Station
  • 2:15pm What in the World is a Whistle-Pig? – The Nature Station
  • 7pm Laser Retro & 8:30pm, Laser Zeppelin Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Wednesday, July 13

  • 10am Field Work – Homeplace

Thursday, July 14

  • 2:15pm Gentle Giants: Alligator Snapping Turtles – Nature Station

Friday & Saturday, July 15-16

  • 8pm (Rodeo) LBL Primitive Rodeo and Wranglers Grand Jubilee Wranglers Campground

For more info, call 270-924-2200 or 2201.

Friday, July 15

  • Ongoing from 11am-3pm Radical Reptile Booth – Golden Pond Visitor Center

Free to all LBL visitors. Stop by our booth at the Visitor Center to meet some live snakes and turtles.

  • 7pm Laser Beatles & 8:30pm, Pink Floyd Dark Side of the Moon Laser Lights Music Shows – Golden Pond Planetarium

Saturday, July 16

  • 10am-4pm COOL & CRAWLY CRITTERS DAY!* – Nature Station

$3 children/$4 adults. Includes NS admission.
Hey kids! If bugs, snakes, turtles, frogs, and other slimy, slithery, and crawly critters fascinate you, then the Nature Station is the place for you today. Many special guests will be joining us to show off the critters they study. Check out all sorts of cool and crawly critters up close and personal, and meet scientists who study them!

Saturday, July 16

  • 1pm Old-Time Music Concert – Homeplace

Come on out today, rain or shine, for an old-time mountain music concert. Be sure to bring your dancin’ shoes.

  • 7pm Laser Vinyl Laser Lights Music Show 8:30pm, The Skies Above Astronomy Program 9:30pm Summer Nights– Golden Pond Planetarium

Filed Under: Kentucky Birds, Kentucky Wildlife, LBL, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace, The Nature Station Tagged With: , ,

Summertime in Greenville Means Saturdays on the Square!

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Saturdays on the Square Greenville Kentucky

The weather’s warm, baseball’s in full swing,  and everyone’s swapping grilling techniques. It must be summertime!  In Greenville, Kentucky that means it’s time to hit the square and shake what your mother gave you!

Satudays on the Square is back for the third year in a row in the friendly little town of Greenville.  The popular outdoor concert series will take place each Saturday night in July and August. The concerts are held on the Veteran’s Plaza Stage between the Courthouse and Judicial Center.

From Tour Greenville’s website: During this nine-week period a different genre of music will be featured each week ranging from southern gospel and classic rock to Motown and dance. Each performance will begin at 8:00 pm with the exception of Bluegrass night which will begin earlier to accommodate two acts (click on schedule below for details). Attendees should bring their lawn chairs and friends and plan to have a great time as they listen to free live music, kick up their heels, visit with old friends, make new friends, enjoy some good eats and just basically have a fun Saturday on the Square!

In the event of rain, the show must go on! The location for any rained out concerts with the exception of gospel night and the grand finale will be at Muhlenberg County High School, East Campus at 2900 State Route 176 in Greenville. In the event of a rain out on gospel night the concert will be moved to the Multi-Ministry Building of Second Baptist Church at 217 West Depot Street, Greenville. On finale night, the concert will take place on the square rain or shine.

For the full schedule and performers, you’ll want to visit Tour Greenville Saturdays on the Square.

Photo Credit: Tour Greenville

Filed Under: Bluegrass Music, Greenville, Summertime in Kentucky

Red, White, and Tuna at Grand Rivers Variety

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Red White and Tuna Grand Rivers Variety

Are you ready to find out what “rolling on the floor laughing your butt off” really feels like?  If your butt’s game, here’s your chance. A “Greater Tuna” show is back in all of its hilarious glory at Grand Rivers Variety in Grand Rivers, Kentucky.  If you’ve read Genuine Kentucky for very long (and if not, where have you been?!), you’ve no doubt read my Greater Tuna reviews and are well aware that they act upon my funny-bone the way catnip acts upon a cat.

