The Kentucky State Parks will be in full swing with events and activities during Labor Day Weekend.
All 32 campgrounds will be open and many parks are planning special festivities for guests. The park system’s 17 resort parks – all with lodges, full-service restaurants, hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas and other amenities – will be open.
The recreational parks and historic sites will also be open. Most have hiking trails, picnic areas, camping, fishing and other recreational opportunities for guests.
Golfers have 18 courses across the state from which to choose. Several courses have received national honors for being among the best places to play. The Kentucky State Parks also offer golf packages that include overnight stays.
For more information about all 51 state parks and to make lodging or camping reservations, visit www.parks.ky.gov. Information about lodging discounts and coupons is also available on the website. Below is a listing of events scheduled during Labor Day Weekend 2010:
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
Sept. 3
Tomahawk Throwing at the Pioneer Museum
While the tomahawk was a formidable weapon, unlike the movies, it was probably never actually thrown in frontier warfare. However, games of skill were common on the frontier. Join the park “expert” for a talk about the history of games of skill and a chance to test skill with a tomahawk. This program is open throughout the day and is part of the Pioneer Museum Summer Series. It is free with paid admission to the museum. 1-800-443-7008.
Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park, Mount Olivet
Sept. 4
Labor Day Blood Drive
You can be someone’s hero! The Central Kentucky Blood Center Blood Mobile will be just outside the Blue Licks Battlefield State Resort Park Pioneer Museum. All blood donors will receive complimentary passes for the Pioneer Museum and be eligible to win door prizes. Donate blood between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturday. Call the park at 859-289-5507 or 800-443-7008 for overnight accommodations, directions and additional information.
General Butler State Resort Park, Carrollton
Sept. 4
Goldenrod Gala
The park will host a one-day juried Arts & Crafts Festival featuring handmade items. The gala includes a variety of demonstrators, all-day entertainment, food concessions, Farmer’s Market and activities for kids. 866-462-8853.
Fort Boonesborough State Park
Sept. 4
CKBC Mobile Blood Drive
The Central Kentucky Blood Center will be conducting a blood drive in the Recreation Hall of the campground from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. All donors will receive a t-shirt, a gift and will be entered into the door prize drawings for gift certificates from the park and area businesses. Open to the public. 859-527-3131.
Jefferson Davis State Historic Site, Fairview
Sept. 4
Civil War Flag Exhibit
Spend part of your holiday weekend visiting Jefferson Davis State Historic Site to see an impressive collection of reproduction Civil War flags, both Confederate and Union, by Spencer and Linda Brewer of Central City. 270-889-6100.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Sept. 3-4
Plein-Air & Studio Workshop
Artists, are you ready to learn how to construct a good composition? This two-day adult workshop is designed for beginning-to-advanced artists seeking more knowledge to enhance and create a beautifully composed painting. The workshop will consist of students learning the fundamentals of a composition and compositional studies in the studio. Don’t miss the instruction by the award winning wildlife artist Devere Burt, of Cincinnati. Registration is required. A supply list will be provided. Fee: $60 for both days. Times: Friday 9-4 p.m.; Saturday 9–noon. 270-826-2247.
John James Audubon State Park, Henderson
Sept. 2-6
Labor Day Weekend
John James Audubon State Park will be celebrating Labor Day Weekend throughout the park. The fun starts with Fishing Fun on Thursday, Sept. 2 at the boat dock on Recreation Lake and ends with Recycled Bird Feeders on Monday, Sept. 6. There will be nature crafts, wildlife games and guided hikes throughout the weekend. The highlights of the weekend will include a Labor Day Campground Parade, Live Raptor Show and Ice
Cream In-A-Bag. Call for programs, times, and location at (270) 826-4424.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, Lucas
Sept. 3-5
Labor Day Weekend Activities
Join the recreation staff at Barren River for a weekend full of fun. The park will be ending the “summer season” with a variety of activities for campers, guests and visitors. There will be a Leave No Trace Awareness workshop at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 4. Participants will learn how to be good stewards of the land and will receive a discount card for 10 percent off lodging or camping valid through September 2011. Dave Stahl will be providing live musical entertainment in the campground on Sunday, Sept. 5 at 7 p.m. Nature hikes, reptile shows, fabulous fossil activities and more all weekend long. 800-325-0057.
Greenbo Lake State Resort Park, Greenup
Sept. 3-5
Labor Day Getaway
Close out the summer with lots of family fun at Greenbo Lake State Resort Park. There will be crafts, hayrides, a scavenger hunt, mini golf and all sorts of fun-filled activities to keep you busy. Don’t forget the community pool will be open through Sept. 6, so come out and enjoy that last swim of the summer. 800-325-0083.
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park, Prestonsburg
Sept. 3 – 5
Labor Day “Fun in the Sun”
Jenny Wiley State Resort Park will be celebrating Labor Day with several activities. Come build your own “Pine Derby Car” on Saturday morning and then race it Saturday evening. The park will also have a reptile show with the Kentucky Reptile Zoo on Saturday at 5 p.m. Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes as we will have a “heel-clicking” good time Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights with folk and country line dancing. Other activities include a pet show, tomahawk throwing, arts and crafts, archery, primitive fire starting demonstration, tie-dye t-shirts and much more. 800-325-0142.
Lake Cumberland State Resort Park, Jamestown
Sept. 3-5
Labor Day Weekend Activities
The end of summer is near so let’s spend the holiday weekend together at Lake Cumberland. The park’s recreation department has plenty of fun activities planned for the entire family. The park will have activities such as bingo, youth archery, balloon launcher, pool games and a magic show featuring Dave Cottrell. For information, contact Robert Myers at RobertA.Myers@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-1709.
Buckhorn Lake State Resort Park, Buckhorn
Sept. 3-6
End of the Summer Celebration
Buckhorn Lake is having its annual End of the Summer Celebration filled with lots of fun and excitement for guests. Cool off from the summer heat by enjoying the pool and water games. Have fun drying off during the many yard games and sport activities that will continue throughout the weekend. Evening activities will include a campfire and s’mores and much more. 800-325-0058.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park, Corbin
Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Weekend
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park’s recreation staff will offer a variety of programs Labor Day Weekend, including a hike to Pinnacle Knob Fire Tower, archery, folk dancing, craft programs and more. The community pool will be open from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. 800-325-0063.
E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park, Louisville
Sept. 3-6
NBL/BMX Grand Nationals
Join E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park for the annual NBL/BMX Grand Nationals. Watch the best of the best riders from all over the world. This event is sponsored by Derby City BMX, www.derbycitybmx.org. 502-429-7270.
Kenlake State Resort Park, Aurora
Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Weekend Celebration
Kenlake State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include Friday night beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the back lobby. Scott Shupe, an old friend of the park, will bring many of his animals for his live animal presentation. Other activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. End the summer with a live band Sunday night on the front lawn. 800-325-0143.
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Gilbertsville
Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Weekend – Say Goodbye to Summer
Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Say farewell to Summer and all the heat and enjoy the last weekend of scheduled daily recreation activities for the year. Activities include tie-dye, an all-you-can-eat Ice Cream Social, Ping Pong Tournaments, Nintendo Wii Tournaments, arts and crafts. Heath Eric will perform to close out the weekend on Sunday night at 7 p.m. at the campground! Fees for some events. For details contact Anthony.Lawrence@ky.gov or call 1-800-325-0146.
Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cadiz
Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Celebration
Lake Barkley State Resort Park says farewell to summer with a Labor Day weekend celebration. Activities will start on Friday evening at the campground and continue through Monday afternoon at the lodge. The recreation staff has packed this last weekend of summer with lots of activities for the entire family. Activities include a snake presentation, tie-dye shirts, corn-hole games, trap shooting and an owl prowl. And don’t forget to stop by the beach on the last few days it will be open for the summer. For more information contact Mary Schmidt at mary.schmidt@ky.gov or 1-800-325-1708
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, Dawson Springs
Sept. 3-6
Labor Day Weekend Celebration
Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park’s Labor Day festivities will begin Friday night, Sept. 3. Come help the park say farewell to Summer. This will be the last weekend of daily recreation/naturalist led activities until May 2011. Activities include junior naturalist programs, guided nature hikes, campfire programs, sports activities, and arts and crafts. Don’t miss Music in the Park on Friday, Sept. 3 at 7 p.m. with local artist Heath Eric. 800-325-1711.
Carter Caves State Resort Park, Olive Hill
Sept. 6
Pickin’ at the Caves
Bring your instruments out to Carter Caves State Resort Park to gather and play music with other local musicians. Don’t play? No problem! Come and enjoy the tunes that local talent has to offer. The pickin’ will be in and around the lobby of Lewis Caveland Lodge from 7-9 p.m. Visit early and enjoy a country meal in the Tierney’s Cavern Restaurant. This event is held on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. 800-325-0059.
The Kentucky State Park System is composed of 51 state parks plus an interstate park shared with Virginia. The Department of Parks, an agency of the Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet, operates 17 resort parks with lodges — more than any other state. For more information on Kentucky parks, visit our Web site at http://www.parks.ky.gov
If you’re thinking about getting a little boating in before summer ends, Barren River Lake State Resort Park has a great deal for you.