About Red, White, and Tuna:

The much anticipated third installment in the Tuna trilogy takes the audience through another satirical ride into the hearts and minds of the polyester-clad citizens of Texas’ third smallest town. Along with Tuna’s perennial favorites, some new Tuna denizens burst into the 4th of July Tuna High School Class Reunion. This sets the stage for a show full of fireworks and fun!  – Grand Rivers Variety

The writing is outrageously funny and the performances are even funnier.  These shows make you miss the good old days of comedy – when writers and actors depended on humor to get a reaction, rather than shock value.

You’ll lose yourself in the fictional and deliciously zany little town of Tuna as the town’s outrageous characters (male and female) are hilariously brought to life by Bill Minihan and Steve Sherling. I’ve often wished that Grand Rivers Variety had each of their Tuna shows on dvd – they’d make excellent Christmas presents for people who love to laugh!

The seasonal shows at Grand Rivers Variety are just that – seasonal…… as in you’d better act now or they won’t just be gone, they’ll be long gone. Trust me, this one’s far too fun to let get away.  There are only 5 shows for Red, White, and Tuna on the schedule: July 13, 20, and 27 and August 3 and 10. Each of these shows is on a Wednesday and, mark it down, you’ll still be talking about it when the next Wednesday rolls around.

True story: A few days ago, my husband Michael told me the official opening date of Red, White, and Tuna and I laughed.  I said, “I’m laughing already!“  Still am…. yeah, they’re that funny.

Visit Grand Rivers Variety’s website for ticket information now!

Filed Under: Entertainment, Grand Rivers Variety, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: , ,

Kentucky Speedway Hosts NASCAR’s Inaugural Quaker State 400 July 9th!

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NASCAR Inaugural Quaker State 400 at Kentucky Speedway

NASCAR fans, particularly those in Kentucky, are geared up and excited as the big day approaches.  Kentucky Speedway is set to host its first Sprint Cup series race, the inaugural Quaker State 400 on July 9th and this is, essentially, the big day everyone’s been waiting and planning for.

Kentucky Speedway has held other NASCAR races (Nationwide and Camping World Truck series races), but this will be the first Sprint Cup series race. is expected to pack the stands. I have a feeling that the place will go absolutely WILD when the motors start.  You don’t want to miss this!

To buy tickets for the Inaugural Quaker State 400 on July 9, 2011, visit Kentucky Speedway.

 

Image Credit: NASCAR

Filed Under: NASCAR, Owensboro, Sports, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: ,

Fourth of July Fireworks Shows at Kentucky State Parks

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Fourth of July Fireworks

Celebrate July 4th Weekend at Kentucky State Parks!  Enjoy firework shows in beautiful settings with your family and friends while honoring our Country on her birthday.

The Kentucky State Parks have several parks offering free firework shows this year. State parks are great places for picnics, hikes, wildlife viewing, fishing, swimming, boating, golf and other family activities.

Kentucky State Parks also offer campgrounds, lodges, cottages and restaurants that make for great vacations and weekend trips. Visit www.parks.ky.gov for information and reservations.

Here is a list of firework shows and holiday events at Kentucky State Parks:

Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas

July 4

Barren River’s annual 4th of July Fireworks Celebration is sponsored by The Friends of Barren River. Activities for the weekend include a variety of fun games and crafts such as tie-dye bandanas on Saturday, and our “whatever floats your boat” contest on Sunday. July 4th there will be back-to-back family fun activities from 12:30 – 5 p.m. such as dizzy bat, three-legged race, hula hoop contest, and more. There will be live entertainment at 5:30 p.m. followed by the fireworks display at 8:30 p.m. (please note this is an approximate time and fireworks will begin when it gets dark). For more information contact Jamie Avery at jamie.avery@ky.gov or 1-800-325-0057.

Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn

July 4

A variety of patriotic activities will take place, culminating with a fireworks display sponsored by the Perry County Tourism Commission! A cookout starts at 3 p.m. with hot dogs, potato wedges and drinks. At noon, there will be water races in the beach area, limbo and hula hoop, water balloon toss, tug-of-war and horseshoe tournament. The band “2nd Wind” will play at 7 p.m., sponsored by Pine Branch Coal Sales. Fireworks begin at dark. Call 1-800-325-0058 for more details.

Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora

July 3

Kenlake will have fireworks Sunday, July 3 around dusk at the old beach area. Live music with local band “Critical Condition” starts at 7:30 p.m. Concessions will open at 4 p.m. The event is sponsored by the businesses of Aurora. Call 1-800-325-0143 for more information.

Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville

July 3

Kentucky Dam Marina and local businesses are sponsoring fireworks Sunday July 3. Music by “Xander” starts at 6:30 p.m. just outside the Conference Center at the lakeside stage. Food will be available. Call 1-800-325-0146 for more information.

Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz

July 3

The fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. at the public swimming beach. The 202nd Army Band of the Kentucky National Guard will provide music starting at 6 p.m. The fireworks are sponsored by the Friends of Lake Barkley State Resort Park with generous support from the community. Please no dogs or personal fireworks. For more information, call 1-800-325-1708.

Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown

July 3

State Dock and Jamestown Marina are co-sponsoring a fireworks show Sunday, July 3 at 9 p.m. CDT. The fireworks can be seen from the Park Look Out and the Lure Lodge patio. Call 1-800-325-1709 for more information.

My Old Kentucky Home State Park, Bardstown

July 2

Celebrate Stephen Foster’s 185th birthday (July 4) on the grounds of My Old Kentucky Home State Park with old fashioned games on the lawn beginning at 7 p.m. followed by The Stephen Foster Story at 8:30 p.m. At intermission, guests will be treated to birthday cupcakes and immediately following the show, guests remain seated and the cast will join them to view a magnificent fireworks display. This event is sponsored by Newcomb Oil.

Rough River Dam State Resort Park, Falls of Rough

July 2

You will hear a Rumble over Rough River Lake as the park celebrates Independence Day with its annual fireworks display! Fourth of July related recreational activities will be going on all weekend long! So come on out and show your spirit for the Red, White and Blue! Sponsored by Rough River Business and Tourism. For more information call the Park at 1-800-325-1713.

Filed Under: Kentucky State Parks, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: ,

99 Days of Summer Fun in Kentucky

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Barren River Lake, Kentucky

As the weather finally turns warmer in Kentucky, and we’re starting to dry out, we all have summer fun on our minds.  Memorial Day weekend kind of kicks it all off, doesn’t it?!

The Kentucky Department of Travel and Tourism and the Tourism Arts and Heritage Cabinet are kicking off the “99 Days of Summer Fun in Kentucky” campaign.

“For the next 99 days, Kentucky will offer some great travel and vacation experiences,” said Tourism, Arts and Heritage Secretary Marcheta Sparrow. “Kentucky has it all – from adventure tourism opportunities to arts and crafts, parks and unique museums. The best part is that many of these places are just a short drive away. This summer, make a point of visiting a new location and enjoying new experiences.”

The “99 Days of Summer Fun,” which begins May 30, will feature a website that highlights events and destinations around the state. Guests can register online to be eligible for prizes that will be drawn at least once a week. Visit www.kentuckytourism.com and click on the “99 Days of Summer Fun” for information and details.

“I’d like to encourage Kentuckians to visit someplace in their home state where they’ve never been before,” said Travel and Tourism Commissioner Mike Cooper. “Kentucky has hundreds of excellent places for families to visit and enjoy their leisure time.”

The website will also include links to money-saving coupons and other special deals for travelers in Kentucky. Included will be Kentucky State Parks discount coupons at several parks throughout the state.

**** I want to wish everyone a very happy Memorial Day and my family would like to extend a special THANK YOU and YOU ROCK! to all of the brave men and women who serve our beautiful country, as well as their families, who also know a thing or two about sacrifice.  If you want to see and hear something really moving and very special, see a post I just added to my self help blog.  Trust me, you’ll be moved.  See 3rd Graders Sing for Our Trooops

Filed Under: Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With: ,

A Pickin’ Party at The Homeplace in Land Between the Lakes!

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Ox from The Homeplace, Land Between the Lakes

The beautiful ox above is one of The Homeplace’s prized residents.  If I do say so myself, my husband takes amazing pictures! This one’s a favorite.

There’s nothing about the Land Between the Lakes that I don’t love (except maybe for the fact that there are no Starbucks). An animal lover since before I was born – don’t ask how I know, I just do – I love the Nature Station, the Bison and Elk Prairie, and the endless opportunities to see birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

Another favorite destination in the wonderful Land Between the Lakes region is the Homeplace. Once again, there are plenty of animals for me to ooooh and ahhhh over. I’m all about the oooohs and the ahhhhs.