Rent a pontoon boat for all day for $175 plus tax and the park will throw in a lodge room for free. The lodging offer is good for Sunday, Monday and Tuesday nights with the boat use for the following day. The park is also offering a two-night package with the use of the boat for two days for an additional $150 plus tax.
The park also has overnight packages that include a john-boat for fishing or ski-boats.
The offer is good through Oct. 15, 2010 and does not include holidays. Gas is not included. The offer is based on availability. To view the coupon, visit http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/br/ and click on “Summer Boating Offer.”
Barren River Lake State Resort Park near Glasgow has a lodge, cottages, Driftwood Restaurant, golf course, fitness center, gift shop, fishing, picnic areas and hiking trails. The resort is located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take I-65 to the Cumberland Parkway east, to US 31E south.
For more information and to make reservations. Call 1-800-325-0057.
Barren River State Resort Park
I was recently sent a link to an article extolling the virtues of state parks (from someone who knew just how much my husband and I LOVE state parks). This particular article’s stance is after my own heart – it even mentions one of Kentucky’s State Parks: E.P. “Tom” Sawyer State Park in Louisville.
The article points out the negative effect the economy could potentially have on our country’s beautiful state parks. None of us want to see cutbacks, layoffs, or any negative changes befalling our beloved state parks. A state’s state parks are like crown jewels. They allow newcomer’s to the state to get a “feel” for what that state is all about, a glimpse at it’s history, and a feel for what makes that state special.
This is why, in my opinion, it’s so important for State Parks to hire only the friendliest, warmest, and most capable individuals – they represent us!
Not only are State Parks vital for acquainting new visitors to a state, they’re vital for the natives as well. They provide a place where we can go, relax, play, eat, take pictures, enjoy the scenery, and reconnect with what makes our state and its people so special.
Please read the article that was e-mailed to me (The National Identity of State Parks) and, more importantly, please make a point to visit state parks more regularly. When in the vicinity of a State Resort Park, such as Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, have your meals at the resort’s restaurant, shop in the gift shop, and see all that the Resort State Park has to offer.
To further celebrate and promote Kentucky’s beautiful State Parks, we’re working on a Kentucky State Parks section of the website. We hope to add slideshows and many more pictures. If you have any pictures from Kentucky’s State Parks that you’d like to donate to the website, we’d be very grateful (E-mail them to joisigers@aim.com)
Click the photo above for a larger view – it makes a gorgeous background for your computer and a wonderful escape from the workday.
Mark your calendars! Barren River Lake State Resort Park has two outdoor events set for April that will help guests get out and get moving.
Family Night Out(side) in the campground April 9-11 is a great opportunity to experience camping, whether in a tent or an RV. The weekend will begin with a campfire program on Friday evening followed by some stargazing. How relaxing does that sound?
Saturday, registered participants will be able to choose from a variety of workshops including archery, fishing, canoeing, nature crafts and more. Saturday evening will conclude with the outdoor cooking potluck and the campground Olympics’ friendly games of competition.
Sunday morning, participants will be able to participate in one more workshop before the event’s closing.
Registration fee is $50 for a family up to four members ($5 per additional person) and includes two nights camping, scheduled programs and the outdoor cooking potluck. Participants must pre-register for the event through the recreation department at Barren River.
For a complete schedule and to register, please contact Lisa Deavers, parks program services supervisor at 1-800-325-0057 or lisa.deavers@ky.gov.
Nature Fest Weekend April 23-25
Barren River Lake State Resort Park will hold Nature Fest Weekend April 23-25. This weekend will be filled with outdoor activities, games and crafts for visitors of all ages. Get your feet wet with an introduction to canoeing offered by Kentucky State Parks staff. See if you can catch the “big one” during the fishing program offered by Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources and learn about Kentucky trees with the Kentucky Division of Forestry. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will also be offering a session. All sessions are age appropriate, but there will be child specific sessions such as “Bird Buffet for Tots” and “Eco Arts.” Other sessions include campfire programs, wildflower identification hikes, introduction to backpacking, beginning birding and more.
Activities will take place at different locations and times throughout the park so be sure to stop by the information booth located at the entrance of the campground near the entrance of the park. Signs will be posted.
For a complete schedule and times, please contact Lisa Deavers, parks program services supervisor at 1-800-325-0057 or lisa.deavers@ky.gov.
Spend the weekend and camp in our campground two nights for the price of one for Camper’s Appreciation. Ladies – looking for a girlfriend getaway with nature? Then mention this weekend to receive 20 percent off lodge rooms or lodge vicinity cottages.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park, located 15 miles south of Glasgow on Hwy 31E, has a lodge, cottages, Driftwood Restaurant, golf course, fitness center, gift shop, fishing, picnic areas and hiking trails. The resort is also located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take I-65 to the Cumberland Parkway east to US 31E south.
Information courtesy of http://www.parks.ky.gov
Barren River Lake Info:
The name “Barren,” in Barren River Lake, can be traced back to the days of the early pioneers. They called the area that is now Barren River Lake State Park “The Barrens.” Why? Because the area often appeared barren thanks to Indians who periodically burned the vegetation to provide grasslands. These grasslands attracted grazing buffalo. Given the fact that this is a personal favorite animal, I’m going to pretend that the Native Americans were interested in the buffalo solely as pets.
Archaeologists prove that there were apparently several large Indian settlements near Barren River.
Fishermen (and women) absolutely love Barren River Lake. With an abundance of largemouth, smallmouth, white, and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and rough fish, few go home empty handed.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park is located in a prime location for tourists: near Kentucky’s famous cave area, which includes Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world!
To read more about Barren River Lake State Resort Park, read our review HERE. You’ll also find valuable information and up to date news on Kentucky State Parks Web Site (this link will take you directly to Barren River Lake State Resort Park’s page).
Michael took some fantastic pictures recently when he and a few friends teed it up on the golf course at Barren River Lake State Resort Park. According to him, the golf course offers a challenging test of golf in a relaxing setting.
When he writes a review on his golf blog, I’ll link to it from within this post.
Enjoy!
Michael (aka husband) and I went to Barren River Lake State Resort Park Saturday. It was the first time either one of us had visited this gorgeous state park, but it certainly won’t be the last. As a matter of fact, he and some of his friends are going this Thursday to take their chances with Barren’s 18 hole golf course.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park was a pretty short drive from Owensboro. It’s located in Kentucky’s world-famous cave area
We ate dinner in the Driftwood Restaurant inside the Louie B. Nunn Lodge. The beautiful lodge overlooks the even more beautiful 10,000-acre Barren River Lake. Our server (Taylor) was exceptional. You know how great it is when you have a server who never lets your sweet tea (or whatever your favorite drink may be) run out? Well, this young lady never even let our glasses get half empty. She was on her toes and was also very warm and friendly. Come to think of it, so was the adorable young lady who showed us to our table. Her smile lit up the room.
And the food? Holy cats, I’m not sure where to begin. Driftwood Restaurant serves three meals a day (click HERE for their breakfast menu and HERE for the lunch/dinner menu). The majority of the diners when we were there were eating off of the impressive looking buffet, but the husband and I ate off the menu. You know me, I had to try out their catfish. I also had pinto beans, onion rings, and hush puppies. Michael, uncharacteristically, ordered a meatless meal with fried potatoes, coleslaw, pinto beans, and cornbread. We also had fried green tomatoes and a spicy dip as an appetizer.
For dessert, he vetoed my choice (Chocolate Fudge Pie – what can I say, 
chocolate’s an obsession) and said that he’d really like to try the chess pie, so we shared a slice of chess. At least it was drizzled with chocolate.
The pinto beans, the catfish, and his fried potatoes were, in my opinion, the stars of the show. The beans were extremely flavorful and seasoned just right. The catfish was fantastic and the fried potatoes were scrumptious. They were thinner than most fried potatoes and there was just something extra delicious about them. Whatever oil they’re fried in was ideal for potatoes. If I had to guess, I’d guess it was peanut oil – but I really can’t say for certain.
Have you ever heard the country song, “She’s Got Whatever IT is?” These potatoes most definitely had whatever IT is, and I’d climb the tallest tree in town right now, at 9:30 at night no less, if I were promised a bowl of them when I came back down.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park has 22 very handsome cottages with remarkable views. Each cottage has two baths and two bedrooms. Tableware, cooking utensils, and linens are provided, with fresh linen available daily. The cottages are available year round and I can’t think of a single season when the view wouldn’t take your breath away – as quickly as Driftwood Restaurant’s food will take your willpower away. Fortunately, there are plenty of opportunities for activity, so you can burn the calories you’ll greatly enjoy consuming.
This State Resort Park offers:
- Camping
- Cottages
- Meeting Rooms
- Louie B. Nudd Lodge with 56 rooms
- High Speed Wireless Internet Service in the Lodge
- Boating
- Fishing
- Golf (18 holes)
- Nature Trails
- Horse Trails
- Horse Stables
- Swimming
- Playgrounds
- Beach Area
- Picnic Shelters
- Driftwood Restaurant (!!!)