The Homeplace

The Homeplace is, essentially, a step back in time. Located in the Tennessee portion of Land Between the Lakes, The Homeplace is as educational as it is entertaining.  There’s also an outstanding gift shop that has just about everything you could hope for from a gift shop.  To read more about The Homeplace and its history, please click the link.

A Pickin’ Party on the Horizon!

Anytime The Homeplace hosts a party, it’s one for the books and, trust me, when there’s food involved, you’ll want to invite everyone you know.  The food is always positively mind-boggling – as delicious as food can possibly be.  As you’ll notice in the blurb below, food will be available for purchase (insert a BOO-YAH right about here). The Pickin’ Party will be in full swing (literally) on Saturday, May 28 and Sunday, May 29.

From LBL.org: Born of the heartland, raised in the river valleys, old-time country music this weekend will once again echo in the hills and hollows of LBL. For two days, experience the best of old-time music through workshops, pickin’ sessions, and energized performances of old-time fiddle, banjo, and bluegrass music. Bring your banjo, guitar, fiddle, or harmonica and join in on the fun during daily open mic sessions. Enjoy weekend performances of folk singer and fretless banjo picker, Mark Dvorak, old time string band, The Dixie Volunteers and Cumberland River Plow Boys, Celtic music by Red River Breeze and the best of old time and bluegrass music. Throughout the day, stroll through the historic buildings, fields and gardens, and talk with the 1850s farm family as they go about their daily chores. 1850s children’s activities will be provided throughout the weekend.Festival food and ice-cold drinks will be available for purchase. Bring lawn chairs or ground blankets.

Saturday-Adults $6/Children $4; Sunday-Adults $5/Children $3. Includes same day HP admission. For more information, call 931-232-6457.

Click HERE for performer’s descriptions and schedule.

Filed Under: Bluegrass Music, Country Music, LBL, Springtime in Kentucky, Summertime in Kentucky, The Homeplace Tagged With: , , , ,

Kentucky State Park Historic Sites and Museums Offer Free Admission Coupon For Children

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Special Rates for Kids at Select Kentucky State Parks

There are countless wonderful things to do and beautiful things to see in Kentucky’s State Parks. Kentucky’s State Historic Sites are particularly fascinating, and a wonderful way to teach your children a little about history… without them even realizing they’re learning!

Children can get a good look at Kentucky history with a special offer from Kentucky State Parks. Children receive free admission to state park museums and historic sites with every adult admission purchased through Oct. 31, 2011.

The Kentucky State Park museums and historic sites cover topics such as Native Americans, pioneers, the Civil War, natural history, historic homes and other topics from the state’s fascinating history.

The coupon for the free admission for children age 12 and under is available by going to www.parks.ky.gov and clicking on the “discounts” heading. Here is a listing of the historic sites and a phone number. Guests should check in advance for hours of operation:

  • Blue Licks Battlefield Museum, 800-443-7008
  • Butler-Turpin State Historic House, 866-462-8853
  • Columbus Belmont State Park, 270-677-2327
  • Ft. Boonesborough State Park, 859-527-3131
  • Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, 270-889-6100
  • John James Audubon State Park, 270-826-2247
  • My Old Kentucky Home State Park, 502-348-3502
  • Levi Jackson State Park, 606-330-2130
  • Lincoln Homestead State Park, 859-336-7461
  • Old Ft. Harrod State Park, 859-734-3314
  • Old Mulkey Meeting House, 270-487-8481
  • Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, 859-332-8631
  • Waveland State Historic Site, 859-272-3611
  • White Hall State Historic Site, 859-623-9178
  • Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, 270-335-3681
  • William Whitely State Historic Site, 606-355-2881

Enjoy with no admission fees:

  • Big Bone Lick State Park, 859-384-3522
  • Boone Station State Historic Site
  • Constitution Square State Historic Site, 859-239-7089
  • Dr. Thomas Walker State Historic Site, 606-546-4400

Filed Under: Blog, Kentucky State Parks, Kentucky's History, News, Springtime in Kentucky, Summertime in Kentucky Tagged With:
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