From the Brochure:
Barren River Lake State Resort Park is a water-lover’s paradise, surrounded 
by forested, folling hills. The resort is located near Kentucky’s famous cave area, which includes Mammoth Cave National Park, the longest cave system in the world!
Interesting Places to Visit:
- Mammoth Cave National Park, with the longest recorded cave system in the world, is located 27 miles northwest of Barren River.
- Old Mulkey Meeting House State History Site, the oldest log meeting home in Kentucky, is located in Tompkinsville, 44 miles southeast of Barren River.
- Dale Hollow State Resort Park, which offers a conference center, is 70 miles southeast of Barren River.
Getting There: The resort is located 44 miles southeast of Bowling Green. Take I-65 to the Louie B. Nunn Parkway east, to US 31E south.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
1149 State Park Road
Lucas, Kentucky 42156
Phone: 270.646.2151
Lodge Reservations: 1.800.325.0057
The images in this post are clickable and will lead you to larger images. Photo Credit goes to Michael, the King of Chess Pies… but we’re getting Chocolate Fudge next time.
Be sure to check out our Barren River Lake State Resort Park Video. I was thrilled that Michael caught an adorable little squirrel with his camera. While we were sitting on a balcony oohing and ahhing over the scenery, the little guy hopped right up on a heating (cooling?) unit and entertained us.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
Here’s an original, Genuine Kentucky video featuring beautiful Barren River Lake State Resort Park. If you’re in the mood for a beautiful, peaceful lake that offers boating, swimming, and fishing – look no further than Barren River Lake and the Barren River Lake State Resort Park.
Simply put, Barren River Lake State Resort Park, and its surrounding region, is Kentucky showing off. The longest cave system in the world, Mammoth Cave, is located just 27 miles northwest of beautiful Barren River.
Barren River Lake Resort Park is a water-lover’s paradise and, with an abundance of large mouth, white and hybrid striped bass, bluegill, channel catfish, crappie, and rough fish, it’s a fisherman’s (or woman’s!) dream come true.
Love boating? The beautiful 10,000 acre Barren River Lake features 100 open slips, a launching ramp, rental fishing boats, pontoons, deck boats, and john boats.
A swimming pool is provided for exclusive use of lodge and cottage guests, and there is even a public beach and bathhouse.
Barren River Lake State Resort Park Cottages
22 stylish and contemporary cottages each include two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Each boasts a clear view of the beautiful lake and come with tableware, cooking utensils, and linens. Fresh linens are available daily. Cottages are available by late afternoon, check out by 11 am.
The Louie B. Nunn Lodge
The lodge is surrounded by rolling, tree covered hills and overlooks Barren River Lake. The lodge includes 51 rooms and offers full amenities. A gift shop features a large selection of Kentucky handcrafts and souvenirs.
Rooms are available by late afternoon, check out by noon, Central Time.
Meeting Rooms
A variety of meeting facilities are available. For small group dining, there are two private dining rooms that seat 32 and 20. The Thistle Room seats 33 guests, the Tartan Room seats 75, and the Highland Room accommodates up to 400 guests.
Camping
The beautiful campgrounds are available for use from April 1 – October 31. The 99-site campground features utility hookups, a dump station, and two central service buildings with showers and restrooms.
Check out by 1 pm.
Restaurant
Kentucky’s infamous cuisine can be enjoyed in the 146-seat dining room. Breakfast, lunch, and supper are all served by a courteous staff who embody the phrase Southern Hospitality.
Golf
Barren River Lake State Resort Park includes an 18 hole regulation golf course with pro shop, riding carts, and rental clubs.
Horse Stables
Guided trail rides through the park. Open Memorial Day – Labor Day.
Nature Trails
4 miles of beautiful wooded trails, 1-1/2 mile paved trail – easy to moderate level.
Swimming
Swimming pool for exclusive use of lodge and cottage guests, plus a public beach and bathhouse.
Boating
100 open slips, 149 covered slips, launching ramp, rental fishing boats, pontoons, deck boats, and john boats.
Special Events
February: Buffalo Night
June: Glasgow Highland Games
October: Spookout Weekend!
Nearby Cities
Glasgow – 11.28 miles SE
Bowling Green – 40.79 miles SE
Louisville – 106.05 miles S
Nashville, TN - 102.69 miles N
For More Information:
Contact
Barren River Lake State Resort Park
1149 State Park Road
Lucas, KY 42156-9709
Phone: (270)646-2151
Lodge Reservations: 1-800-325-0057
